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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  Great Car - One of a kind - 2003 BMW M3
  By BMW Power - February 4 - 2:00 am

  Name another vehicle that seats four, offers open-air motoring, and goes like stink. This is one of the most practical, and among the most exciting, sports cars available today, all for a relative bargain. Beyond rational considerations, look at this thing. I have tested every single convertible out there (from Ford Thunderbird to Mercedez) and none can compare to the BMW M3 convertible (unless you are willing to spend more than $100,000 for a Z8 or the new 500 Mercedez convertible).

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  BMW e46 M3, Porsche performance for less - 2001 BMW M3
  By M3twm - January 31 - 2:00 am

  An 02/2001 production car which quite simply is the best car owned in the past 35 years. Easily out performs all 5 911 Porsches to date with the last being a 1992 coupe. Much more practical than a Porsche and $20-25,000 less expensive. Porsche performance with seating for 4 WITH luggage. Easily worth every penny.

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  Best Sports Car For the Price - 2002 BMW M3
  By FastWhite - January 29 - 2:00 am

  This is hands down the best sports car for the money. Nothing comes close. This is the complete package. Styling, power, handling, and quality. If you are in the market for a $50K sports car look no further...because nothing compares.

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  very happy - 1998 BMW M3
  By Prime - January 27 - 2:00 am

  pure pleasure to own and drive this car, no probloms and a tone of performance. Even with 51000 miles the car is as solid as the day I bought it.

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  The funnest car Ive ever driven - 1998 BMW M3
  By Larry Sorche - January 26 - 2:00 am

  This was definitely the best sports car to drive for the money. Cant get a new one because theyre out of my price reach. Performance was awesome!...turned corners at 40+ with no fishtail and it could stop on a dime. Wasnt the fastest off the line but I could keep up with the vets and beat most 6 bangers. Aftermarket stuff can make this a beast. Repair cost are outrageous, but that has been sporadic.

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  Nice, but way overrated. - 2003 BMW M3
  By Alexova - January 26 - 2:00 am

  The exhaust note is too loud and raspy. That may fit a utilitarian, no- compromises car like a 911, but not a BMW. At lower speeds there is a looseness in the gearbox. It sounds like something is broken. BMW says this is totally normal given the cars racecar heritage. I say thats a cop-out. The car is fast but not enough to justify that. The stereo sucks. Ive had problems with speaker vibration from the beginning and BMW cant or wont fix it. The cars performance envelope is too far beyond what you can do on the street. Under normal driving, this car is no better than the 330ci. My advice is to save the extra $20k and buy that model.

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  M3 Convertible - Be one with your car... - 1999 BMW M3
  By m3rocksj - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car fits like a glove. I have owned Mercedes, Acuras, and a Porsche. This car, above all the rest, gave me the greatest sense of unity between a man and his car. That may sound very weird, but if you drove one you would know what I mean. I feel a sense of control over every aspect of driving. I first test drove the E36 325, and had a similar sense, but with the "M" engine you get the control and the incredible power. If you ever get a chance to drive the M3, take it and see what I mean. Just be prepared to miss it when its over.

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  smg is great - 2003 BMW M3
  By m2man - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely no regrets. Rides smooth when city cruising rides hard when pushing it. Windblocker on the cab means tunes can be heard in any weather. Sunny day and SMG means happy man.

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  The Ideal High-Performance Car - 2003 BMW M3
  By Rob in Great Neck NY - January 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is fantastic. Top-notch performance: acceleration, handling, braking. Great looks. Very comfortable and smooth. Can be driven very smoothly or very aggressively. How many other high performance cars have a back seat that can hold two 6 3" adults comfortably. I feel like Im on vacation every time I drive this car. Downshift with a flick of the SMG2 paddle, hit the accelerator, and smoothly zip past and around any car going too slow. 155mph top speed. Drives very well in rain and light snow, with help of limited slip rear differential and DSC (which I turn off when the pavement is dry). I love the heated seats in cold-weather.

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  Life of an M3 by M FACE - 1997 BMW M3
  By black beauty - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This car overall has one of the best looks i have ever seen or owned. The car is a blast to drive but has too many problems to deal with. It has a stupid radiator problem that all e36 have. I loveeeeeeeeeeeee my car but sadly i cant handle the maintance because its wayyy to costyyy