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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  beastly beamer - 2004 BMW M3
  By beamer blondie - February 6 - 6:04 pm

  I have owned a modified 95 M3 and a 98...but this one is definitely the beastly-est of them all...and I look forward to every day when I can get behind the wheel and take it out on the back country roads. Yet, it is refined enough to go to any upscale social venue as well. Am curious to drive the new M3 with the competition package!

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  Great car - 2005 BMW M3
  By APH - January 27 - 5:58 pm

  Moved to this car from a Porsche 911. This is as fun to drive, equals or betters the Porsche in performance and is far more practical. I love the car. This is my 6th BMW and every one has been a high quality car with almost no problems.

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  The Perfect Car - 2005 BMW M3
  By blueflame - January 25 - 1:29 am

  The best all around car for the money in the world. Handles like a go-kart, but reasonably comfortable ride. Even Subies and Vettes back down. People open their windows and strike up conversations at traffic lights. Children wave, old people smile, young women want you, young men want to be you.

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  Damn, the babys coming! - 1999 BMW M3
  By Steve - January 24 - 9:44 pm

  Ive owned my M3 for almost 2 years and I dread loosing it, but Im afraid a car seat is not going to work too well in this car. Car has amazing handling - I was told a while ago that the best way to find your cars slipping point is to go to a wide-open parking lot after a rain and try to spin it out. It took going 45 and JERKING the wheel to do it! The M3 has sneaky speed, like a slingshot. Once you get the RPMs up to around 4500, hold on. The Japanese vehicles may get you off the line, but theyre dust in the 1/4! Overall a fun car that Ill badly miss. BTW, this is also a much more practical car than it gets credit for. Go ahead, take the jump to M3.

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  Damn, the babys coming! - 1999 BMW M3
  By Steve - January 24 - 9:44 pm

  Ive owned my M3 for almost 2 years and I dread losing it, but Im afraid a car seat is not going to work too well in this car. Car has amazing handling - I was told a while ago that the best way to find your cars slipping point is to go to a wide-open parking lot after a rain and try to spin it out. It took going 45 and JERKING the wheel to do it! The M3 has sneaky speed, like a slingshot. Once you get the RPMs up to around 4500, hold on. The boy racers may get you off the line, but theyre dust in the 1/4! Overall a fun car that Ill badly miss. BTW, this is also a much more practical car than it gets credit for. Go ahead, take the jump to M3.

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  merlin - 2005 BMW M3
  By Carl Sigmann - January 13 - 3:27 pm

  This car is the best blend of performance and comfort that I have owned. There is a always a support of power available to the driver to maximize safety and handling. The braking capacity of the car is quick, precise and progressive. Driving this car in the U.S. at legal speed limits does not labor this vehicle at all. There is always a large surplus of acceleration and braking to maximize the driving performance, safety and comfort not only to the driver but also to the passengers. The interior design is clean and classic that offers excellent visibility, and all the features and ammenities that any passenger and driver would require. Instrumentation is direct, simple and not over bearing.

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  2018 F80 M3 6MT - 2018 BMW M3
  By Zamboni - January 12 - 6:15 am

  Excellent 4 doors sedan great acceleration & handling, ride is comfort.

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  BMW M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By Paul - January 7 - 2:00 am

  I was on the wait list for the Porsche 997 and decided to get the M3 instead. I would love to own both but do not regret my decision to get the M3. I have been in or owned and/or driven Audi S4, Ferrari 550, Porsche 911T, Corvette Z06. All are outstanding in their own way. Bottom line is that there is no comprable car for the money. Corvette Z06 is a fantastic performance machine but still in essence a Chevy. The C6 may be different. The S4 (2001) was a great car and easier to modify for more horsepower but had severe understeer and turbo lag. I would rather have the 911 turbo or Ferrari but obviously both are in a different price class.

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  One happy M3 owner - 2003 BMW M3
  By JohnM3 - January 6 - 4:36 pm

  My car is a late 03 and its been nothing but a wonderful driving experience so far. Ive put nearly 30,000 miles on it in 18 months and its been perfectly reliable as a daily driver...no warranty issues. Ive even driven in light snow with it, thanks to the abilities of DSC. The best thing you can do for yourself is to take the one day M-school course offered by BMW at their performance delivery center in Greenville, South Carolina. Youll learn all about how to properly use the M3s capabilities. Its cheap insurance!

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  Ultimate Four Door Sadan - 1997 BMW M3
  By Techno_V299 - January 2 - 8:29 pm

  Overall - I cant find better one to date than this equipped with 4dr. and stick shift. I love pretty nimble handling and powerful engine. Body rigidity seems to be better than 2dr due to B piller. Im not sure why BMW does not release 4dr. M3 in US for current model. Maybe E36-M3 could be the first and last 4dr. "M3" in US. Its well balanced between performance and packaging that holds average family. Its reliable too as long as maintained properly. Before buying the M3, I expected bunch of repair and regular service bills but its been way below than I expected, which is a pleasant surprise. Its almost as well built Japanese vehicles.