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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  Uber-car - 2005 BMW M3
  By docO - February 13 - 8:24 pm

  Aside from a few knick-knacks that have fallen apart and were quickly replaced by my dealer and the poor stock stereo, this car is amazing. Perfect for anyone who appreciates and loves to drive with precision, class and style at any speed. I am too often tempted to drive faster as the revs increase. When not in snow, it is a pleasure. Now my problem is paying off the lawyer and fines for my 125mph in a 55!

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  M3 competition package - 2005 BMW M3
  By Hiei - February 11 - 8:43 pm

  Overall, it is a great car. It looks as good as it performs. Solid performance thanks to the competition package. The competition package is an alternative for those who dont want to get aftermarket upgrade but want more for their M3. However, there are some electrical problems with the radio and the bluetooth connection for cell phone not all cell phone can connect via bluetooth. The gas mileage is not bad. Got about 300 miles per a tank, 65%highway and 35% highway. If driving locally, a full tank will only give 220 miles. The exterior looks great all around. Need a wing spoiler to complete the aggressive look. The front seats is great. Back seats are very comfortable.

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  Love the car but its not perfect - 2005 BMW M3
  By JeffNNJ - February 5 - 1:40 pm

  I love the car but I have had some problems. It is a great performing, great looking car with lots of power and superb handling. The stock tires are not too great so I switched to Bridgestone SO3 and the difference is incredible.

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  Almost, but not quite. - 2005 BMW M3
  By Brad - January 31 - 7:41 pm

  This car is a dream to drive, especially with the SMG transmission. However, one look at the interior shows that even the M3 is sadly dated. The 2005 model needs a better interior, especially when the asking price is in the $55,000 range. For example, the model I test drove only had a single disc CD player, no CD changer, no Nav system, and no satellite radio, but the dealer wanted $58,000 for it. It is a fun drive, but the Mercedes C55 AMG is a better, more complete package for the same amount of money.

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  daves review - 2002 BMW M3
  By dave clements - January 26 - 10:58 pm

  if this was any other car than an m3, i would have got a different car. the problems ive had with it have been frustrating. no mechanical problems just everything else from gas pedal sticking to exhaust hanger to power window and molding

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  Dont Buy M3 Conv.-Noisy top, unreliable - 2005 BMW M3
  By Randall - December 3 - 4:28 pm

  Unreliable car, sometimes does not start. Dealer needed 5 visits to figure out it was a faulty key, but I still have my doubts. Fuel economy is horrible, 16 mpg in the city only! Car engine stalls when parking and turning wheel to park. The convertible top is very noisy when top is up and windows are up, visited dealer three times until they did something about, it and still its not quiet. If only BMW could provide the quality that the japanese put in their cars, things would be great!

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  Fun but not reliable - 2005 BMW M3
  By JCFreakCV - November 10 - 3:22 pm

  Most fun, beautiful car Ive ever owned, but has been in the shop more than my 1989 325i.

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  What a Rush! - 2004 BMW M3
  By BAOMD - November 6 - 8:23 pm

  This car lives up to its reviews. It is best proven by driving it on twisting mountain roads. The tires stick to the road and you can keep pushing it without leaving the pavement. With the top down, an adding bonus. The SMG is tricky at first, but a lot of fun to use after you master it. And in SPORT mode, forgeddaboutit! I love leaving everyone in the dust!

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  ultimate driving machine - 2004 BMW M3
  By Jared/mpower - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 M3 is one of the fines pefrormance automobiles on the market. Its high reving engine and SMG gearbox make you feel like your in a formula one racecar. Who can deni its 19in chrome alloy wheal, dual exaust, m sigrature grills and its low aggressive front grill. However, Id like to see a change in the interrior in the next few years. The car does have some mild understear and feels heavy to drive. But other than that I strongly recemend this car to any one who seeks performance, agality, and abality becase the m3 is able to do any thing you want it to.

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  Best of the New BMWs - 2004 BMW M3
  By wkend - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I find reasons to drive this car! Only 600 miles so far, so still in the "break in" period. Typical BMW quality, but this thing is a rocket. The car is simply made to be driven fast. Only complaint is why on earth BMW would build a $60,000 car and make the alarm system, garage door opener and 6 disc CD changer an "option....??" But thats a small price to pay for a great handling, truly fun car.