[TechieCarGuy]

I'm curious what you all's thoughts are on the impact of modification to our cars and their future resale value and whether modifications influence you picking one car over another when making a used car purchase, or do you judge it on an individual basis.

I currently have an E91 Msport wagon, while rare it does have an automatic and xdrive, so it is not the Unicorn it could be. I have been very judicious so far with modifications and have only used BMW Performance or OEM parts. The car currently has 3-stage manifold, Euro intake and Performance exhaust. I am contemplating possibly taking my mods a step further and could eventually consider the ESS Supercharger.

While I plan on keeping this car for a while, I've had a hard time selling another car which I suspect is due to one of two things. I have a 2010 135 Sport, with FBO on the N54 Turbo motor. Car has been well maintained, but after 3 months I've had no bites. Some I've talked to have said it is the fact that it too is an automatic, but I am questioning whether it is that, or the modifications.

Again, while I have no plans to sell my E91 anytime soon, I am curious as to whether those of you who tend to buy used, what has a bigger influence on whether you buy a car; the OE options (Nav, transmission, packages) or modifications?

[jeddo45]

When your modding, it's not that. Usually people when they sell their modded cars are asking for the same amount of money for a completely stock car.

Modding automatically devalues the car even more really due to people thinking that the car is going to be far less reliable because of the performance part. I personally don't think that's the case in all instances but it is what it is.

You could sell your modded car, but be prepared to adjust the price accordingly and usually not higher. The only mods that allow you to raise the price are just cosmetic mods.

How much are you selling your 135i for? What's the mileage?

[TechieCarGuy]

Originally Posted by jeddo45

How much are you selling your 135i for? What's the mileage?

The 135, is a 2010 w/ 68k miles, leather, Sport package and Nav, I'm asking $14,500 (OBO)... its the only one in my area with under 70k miles and the others are '11 & '12's with more miles. Closest car to mine is a 2011 MSport for $16k with 110k miles which seems high.

On my 1series the mods are visible, on my E91 they really aren't so I've been of the mind that I could sell the wagon someday as mostly stock until I do something like the ESS SC. After that I'd expect to have to give up some fo all but the most hard-core enthusiast.

[Welcome to NBA Jam]

Mods decrease value as far as I'm concerned. It means someone has replaced parts with non-standard parts. I am less certain about the vehicle's reliability, what was actually done, and if the mods are even something I would personally want. I'm much more interested in an unmodified car that I can customize for myself.

Whenever I modify my car, it is absolutely not an investment that will increase its value to others.

There are generally few exceptions to mods that I personally find value-adding:
- Retrofitting additional factory options
- Adding European-only BMW parts

[boneheaddoctor]

When I buy my cars..its with the intent to drive them a lot of miles and a long time. SO modifications are to meet my tastes, wants, needs.

When I have gotten rid of stuff previously, its been pretty well used up and was at the point of becoming unreliable. Investments gain value over time....daily drivers almost never will as they will be used up before they appreciate from age and rarity.

I probably overpaid for my 2012 e92 335i M sport. But it was super clean, had brand new Continental Contact extremes on the black powder coated factory 19" rims and new brakes and rotors all around.....and was a dealer serviced vehicle since new (yes I checked this out at the BMW service dept at a different dealer before I bought it).

Plus I was able to buy a 3 year 24k mile bumper to bumper warranty on it for another $1,700.....so to me the peace of mind that came with it was worth the negotiated price at the dealer I got it from. (Paid $17.500 + the extended warranty) with 73k miles and only option I think it didn't have was the box for watching TV)

[TechieCarGuy]

Yeah, I have never modded my cars with an eye for resale and have always done it to my taste and most of the time pull the parts before I sell and sell as stock, however the N54 was a different story for me and has me second guessing doing much more than I have already done to my e91.

Its been suggested that my 1series is not, not sellling for the mods, but for the fact its an auto and competing with similar cars as convertibles and its a couple in a region that goes bonkers for drop-tops.

I plan on keeping my E91 for a very long time and should probably do as I have always done and just enjoy it and mod it as time, money and circumstances permit. And if that means a Supercharger, then some lucky dude will get a used up, very rare and very fast wagon someday.

[King Rudi]

I can agree with most of the comments here but as with anything I buy, I'm instantly thinking of resale. All the mods on my E93 have all been cosmetic at this point due to a few reasons. The main reason being that when I sell my car, I realize I'll have a harder time selling it and the money for the engine mods I will not get back. I get compliments almost daily on my car but the engine is bone stock. To be honest, usually most cars that want to race with me I have no problems overtaking anyway.

[tlow98]

Not much marginal gain or loss when you’re talking <$10k cars. Just makes the buyers market smaller

[asiflicious]

I'd never buy a car that's been modded by anyone but me

[AWSB328iM]

I'm doing the same thing with my E92 M-sport. Only OEM, Euro, or Performance catalog parts. Even though it may not mean much in 5 years but a clean car with tasteful OEM+ parts will hold some value compared to a mix match of aftermarket accessories. There are cheaper platforms to go full bolt on with.

[AWSB328iM]

I'm doing the same thing with my E92 M-sport. Only OEM, Euro, or Performance catalog parts. Even though it may not mean much in 5 years but a clean car with tasteful OEM+ parts will hold some value compared to a mix match of aftermarket accessories. There are cheaper platforms to go full bolt on with.

[BimmerNugget]

Yep I agree, modding devalues the car. Doesn't matter how "cool" or tasteful you think your mods are, people will think a modded car = a abused/driven hard car.

[Denny347]

If you plan on reselling it, not trading it in, then keep the mods simple and reversible. I've had my 2006 330i since 2010, and 110,000mi on it now. I'm driving it until it's fit for the scrap yard. I do whatever I want with it

[Krynos]

Originally Posted by Quart

I am curious as to whether those of you who tend to buy used, what has a bigger influence on whether you buy a car; the OE options (Nav, transmission, packages) or modifications?

If I even see that a used BMW has a swapped out grill (black etc) I'll walk away. I would rather buy a car owned by someone who was scared to even open the hood. Bone stock and dealer servicing is what I look for... not that I treat my own cars that way, I just want to buy one that is.

Oh, and Comfort Access... the one feature you absolutely can not live without once you've had it.

With = Living in the future.
Without = Ye olde days.

[jt335i]

Bought my 2010 E92 335i new and swapped the OEM filter with a K&N drop in, replaced the OEM mufflers with the BMW PE, and did a Cobb Stage 2 back in 2016. That's pretty much all I'll do with it and I don't plan on selling my car. It's been a great ride and will keep this ultimate driving machine till it dies.
If there is a possibility to sell it, I would do it to family or a relative.

[TemjinX2]

most people don't want to buy other peoples projects. So stock is always preferable. You will always have more buyers stock versus modded. But i agree with the comments above...sub 10k cars...doesnt really matter as much.

[mike@x-ph.com]

I keep my stock parts and when it is time to sell the car and reinstall them.

Sell your used parts for 50% their MSRP and they will be gone in 1 week