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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  The ultimate drive to work or anywhere. - 2004 BMW M3
  By JayE - November 29 - 2:00 am

  From the moment you first start the engine to the instant you park your car, you experience pure enjoyment. Performance is excellent and comfort is acceptable despite a firm ride. You are able to experience true race car performance without sacrificing luxury. The only problem I face everytime I drive this car is staying within the legal speed limit.

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  Awesome BMW - 2001 BMW M3
  By neuron25 - November 28 - 2:00 am

  I have owned BMWs and other sports cars before before but this is the most awesome car I have ever driven. The handling is excellent. The noise of the soft top is almost non existent (no small thing if you have ever had a convertible). If your if your children are 14 years old or less and your friends are small, you will hear no complaints from the back seat.

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  WOW - 2003 BMW M3
  By Pablo Ortega - November 28 - 2:00 am

  What a car? handling, speed, looks and much much more. Its a dream come true

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  Best sports car for the money - 2003 BMW M3
  By JeffM - November 24 - 2:00 am

  Compared to sporty sedans (Audi S4) and traditional sports cars (Porsche 911), the E46 M3 has all of the performance of the latter with very few compromises. The S4 is a great choice if you NEED four doors, but otherwise, the M3 is the choice for serious drivers. This car is the real deal when it comes to performance, and yet its comfortable and easy to live with. The trunk is usable and you can even put someone in the back seat without feeling guilty. The M3 is always fun the drive, and never beats you up, unlike some harder-edged sports cars.

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  1995 M3 review - 1995 BMW M3
  By CharlieB133 - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive. If kept in good condition you cant tell how old it is. Very reliable.

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  Tight M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By Ronnizzle - November 13 - 2:00 am

  The M3 is the best sports car for its cost and can compete with some of the greatest cars in the world. It drives extremely well in daily traffic and such.

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  Its all good! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Achnonen - November 8 - 2:00 am

  Scare your wife. Scare your friends. Scare the guy next to you at the light in his C06. This car is frightfully fun to drive! My mother may never come to visit us again.

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  SMG--dont buy it - 2002 BMW M3
  By LK - November 6 - 2:00 am

  BMWs SMG transmission is not ready for prime time. When it works, its great fun. Unfortunately, it doesnt like to go into gear when its cold, cannot be worked by garage attendants, and has died suddenly (resulting in a tow)while cruising. Software upgrade to the computer made the situation worse. BMW has been disappointing in their response.

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  I Wont Miss My Porche - 2004 BMW M3
  By Ali Hussein - November 6 - 2:00 am

  I been driving a Porches since 1982 after 5 911 this is my first BMW and I dont think Ill ever go back

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  LOVE IT - 2004 BMW M3
  By GOLOANS - November 4 - 2:00 am

  BEST CAR ON THE MARKET.