1998 BMW M3 Review
1998 BMW M3 Review
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Used M3 for sale
Appraise This CarBMW M3 model years
BMW M3 types
- Coupe
- Sedan
- Convertible
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- The 1998 BMW M3 is one of our all-time favorite cars. Carves turns faster than your dad carves Thanksgiving turkey.
Cons
- Price is a bit steep. Interior is a bit cramped.
What’s new
BMW further expands the M3 lineup by adding a four-seat convertible version for enthusiasts who crave open-air motoring. Like the M3 sedan, the convertible is available with either a manual or automatic transmission. Napa leather upholstery and a rollover protection system are standard. All M3s get standard side airbags this year.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 BMW M3 2dr Convertible and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.36 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$194/mo for M3 Base
M3 Base
vs
$174/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 BMW M3.
5 star(87%)
4 star(10%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
39 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Great handling, lots of fun
pyite, 09/12/2011
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
I have owned this car for almost 2 years now, and it just feels great to drive.
Check the "Melted Rubber" web site for a thorough review.
With 230 HP, it is not going to win too many drag races; and I only get 25 mpg with 95% freeway driving.
I could probably squeeze a couple more out of it, but it is practically impossible not to be a leadfoot.
One thing to watch out for if you get … one is the routine maintenance.
It is typical for people to neglect this until 130,000+ miles, at which point the car will likely need shocks, bushings, etc all around and a clutch.
BMW st^H^H dealers have turned overcharging into an art form - finding a good independent mechanic will save you a fortune.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Always fun to drive
darthbimmer, 07/11/2006
1998 BMW M3 2dr Convertible
I bought a used M3 after shopping it against the 328 and 330. All of them do 0-60 pretty quickly, but after 60 only the M3 keeps on going, going, going. This car almost never fails to put a smile on my face. It looks great, handles smartly, and accelerates quickly. Drop the top and crank the tunes, and life doesn't get much finer. The back seat makes it a fairly practical car -- … it'll carry 4 adults in a pinch, or 2 adults plus a week's worth of bags. It won't carry a family of 5, tow a boat, or haul sheets of plywood home from the hardware store, but it does just about everything else.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Best Overall Sports Car Ever
Kevin, 07/26/2010
1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
I have had my 4 door M3 since 2003. I bought it from a private dealership with only 17K miles on it. I added the Dinan software one day at the dealership on a whim and wow 155 mph and I had to stop. It might have done 160, but who knows, I could also have gone to jail because of that. Used it as a daily drive until 2007. Now it is strictly for weekends and appointments. I have a truck … for daily use now. Now have 107K miles. Normal maintenance and no major problems thus far. I could keep this car forever. My 9 year old son loves it and wants me to keep it for him when he gets 16. Yeah right!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Owned it for 16 years
adupont, 08/26/2014
1998 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
Bought it new and haven't regretted one day of ownership. Tracked it a Buttonwillow in California and that was what made me a believer. Before that I thought I just had a nice coupe. It has unbelievable handling.
As the driving instructor said, don't change anything on the car. What needs to be modified is the driver. Been very dependable overall, but there have been many owner fixable … repairs, if you are handy. Door panels will need to be regaled if left in hot climate, cooling system is actually not bad IF you change the cooling fluid every three years. Warning! If you put Bilstein shocks on, yur spouse may think the ride is too harsh.
Have no plans to sell.
1998 M3 Highlights
Coupe
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $194/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.2 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger4 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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