Overview & Reviews

The BMW 3 Series has long been regarded as the benchmark compact sport coupe. Taking this already athletic vehicle to new heights is the M version, known as the BMW M3. In the Bimmer world, the letter M stands for the company's Motorsports performance division. These fun-loving engineers tweak a given BMW model's engine for more output, upgrade the suspension for even more agile handling and add sporty exterior and interior design elements.

Throughout its two decades on the U.S. market, the BMW M3 has been a favorite of enthusiasts looking for sports-car performance and handling from a true four-place car. Although content to smoothly burble around while doing daily driver duty, the M3 transforms into a back-road burner when conditions allow and gives its pilot the opportunity to attack corners with precision and rocket out of them with gusto.

Current BMW M3
Based on the present-generation 3 Series, the M3 is offered in only one trim level among the coupe and hardtop convertible body styles. Both are powered by a 4.0-liter V8, good for 414 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque, which revs to a thrilling 8,400-rpm redline. A six-speed manual is the standard means of sending power to the rear wheels, and a seven-speed automated-clutch manual gearbox with paddle shifters is optional. M3s also get specific hardware upgrades such as more powerful brakes, stiffer suspension tuning and a specialized limited-slip rear differential.

Like previous M3s, the current model comes well-equipped with the latest luxury amenities, which in this case includes xenon headlamps, leather upholstery, heated power sport seats and a 10-speaker audio system. The convertible features a nifty hardtop and sun-reflective leather. Features like 19-inch wheels, heated seats, satellite radio, the iDrive navigation system and M Sport personalized performance settings are optional. The Competition package available on the coupe adds a lowered suspension, a wider track and reprogrammed electronic damping and stability control systems.

While past M3s have been performance stars, the M3 coupe is quite simply one of the best cars to grace our test track. It accelerated from zero to 60 mph in a blistering 4.6 seconds and came to a stop from 60 mph in an extremely short 100 feet. The slalom and skid pad test results were also on par with vastly more expensive supercars, while on-road handling is beyond reproach. Getting the less rigid convertible degrades these capabilities a little, but regardless of which body style you choose, expect one of the best performance machines money can buy.

Used BMW M3 Models
The present-generation BMW M3 was introduced for 2008 in coupe, convertible and sedan body styles. The latter, discontinued after 2011, was perfect for those who desired M3 performance but with a greater degree of practicality. Changes have been limited to feature additions, with first-year models featuring a less user-friendly iDrive system and slightly different sedan styling. The Competition package was added for 2011 for the coupe and sedan.

The previous M3 lasted from 2001-'06 and was available in coupe and convertible body styles. There was a single trim level for both, powered by a 3.2-liter six-cylinder engine producing 333 hp and 262 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, while a six-speed sequential manual gearbox (SMG) was offered as an option starting for the 2002 model year. The latter allows manual-style shifting via paddle shifters next to the steering wheel, and although it was popular, we weren't fans of its herky-jerky performance.

Changes were minor during the lifespan of this generation of M3s. A CD player became standard for 2002, while the following year saw the addition of a few extra convenience features plus an improved DVD-based navigation system. (The former one was CD-based.) The only major addition arrived for 2005 with the Competition Package (coupe only), which provided some of the performance hardware from the European-market M3 CSL, such as 19-inch forged wheels, revised suspension tuning, a quicker steering ratio, upgraded brakes and a less intrusive Track mode for the stability control system.

Every road test of this M3 sang the car's praises in terms of its incredibly balanced handling, prodigious grip and telepathic communication between car and driver. The downsides of this no-compromises performance car are few: a stiff ride, tinny exhaust note, and more wind and road noise in the convertible than one might expect. For die-hard sports car enthusiasts who need four seats, it doesn't get much better than the BMW M3. However, these cars tend to be driven hard and owners frequently modify them, so it's important to examine a used example closely before signing on the dotted line.

The second-generation M3 was introduced in 1995 and was a tidy package, with only its subtle rocker panel extensions, tri-color "M" badges and different wheels to separate it from the common 3 Series. Along with a buttery-smooth 240-hp inline-6, this generation of the M3 wooed enthusiasts with its ripping performance, finely balanced chassis and everyday livability. For enthusiasts on a budget, this is perhaps the best deal for a used M3, combining a wide choice of body styles (coupe, convertible and sedan), along with plenty of entertaining performance and an affordable price tag. The coupe ran throughout this generation from 1995-'99, while the sedan (1997 and '98) and convertible (1998 and '99) were only available briefly and are consequently harder to find.

