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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Exactly what I wanted - 2004 BMW M3
By carlessi - November 2 - 2:00 amThis is a very special car -- I needed something bigger than the two-seater I was driving before but still wanted a lot of fun -- this is it. Tons of performance, very comfortable, loaded w/convenience features. Mine has the SMG transmission, which is a hugely capable tranmission that helps both in performance driving and in around-town traffic. I couldnt be happier w/my choice.
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excellent - 2004 BMW M3
By jeffrewy - October 25 - 2:00 amthe car is awesome it drives great and is very very fast it handles great and i have never had problems withit
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BMW M3 Convertible---FAST & AWESOME!! - 2004 BMW M3
By Ferraristi - October 22 - 2:00 amActually my BMW M3 convertible is a 2003 model, bedecked in the most stunning color of Phoenix yellow with awesome cinnamon interior. I always try to take "the longest way home" so I can drive my Bimmer more. I LOVE IT!
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Fantastic Car - 1998 BMW M3
By Chalupa72 - October 20 - 2:00 amNo major mechanical problems at all. The handling in this car is unsurpassed and inspires driving confidence. Despite entering curves at very high speeds I have never felt the car couldnt handle it. The only minor criticisms I have is the rather bland interior and the ridiculous cup holders.
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M3, fun on wheels - 2003 BMW M3
By BMWEMT - October 14 - 2:00 amIve been driving bimmers since 1984, a 325, a633, an M6, a 540 sport, and this M3 is the best of the bunch. Got the premium package with moon roof heated seats and all leather seats. Actually, this is my sons graduation present for next May. When I turn it over, Ill go pick up another one. Just too damn much fun to drive!!!!!
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porshe eater - 2003 BMW M3
By lanceh - October 12 - 2:00 amI love this car. I have had the last couple of revs of the M3 and it gets better each time. The SMG simply takes the mistakes out of fast driving. and my buddy that owns a porsche cab. is now jealous.
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Exceeds the Hype! - 1999 BMW M3
By Silver99M3 - October 8 - 2:00 amThe M3 is perhaps the best car ever built for all around performance, handling, acceleration, braking, feel and oh so many other areas. Sure, the engine could use some more power, but it wasnt designed to be the best from 0-60. This is a super powered go cart that is meant to out perform on an auto cross track. Anyone can go straight and fast.. this one is designed to twist your insides around with tight cornering and give you a strain in your neck when accelerating out of a corner. As far as stupid comments about poor winter performance, I say "DUH!"
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great fun car - 1999 BMW M3
By salligator - October 7 - 2:00 amThis car has been the most fun of any car I have ever owned. The performance is perfect, handling, accelleration and braking are unreal. The car is very comfortable, and does not look like a barely restrained racing car. The top never leaks. You can hold a conversation at 85 with the top down.
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MMMMMM - 2003 BMW M3
By stonemik - September 28 - 2:00 am0 problems in 6 months with sterling performance, wet or dry. Ive owned performance cars, trucks and a roadster - but my E46 M3 takes the cake. It took almost 3 months to get it once the order was placed but when I saw it sitting ready for me to take her home, the wait was more than worth it. What other car comes close to this price point that: 1.lets backseat passengers take their legs with them 2. High Performance Rev-Happy Engine 3. Safety 4. "Fun to drive" doesnt even touch it.
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why buy anything but an M3 - 2003 BMW M3
By Aby the man - September 23 - 2:00 amOk people, I have driven many many high proformance car and nothing comes close to the sheer joy and excitment for the money. some people might find it hard to assoicate value with this car, but i do.
