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 bang for the buck ! - 2004 BMW M3
  By Michael S. - September 23 - 3:03 am

  For the money,.... its a supercar. Phenomenal brakes, even supercars can only achieve. Solid chassis rigidity. Best stock suspension. Very decent power. One time had a run in with a Ferrari 360 Modena, we were neck to neck and it was a blast. Cannot buy a better all around package for the money. Great cargo room. Good ergonomics. Comfortable ride. Cant say enough.

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  Best M3 - 2016 BMW M3
  By Imran Ahmed - September 13 - 1:26 am

  My 5th M car in last 12 years , by far the best . No turbo lag at all .

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  Great Overall - 1999 BMW M3
  By Joe - August 30 - 2:51 pm

  I recently bought my M3 and havent had a chance to spend too much time with it but the time I have spent in it has been quite impressive. The handling is one of the most notable characteristics. It hugs the road with every turn. The engine is great... smooth, quiet, and delivers when you put the foot to the pedal. Low end torque is great.

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  How can they improve on this?! - 2001 BMW M3
  By Mario Andretti - August 7 - 11:51 pm

  The year I had to wait after ordering this car was well worth it. After 4 years I still absolutely love my M3. This is the best car Ive ever driven. I only hope BMW doesnt ruin the M3 when they finally update to match the new 3 series body style.

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  05 M3 Convertible - 2005 BMW M3
  By Brian - July 29 - 5:38 pm

  This is my second BMW convertible and it has amazed me since the day I got into it. With the performance of a racer and the comfort of a luxry car, its about as close to a perfect as you can get. Nothing this fun should be legal.

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  Great all around package - 2005 BMW M3
  By Chris C - July 22 - 1:49 pm

  Cant beat the M3 cab for sports car performance with comfort, particularly this world class level of performance for the $. The exhaust note is unique, but so is BMWs straight 6! Quality is great (have you seen Mercedes and Japanese interiors lately?) and service is mostly very good. Highly recommend this car, at least with the 6 speed manual.

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  The Ultimate Driving Machine - 1999 BMW M3
  By David Zahriya - July 19 - 11:33 pm

  This cars is a gem! It handles really well at high speeds and has a lot of power for its size. I love the color of this car. Its Titanium Silver with a dove grey interior, best color combo ever. I added 19x8.5 wheels with really low profile tires. Took some comfort away but its worth it. This is the funnest car to drive and its extreamly reliable. Its has a more elegant design then its younger brother the e46 m3.

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  Unbelievable - 2005 BMW M3
  By Aaron - July 19 - 1:13 pm

  Cant say enough about the car... truly remarkable handling, performance in general and fun factor thats off the charts.

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  world reknown for a reason - 1995 BMW M3
  By eric - July 16 - 12:52 pm

  few auto companies have the distinction of making an affordable top performance car. BMW has been doing it for decades. I promise you this... the M line is the best all-round car series of any manufacturer. The silky shifting of the manual digging through a turn, confident in leaning on that outside front tire, will pressure your nervous system into buying your mind that exhilaration that youve always wanted. aside, the E36 M3 is the most popular of the M line for a reason. The low body, hard lines wrapped and melding with sexy curves, 50/50 weight, and ohhhh that long hood will make you yearn for an open, yet not too straight, lay of asphalt. World reknown for a reason.

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  Exceeded high expectations - 2005 BMW M3
  By Ryan - July 12 - 8:30 pm

  This is was my dream car in every respect - looks, performance, etc. I had high expectations when I bought it, but after 4k miles, let me tell you that this car is a dream. When you turn off the DSC, turn on launch mode, turn on sport mode, set SMG shifting to S6, hold on! Wow! If a car could ever be too much fun this is it - it definitely takes a huge amount of self discipline to keep this thing legal.