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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  smg m3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By peter falco - June 21 - 2:00 am

  Considered buying a new Porsche 911. Had some nice cars. M3 is much faster and handles better than my 1992 911 C2. Much more practical and comfortable than new 911 with comparable performance. SMG a real delight. Been driving stick for 40yrs and been to driving schools. SMG probably able to outshift me 95% of the time.

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  2002 M3 SMG - 2002 BMW M3
  By matrixone - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Exceptional acceleration and handling the ride is what one would expect from the sport-tuned suspension. The SMG seems to work well in LA freeway traffic or on the open road. Styling is understated, subtly sporty, and belies the fact that this is one ferocious muscle car. Current supply/demand situation means paying premium over MSRP.

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  Carbon blk convertible - 2002 BMW M3
  By M3Bear26 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best sports car out there. I took it to the track with yokohama tires. Being a convertible I though it would be solwer than M3 coupe, but my time was faster then the M3 coupe. You could really open it up in the track.

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  BMW is the Ultimate Driving machine. - 2002 BMW M3
  By Stevenson Fong - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is great if you want a sporty and luxurist car to drive. Price is a bit high, but once you get to know the sales people at BMW and drive a M3, you will be sold. I know I was...

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  None - 2002 BMW M3
  By Punk4Jesus - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is the time to say a few words about the style and comfort one word says it all: Kudos

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  The best car of all times! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Gracy-lou Freebush - May 21 - 2:00 am

  This is one of BMWs without a doubt finest work! This smooth ride will blow you away and good looks are a plus! I recommend this fully! Although it has a small back-seat the luxury and comfort will have you foget all your worries! MERCEDES, AUDI, JAGUAR WATCH OUT FOR THE NEWEST BMW M3!

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  My "Black Widow" - 2002 BMW M3
  By Elizabeth A. Pearce - May 17 - 2:00 am

  I waited 18 months for my Jet Black convertible with Imola red leather interior--and it was well worth the wait! The car is TONS of fun, but be careful when you push the sport button! If youre in traffic, you could find yourself in the trunk of the vehicle in front of you! The car just flies! Its truly gorgeous, too it draws looks like a flame draws moths. I love it!

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  Hail to the KING! - 2002 BMW M3
  By IceManJ - May 10 - 2:00 am

  Took out a S2000, WRX, Supra Turbo, C32, Camaros, Mustangs, and much more. Its a beast. Youll love it!

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  Wolf in Sheeps Clothing? - 2002 BMW M3
  By hardlymoving - May 7 - 2:00 am

  Very fast, incredible handling, great brakes, can operate in all weather conditions. Disappointed with lack of standard features when compared with lesser priced cars (i.e. CD player, sunroof, all leather interior, black only colored interior, Xenon lights, power seats, metallic paint, dual trip computer and floor mats). Not good in slow traffic conditions. Shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd can be difficult ... sometimes slips into 5th gear. Stick shift can sometimes be a little rough. Doors are a little too heavy ... really have to push to open them from the inside.

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  Unbelievable package - does it all! - 2002 BMW M3
  By gjbrauch - May 6 - 2:00 am

  Probably the finest all-around package on the road. 911 performance at 2/3 the price, and carries four in style. Excellent fuel mileage is just icing on the cake. Unbelievably smooth and powerful engine, cruises quietly on the highway, but really comes alive in the twisties.