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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  Could be better - 1999 BMW M3
  By MJD181169 - May 30 - 2:00 am

  This car has amazing performance and styling. However, the interior craftsmanship leaves something to be desired. The steering wheel vibrates and makes noises, as does the dashboard. It is frustrating to think how much I paid for this vehicle, only to listen to constant cabin noise. With high performance tires, this car is useless in the snow. Also, the trunk-mounted CD changer skips regulary on less than perfect surfaces. All in all, the performance will leave you grinning after every drive.

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  Not a slug - 2003 BMW M3
  By BimmerMan - May 8 - 2:00 am

  With SMG this car is not a slug. Also to the reviewer in the previous post... it is Getrag. Guess you need to be trained as well...

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  Think twice M3 - 2002 BMW M3
  By DB01 - May 5 - 2:00 am

  fun car to dirve but lots of problems. Trans and power train was in the shope 5 times.

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  what a car.. - 2003 BMW M3
  By skifahrer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  i just got my m3 smg about a month ago. so far i have to admit its a great car.. the ride is great.. the speed you can go into turns is phenomenal, the gear changing with the smg transmission is is awesome.. forget about stick shift.. and if you are stuck in traffic roll along in automatic.. the pick up is more then good enough if you want to go faster..in the automatic mode. the breaks are great and no fading even after a few hard brake downs from high speeds (+/-140mph to 65-80mph).. the ride is hard but hey, if you want a softer ride get a c-class mercedes benz or a lexus.

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  Not the Ultimate BMW - 2003 BMW M3
  By Fastlane - February 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned BMWs (540IA, 528IA) Porsches (930, 944T), Shelby Cobras (427SC, GT500s) and many other American muscle cars dating back to 1964. Although my 2002 M3 convertible with a 6-speed is fast and handles well I dont feel it is the "ultimate" BMW. As soon as I can dump my M3 that now sells for wholesale because of its reputation for blown engines Ill buy an M5 or Mercedes CLK 55 AMG.

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  fun, but some cheesy features - 1997 BMW M3
  By howtomb - February 12 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1997 M3 five months ago, and Im happy with it -- its a blast to drive -- but some interior features have a ticky-tacky feel. Plastic bits have broken off, for example. Some BMW dealers, meanwhile, seem to think that actually servicing my car is beneath them. To add to the frustration, many spare parts cost a bloody fortune.

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  Life of an M3 by M FACE - 1997 BMW M3
  By black beauty - January 15 - 2:00 am

  This car overall has one of the best looks i have ever seen or owned. The car is a blast to drive but has too many problems to deal with. It has a stupid radiator problem that all e36 have. I loveeeeeeeeeeeee my car but sadly i cant handle the maintance because its wayyy to costyyy

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  The Best Car for under $60K - 1998 BMW M3
  By iam4ecu - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car - it was everything I wanted it to be. It makes me smile every day. As a car that won every award and review, I had high expectations and they have been met. If you are considering one of these, find one that is well-maintained and get it. Youll never regret it!

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  1998 BMW M3 2 Door Coupe Dakar Yellow - 1998 BMW M3
  By cac - August 8 - 2:00 am

  LOVE this car, treat her well and she will treat you equally. Think I would have prefered to marry the M3.

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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.