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 handling car - 1997 BMW M3
  By Legendary car - March 24 - 9:21 am

  When I bought this car new in 1997, itwas the fastest BMW 0-60 (5.5 as a standard, modified to 5.3 with Confortichip, B&B Tri-Flo exhaust and Dinan air intake). It was later voted "Best Handling car in over 30K group" (beating out the Porsche, etc), Car of the year 3 years in a row, 95-97 (Car andDriver). Maintenence is high in terms of tires, clutch, brakes and mods, but other than that, nothing major. The engine was compression tested at 110K and was like-new according to the mechanic (I recommend a small, local, specialized mechanic).

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  Iron Fist in a velvet glove - 2005 BMW M3
  By Paul - March 15 - 3:52 pm

  After owning eight previous BMWs, I can honestly say this is my favorite. This car is probably too much for the street in most instances, but dont let that stop you from picking one up. Maintaing one of these cars is a bit more expensive (namely the high end tires), but with the maintenance programs that BMW now offers on their new vehicles this is less of an issue. Very quick, amazing handling, and probably the best brakes ever put into a production vehicle add up to a whole lot of fun every time you drive it. In the immortal words of Ferris Bueller "If you have the means, I highly recommend picking one up".

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  My dream car... - 2005 BMW M3
  By Tommy Newsom - March 3 - 8:57 pm

  I waited over 20 years to purchase a true sports car and had my sights on a Corvette convertible. However, before buying the Corvette I searched all my options and fell in love with the BMW M3 Convertible. I had to have it and I got it!This car is incredible and I am so happy I purchased it!

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  Speed is Your Friend - 2005 BMW M3
  By merlin - February 25 - 3:55 pm

  This car loves to be driven. It is the best mix of true performance and luxury. The car drives better at 100 mph vs 55 mph. The handling and acceleration of the car is unparalleled by any other car that is this practical and at the same time so precise. The interior comfort is awsome and inviting to any lovely that you would want to meet. The accolades are numerous and voluntary. There are no highway or street venues that this car cant conquer. The exterior styling is classic and inviting while the car looks as tough on the road as it performs in the curves.

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  $60k lemon - 2004 BMW M3
  By blur - February 23 - 8:22 pm

  I special ordered my m3, my first bmw, and my last. Its been serviced 11 times in the past year, mostly for problems with the smg. the smg is the most overrated transmission ever and should not be sold until perfected. Its sluggish in first, sometimes choppy, and most recently just stalled completely. it had to be towed back to the dealership to replace the relay...again.

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  Uber-car - 2005 BMW M3
  By docO - February 13 - 8:24 pm

  Aside from a few knick-knacks that have fallen apart and were quickly replaced by my dealer and the poor stock stereo, this car is amazing. Perfect for anyone who appreciates and loves to drive with precision, class and style at any speed. I am too often tempted to drive faster as the revs increase. When not in snow, it is a pleasure. Now my problem is paying off the lawyer and fines for my 125mph in a 55!

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  Steves Review - 2005 BMW M3
  By swaxmd - February 13 - 12:38 pm

  Third M3 convertible I have owned. This is the best of the bunch. No problems at all in the first 6 months. Less rattles and electronic glitches than my 2002 M3. SMG works well once you get used to it. I highly recommend this car.

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  M3 competition package - 2005 BMW M3
  By Hiei - February 11 - 8:43 pm

  Overall, it is a great car. It looks as good as it performs. Solid performance thanks to the competition package. The competition package is an alternative for those who dont want to get aftermarket upgrade but want more for their M3. However, there are some electrical problems with the radio and the bluetooth connection for cell phone not all cell phone can connect via bluetooth. The gas mileage is not bad. Got about 300 miles per a tank, 65%highway and 35% highway. If driving locally, a full tank will only give 220 miles. The exterior looks great all around. Need a wing spoiler to complete the aggressive look. The front seats is great. Back seats are very comfortable.

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  Drool drool drool!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By prkpower - February 10 - 5:51 pm

  Great engine with a strong powerband, never runs out of breath, pulls strongly. I got the 2004 SMG coupe silver gray with black leather and under 4000 miles on it. Fully loaded except for the cold weather pkg. The SMG did take a little getting used to, but boy it is a rush! The M3 will beg you to unleash it, will cajole you with sweet engine humming saying everythings OK, just floor the pedal. And at gas stations, you can look at the admiration in peoples eyes. Truly a cult car, a true jock with enough space for 4 adults and for practical day to day driving and spirited highway runabout.

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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!