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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  Brand New - 2002 BMW M3
  By GaryK - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I have had my new M3 convertible just one day and it is beautiful. My convertible has the SMG transmission and I just love it. It performs just as you were shifting the car with a clutch, but without the sensitivity of the pedal. Also, driving in the automatic mode is a terrific accomodation to my bride. I cant wait until it is broken in to see what this machine will really do. I hope to get many fun years out of this baby.

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  Love the SMG - 2002 BMW M3
  By Andreas - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car does it all and more: - Daily commuter - Baby transporter - Occassional track day - Incredible performance, beating both the 911 and c32amg

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  2002 M3 Convertible - 2002 BMW M3
  By hemiden - June 25 - 2:00 am

  After 6 months Im still in love with this car. The handling and performance is simply exhilarating. The SMG (Sequential-Manual-Gearbox) option is awesome and it uses the same technology thats used in todays F-1 race cars. I believe that the new 02 E-46 M3 lives up to what its often called ... "the ultimate driving machine."

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  M3 Rocks! - 2002 BMW M3
  By Bmwshifter - June 23 - 2:00 am

  I have 9200 miles today and I love the car! Always starts and turns heads. The 6 cylinder engine is a true reving machine. Handling for a sports car is good but could be improved. Ride is a little bouncy but what do you expect from a car that will keep up with a vette. Will buy another but will most likely have to wait a year again.

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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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  4 months review w/SMG - 2002 BMW M3
  By hkfooey - May 22 - 2:00 am

  After 4 months of driving my M3 with SMG, I can say that I "finally" get used to the SMG control. Just take times to figure how it works. I think that I was able to find the setting I like best (there are a total of 11 choices). Read about the previous comments on SMG problem, hopes it will not happen to me! :) Was looking at the Boxster S.. but was happy got the M3 instead.

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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