Overview & Reviews

To the delight of sports car enthusiasts who need the practicality of four doors, BMW releases a sedan version of the M3. Identical to the coupe in virtually every respect, the 1997 BMW M3 sedan is available with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Note that the coupe is no longer available with the automatic.

• Great steering, top-notch suspension, and nice exterior styling.

• Spartan interior and cramped passenger compartment.

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 26.00

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  Simply Amazing - 1997 BMW M3
  By PerfectBMW - November 5 - 3:37 pm

  I bought my Estoril Blue M3 over one year ago, and havent looked back since. The performance (acceleration, braking, handling, etc) are self explanatory. It IS a perfect balance of weight, luxury, power, and suspension to create the most pleasurable driving experience. The only thing that can top it, is the E46 M3. For an enthusiast, an E36 M3 is a car that needs to be in your garage.

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  Rear Sedan from MOTORSPORT-3 - 1997 BMW M3
  By Alexander B - November 26 - 8:51 am

  It has been long time, that BMW has made me of its fanatic, #1 reason: the ultimate driving experience, by the way M-editions are The Ultimate Driving BMWs. This 97/M3 is my 3rd bimmer & 1st M3, and I like everything of it. It offers more futures & quality even today, than 2006 American/Japanese "Transports" of same class & price - and "PRICE" of this M3 I dont mean new one, but as is now on the market 95-99/E36. First I wanted coupe, but since both they look, weigh & measure same, two extra doors makes this one more usefull. Well, I think everyone should owe one of these, at least once in a lifetime.

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  Best handling car - 1997 BMW M3
  By Legendary car - March 24 - 9:21 am

  When I bought this car new in 1997, itwas the fastest BMW 0-60 (5.5 as a standard, modified to 5.3 with Confortichip, B&B Tri-Flo exhaust and Dinan air intake). It was later voted "Best Handling car in over 30K group" (beating out the Porsche, etc), Car of the year 3 years in a row, 95-97 (Car andDriver). Maintenence is high in terms of tires, clutch, brakes and mods, but other than that, nothing major. The engine was compression tested at 110K and was like-new according to the mechanic (I recommend a small, local, specialized mechanic).

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  Ultimate Four Door Sadan - 1997 BMW M3
  By Techno_V299 - January 2 - 8:29 pm

  Overall - I cant find better one to date than this equipped with 4dr. and stick shift. I love pretty nimble handling and powerful engine. Body rigidity seems to be better than 2dr due to B piller. Im not sure why BMW does not release 4dr. M3 in US for current model. Maybe E36-M3 could be the first and last 4dr. "M3" in US. Its well balanced between performance and packaging that holds average family. Its reliable too as long as maintained properly. Before buying the M3, I expected bunch of repair and regular service bills but its been way below than I expected, which is a pleasant surprise. Its almost as well built Japanese vehicles.

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  Achtung: M Power is addictive! - 1997 BMW M3
  By bez - July 21 - 2:00 am

  If you want a car to haul your kids around town on weekdays and take to the autocross track on weekends, you have found your car. Dont be intimidated by the exhaust rumble that pervades the cabin or the harsh ride on rough pavement from the taut suspension. You wont be dissappointed. Be prepared for high cost of insurance and maintenance.

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  Perfect Fun to Drive Car - 1997 BMW M3
  By Aaaaaron090 - July 1 - 2:00 am

  Very fun car, very well built

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  Excellent all around vehicle - 1997 BMW M3
  By homer32 - April 18 - 2:00 am

  What a great, super fast, great handling coupe. It has also been very reliable for me. I would recommend it to anyone.

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  Worth the wait and every penny you spend - 1997 BMW M3
  By WytLytnyn - March 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for 4 months and have enjoyed every minute of it. It really is the best compromise of the sports car and practical everyday car. The cost of maintenance and ownership can only be equalled by Ferrari and Mercedes (from what I hear). Invest in a Bentley manual, a metric socket set, a Peake code reset tool and a Valentine One. Youll be able to do most of the maintenance yourself. Also, you will pay through the nose for maintence you cant easily do (like a Gubbio flex disc on the driveshaft). Your insurance will be high and your mileage will suck due to your new addiction to the wailing engine and exhaust noise.

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  Yes, I have indeed arived. - 1997 BMW M3
  By Blackmind - March 6 - 2:00 am

  First off I never thought I would be driving a M3, but as they say never say never. This car is really something special. It has a fine blend of luxury and performance that is hard to match by any car out there. The looks are formost intimidating to say the least, and it has the POWER to back them up. The four door makes this car a "SLEEPER" for sure, and its great for people who cart others along frequently. Tight cornering, great acceleration, and smooth as silk, this thing really is a car you can get addicted to driving.

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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.