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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  On top to saty - 2004 BMW M3
  By JBl Person - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Class, Performance, comfort, great looks..you have it here. Its so fun slapping around Mustangs & Firebirds/Camaros like little gnats. HAAAAAA !! this car tends to eat V8s for breakfast, lunch & dinner !!

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  Great Car - 2004 BMW M3
  By bobfadjr - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Phenomenal appeal, inside and out. Fun to just go out and drive

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  Lorenzos Beast - 2004 BMW M3
  By Lorenzo262NY - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Car is amazing as described in Auto write ups. Have a Dinan stage one chip and car beahves even "beastier"

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  WOW - 2004 BMW M3
  By GR - February 18 - 2:00 am

  One of the most powerful convertible cars next to a Ferrari. Gets looks from passers by.

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  My Favorite - 2004 BMW M3
  By oviviera - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Never been more happy with a car. I love it!!!

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  M3 First year ownership - 2004 BMW M3
  By gustafson - February 17 - 2:00 am

  Flawless performance, very reliable. Winters requires special tires, Dunlop wintersportM2/M3 are great. Car has a very stiff supension You will not like it on Midwestern roads, but on good pavement its flawless. Car needs a different muffler system It has a raspy sound under full throttle, could use the M5 unit. Nothing has gone wrong with car up to now. Recommend a careful break-in period Many have ignored this and found out that it can result in problems at high RPMS.If you need something to motivate you and puts a smile on your face every day this car is it. Fear no challenges from anything on the road, the M3 will never dissapoint!

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  Hang On - 2004 BMW M3
  By Happy in St. Louie - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Shear fun to drive. Cant beat a rag- top in the summer and its not too loud with the top up any other time of year. Definitely get the 19" wheels for grip! I bought 18" radials for winter and drive it all year round without much problem but I have the most fun with the "summer" tires. I get thumbs-up and stares everywhere I go and the car isnt really rare to see. The back seat is actually usable and I drive the kids to school often. I have owned 6 BMWs (4 different models) and this is the most fun of all!

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  excellent sports car - 2004 BMW M3
  By scanbek - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Also owned 1998 bmw m3. This one is much better. SMG is also a great option. 19 inch wheels are also great but changing tires are costly.

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  TOPLESS M3 IS FUN!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By macdbmw - February 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had the 02 M3 cabroilet for just about a year. I traded a Porsche Boxter S. This is a far superior car - No contest. It is abetter & less expensive 911 cabroilet with more room, the same or better performance and SMG, which Porsche does not even offer. I have the 19" wheels but would get the 18" wheels if I had it to do over for the ride.

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  BMW Leaves me in limbo - 2004 BMW M3
  By D Maher - February 2 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle had a vibration in the front end since the day I took delivery. 18 months later with 50+ days in the shop during that time they could not diagnose & fix the problem. The dealer and the manufacture walked away stating they could not test drive the vehicle over the speed limit. The problem existed at 120 kms/hr and up. My point is........you better hope you get a good BMW otherwise your not going to get satisfaction front your dealer. This was my first & last BMW.