The next Shannons auction should be a treat for anyone looking for a fast Bimmer.

With a 2000 BMW E39 M5, a 1996 BMW E36 M3, a 1986 BMW 635CSi, and a very rare 1972 BMW E9 3.0 CSL up for grabs.

The biggest belter of the group, the M5, and the spritely M3 are the picks as far as a performance-for-price equation goes, but a classic enthusiast will see the appeal of owning one of BMW’s earlier ‘Shark-noses’.

Starting with the M5, which Shannons estimates will sell for between $25,000 and $30K:

“This M5 was delivered new to Queensland in January 2000, then onto a second owner also in Queensland, before going to New South Wales in 2010.

Having totalled 241,531km in its lifetime, it seems to be in very well cared for condition. Even $30K seems reasonable for a manual 294kW/500Nm V8 sleeper.

Next, the M3 will probably excite a younger enthusiast than the other cars in this mix, and its $18,000 – $24,000 guiding range is conducive to that.

The 3.2-litre straight six is good for 236kW/350Nm, and will sound excellent given its been granted an aftermarket sports exhaust.

MORE 30 years of M3

The elders of this auction are still worth a look for keen drivers. While the E9 3.0 CSL is one of the more expensive cars at this auction (Shannons estimates between $80,000 and $100,000), it’s somewhat the spiritual ancestor to the M3, and a very rare thing in Oz.

Lastly, a more ‘grand touring’ proposition is the E24, a 6 Series just shy of being a proper M Car.

With a 5-speed manual and a 3.5-litre straight-six, the 635CSi is a delight to hear in the higher end of the rev range, and with only 226,906km showing, it represents a decent investment given its $25,000-$35,000 estimate range.

The auction will take place on April 30 at Shannons’ Heatherton premises, though the weekend prior (28-29th April) it’s open for viewing.

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