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 my car and I love it! - 2003 BMW M3
  By fl4gators - September 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been waiting over 8 years to own an M3.... I love My Car So..... much. If there were one thing that I could change. it would be to redesign the cup holder, you have 2 cup holders, but you can only use one.

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  wow - 2003 BMW M3
  By knapptile - September 13 - 2:00 am

  wow-what a blast.cant wait to drive it at sea level.it is a race car,not for the family.

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  Fun Fast Exciting...its an M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By JTL - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I personally am new to the BMW world as Ive only owned a 2001 BMW 330CI and recently purchased a 2003 BMW M3 Coupe. I was impressed with the performance, handling, and look of the car. The car is amazing and looks fantastic!! The only option I wish the M3 would offer is Heads up display to help keep my eyes on the road rather than on my speedometer.

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  Incredible - 2002 BMW M3
  By ///M3 - September 6 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the nicest cars i have ever driven, In 2001 i bought an 1999 M3 coupe and i was very moved by the performance,styling and elegance, then in 2003 i traded in my X5 4.4 and got a brand new M3 convertible and i must say anything that BMW missed on the 1999 they fixed on this one, it has incredible throttle response and even better handling i must say great job on the new M3 BMW!!

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  Great car, an engineering master piece - 1998 BMW M3
  By Roadwarrior1956 - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Just bought it used 6 mths ago and love this car, I own a 94 Z28 also and cant believe how close on power they are. The M3 is like a surgens scapel, the Z28 a battle ax :)

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  99 M3 Coupe - 1999 BMW M3
  By SilverM3inChicago - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The car is simply amazing. My first BMW. A joy to drive everyday to work. I have put on 13K miles since I bought it and I only drive 25 miles per day to work and back. Seems like I find reasons to go somewhere - not sure why, hmm.

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  E46 M3 is a superior car - 2003 BMW M3
  By JetBlackE46M3 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This is my second M3, but the first of this (E46) generation. I am absolutely stunned and impressed with the level of performance that has been drawn from this exceptional 3.2 litre inline 6 engine. I thought my old 97 M3 with 240HP felt quick, well this thing is unreal. You can outrun 911s and most of the muscle car crowd and look better doing it. Handles amazingly well, rides smoother than expected (even with my 19" wheels) and is an all around wonderful car. I would change very little about it except maybe make the interior a little more "Mercedes like" I guess.

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  Wish I had a Vette - 2003 BMW M3
  By GirlOutOfControl - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven too many sports cars to list. As for the M3, I agree with the guy who wrote in about the Corvette. If the vette had a back seat for my son, then, I would own the "Ultimate Driving Machine". I believe there is too much hype over a car that pales in comparison to the vette overall and watch your fuel consumption...the 8-cylinder Vette has them beat there too! Dont get me wrong I do love the M3, because it offers safety, room for 4 passengers and sleek looks, but cmon, it certainly is NOT "scarry" as one critic wrote in.

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  M3 rocks. - 1998 BMW M3
  By arcanadana - August 28 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever had. Its incredible well balance and poise makes it hard to scare yourself, even in spirited sport driving. Its great around town, and especially in sedan form, its a sleeper. Unless someone knows what an M3 is, it looks almost exactly like a 328. I got the sedan version because Im tall and it has an extra inch and a half of headroom, which makes it enough for me. How many other sports cars do I fit in this well? Zero. Ive had quicker cars, but its quick enough, and the handling will keep pace with ANYTHING. Its my everyday e-ticket ride.

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  BMW M3-GREAT PERFORMANCE MACHINE - 1995 BMW M3
  By BMW CCA MEMBER - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I HAD BEEN LOOKING TO PURCHASE A GOOD USED SPORTS CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND REFERALS(I WORK IN THE CAR BUSINESS) I DECIDED ON A 1995 BMW M3. WHAT A BANG FOR THE BUCK! THE RETAIL NUMBERS ON THESE CARS CAN BE WAY TO HIGH BUT I FOUND A CAR GREAT CAR AND BOUGHT IT AT WHOLESALE. MY CAR CAME EQUIPED WITH THE SPORT PACKAGE WHICH IS A GREAT OPTION. FULL POWER SEATS, WOOD ACCENTS AND M COUNTOUR 17 WHEELS THAT LOOK GREAT. I HAVE INSTALLED A DINAN STAGE 1 CHIP THAT GAVE IT A SLIGHT BOOST IN POWER AND A NICE 200-300 RPM BUMP. KEEPING IT STOCK HAS HELPED IT STAY VERY RELIABLE. THIS IS A GREAT FUNCTIONAL SPORTS CAR!