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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  M3 - top down baby - 2002 BMW M3
  By Heather5586 - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I 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~

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  BMW stands for: " Bring My Wallet !" - 2002 BMW M3
  By JimH from Tampa Fla - July 18 - 9:06 pm

  Im 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.

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  Finally got my M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By tommyk - February 4 - 11:45 am

  I 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!!!

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  Very good - 2002 BMW M3
  By West - October 19 - 6:59 pm

  This 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.

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  Everyday Sports Car - 2002 BMW M3
  By sytyguy - February 8 - 6:58 pm

  Bought 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.

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  Street legal race car! - 2002 BMW M3
  By darkside80 - January 11 - 8:06 pm

  Purchased 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.

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  The M3 made me a new BMW fan - 2002 BMW M3
  By JonH - December 1 - 8:00 pm

  The 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.

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  Fun Car - 2002 BMW M3
  By Fun Car - November 6 - 5:49 pm

  Great car. Gets around 25 mpg on the freeway! Only reliability issues have been the window trim, ignition modules & other minor things. 100,000 miles and still going strong!

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  02 BMW M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By mike - November 4 - 10:11 am

  Awesome car to drive... absolutely love it!!! The SMG gearbox is the way to go especially if you live where there is lots of traffic.

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  Its great new, but what about after 50k? - 2002 BMW M3
  By used M3 - November 2 - 5:46 pm

  Got mine used w/ 49k mi on it. Would not buy brand new - not worth 55k+ (w/options). The car is very well-balanced in terms of power, handling, comfort, and luxury (mine is loaded - heated seats, nav, park sensors, etc.). Dont worry about all this rod bearing talk - its a RECALL! (ie. get it done for free) and you wont have to worry because it will have new warranty (motor ONLY). The disappointment is the trans/differential. Gearbox is inconsistent - sometimes its fine but othertimes it grinds from 1-2 at slow speeds. The diff is noticably clunky w/excessive lash-feels like it will fail. Maybe the newer car owners dont feel it but after the car hits 50k be aware. The warranty ends.