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

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  The Ultime Driving Machine! - 2002 BMW M3
  By mbatista911 - September 19 - 4:21 pm

  Finally 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!

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  Awesome Performance. Expensive to Maintain. - 2002 BMW M3
  By richpsu - June 2 - 12:02 am

  I 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 :)

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 2002 BMW M3
  By CaliTom - April 1 - 1:45 pm

  Moved 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...

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  Beware of the hype... - 2002 BMW M3
  By Playdrv4me - May 14 - 1:28 am

  In my mid 20s I have owned about 30 cars, many of them BMWs, and BMWs are my favorite by far. Some of them also with higher miles and never a problem. This includes a 2003 Range Rover (highly modified X5 essentially) with over 90k and a 1995 750iL with 114k. My M3 convertible SMG CPO only has 78k and already feels like its falling apart, has been to the dealer numerous times for an engine tap they insist is normal, and is unacceptably loud and harsh for the performance you actually get.

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  Pure sports car for mechanics - 2002 BMW M3
  By JASON YU - December 19 - 12:30 am

  You have to be either mechanics or available for extra money for repair. Its been 18 months since I bought my M3 vert. I only could drive my car for 12 months. Other 6 months? It had been at the shop for repair. So far spent 8000 dollars on only repair. Here are some highlights. Motor mount, tranny mount = $1000 Smg2 transmission issue(broken gear selector detent springs) = parts $50, labors $1050 total: $1100. smg2 clutch assembly replacement with new slave cylinder= $2500 drive shaft center suppport bearing=$500 Used smg2 hydraulic pump unit=$1000 smg2 hydraulic replacements with coding=$1300 other minor repair=$800 Willing to spend more money in repair than the car value? Then this is the car for you.

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  M3 is a great buy! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Bryan Stone - September 9 - 4:51 pm

  Ive really enjoyed owning my M3, as it is large enough to accommodate my family, but plenty sporty enough to really enjoy driving on weekend getaways. On top of that, its stylish and catches a lot of attention on and off the road.

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  Best "pound-for-pound" car on the planet - 2002 BMW M3
  By HRD CLSR - August 28 - 2:08 pm

  Let me start by stating that I have owned this car for quite some time and still have trouble wiping the smile off my face when I drive it!! This is my 2nd M3. My first was a 97 estorel blue 5 speed. Although it was a wonderful car, it is a Honda Civic in every comparison except handling compared to current. I have never driven a car with such a wide power band. If you are anything above idle, you are flying. The car has amazing "pull" in every gear. Where I live in Fl we have a nice mix of city and highway driving which I enjoy daily. There is no playing field where this car is shy or timid.

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  Buy it if you can afford the Maintanence - 2002 BMW M3
  By Phil - August 10 - 2:05 pm

  Such an awesome car, especially in Laguna Seca Blue. Handling is superb and for the performance a 19-22 overall MPG is pretty good. LOVE LOVE the car. It turns heads everywhere and gets compliments on the color at least once a week. However, the car has been to the shop more than 20X since I bought it. Everything has gone wrong with this car. The biggest problems were the CAT failed ($2000) and also the rear subframe cracked ($1700). The interior is also cheap and the tranny doesnt seem to fit the car, long strokes, clunky, and is not smooth. But that engine and stance makes it worth it... I think. :)

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  M3 after Nissan Maxima - 2002 BMW M3
  By Yelis63103 - March 17 - 6:17 pm

  Japanese reliability and German reliability are 2 different things. My 95 Nissan Maxima had 165k miles and almost no problems. 02 M3 with 40k miles (bought with 28k) does have some issues. 1. Before 28k miles engine: overheating + minor repairs. After 28k miles: water pump failed, windows/locks control module failed, navigation failed + minor issues. If you buy German car, make sure you have warranty. I have 100k miles and 2 years left on mine. Other then that the car is nice. SMG is #1 transmission in the world. DSC does wonders to save your life. Convertible looks sexy! And S54 engine considered to be #1 winner engine in the world from 3 to 4 litters from 2001 to 2006.

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  Fun car to drive - 2002 BMW M3
  By igal - January 10 - 1:39 am

  This car is amazing in every aspect lots of power great looks and drive like a dream.