The question is Richard will enthuasists be lusting after these cars in 6-8 years time and do you see anybody other than main dealers being able to keep these cars going as they get driven harder by people other than the original owners and businessmen?
As the price creeps down, they become owned by people who may be able to afford the price of entry (the vehicle itself), but not neccessarily able to properly maintain it.
I've seen this happen with our beloved 1992-1995 Audi S6/S6 cars. As the price of them dropped under $10k, they seem to become more and more ragged...
The few that are properly maintained and sorted will become more valuable. When they are deemed "collector's items" (which I already think the E34 M5 fits in that category, but..) the prices for these "pristine" examples are going to skyrocket.
My question is... as they age.. no matter what... Many cars are going to need at least a low level restoration. This will probably entail removal of all glass and motor... Full repaint (as well as in engine bay), new glass, seals and trim fitted, and new interior. What are we looking at for cost of such a project??? And, do we think the cars will be worth enough to justify the more costly expense of restoring a "modern classic" with lots of electrical bits, plastic and vinyl trim, etc... ?