"BMW badges should be gold-plated..."
http://www.forbes.com/2005/07/18/cars-vehicles-lifestyle-cx_dl_0718feat.html
From another article:
In a recent study published by Kelly Blue book called the "Kelley Blue Book of Residual Values," experts measured the actual value that various cars held over time. In this study, the used BMW 5-Series won a top spot for retained value. Leading with 1st place for its ability to retain value was the BMW Mini Cooper. Kelley Blue Book also forecasted that used BMW models across the board will retain their value best over the next 5 years.
Almost all of the top slots in the overall survey were awarded to luxury vehicles. No matter which type of use luxury car you choose, it's much more likely to retain its value than a non-luxury vehicle. If you're looking for a used luxury car with top grades, the used BMW 330 series, 5-Series, and Mini Cooper are winning choices.
This car was selling for $100K only 3 years ago. The only thing that should get gold plated is its rapid loss - 50-60% loss... Sorry Randy...
This is what the 2006 M5s are selling for...
04/17/09 NEVADA Lease $44,000 30,517 Above BLK SAPH 10G A Yes
04/17/09 NEVADA Lease $39,000 41,647 Avg BLK SAPH 10G A Yes
04/17/09 DFW Lease $35,000 59,043 Below BLACK 10G P Yes
04/16/09 W PALM Regular $34,000 70,022 Below WHITE 10G A Yes
04/16/09 NEVADA Lease $39,500 39,121 Avg BROWN 10G A Yes
04/16/09 MANHEIM Lease $43,500 29,337 Above SILVSTNE 10G S Yes
04/16/09 ARENA Regular $44,800 29,110 Above Blue 10C A Yes
04/15/09 BAY CITI Regular $41,800 30,621 Avg BLUE 10G A Yes
04/14/09 FAAO Regular $38,200 39,594 Avg BLUE 10G A Yes
04/09/09 W PALM Lease $41,400 41,724 Avg BLACK SA 10G A Yes
04/09/09 W PALM Lease $41,000 23,786 Avg INTERLAG 10G A Yes
04/09/09 W PALM Lease $39,800 31,232 Avg INTERLAG 10G A Yes
04/09/09 CHICAGO Regular $39,000 38,073 Avg SIL 10G A Yes
04/09/09 ATLANTA Regular $40,475 32,961 Avg 10G Yes
04/07/09 FAAO Lease $41,000 29,626 Avg INDIANAP 10G A Yes
04/03/09 MANHEIM Regular $43,500 26,309 Above BLACK 10G 6 Yes
04/01/09 BAY CITI Lease $43,500 20,735 Above BLACK SA 10G A Yes
04/01/09 BAY CITI Lease $40,750 34,185 Avg BLACK SA 10G A Yes
04/01/09 BAY CITI Lease $38,500 50,672 Avg BLACK SA 10G A Yes
04/01/09 ATLANTA Lease $42,400 20,089 Avg SLVRSTON 10G A Yes
04/01/09 ATLANTA Lease $42,000 29,239 Avg BLK SAPH 10G A Yes
04/01/09 ATLANTA Lease $41,600 29,110 Avg INTERBLU 10G A Yes
04/01/09 ATLANTA Lease $36,200 47,019 Below SLVRGRAY 10G A Yes
04/01/09 ATLANTA Lease $36,000 47,089 Below SILVER 10G A Yes
03/27/09 MANHEIM Regular $39,250 48,481 Avg BLACK 10G A Yes
03/26/09 RIVRSIDE Regular $44,750 13,325 Above L BLUE 10G A Yes
03/25/09 NADE Lease $44,500 20,351 Above BLACK SA 10G A Yes
03/25/09 NADE Lease $40,500 43,481 Avg BLACK SA 10G A Yes
03/25/09 NADE Lease $40,000 48,799 Avg SILVERST 10G A Yes
03/25/09 MILWAUKE Lease $38,500 20,074 Avg SILVERST 10G A No