1997 BMW M3 Consumer Reviews

Best handling car

Written by: Legendary car on 03/24/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 2 Dr M3 Coupe

Review

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).

Favorite Features

You have to do something illegal while turning to feel the true handling. It feels like a suspension within a suspension. Great posi rear end allows for slick U-turns, and if you go with Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tires, great traction and full-speed ahead!

Suggested Improvements

the plastic radiator, power sunroof and electronics are the only real problems. Watch out for after-market parts likethe starter (installation costs so much it's moot, then it breaks on you and youlose $500).

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Ultimate Four Door Sadan

Written by: Techno_V299 on 01/02/2005

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 4 Dr M3 Sedan

Review

Overall - I can't 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. I'm 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. It's well balanced between performance and packaging that holds average family. It's reliable too as long as maintained properly. Before buying the M3, I expected bunch of repair and regular service bills but it's been way below than I expected, which is a pleasant surprise. It's almost as well built Japanese vehicles.

Favorite Features

Everything! engine, stick shift, handling, interior...but especially color combination - mine is techno violet and grey leather interior, which is extremely rare among M3s. It looks deep blue depending light. A guy driving so-called a performance car looked at me and his neck was almost twisted off!

Suggested Improvements

More reliable automatic A/C...nothing else. All of a sudden A/C died due to electric problem... but I fixed finally. It seems to be common problem for all E36 (97-99) owners. That's why reliablity looks 8. Unless otherwise, it would have been better.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Achtung: M Power is addictive!

Written by: bez on 07/21/2003

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 4 Dr M3 Sedan

Review

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. Don't be intimidated by the exhaust rumble that pervades the cabin or the harsh ride on rough pavement from the taut suspension. You won't be dissappointed. Be prepared for high cost of insurance and maintenance.

Favorite Features

A practical 4-dr luxury sports sedan with power on demand, razor sharp handling, and genuine good looks.

Suggested Improvements

A sixth gear. An electrical system with few problems. Interior trim (Very spartan in black) Stereo (opt for the Harmon Kardon).

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Perfect Fun to Drive Car

Written by: Aaaaaron090 on 07/01/2003

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 2 Dr M3 Coupe

Review

Very fun car, very well built

Favorite Features

Performance is very civilized

Suggested Improvements

Tilt-wheel steering would be great, but not necessary

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Excellent all around vehicle

Written by: homer32 on 04/18/2003

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 2 Dr M3 Coupe

Review

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

Favorite Features

It's handling and cornering ability. The wonderful shifter. The great lines.

Suggested Improvements

power seats and keyless entry as std equipment. the availability of more resonably priced performance upgrades.

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Worth the wait and every penny you spend

Written by: WytLytnyn on 03/21/2003

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 2 Dr M3 Coupe

Review

I've 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. You'll be able to do most of the maintenance yourself. Also, you will pay through the nose for maintence you can't 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.

Favorite Features

I like the features on the computer like the alarm that you can set to go off when you reach a certain mph. Also, the convenience of the location of the oil filter and coolant filler bottle are nice.

Suggested Improvements

The shifter action is sloppy and it is understandable why many upgrade to short throw shifters.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Yes, I have indeed arived.

Written by: Blackmind on 03/06/2003

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 4 Dr M3 Sedan

Review

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 it's 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.

Favorite Features

The heads that turn to look at me. The name and looks of the color, TECHNO VIOLET. Hey, it just sounds and looks cool. Feel like Speedracer everytime I get behind the wheel.

Suggested Improvements

Interior is too bland, needs more trim. You can never go wrong with MORE power. Better headlight plastic.

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fun, but some cheesy features

Written by: howtomb on 02/12/2003

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 2 Dr M3 Coupe

Review

I bought a 1997 M3 five months ago, and I'm happy with it -- it's 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.

Favorite Features

The M3 is the only true sports car at a decent price with a real back seat. The 5s and 7s are luxury cars: powerful but heavy. The M3 is more like a racing car: light, juicy, low to the ground, with a stiff ride that lets you feel every pebble. Not for everyone, but I love it.

Suggested Improvements

I wish BMW dealers put more gracious, intelligent people on their phones. Too many of the people I've talked to have been haughty, dismissive and ill- informed. I would also appreciate more robust interior components, maybe made of metal or wood instead of plastic.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best Car I've Ever Owned!!!

Written by: cravnpup on 02/06/2003

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 2 Dr M3 Coupe

Review

This car is by far the best car I've ever owned. It has balance, poise, style, power, and handling that puts a smile on my face everytime I drive it. If you are a car enthusiast, you will love this car. Perfect in every way. My only gripe is the cost of parts/maintenence. I've never had any problems with the car whatsoever, but the scheduled maintenence is quite expensive.

Favorite Features

Power, handling, steering, sound, fun to drive, practicality, handling, and handling...

Suggested Improvements

Reduce scheduled maintenence costs.

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Life of an M3 by M FACE

Written by: black beauty on 01/15/2003

Vehicle

1997 BMW M3 2 Dr M3 Coupe

Review

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

Favorite Features

engine, strong ride, excellent tone of the motor, sport seats

Suggested Improvements

MAINTAINCEEEEEE, too many plastic parts

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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