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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  Worth the wait and every penny you spend - 1997 BMW M3
  By WytLytnyn - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 4 months and have enjoyed every minute of it. It really is the best compromise of the sports car and practical everyday car. The cost of maintenance and ownership can only be equalled by Ferrari and Mercedes (from what I hear). Invest in a Bentley manual, a metric socket set, a Peake code reset tool and a Valentine One. Youll be able to do most of the maintenance yourself. Also, you will pay through the nose for maintence you cant easily do (like a Gubbio flex disc on the driveshaft). Your insurance will be high and your mileage will suck due to your new addiction to the wailing engine and exhaust noise.

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  So this is what heaven feels like... - 2002 BMW M3
  By scipio1 - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Ever since I made the mistake of giving up my 1997 M3 for a 2001 330i, Ive been itching to get behind the wheel of the E46 M3. Its been well worth the wait. With the 330 goin back at the end of its lease, I decided to indulge in a new M3, this time the convertible. What can I say? Every time I take a corner or shift a gear, I cant help but break out in a big [well, you know what]-eating grin. Life could not be any better than this. Comparing it to the old M3 does the E46 no justice. The new M3 is a beast, a snarling, roaring animal of a car that will frighten old women and small children on the sidewalk as it prowls past.

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  EconoHunk - 2001 BMW M3
  By Coquin - March 11 - 2:00 am

  Performance bargain of the century--prodigious power, grip, braking. It makes my E36 M3 daily driver seem weak kneed and wobbly. And the exhaust note is Wagnerian. If a Ferrari 360 sounded like this car, it would sound better.

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  Yes, I have indeed arived. - 1997 BMW M3
  By Blackmind - March 6 - 2:00 am

  First off I never thought I would be driving a M3, but as they say never say never. This car is really something special. It has a fine blend of luxury and performance that is hard to match by any car out there. The looks are formost intimidating to say the least, and it has the POWER to back them up. The four door makes this car a "SLEEPER" for sure, and its great for people who cart others along frequently. Tight cornering, great acceleration, and smooth as silk, this thing really is a car you can get addicted to driving.

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  M3 = :) - 1995 BMW M3
  By DesmoBob - March 4 - 2:00 am

  Review perspective: home mechanic/enthusiast. VERY EASY car to maintain if you DIY (note: dealer maintenance = expensive). The 95 is the one to get (if you can find one with low enough miles) because its OBD I. After 95, its OBD II (harder to retrieve fault codes for, more expensive to mod power-wise). Known issues: poor waterpump (aftermarket = better) RTABs, rear shocks & RSMs may be worn after only 50k miles if owner drove hard thermostat may stick open radiator neck. The M is more solidly built than the regular 3 series. An M3 in "fair" shape may indicate abuse. The M division built this car for one purpose, and it wasnt for grocery shopping.

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  1998 M3 - 1998 BMW M3
  By ace24 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  The car is a perfect balance of power, handling, fit, function and finish. My wife has an audi A6 which I will admit offers a smoother ride but does not compare regarding feedback from the road. At times I feel as though Im one with the road...feeling the slightest ripples in the pavement, smallest deviations in the tarmack, every grain of sand..etc. It gives the driver a sensation similar to that of driving a go-cart (light in weight, very responsive). When all is said and done my "silver bullet" is just plain fun to drive....

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  THE ULTIMTE DRIVING MACHINE - 2003 BMW M3
  By Kino - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Beautiful sporty elegant deisgn interior and exterior, moves like a rocket, SMG is the future great trans! peresonally looks hotter then a porsche and Benz CLK55AMG conv wich is at 82K how can someone pay so much for an ugly car. but anyway this is it the M3 convertible, best package for the best price!! it moves as fast as it catches you eye on the road, its a beast!!!

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  M3 Convertible - 1999 BMW M3
  By Meko - February 25 - 2:00 am

  When it comes to open top motoring the M3 Convertible tackles all you can throw at it. Weather it be performance, design, ergonomics you name it she does it. I cant help but smile when I drive this car. Ive driven many exotics, but my choice is the M3 Convertible.

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  2002 BMW M3 CiC - 2002 BMW M3
  By Deb Moore - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Wow! This car is the most exceptional vehicle Ive ever had the pleasure of driving. It completely defies description. It isnt my first BMW Ive previous owned (new) a 98 318i and a (new)01 330i, and though they were nice cars, they just dont come close to the M3. The handling is awesome, the acceleration is awesome, the ride is somewhat harsh (but what can you expect from a sports car? It has a very stiff suspension)and this car is just so much fun to drive. It puts a grin on my face every time I get behind the wheel.

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  Not the Ultimate BMW - 2003 BMW M3
  By Fastlane - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned BMWs (540IA, 528IA) Porsches (930, 944T), Shelby Cobras (427SC, GT500s) and many other American muscle cars dating back to 1964. Although my 2002 M3 convertible with a 6-speed is fast and handles well I dont feel it is the "ultimate" BMW. As soon as I can dump my M3 that now sells for wholesale because of its reputation for blown engines Ill buy an M5 or Mercedes CLK 55 AMG.