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:

• 

  Fantastic Vehicle - 2003 BMW M3
  By wrinkledoc - May 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is as good as it gets for someone who wants a performance vehicle that has a back seat. The SMG is easy to learn and is great fun. The car rides much better than my 2000 Boxster. The car has the performance of a 911 yet is more understated. The stereo is great. I love this car!

• 

  what a car.. - 2003 BMW M3
  By skifahrer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  i just got my m3 smg about a month ago. so far i have to admit its a great car.. the ride is great.. the speed you can go into turns is phenomenal, the gear changing with the smg transmission is is awesome.. forget about stick shift.. and if you are stuck in traffic roll along in automatic.. the pick up is more then good enough if you want to go faster..in the automatic mode. the breaks are great and no fading even after a few hard brake downs from high speeds (+/-140mph to 65-80mph).. the ride is hard but hey, if you want a softer ride get a c-class mercedes benz or a lexus.

• 

  The best four seater convertible - 2002 BMW M3
  By grw - April 22 - 2:00 am

  It is great fun to drive, and surprisingly comfortable. The rear seats are usable by adults (rare for this type of car), and the car has more features than you could imagine.

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2003 BMW M3
  By BMWsRock - April 22 - 2:00 am

  Ridiculous looks, ridiculous performance. It can be calm and docile when driving your mother-in-law, and after you drop her off you can drive circles around 911s and Corvettes.

• 

  Excellent all around vehicle - 1997 BMW M3
  By homer32 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  What a great, super fast, great handling coupe. It has also been very reliable for me. I would recommend it to anyone.

• 

  M-3 smg is slug - 2003 BMW M3
  By john d - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Car with SMG is a slug from standing start. Leaves line at 900 rpm to low for performance. Bogs and cannot spin tires until it gets RPM up, cannot be considered high performance. Other owners report same lack of starting line power with SMG. Car has terrible ride with 19" wheels seems like solid tires on smallest crack in pavement. Car doors are very hard to open, latch snaps back if not fully depressed. Saleslady though SMG was an automatic with manual shift, did not know what a Getdrag was. Very disappointed in BMW and dealer. Traded car at one month and 800 miles for C5 Corvette convert, very happy with Vette lots of power at any rpm.

• 

  1998 BMW M3 - 1998 BMW M3
  By mdolan777 - April 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is the ultimate high- performance everyday drive car. It has everything, and comfort to boot.

• 

  WATCH OUT AMGS AND 911S - 2003 BMW M3
  By CHARLES - April 8 - 2:00 am

  THE ACCELERATIONIS PHENOMENAL.I HAVE THE SMG_II TRANSMISSIONAND LET ME TELL YOU ITS A BLAAAAAAAAAAAST S6 MODE WITH SPORTS MODE IS LIKE SITTING ON TOP OF A ROCKET.WITH THIS SET ACCELERATION IS TRUUUUULY SCAAAAAAAAAARY WITH SHIFTS EXECUTED IN A MERE 0.8 SECS WITH A SHUDDERING SLAP IN THE BACK OF THE NECK HOW BMW ENGINEERS BALANCED THIS WITH SUCH AN AMAZING CHASIS IS SIMPLY AWE INSPIRING 333HP..O-60 IN 4.8SEC PLUS 11 TRANSMISSION MODES PLUS A SPORTS MODE BUTTON WHICH REALLY SEEMS LIKE A NITRO SWITCH IS SCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARY!!!!!!

• 

  STruCs M3 - 2003 BMW M3
  By STruC - April 5 - 2:00 am

  This car is very fun to drive. I love how fast it takes off. Its not about how fast your car drives, but its about how fast you get to that speed. And I love it.

• 

  If you want M3, get this one. - 2003 BMW M3
  By Importdriver - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving my coupe for 9 months (weekend driving) and I still cant get over the handling and power. This car just wants to go fast! Dont listen to those who complain about harsh rides. If you want comfort, go for the 325/330. Engine problem is a concern, but so far mine runs without any problems. Exhaust note is a bit cheesy but it somehow gives the car a character. I have taken to the track, gunball racing etc etc... Since this will probably be the last M3 before Bangles inhumane design shows up. Get it!