The first-generation BMW M3 was the most radical. Running from 1988-'91, this M3 was essentially a hard-edged, racetrack-ready version of a 3 Series sport coupe. These M3s featured aggressively blistered fenders fore and aft, slightly thicker C-pillars that allowed a more aggressively canted rear window, and a higher trunk lid fitted with a large spoiler. Under the extroverted bodywork was not an inline-6, but a highly-tuned DOHC 16-valve inline-4 that cranked out, for its time, a very impressive 195 hp without the help of a turbocharger or supercharger. An unmolested first-generation M3 is a rare find these days and tends to require more maintenance and care than the second-generation car because of its more specialized four-cylinder engine.

User Reviews:

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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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  The best there is - 1998 BMW M3
  By MARKSS - August 19 - 3:53 pm

  I have had my M3 for almost 2 years now and absolutely love it. It is powerful, agile, looks great, and still feels solid even with 113,000 miles on the tach. Only a few problems ac is very weak and some of the LEDs on the dash are going out, but hey, the car is almost 10 years old. I love how my M3 communicates with the road the newer BMWs arent as in tune with the driver. It definitely inspires confidence on the track, although winter driving is very scary. If you can afford to, have a different car for the winter (if you live in a state like Colorado). I plan on driving this car until the wheels fall off. By the way things are looking, that will be a very long time from now.

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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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  Near perfect - 2006 BMW M3
  By Gordon - July 29 - 10:56 pm

  A blast to drive! V. fast, great handling (flat, responsive, predictable, good feel, slight understeer at turn-in which is appropriate for even a very fast street car), great braking, absolute performance and feel, instant throttle response, car communicates what it is doing, extremely accurate steering. A perfect balance of characteristics. One warning, watch out for concrete parking curb stops - they will scratch the bottom of the front apron.

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  Keeps me smiling - 2004 BMW M3
  By Benny - June 16 - 10:17 pm

  This car just keeps you smiling. Even when you drive it with normal traffic its just a great feeling under your foot.

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  ///M Sweet - 2006 BMW M3
  By Peter Saridakis - June 11 - 3:57 pm

  The E46 by all means is the best ///M platform BMW has put out. My ///M3 has been nothing but fun and reliable. It is great for buzzing around town or for 300 mile family trips! The worst part about owning this car is that you dont have enough days in the weekend to keep driving it! So far nothing but the required service has been needed. All maintenance is taken care of with no out of pocket expense for the next couple of years. I truly love the engine growl compared to my Porsche and the smooth clutch and shifting gate. The interior ergonomics are classic BMW where they make life easier for the driver.

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  The last of a legacy! - 2006 BMW M3
  By MdreiGuy - June 3 - 9:38 am

  I purchased this car in Germany, and it was one of the last off the assembly line before they started making way for the new 2008. All I have to say is, if you missed out on getting one of these when they were for sale, youll probably never have a chance to drive such a beautiful car off a dealers lot. I wouldnt trade it for the world!

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  2004 BMW M3 Convertible - 2004 BMW M3
  By HawaiianDropTop - May 12 - 1:31 am

  Incredible car! The SMG is so much fun without the worries. Theres crazy traffic here in Hawaii and I would never get a manual transmission car. The SMG offers so many options of how you want the car to perform with the feel of a manual. Great gas mileage for a 333hp car. It definitely lives up to its name as "ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE".

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  Love It! - 2001 BMW M3
  By Dane - May 3 - 7:37 pm

  Where to start, picked this puppy up from my friends dealership, thought it was too good to be true. I drool every time I get to drive to and from work, thats the best part of my day. I love having a car with 330 hp that gets 30 mpg at 75 mph. The styling is fantastic. I cant wait to buy a used 07 M3 with the V8. BMW owner for life!

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  Finally got my dream car - 1998 BMW M3
  By MARKSS - April 15 - 4:22 pm

  I have wanted an M3 sedan since they came out in 1997. Now that they are about ten years old, I am finally able to afford one. I have had mine now for a little over a year. It had 96000 on it, and now has 107000. It is still solid as a rock. I have driven it in high performance driving schools and autocross races. It is very quick and very stable, yet perfectly comfortable for everyday driving. The only complaints I have are the lack of steering wheel adjustments and a weak air conditioner. If you are sitting in traffic for more than a few minutes on an 85 degree+ day, it starts blowing hot air. Other than that the car is perfect. Most people are surprised when I tell them that it is a 1998.