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...Many problems! - 2004 BMW M3
  By G- - May 2 - 2:00 am

  For starters this M3 is my 5th beemer and my 2nd M3..At delevery many things were wrong...All taking up to a year and a half to get under control...Here is my list, New clutch not from abuse! the car refused to go into first gear... Front end and noise problems...The car sounded like it was draging chicken wire underneath...At 10.ooo miles the differential was replaced twice...around the same time the car refused to recieve gas something was wrong with a senseor on the gas tank...also the cars locks often lock me in the car so I have had to climb out the window.."Hans" and his factory staff were not out partying the night before they made my 3

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  M3 2004 - 2004 BMW M3
  By jj_annon - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Power available if you can use all of it. Handling is superb. Best sports sedan available.

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  M3 Madness - 2003 BMW M3
  By Gretsky911 - March 29 - 2:00 am

  I upgraded from a 3-series coupe to a M3 and found the 2003 out-performs the 323ci hands down. The M3 is an awesome car and has specific apects that make it so. Whether your an middle aged man or a Guy out of college, youll feel the freedom of driving one of the most powerful cars on the market. Whether your on the track, on the highway, in a city or even in a lot, you can always find some time to push the car. Whether its the speed you like, cornering, or just the style. This car has got it all. Improved stock suspension, brakes and strut bar help the car to preform over its successors. Though there are always aftermarket room for improvements.

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  M Drei - 2004 BMW M3
  By mj2 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  Best Sports car for the Money. Carries Four adults comfortably. Decent Cargo room as well. Did I mention it goes like stink. Very detailed break in Period w/Engine and drivetrain. Must follow this to the letter. After 1200 mi. let it rip to the 8000 RPM Redline. Car doesnt stand out from the crowd that much, a boon to some and not to others. Sucks down gas like a drunken sailor, but who cares this is a sports machine, youll be driving like Montoya in No time!!!

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  Whats not to like?? - 2004 BMW M3
  By jeffnnj - December 10 - 2:00 am

  My favorite car by far so far!!

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  Fantastic Car - 1998 BMW M3
  By Chalupa72 - October 20 - 2:00 am

  No major mechanical problems at all. The handling in this car is unsurpassed and inspires driving confidence. Despite entering curves at very high speeds I have never felt the car couldnt handle it. The only minor criticisms I have is the rather bland interior and the ridiculous cup holders.

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  Wish I had a Vette - 2003 BMW M3
  By GirlOutOfControl - August 29 - 2:00 am

  I have driven too many sports cars to list. As for the M3, I agree with the guy who wrote in about the Corvette. If the vette had a back seat for my son, then, I would own the "Ultimate Driving Machine". I believe there is too much hype over a car that pales in comparison to the vette overall and watch your fuel consumption...the 8-cylinder Vette has them beat there too! Dont get me wrong I do love the M3, because it offers safety, room for 4 passengers and sleek looks, but cmon, it certainly is NOT "scarry" as one critic wrote in.

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  BMW M3-GREAT PERFORMANCE MACHINE - 1995 BMW M3
  By BMW CCA MEMBER - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I HAD BEEN LOOKING TO PURCHASE A GOOD USED SPORTS CAR FOR A FEW MONTHS. AFTER EXTENSIVE RESEARCH AND REFERALS(I WORK IN THE CAR BUSINESS) I DECIDED ON A 1995 BMW M3. WHAT A BANG FOR THE BUCK! THE RETAIL NUMBERS ON THESE CARS CAN BE WAY TO HIGH BUT I FOUND A CAR GREAT CAR AND BOUGHT IT AT WHOLESALE. MY CAR CAME EQUIPED WITH THE SPORT PACKAGE WHICH IS A GREAT OPTION. FULL POWER SEATS, WOOD ACCENTS AND M COUNTOUR 17 WHEELS THAT LOOK GREAT. I HAVE INSTALLED A DINAN STAGE 1 CHIP THAT GAVE IT A SLIGHT BOOST IN POWER AND A NICE 200-300 RPM BUMP. KEEPING IT STOCK HAS HELPED IT STAY VERY RELIABLE. THIS IS A GREAT FUNCTIONAL SPORTS CAR!

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  This is a sport car - 2003 BMW M3
  By scott - July 28 - 2:00 am

  The perfect car....if you drive on a track. I have the SMG transmission and really dont care for it much. It is very notchy and not very friendly for mundane daily driving. If you drive very aggressively all of the time, this could be the car for you. If you dont, I would suggest one of the other 3 series cars....Ive owned them as well and loved every minute of it.

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  Didnt match Hype - 1999 BMW M3
  By JPSinMiami - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I must say that it is not the supercar that all the reviews claim it to be. Firstly, this car is waaayyyy to heavy and you can feel it on heavy cornering loads..it could use more power as has been put into the newer Ms but I would be really happy with the 240bhp if it trimmed a few pounds. This shift mechanism was also a huge dissapointment. Why manufactures still make rubbery indecisive gates is beyond me. Toyota got it right with the Mr2 MKI why doesnt everybody just copy it. Brakes and steering are among the best Ive ever driven. Its a good car...just not the great car I thought it would be. I shoulda saved 8k and bought a Viggen convertible.