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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  M3, the only 3 series to own. - 1999 BMW M3
  By dallasslacker - January 14 - 2:00 am

  Had a very good experience with this car. There are a few minor areas of the car that almost demand upgrades or replacements near or before the 50k mile mark. Rear strut mnts are rubber and sqeak upon failure. These can be replaced 4 $80 + labor. Clutch stop & short shifter need replaced as origs. are too tall & sloppy. Suggest UUC for upgrds. Service is covered for 4yr/50k but I dread service @ both Dallas area dealers. This has been the worst part of owning the M3. I could not wait until the warranty xpired so I could take it to another BMW shop in Plano. Its too bad the service is slow, unprofessional & inconsistent.

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  Simply great! - 2003 BMW M3
  By Belcebú - January 14 - 2:00 am

  THe best thing u can do is to purchase the M3 with the new shift SMGII, simply great!!!!!!!

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  The Killer - 2003 BMW M3
  By M333HP - January 13 - 2:00 am

  The car is outrageous - speed, handling, aggressive styling and a complete blast to drive. The car comes from the factory ready for the track The bulging wheel wells, quad exhaust tips, huge front air intake, 6-Speed manual gearbox and free revving engine that redlines at over 8000 RPM signals that this car means business. If BMW markets their regular 3-series as "The Ultimate Driving Machine", then I dont know how to better describe the M3... drive one yourself and feel the perfect blend of power and handling.

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  The Best Car - 2003 BMW M3
  By bmwguy - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I have driven this vehicle for a coupke weeks now. It is simply amazing. I cant wait to hop in everyday and drive. Ive never liked to drive anywhere until I got into this true.. ultimate driving machine.

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  Best used car under $15k!!! - 1995 BMW M3
  By bayarea006 - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Buy this car. you wont regret it. fast, good looks, and reliable. its timeless design and high performance will keep you smiling for years. have 135K now and still runs like a champ.

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  WOW!!! - 2003 BMW M3
  By Mike L. - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Mortgage the house if you have to - This car rocks!!! I now come to intersections and actually slow down to get a red light just so that I can show off the pure power of this car!! You must drive it to appreciate the responsiveness and handling. If you are a true driver you must buy this car.

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  2003 BMW M-3 Conv.in Phoenix Yellow - 2002 BMW M3
  By Ferraristi - December 26 - 2:00 am

  As the owner of a 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 which had the mishap of NOT dodging a tree last March,and a 1985 Chrysler LeBaron Town&Country conv. that had run its course, I wanted a car for everyday transportation that would provide excitement and performance. The BMW M-3 has outdistanced my hopes and expectations! The Phoenix yellow exterior, cinnamon interior leather, 6- speed trans, 333HP engine, HarmonKardon speaker system, and Navigational system all contribute to providing me with the BEST vehicle I have ever owned.

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  powerhouse that seats 5 - 2002 BMW M3
  By iamderek - December 25 - 2:00 am

  I see comparisons between 911s and z06s for a car that can seat 5 (very tightly) and can beat any Porche save the turbo and gt2, is built solid, and hauls butt. This is a sports car that isnt really a sports car ie. 2 seats that can hang with some of the best 2 seaters for lots less. If you want style, brute force, and luxury, this is the car to get.

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  Greatest Road Car ! - 2003 BMW M3
  By knockout - December 25 - 2:00 am

  Highly Recommended sports car ! Its is truely bang for the buck with its F1 PAddle Shifting SMG ii Option, is Precision, Power and Passion.

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  The beastest car ever! - 2002 BMW M3
  By never dies - December 24 - 2:00 am

  A diablo embodied as a car!!