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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  What I thought it was....Awesome - 2006 BMW M3
  By Q - November 25 - 6:38 pm

  I have been looking for a M for 4 years and it was worth the wait. A pure sweet car to drive, every aspect of the car is a joy, totally a head turner with the M3 badging. I am completely satisfied with this car, glad I bought it, true sport inspired. I have had several sports cars and coupes, this one by far is the most fun and pure fun to drive.

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  Best bang for buck under 100k - 2006 BMW M3
  By Ben Prusinski - November 25 - 12:30 am

  I have always wanted an M3 since I was a kid. After owning a normal 3-series it was time for fun. I first drove the new 2008-2010 M3 with V8 and while it looks nice and very luxurious it was too soft for a performance car. I then drove the E46 M3 and was blown away by the incredible performance! Its fast as Porsche at half the cost and twice the ability to use as a normal daily driver and more useful. So I bought a perfect 2006 BMW M3 with competition package. The stopping power of the M3 brakes are incredible and blow away most other cars. I am not a fan of the newer iDrive and fortunately this car does not have it.

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  Disappointing after all the hype - 2013 BMW M3
  By RK - October 28 - 12:50 pm

  Ill start the review saying Ive owned a big variety of sports cars. This car was hyped by the automotive press like crazy, but my experience was different. Pros: beautiful styling, great exhaust note, balanced handling for the road, practicality, engine is a technical marvel. Cons: rattles and creeks in a low quality interior, seat leather (Nappa) wore prematurely, not enough torque for the weight of the car which made it feel slower than it is (mismatched engine and heavy car), numb/mushy steering thats artificially heavy in sport mode, tendency to plow/underwater on track because of weight, horrible gas mileage (again, mismatched engine), electronic gremlins (glad I had warranty). I felt it was not sporty enough to be a truly rewarding sports car, and not luxurious enough to deliver on luxury with its cheap interior. Bummer.

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  Best every day car possible - 2009 BMW M3
  By Miguel - October 27 - 1:55 pm

  You yearn to reach 1200 miles so you can have it serviced and get it back in playing form. You look forward to the split second when you think you may have lost control when you throw your foot down. You can enjoy the M-Mode even during the daily commute. At its softest, my wife doesnt mind it.

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  Very good - 2002 BMW M3
  By West - October 19 - 6:59 pm

  This is one of the best cars on the planet! I used to have a supra turbo 97 but this BMW kicks its backside. With amazing handling on the track and outstanding acceleration, all in one daily driving car.

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  "Funtastic super car Chameleon!" - 2009 BMW M3
  By ssv - October 10 - 11:37 am

  Living in S.Florida and having driven my interlagos blue e39 m5 for 7 yrs with awe and no complaints I decided to add a younger sibling,an interlagos blue m3 convertible! Let me say this emphatically, "The m3 convertible is an absolutely "FUNTASTIC" piece of automotive creation to drive!" For those concerned by the critics comparisons to the m3 coupe, have no worries, the two are just different animals! Here in the m3 convertible you have the ultimate everyday "Chameleon". Top up you basically have the coupes at 98% equivalence, top down its a head turning topless super car! If you are not a race track junkie and live in warm climes this car cannot be beaten at its price point. Thanks M!!

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  Just what I wanted - 1995 BMW M3
  By David - October 8 - 9:37 pm

  So they raved about this car when it hit the US and man were they spot-on! Having had Z cars, Supras, and other BMW 3s, this car is the tops. Mine has 242,000 miles and still rocks! Love to take people at work out for lunch, then charge back into the parking lot to show off those great brakes... up to 100mph and stomp on the brakes and listen to folks shriek! Starting to think about an E46 M3, and hope to get the same results with it... well see... Yes that silly radiator/water pump thing is a known weak spot, true. But easy to replace every 70,000 miles and go on too. SO... the big question is... why isnt anyone making a car like this today? Currently in a CTS and it only gets 20mpg...:>(

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  None Better - 2009 BMW M3
  By DRR - September 17 - 7:02 pm

  I have owned Mercedes, Porsche and several BMWs. I traded a 2006 M5 for the 2009 M3. Porsche is a pure sports car but the sports suspension is rough for daily use. The M5 was a Porsche with a Tuxedo. Not much to complain about except the SMG is no match for the DCT in the M3. The M3 is a sports car that you can live with every day. You feel like you are part of the car - it is balanced, agile, and responsive. The DCT is fast and the downshift throttle blips are better matched than I could ever do with a traditional manual. This is my third car with idrive and the new idrive is great - intuitive and easy to use.

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  This is the car for you!!! - 1997 BMW M3
  By Bimmerboim3 - September 10 - 7:03 pm

  After being the laughing stock of my high school football teammates with a 1991 bright teal Acura Integra, I decided that it was time to upgrade to a BMW. I have always liked BMWs, but I didnt think that I could afford the repairs, but I was completely misinformed. With a total of 171k miles, I couldnt be any happier with my M3. After 4 years of ownership, my repairs pair bills have been half the price of my girlfriends Nissan 200sx, which she has had for 2 years. If you are looking for a true sports car with the body of a tank and reliability of a Honda, this is the car for you!!!!!

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  Awesome-But not amazing - 2008 BMW M3
  By Josh7881 - August 31 - 4:02 pm

  Having had an 03, 04, 05 M3 and recently the 08, I have been thrilled.The new body is great...just lacks the "stance" of a performance car. Materials are great, build quality is amazing. The interior is a little stale, even with the nav and extended leather. The car doesnt seem to have a "cockpit." The sport seats are comfortable, but not sporty feeling at all. Also-BMW PLEASE MOVE WINDOW SWITCHES BACK TO CENTER!!! No major problems...OH WAIT! They have depreciated so much it is ridiculous. I just got $44,900 for mine. (That was the highest of 8 dealers) I paid $69,900 fully loaded from the factory. Only had 12K miles, no scratches, etc. WORD OF ADVICE-DO NOT BUY NEW!!!!!! Buy slightly used.