Year One Of The 1... Collector's Value?

[MarylanDChris]

Hi guys, I’m a noob (though I’ve had my car since mid ’08), so please be nice!

A quick question: Now that we’re staring down the barrel of the third model year of the 1, I’m beginning to wonder what serious car collectors (if there are any that frequent these boards), have to say about the 2008 model’s long term potential for value retention based on collectors interest? I know that it’s impossible to truly predict this kind of thing, but it’s at least a fun conversation to have during the dog days of summer, right?

In particular, I’m most interested in the potential collectable value of a mint, un-modded 2008 135i (since that’s what I drive) in 10 to 20 years. I plan to keep my car for at least the next decade assuming no major problems, so this question is actually relevant to me for legitimate reasons. I know that all of the 2008’s came with a collectable book, the “Year One of the 1” bezel, and probably a couple of other bells and whistles here and there that I’m forgetting… will those elements ultimately increase the collectable value of the car? Will a 2008 135i actually be worth no more than a 2009, 2010, etc.? What are people’s thoughts on this subject? Thanks and happy summer!

[Jaguar66]

.

[RMA]

If a 2008 model were to be purchased new & untitled & stored away for 10 plus years then most likely yes.

[Mark M]

Yeah....'Year 1 of the 1' was only a marketing ploy. It will not add value to the vehicle. For those of us that own an '08, kudos to us for being the real 1addicts and not the 'ones' to jump on the bandwagon late in the game.

[Upgrade+]

I asked the same thing last year:http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...ight=collector

[JB135i]

I think that one piece of trim around the starter button will add at least $500,000 in twenty years...

AND if you have that propoganda book you can count on 1 million...

[MarylanDChris]

Wow. I'm depressed. I would have thought that the first year's run of almost ANY luxury car would produce at least SOME collectible desire. Oh well. I think I’ll keep my collectable book in as good shape as possible just in case…

[Thud]

Never buy a brand new car as an investment. Unless it's something super-rare.

However, in 10 years, the demand for used 300+hp cars will probably be much higher, since new cars by then will all have to be running little lawn mower engines to meet Obama's new fuel economy regulations.

[wrongprotocol]

beauty is in the eye of the beholder.
maybe some mentalcase will want the one of the "first year of the 1" cars.

I just thought it was kind of cool. When I bought mine, Mar 2008, I actually went to look at the 3-series. The salesman told me I was looking at a "1", not a 3, and i said "oh..okay..well i like it!" I test-drove it and bought it then. sweet!

[Excitmnt94]

our dealership got one of those books last year and i was lucky enough to get it. kinda funny how now i am ending up with a 135i. kinda saw that as my next car back then, but nice to make a desire a reality.

[Jaguar66]

.

[Mega Man]

I don't they'll be worth much because my '09 has Year 1 of the One and I also received the commemorative book; the certificate at the end of the book even says 2009 135i.

My ring should say, "Year 2 of the One."

[WhiteOne]

How much is an unmolested Supra twin turbo worth today ?

[singular]

Originally Posted by RMA

If a 2008 model were to be purchased new & untitled & stored away for 10 plus years then most likely yes.

But you need to keep it in the original unopened shrink-wrapped package.

[White1]

I doubt it will be woth anything, after all they arent exactly a new vehicle, only thing that is different from the 05s is the coupe body style for NA...i have an 08, and it doesnt have the bezel so mine definitely wont be a collectors item.

[123D-M]

They will depreciate just like all the rest. Technology in modern cars makes them date even faster. Compare an 08 idrive to an 09 idrive to see what I mean.

Stripped 1ers with no tech options might hold their value better as then the dating will be less obvious.

[Rambler]

I agree that it will not add any ascertainable value. However, it will not prevent me from using it as a marketing ploy in the event I sell mine down the road!

[MarylanDChris]

Originally Posted by Rambler

I agree that it will not add any ascertainable value. However, it will not prevent me from using it as a marketing ploy in the event I sell mine down the road!

Me too. I think perhaps people are underestimating the psychological pull of owning a “Year One of the 1” car that some future buyers may feel. Technically speaking, an original iPod is a piece of crap and certainly shouldn’t be worth a dime more than a brand new, state-of-the-art iPod touch. One of my closest friends just bought one for $900. See my point here?

[ptack]

If you have a SGM 135i, 'year one', you not only have great taste, but a priceless collectable that will be worth millions I tell myself, millions.

[singular]

Originally Posted by MarylanDChris

Me too. I think perhaps people are underestimating the psychological pull of owning a “Year One of the 1” car that some future buyers may feel. Technically speaking, an original iPod is a piece of crap and certainly shouldn’t be worth a dime more than a brand new, state-of-the-art iPod touch. One of my closest friends just bought one for $900. See my point here?

Sorry, I don't follow, is the original iPod now going for more than the cost of an iPod touch, or even a new iPod classic?

[MarylanDChris]

People are managing to sell them for a LOT more, yes. It's the first of its kind. And hence, a collectable. ;-)

[singular]

Originally Posted by MarylanDChris

People are managing to sell them for a LOT more, yes. It's the first of its kind. And hence, a collectable. ;-)

Interesting, I never would have guessed, especially considering the battery problems on the early iPods have probably made most of them into non-functional paper-weights by now.