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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  Overall Bliss - 2003 BMW M3
  By Chris - May 2 - 5:21 pm

  This car is a drivers dream. The complete package of comfort and performance. Outside of the door trim losing adhesiveness, the car has been worry and problem free. You cant help but get out and push the 333hp to the limits. The brakes, steering and DSC help make it as safe as it is fun to drive. There is not other car on the road, providing as much fun as the M3 for the money.

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  Totally awesome - 2002 BMW M3
  By jcoffie - May 2 - 2:25 pm

  Got the silver 6-speed manual and this car is a total blast. Best car Ive driven. Massive power and torque at every gear. Have even started the car in 2nd gear. Handling is awesome and even grips wet roads. 60 mph cornering an exit, yeh baby!! This bad boy does not even slip. way to go DSC!!!! Worth every penny cause you get what you paid for. Car looks damn good too. If you dont want to do any serious driving, this ride is not for you get a 325!!

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  2005 M3 with Competition Package - 2005 BMW M3
  By Meredith - May 1 - 7:15 pm

  This car has impressed me in every detail and option. I ordered it basically fully loaded, and I am thrilled with the Competition Package. The only setback I have to the CP is the removal of Cruise Control due to the special steering wheel. However, the car handles extremely well, and has very fast acceleration, so who needs cruise control anyway. The seats and interior are perfectly designed, and the exterior is remarkably sharp. Definitely a head turner!

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  Great fun - 1999 BMW M3
  By GCM - April 20 - 12:59 pm

  Really fun to drive. This is the 7th BMW I have had. This one is a big improvement over the last 3 series convertile. Back seats are just for small people, but you dont have this as a people hauler.

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  Problems with the M3 - 2005 BMW M3
  By Mspeedy - April 16 - 12:43 pm

  This woulh have been a great car if it was not with the SMG transmission. SMG lot of lag and does not change gear in time.

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  BMW M3 - 2005 BMW M3
  By cemeryii - April 14 - 12:57 pm

  Amazing performance, engine and supspension tuning come close to pure magic. Agressive styling make it best looking Bimmer out there, upgraded seats are fabulous, can fit to any torso. Exhaust sound is raspy, goofy sounding. Ride at low speed is busy, jiggly, smooths out as speed increases. A scalpel in a world of axes, makes you smile every time you drive.

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  The Ultimate Practical Car - 2005 BMW M3
  By SHS - April 12 - 11:07 pm

  Moved from the 323 to the 330 to the M3. There is no better all around car that can get you through all seasons with style and performance, lets you drop the top and also carry two kids with you in the back seat. Resale value is excellent, and BMW service is unbeatable.

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  2005 BMW M4 - 2005 BMW M3
  By The M3 Kid - April 6 - 8:20 pm

  This car is by far the best performance car for the money...333 HP and if put a Dinan kit, although why would you, then you have even more power. Corners great, ride is like riding on air and the power is exhilirating...nothing like an M car...The M3 is truly a thrilling car to drive!

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  M3 after 15k miles! - 2005 BMW M3
  By Mike - April 5 - 2:15 am

  This car is SOLID, QUICK, and confidence inspiring. It is like the 3 series on steroids. Every aspect is substantially better!

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  The almost perfect car - 2005 BMW M3
  By dave thompson - April 4 - 1:46 pm

  My 2004 M3 is a blast to drive, and gets appreciative looks from all walks of life. The smooth, hard-pulling I-6 engine, best-in-class suspension and aggresive styling are all worth the price of entry. The only gripes I have are the hard to view and hard to operate nav system, the fact that satellite radio is NOT an option in the top of the line nav-equipped models, top top-of-the-line Harmon Karden stereo is a joke, and a persistent short in the steering wheel radio controls.Power, cornering, drivers appeal and a sort of useable back seat. Plus, all its competitors list for thousands more. In fact, I have my name on the list for the new V-8 version coming in 2007.