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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  Its an M3. What more needs to be said? - 2004 BMW M3
  By jonb - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Perfection. Only thing that remains to be seen is if the new M4 with the v8 can top this one.

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  rafic street king - 2001 BMW M3
  By rafic - April 7 - 2:00 am

  i loveee this car fast reliability is great doesint cost tooo much for a bmw my brother has 2001 bmw m5 well both great dont now why m3 is just my favorite car

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  What a Car !!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By JoeM3 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is everything I expected and more, the Smg is awesome. The only bad thing is the speed limit in the USA

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  M3 Madness - 2003 BMW M3
  By Gretsky911 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I upgraded from a 3-series coupe to a M3 and found the 2003 out-performs the 323ci hands down. The M3 is an awesome car and has specific apects that make it so. Whether your an middle aged man or a Guy out of college, youll feel the freedom of driving one of the most powerful cars on the market. Whether your on the track, on the highway, in a city or even in a lot, you can always find some time to push the car. Whether its the speed you like, cornering, or just the style. This car has got it all. Improved stock suspension, brakes and strut bar help the car to preform over its successors. Though there are always aftermarket room for improvements.

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  2003 M3 SMGII - 2004 BMW M3
  By DShiver - March 28 - 2:00 am

  Outstanding performance car. Already has clocked a 4.22 0-60 time using the launch control software that the SMG equipped car comes with. That was with rear tires that could use replacing (Micheline Pilot Sports). Computer was a Passport G Timer. Should be able to break the 4.0 sec barrier when the tires are replaced with Micheline Pilot Sports PS2s this summer. This is a pure performance vehicle. Anyone looking for a Lexus ride/handling best look for a Lexus or some other mush mouse.

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  amazing car - 2004 BMW M3
  By BMWjay - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute best car I have ever owned. This car is so much fun you will be thinking of excuses to drive it. I was sold the second i let the clutch off the floor. This car will take turns at speeds you could never imagine and will accelerate at insanly fast speeds. I will warn that this car is nto for everyone though and it is alot of car to be driving and if you are not completely confident that you are a very good driver I would not suggest buying this car. I am definatly going to got another one when I can maybe even an M5 if they are back in production stateside when I need a new car.

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  Beauty!! - 2002 BMW M3
  By mary - March 15 - 5:48 pm

  This car is amazing...

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  The ultimate driving machine! - 1999 BMW M3
  By Pruthur - March 8 - 2:00 am

  The M3 convertable is an extraordinary car. It handels incredibally and has a beautifuly finished interior. BMW did not cut any curves when designing and making this car. This is not a light weight sports car. It sits powerfully on the road. Long distance/highway trips are a dream in this car. I have been amazed at how well it handels in the rain. The leather finishes are true quality. I have owned this car for 3 years and absolutely love it.

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  BMW M3 Cab - 2004 BMW M3
  By gary picco - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive best for the $

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  Duh - 2004 BMW M3
  By PhoenixM3 - March 5 - 2:00 am

  Super car performance that with room for 5. Incredible performance from a normally aspirated motor.