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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  bimmer for me! - 2004 BMW M3
  By cslvmi - July 29 - 2:00 am

  An excellent car! Totally fun to drive. Confidence and agillity are superb. Love sport mode. I make excuses to take it for a spin all the time.

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  Best of the New BMWs - 2004 BMW M3
  By wkend - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I find reasons to drive this car! Only 600 miles so far, so still in the "break in" period. Typical BMW quality, but this thing is a rocket. The car is simply made to be driven fast. Only complaint is why on earth BMW would build a $60,000 car and make the alarm system, garage door opener and 6 disc CD changer an "option....??" But thats a small price to pay for a great handling, truly fun car.

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  Sports Car or Sedan? - 1998 BMW M3
  By QTip - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Sports Car or Sedan? BOTH! Who says having 4 doors means your car has to be sluggish and boring? BMW created a vehicle to shatter that misconception. I love the fact that I can go 0-60 in less than 6 seconds and still have groceries all in the same car. Thats not the half of it. The greatest feeling that comes from this beast of a machine is when you take 20 MPH turns at over triple the speed, yet youll still feel glued to the road. This car excedes all of my expecations. Whats can I say, this car keeps me coming back for more. Thats why its my second M3. Its the perfect family sports car.

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  Fast & Furious - 2004 BMW M3
  By stax - July 17 - 2:00 am

  This car is able to destroy anything on the road. I first got it and put some performane parts on it for more of a grunt sound when hitting the accelerator. The simplest thing as exhaust system yielded approx. 30 hp and 15 ft-lbs. I love this car.

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  Incredible - 2001 BMW M3
  By docherf - July 12 - 2:00 am

  This is all it is said to be by the car mags and more. Its a blast to drive - its fun even on short drives to work. The space is practicle for kids in the back - and they love to be in it with the top down. Quality is first rate - Im surprised that even after three years, there are no rattles or squeaks - it is as tightly put together as the first day. There are not any drawbacks as far as Im concerned - except I wish BMW made something the size of a Suburban for the family car.

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  my m3 - 2004 BMW M3
  By maxinemegillah - July 10 - 2:00 am

  Nice car--I used to have the 4-door e- body--there are advantages to that for passengers. Nice ride & handling

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  My second M3 - 2001 BMW M3
  By JETM3MD - July 7 - 2:00 am

  This is great car with impressive performace and exceptional everyday practicality. You can take it the track and do really well and then take the family to the store the next.

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  Owner after 1500 miles - 2004 BMW M3
  By gdurkee - June 24 - 2:00 am

  For serious drivers. Just wants to be set free. Youll never get to 100 easier, but still with a comfortable and enjoyable ride. Much has been said about its power & acceleration, but the nadling is phenomenal.

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  MMM - 2004 BMW M3
  By Stavri - June 22 - 2:00 am

  outstanding car. Porsche like performance for alot less money.

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  Another BMW M-3 Review - 2016 BMW M3
  By Chunman - June 19 - 10:56 am

  Test drive this car before you decide to purchase one, and remember the feelings that you get while experiencing a well thought out vehicle. Because you probably will not have the same sensation from another automobile. The handling,responsiveness, and comfort is very hard to compare with other cars in its class.