Maybe not all auction prices have gotten out of hand

We see the auction prices all the time: Staggering prices paid simply because two people had to have it. Did you see Mecum fetch $66,000 for a 2000 Honda Civic Si?

And then there are the parts crossing the block. A Lamborghini Miura S engine needing a full rebuild–and who knows what else? That’ll be $216,000, please.

But I just noticed something in the RM Sotheby’s listings that maybe can be called refreshing: Two stock BMW M3 mufflers, one for the E36 and another for the follow-up model.

As those cars become more collectible, people are going to drop some coin for those NLA parts that were often thrown away, right?

The selling price for each muffler? $12 apiece. In a hundred years, we’ll wish that we had grabbed them.

Comments

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
2/11/25 12:58 p.m.

I should have bought that E46 muffler. You know, to have a spare/more stuff in the attic.

californiamilleghia UberDork
2/11/25 1:04 p.m.

David S. Wallens said:
I should have bought that E46 muffler. You know, to have a spare/more stuff in the attic.

But how much was a buyers "paddle"

At the Rudi Klien auction where that Lambo motor sold , it was $500 for a buyers paddle and to even inspect the items.

Andrew Polasek New Reader
2/11/25 1:20 p.m.

I believe that $500 is a deposit that would be applied/refunded as needed. It's to keep tire kickers away.

Colin Wood Associate Editor
2/11/25 2:11 p.m.

So if I'm patient enough, I'll have enough parts to build that BMW I've always wanted...

Tom1200 PowerDork
2/11/25 2:20 p.m.

This story does nothing to assuage me view that auctions are, ahem, paddle waving contests between buyers.

David S. Wallens Editorial Director
2/11/25 2:37 p.m.

In reply to Colin Wood :

Exactly. Like the Johnny Cash song. Kinda.

Toyman! GRM+ Memberand MegaDork
2/11/25 3:17 p.m.

I wouldn't bid that much for the entire car.

Appleseed MegaDork
2/11/25 11:06 p.m.

I dunno. I got 80 lbs. of Lego for $72. There are still deals out there.

codrus (Forum Supporter) GRM+ Memberand UltimaDork
2/12/25 1:32 a.m.

Stock E46 mufflers are useful. They weigh like 50 pounds and cost you about 20-30 hp, but they will quiet the car down enough to pass sound at Laguna Seca on a 90db day.

J.A. Ackley Senior Editor
2/12/25 9:08 a.m.

I'm surprised to see these items at RM Sotheby's. It must have been, hey, while you have my blue-chip car for auction, please sell these things off that I kept for my daily.