I was looking into buying an M3 before I sold my 328. My original plan was to keep the 328 and buy an E46 M3 or E9x M3. But, I got a really good offer on my 328 that I ended up selling it. I still could've brought an M3 and a winter beater but ended up buying a 540 instead. Funny, when I sold the 328 I was leaning towards a 340. Ended up with a 540.. what're the odds

But, I hope to own an E46 M3 or an E9x M3 along with an E39 M5. I know all 3 of those chassis M models are kinda pricey. I found a 2004 BMW M3 in Imola Red for 27k with 75k~ miles at an Acura dealer near me before I sold the 328. But, there was no record of any of the 3 major maintenance items being done and they wouldn't take off that b.s. "protection package" that they wanted $2500 for.
There are two E9x BMW M3s for sale on craigslist near me. But, I'm saving up for a house/townhouse. Or else I'd be all over one of those

I bet older M cars like the E46 M3, E9x M3, etc are going to get even more expensive with the way BMW is designing these new M cars. Like the new M2


