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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  BMW M-3 - 2004 BMW M3
  By Steven Grant - January 25 - 2:00 am

  I traded in a 2000 BMW 328ci and even though this is an expensive car it is well worth it. Its resale value is better,handling is better, performance is much superior and there are very few around. It is more demanding to drive around the city but give the driver some serious grins when it is allowed to stretch its legs. Life is short, why not get something exotic that has value.

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  Does it get any better than this? - 2004 BMW M3
  By bmwsloy - January 22 - 2:00 am

  This has been my dream car for the last 10 years. After ordering my 2003.5, Im happy to say its even better than I hoped for. Its just an amazing piece of engineering that excites you just looking at in the garage. On the road, it absolutely blows your mind!

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  Excellent Machine - 1995 BMW M3
  By Bill476483 - January 20 - 2:00 am

  This car was described as a point and go sports coupe. At 5.2 secs 0-60 and a very quick 60-110+ it really goes. It handles like its stuck to the road. Have had zero problems with it in 5+ years

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  M Power yourself !!!!!!!! - 2004 BMW M3
  By M3man - January 18 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car!!! The handling at high speeds on curves is THE BEST of any car I have driven to date. If you get the hardtop option like I did, you will have a car that is a coupe, convertible, and sports car, all in one!!! I love the SMG transmission, it allows you to drive in either automatic or manual modes (the manual mode is much more fun). The fuel economy isnt all that bad. If you drive it carefully on the highway, you can get a little more than 24 mpg, not too bad for a sports car. I wish it had a bigger fuel tank because I dont like filling it up too many times, but oh well the driving experience more than makes up for this.

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  BMW M3 Convertible-1 year later - 2004 BMW M3
  By woolen - January 6 - 2:00 am

  I have now had my convertible m3 for 1 year and enyoyed it tremendously. The summer was spectacular and the winter was definately enjoyable with winter tires.

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  Exotic Car? - 2004 BMW M3
  By Victor L. - January 4 - 2:00 am

  With 333 HP, the BMW M3 owns the stage. The beautiful SMG(Sequential Manual Gearbox) helped alot,cus when I drive up the mountain roads, I dont have to worry about stepping on the clutch, in other words the SMG makes the Gear-up like automatic, but you could juice up the power like Stake-Shift. It is a very nice and romantic car to drive on,especially passing by mountain sides. The only downs of this car is the fuel economy, if it could be like a camrys fuel economy then that would be great. But who gives, the car is alreay great enough to let you forget about the fuel economy. I recommend this car to those who wants to have a blast of their lifetime.

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  A legend in its own time. - 1999 BMW M3
  By BMW M3 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is simply amazing. Please go read the reviews by reputable car magazines and dont take my word for it. If you combine the following factors: Performance, Reliability, Practicality, Durability, Safety, Value....you simply cannot beat this car. HANDS DOWN a winner in all regards. Few cars this good have ever been or will be built in automotive history. CAR AND DRIVER BEST HANDLING CAR REGARDLESS OF PRICE in the 90s beating out Ferrari, Porsche and the like. Plus you can throw your kids and some grocery bags in the back.

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  2004 BMW M3 - 2004 BMW M3
  By PooK!e - December 30 - 2:00 am

  Its been about 6 months since I made that downpayment for my 04 M3. On September, my dealer called me to pick up my ride. Oh my god... Silver Metallic... Fully Loaded... Ill never forget that day I picked up my car from the dealer... No one dares to go ahead of you on the road. One of the police officer rolled down their window to shout "Nice Car you got there~!"

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  M3 has few peers - 2002 BMW M3
  By lear60 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  Very well-built and reliable car. Loads of fun to drive. Suspension is tight yet forgiving. Highly recommend SMG and Harmon Kardon.

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  Fun car - 2004 BMW M3
  By vincej - December 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is a sensible, fun car.