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 - 2003 BMW M3
  By M3neurology - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This car is a great car. I would recommend it for anyone.

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  by this car make your life alot better - 2003 BMW M3
  By Scott T - December 14 - 2:00 am

  This car is the sweetest ride available. The comfort is unparralled coupled with this level of performance. The sequential Manual gearbox is a blast although it takes about 2 weeks to master it. I highly reccomend this option. My prevuois car was a 98 Z3 which I still own. My Z is great but its a child compared to this bad ass Machine.

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  Possibly The Perfect Car - 1997 BMW M3
  By Sportscarnut - December 5 - 2:00 am

  THE best practical sportscar on the market. Looked at the 4 door M3 also until my significant other declared it "plain". Quick poll of females at the office reached the same conclusion. Take your time looking and spend about 20% over the Edmunds estimate to get an enthusiast owned car. Youll be glad that you did. High mileage is OK as long as maintenance has been done, and the pricing is appropriate. Be prepared for sticker shock on operating costs if you have owned a Honda. Dealer parts are pricey, and M-specific parts are ridiculous. 17" tires last about 15,000 miles at the max. PAY THE PRICE AND BUY THIS CAR!!

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  THE Drivers Car. - 1995 BMW M3
  By sdmf1919 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  Before I got my ///M3, I had a 96 Chrysler Sebring. It was fun to drive and all but after a while the thrill was gone. I wanted something more. Something exciting every time I slid behind the steering wheel. After 6 months of searching, I finally came across my cosmos metallic black Motorsport BMW. I instantly fell in love with its sharp styling, EXTREMLY responsive throttle, quick steering, and amazing power on tap. The 5-speed transmission is the best Ive ever experienced. This is the first German car Ive ever owned and I dont think I will ever go back. So, if you love to drive but cant afford a Ferrari, look no further than the BMW M3.

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  everything they said was true! - 2002 BMW M3
  By oliver_m3 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  if youre thinking about getting an m3 - just do it! its wonderful - the best car i think ive ever driven and ive had six porsches! power is amazing - growls around town and nice and docile on the highway! comfortable, powerful, great on gas, reasonable cargo room, looks amazing! - what more could you ask? oh- and if you get the convertible- consider the hardtop for it. it gives you the chassis strength of the coupe - and you can take it off in good weather!

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  Wonderful - 1996 BMW M3
  By Shoneal - November 29 - 2:00 am

  The 96 M3 will be a classic... today, it is a performance masterpiece. While engines continue to get larger on todays standard coupes, none compare with the M3s supperior suspension and overall handling... truly a wonderful piece of engineering.

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  A work of art.... - 2003 BMW M3
  By uncertainty - November 29 - 2:00 am

  No other automobile on the road today can provide this type of sport and luxury feel that the BMW M3 can provide. I have driven many cars ranging for the nissan Zs to the Mercedes AMG and when you compare performance with price they cannot match this work of art...

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  Good Stuff - 2003 BMW M3
  By andrew lee - November 28 - 2:00 am

  Great Car and very fun to drive.

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  THE Car - 2002 BMW M3
  By BillyH - November 25 - 2:00 am

  All I can say is HEAVEN on four wheels...

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  2002 smg - 2003 BMW M3
  By ed teitleman - November 24 - 2:00 am

  lots of small things wrong---but overall a 9.99 to drive and own