Overview & Reviews
An optional sequential manual gearbox makes its way into the 2002 BMW M3, which allows the driver to shift with almost instantaneous precision without a clutch. A CD player becomes standard, the automatic climate control has been revised and rear-seat side airbags are optional for both the coupe and convertible.
- Astonishing performance, prodigious thrust, truly a bargain compared to its competition.
- Difficult ingress/egress, ride can be rough around town.
User Reviews:
Showing 1 through 10 of 102.00-
The Ultime Driving Machine! - 2002 BMW M3
By mbatista911 - September 19 - 4:21 pmFinally got to buy a 2002 SMG M3 Interlagos Metallic Blue Coupe, what a car! Just have it for two month now, got it with 109,500 on it, and had put it over 1,000 miles already, the only thing I did was change the throttle body sensor and change the oil, everything was about U$375.00 in an aftermarket BMW shop ( dont dare to go to the dealer, they will charge you U$160.00 just to read your car with the computer) so the EML and Engine service soon light went away! Yes it can be a litter expensive to maintenance, but the car wont be breaking every week or turning EML or engine service soon lights on, Is a daily driving car,with no problems!
-
Awesome Performance. Expensive to Maintain. - 2002 BMW M3
By richpsu - June 2 - 12:02 amI wanted an e46 M3 or e39 M5 since they were introduced. Finally bought 02 M3 MT coupe in 2010. WOW, what a machine! Perfectly balanced, high-revving and powerful engine (love the exhaust note), great in the corners, stops on a dime. Other cars, including the M5, may be faster but this one is just a blast to drive every day. If youre accustomed to owning non-M BMWs, be prepared to spend 3X or more per year to maintain this vehicle. If thats not a problem, then youre going to love this car - it is a true performer! I understand why Edmunds says this will be one of their favorites of all time. I also understand why none of the editors bought it after the long-term test :)
-
M3 - top down baby - 2002 BMW M3
By Heather5586 - October 15 - 2:00 amI bought this car without ever test driving it. I owned 2 Audi TTs and was ready for a back seat so I decided on the 3 series. I fell in love with the Ms because of the sport package, performance and overall look! The car is fun and a real eye catcher. If you own the conv and have long hair you MUST invest in the windscreen! Its a must have and does wonders! I can be cruising on the highway at 80 mph and my hair doesnt flinch! I love it~
-
BMW stands for: " Bring My Wallet !" - 2002 BMW M3
By JimH from Tampa Fla - July 18 - 9:06 pmIm a working Joe, military guy, car enthusiast. Ive had faster cars and slower cars, but I like BMWs the best. This car is a blast. I got my steel Grey/cinnamon m3,6-sp manual, lease turn-in 26,000 miles, in 2005. It now has 106,000 miles on it and has cost me over $9300.00 in repairs and maintenance (including 4- sets of tires thus far) over and above my car payments. Its 2010 now, so for 5 years--thats pretty expensive! My m3 got a "new motor" sometime in its 1st owners life because of the main bearing cap recall. The motor/trans has been flawless! All the complaints that folks have documented are valid for mine. Call me crazy, I still love my m3. Its one gorgeous sports/gt car.
-
Finally got my M3 - 2002 BMW M3
By tommyk - February 4 - 11:45 amI sold my 2006 G35 6mt coupe and got an 02 M3. Wow, night and day as far as performance! Yea, the deck rattles from the bass and the front tweeters seem to be blown and the pass side window trim was sagging. But its a $55000 plus car I stole for $15000 and other than the few inexpensive problems its my favorite car ever! So fast, smells german inside, the paint is amazing, the looks, the sounds, the power and yes, even the gas mileage is out of this world. I hope it stays this great! I put 89000 on my G and never one time in the shop. That I will miss and hope my new bemmer does just as well. Dont buy a ragged out one, if they took care of it, it will take care of you. M3 for Life!!!
-
Very good - 2002 BMW M3
By West - October 19 - 6:59 pmThis is one of the best cars on the planet! I used to have a supra turbo 97 but this BMW kicks its backside. With amazing handling on the track and outstanding acceleration, all in one daily driving car.
-
The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW M3
By CaliTom - April 1 - 1:45 pmMoved to this car from a 1991 E30 M3 and very pleased with the GT car performance and agility of the 3rd generation of this vehicle. I thought the E36 was lacking in horsepower where the E46 does not. Its practically a race car in its stock form and not much room for adding more in bolt on improvements. If you cant keep up on the maintenance on this car yourself look to spend a lot at the dealer or private shop. If you want the sexy glamor of a 911 buy one of those, if you want to carry four passengers and walk around a 911 buy this. Suggest getting a rare color other wise it just looks like another 3 series, mine is in Laguna Seca Blue and I get tons of complements on the color...
-
Everyday Sports Car - 2002 BMW M3
By sytyguy - February 8 - 6:58 pmBought used at 35k mi, now have 48k mi. I drive my M3 daily mostly city on the weekdays and occasional highway on the weekends. Since then Ive had to replace a battery, driver side mirror slightly discolored on the edge and when its really cold the passenger side door doesnt unlock on the first try. Besides that the car has been very reliable, even after being to a couple of weekend track events. The only casualties being the tires, brakes and fuel. Great track car that you wont feel guilty driving everyday. Service is expensive, quoted $2k for Inspection II at the dealer, but did myself with $500 in parts. Inspection II is every 35k mi or so.
-
Street legal race car! - 2002 BMW M3
By darkside80 - January 11 - 8:06 pmPurchased my 2002 M3 used and it has been fantastic to drive!! Came with the SMG tranny and its a blast to have in the city. Very reliable and the handling characteristics are unbelievable. The 19" wheels are a must have. Currently looking for a convertible model.
-
The M3 made me a new BMW fan - 2002 BMW M3
By JonH - December 1 - 8:00 pmThe BMW M3 is a true BMW enthusiasts must-have. I bought this car at 90k miles and have driven it 30k more without many major issues - just one dead gas pedal which cost me ($120, 5 mins to replace), four oil changes ($70 each), air filter, and a few other small repairs (window regulator $200, convertible top sensor $300). If you can even remotely work on cars, you can SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the cost of ownership and heighten its reliability. I commute with this car everyday and its fast, fun, practical, and great in stock form.
