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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  Outrageous - 2003 BMW M3
  By CCB - August 26 - 2:00 am

  Its been a year now, I a still get surprised by the power this little in- line six puts out. My wife still wont drive the car due to the tight handling and head jerking snaps between gears. Ive had it up to 135 for about 30 minutes across the Mohave desert (in train with a TT and A8) and fely I could have out accelerated them at any moment. Yeah, the price tag with the SMG tranny is high, but my kids will understand that Junior College is OK, once they get there.

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  Greased Lightning and Roaring Thunder! - 2003 BMW M3
  By derek33 - August 23 - 2:00 am

  The BMW M3 is a vehicle unlike any other. It combines the power and handling of a Porsche or Ferrari, with the luxury and comfort of a Mercedes. Its ride is firm and responsive. Formula 1 level performance, all for only $50,000!! This car is truly the best car Ive ever driven...I can only imagine what the BMW engineers will create for the 2006 model.

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  Great overall balance for a sports coupe - 2002 BMW M3
  By SDHenry - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This car is easily one of the best car out there if you want some luxury, 4-seater and a hell of a performance car. The Porsche 996 may even be a bit faster around the corners but it doesnt seat 4. The interior of the M3 is nicer than the 996. The exterior is much much nicer looking than the 996 with the possible exception of a GT3. I had the car for almost 2 years and I have yet to have even one minor defect that required me to go back to the service center.

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  OWNER - 2003 BMW M3
  By JAMES - August 21 - 2:00 am

  LOVE IT THE BEST CAR TO DRIVE THE FEEL LIKE I AM IN A SPACE SHIP AT 100MPH

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  Spectacular - 2003 BMW M3
  By Speedi - August 17 - 2:00 am

  This is my first BMW, and I have to admit it has been a long time coming. I have been desiring an M3 for about 15 years and have finally gathered the coinage for the purchase. When I picked up the car, there was not one flaw I could see. This is the best built and sportiest car I have ever driven or seen. I even get 26 MPG with this high-performance automobile! Truly amazing.

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  m3 convert. - 2003 BMW M3
  By rob knapp - August 6 - 2:00 am

  An incredible car-much more than I ever imagined.I love the smg and the navigation.

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  Excellent street car - 2003 BMW M3
  By Bimmerconv - July 29 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best sport car out on the street

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  This is a sport car - 2003 BMW M3
  By scott - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The perfect car....if you drive on a track. I have the SMG transmission and really dont care for it much. It is very notchy and not very friendly for mundane daily driving. If you drive very aggressively all of the time, this could be the car for you. If you dont, I would suggest one of the other 3 series cars....Ive owned them as well and loved every minute of it.

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  Achtung: M Power is addictive! - 1997 BMW M3
  By bez - July 21 - 2:00 am

  If you want a car to haul your kids around town on weekdays and take to the autocross track on weekends, you have found your car. Dont be intimidated by the exhaust rumble that pervades the cabin or the harsh ride on rough pavement from the taut suspension. You wont be dissappointed. Be prepared for high cost of insurance and maintenance.

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  Best 4 door Sports Car Ever.Period. - 1998 BMW M3
  By ///M - July 16 - 2:00 am

  World class performance with 4 real seats. Extremely stable at 140mph+.