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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  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.

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  outstanding - 2002 BMW M3
  By Doc - December 24 - 10:49 pm

  Pure performance not just speed, the best quality miles going to work or anywhere, it is daily fun all over, without sacrificing comfort, safety and practicality

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  Awesome Car - 1998 BMW M3
  By RSetzer - December 19 - 7:34 am

  Car is awesome to drive, Dinan stage 4 pushes natural aspiration to the edge. Handling is perfect, onboard computer keeps current diagnostics, power band is perfect, can keep up with if not surpass e46 M3s in power (with upgrades to intake, exhaust, CPU...) and surpasses easily in handling. Steady drive all the way to 135 mph (never tested at higher speeds) and always fun to drive.

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  m3 is best car ever! - 2005 BMW M3
  By Kevin - December 18 - 1:50 pm

  A BMW M3 IS THE BEST AND FASTEST CAR UNDER 120g EVER! The next car better then an m3 is the 125g porsche carrera 4S.

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  No Radio Required - 2005 BMW M3
  By Vrooom - December 16 - 3:15 am

  If you like fast then you will love this car, or should I say beast. This car begs to be driven hard. The tach hits 7000 rpm so easily that you dont even realize you are doing 80 mph within seconds. As the car shifts through the gears you can feel the raw and savage power of this awesome engine pulling you back into your seat. There are very few cars that will attempt to mess with you and if they are foolish enough to, then they always wind up in my rear view mirror. The car handles unbelievably. Wherever you point it, it goes. The traction control has helped me out a few times when I really pressed it. The brakes are extremely responsive, you can stop on a dime. This is a great fun car.

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  YES IT IS THE ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE - 1995 BMW M3
  By LORENCHO - December 13 - 12:26 am

  I purchased my M3 from a small dealership that features mostly BMWs it had 108,000 miles on it.They had done a major update - new clutch, brakes (slotted roters) Bilsteins, new BBS wheels and tires, Turner chip, lowering sport springs, Pioneer cd unit. In short this car was ready to rock. And rock it does. I belong to BMWCCA and M3s dominate the track, out of the box they are a slot car but with a few mods (chip,hiflow intake,strutbar) what a rush :-). The 95 is the one to buy OB1& ease of adding mods.

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  SMOKIN!!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By cslvmi - December 9 - 12:00 am

  Ive waited 9 months to write this. Thats right, Ive put over 17K on it already. Lets just say the heads are still turning everytime you drive by! Theres never a boring moment in this car. Performance and Handling inspire extreme confidence. My wife gives me a hard time because the only thing people want to talk about is the "M". buy it again in a heartbeat. Go to the M driving school if possible. I thought I was pushing my car towards its limits on occasion...Wasnt even coming close! Only set back is, you cant drive another car without making a comparison, and they just dont come close!!!

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  Very Powerful and Solid - 2005 BMW M3
  By EBraidi - December 5 - 6:19 pm

  I use to have a 2001 X5 and it was a great car, but compared to my new 2005 M3 it stands not chance. Love everything about this car except for the exhaust sound. I need to do something about that. So far the cars been holding up like a rock.

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  Perfect Sports Car - (with some flaws) - 2002 BMW M3
  By mountainman - December 5 - 3:35 am

  I join in all the hyperbolic praise that has been heaped on this car. It is fast, beautiful, handles tremendously, and has brakes that will suck your eyeballs out of your head. Here are the negatives: the convertible top is aggravating it rattles and squeaks incessantly, and dealers dont know how to fix it. (The solution: leave it down!) The suspension is a bit harsh for daily driving on rough roads. Blind spot when the top is up is pretty bad (The solution: leave it down!). With the windblocker in place, you cant use the back seat. (The solution: leave kids at home!). Biggest gripe: EVERYONE wants to race you - annoying, although you can beat them all.