Justifying the complete M over the (typically) solely barely much less high-performing M Efficiency mannequin, or perhaps a base mannequin, isn’t straightforward. However one purpose some will spring for the M3 over the three Sequence, for instance, is a persistent rumor that claims M autos maintain their worth higher. Utilizing information gleaned by the researches over at iSeeCars, we put every M automotive up in opposition to its lesser in a unique form of face-off: one that may decide which holds its worth higher over a five-year interval.
BMW 2 Sequence vs. M2 Depreciation
In 5 years, the common BMW 2 Sequence loses round 52.3% of its full worth. Because it seems, the M2 isn’t simply a lot sooner round a observe. It’s additionally the higher place to park some cash, dropping simply 40.6% of its worth over 5 years. Curiously, this information signifies that, base-for-base, each the M240i and M2 lose round $27,000 over the identical five-year span. This assumes each are bought for his or her begin MSRP. For the M240i, that’s $52,700 whereas the M2 begins at $68,200.
BMW 3 Sequence vs. M3 Depreciation
The M3 is without doubt one of the most iconic elements of the BMW M lineup. So, one would anticipate values to be good after 5 years. Residuals really float round 54.2%, in line with the info we’ve. In the meantime, the usual 3 Sequence loses simply 51.4% of its worth, really undercutting the legendary M automotive by slightly below three p.c. Fairly than calling out the M3, we’ve to admire each. Luxurious vehicles holding round half their worth after 5 years is unusual at greatest. We see it as a testomony to how in-demand the present 3er actually is.
BMW 4 Sequence vs. M4 Depreciation


The BMW 4 Sequence Coupe loses 48.1% of its worth within the first 5 years. That’s really very good for any luxurious automotive, however particularly good for a luxurious coupe. The BMW M4 Coupe beats the usual automotive handily, solely dropping 44.1% of its worth in the identical time. In the meantime, droptop variations carried out much less impressively. The usual 4 Sequence Convertible loses 51.5% of its worth within the first 5 years. M4 Convertibles outperform the common automotive, solely seeing 50.1% deprecation.
BMW 5 Sequence vs. M5 Depreciation
The BMW M5 is one cool piece of equipment, however the numbers aren’t doing sizzling. The high-performance tremendous sedan loses 60% of its worth in half a decade. The common 5er, alternatively, may shock you by in actual fact doing even worse. The luxurious mid-size sedan loses 61.4% of its worth in 5 years. Will probably be attention-grabbing to revisit these numbers after the M5 Touring has had a while on the secondhand market.
BMW 8 Sequence vs. M8 Depreciation
Three completely different physique types means there’s a whole lot of information to dissect. Let’s kick issues off with the 8 Sequence Coupe, which loses 52.9% of its worth over 5 years. The (in)comparable M8 Coupe, in the meantime, loses 51.7% of its worth. Whereas these numbers are very shut, it’s vital to keep in mind that the M8 Coupe’s base MSRP was round $40,000 greater than the usual 8er. The BMW 8 Sequence Gran Coupe loses 60% of its worth in 5 years.
Technically, the M8 Gran Coupe does a hair higher, dropping 59.6% of its worth in the identical time interval. Lastly, we’ve the M8 Convertible, which loses 54.5% of its unique MSRP in 5 years. The 8 Sequence Convertible, once more, fares only a bit worse than its M-badged brother, dropping 55.1% of its worth.
BMW X3 vs. X3 M Depreciation
You possibly can’t precisely exit and purchase an X3 M lately, sadly. However over 5 years, the info reveals they’ve misplaced 52% of their worth. In the meantime, the common X3 has dropped 53.9% of its unique MSRP. Given the unbelievable quantity of X3 SUVs offered, simply over half isn’t fully terrible depreciation for the mannequin. Extra curiously, the X3 M’s depreciation projections keep constant on the seven- and ten-year marks. However we guess low-mileage, well-kept examples will beat these figures within the coming years.
BMW X4 vs. X4 M Depreciation
Probably the most polarizing autos within the M lineup additionally has an attention-grabbing quirk relating to depreciation information. Each the X4 M and the BMW X4 will lose an an identical 53.3% of their worth over 5 years. That is the one mannequin on the checklist with an identical values throughout each fashions. Just like the X3 M, we anticipate low-mile X4 M fashions to develop into collectable within the not-so-distant future.
BMW X5 Sequence vs. X5 M Depreciation
The BMW X5 M loses a reasonably hefty — at the very least, relative to the aforementioned M SUVs — 56.3% of its worth after 5 years. Humorous sufficient, the common BMW X5 doesn’t fare too a lot better, shedding 56.1% of its unique sticker worth in the identical half decade.
BMW X6 Sequence vs. X6 M Depreciation
The BMW X6 loses 55.3% of its worth in 5 years, which is just a bit bit lower than the complete M model. The X6 M drops by 56.5%. Not solely is it stunning that the X6 M loses extra worth than the usual automotive, however it’s additionally a bit stunning to see the X5 depreciate extra closely than the coupe X6 model. Although, maybe the decrease manufacturing of the X6 permits it to carry worth only a smidge higher
So — Do M Automobiles Actually Maintain Their Worth Higher?
Importantly, the info doesn’t measure curiosity or values after ten years. Which, coincidentally, is the place many M variations begin seeing their second life as collectors scurry after “future classics” with low miles and impeccable information. However even discounting this market phenomenon — which, in equity, happens with lower-tier autos to a small extent, too — it’s clear. Most M fashions retain worth higher than their respective non-M counterparts.
Though, the distinction in depreciation is commonly extraordinarily miniscule. And, from a uncooked numbers standpoint, that also means the M automotive is dropping more cash. Take the M5 for instance. The M5 loses 60% of its $121,900 MSRP over 5 years, or roughly $73,140. The 5 Sequence loses 61.4% of its worth. So, a base $59,900 5er loses $36,779 over the identical interval. After all, there are some issues you possibly can’t put a worth on. The enjoyable of an M automotive may very well be one among them — however that’s a choice the numbers gained’t provide help to make. Nicely, these numbers, anyway. Go test some horsepower and 0 to 60 figures and circle again, hmm?
Supply: iSeeCars