2011 BMW M3 Review
2011 BMW M3 Review
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
View more photos
+84
Used M3 for sale
Appraise This CarBMW M3 model years
BMW M3 types
- Sedan
- Coupe
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Sublime high-revving V8, otherworldly handling, agreeable ride, three available body styles, convertible's sleek retractable hardtop.
Cons
- Limited interior storage, sedan's relatively cramped rear seat.
What’s new
For 2011, the BMW M3 coupe and sedan are now available with a Competition package that adds a lowered suspension, 19-inch wheels, a wider track and reprogrammed electronic damping and stability controls. This isn't as hard-core as the previous M3's Competition package, but it should still deliver that much more handling acumen -- especially for those who track their cars.
Edmunds says
The 2011 BMW M3 is perhaps the perfect all-around car for enthusiasts. From track-day shenanigans to the daily commute, the M3 does it all with aplomb.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2011 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M) 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 $4.31 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$323/mo for M3 Base
M3 Base
vs
$176/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Vehicle overview
There is a sports car that doesn't look like a sports car. It has too many seats, and one body style has too many doors. It has a usable trunk. You could drive it to Kansas in complete comfort. And yet the 2011 BMW M3 has a 414-horsepower V8. It goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds. It stops from 60 so quickly your eyes may find themselves on an outbound journey from their sockets, and it sticks in corners with the tenacity of super glue. The M3 truly is the sports car for people who still need the practicality (and/or anonymity) of a regular old sedan, coupe or convertible.
Of course this wolf in sheep's clothing nature is not new to the M3, which has been kicking other sports cars in the teeth since the 1980s. The car's free-revving engines have always been a big part of that, and this latest M3 is the first (and likely the last) to feature a normally aspirated V8. Essentially the M5's V10 with two cylinders removed, this manic 4.0-liter eight-cylinder sings a glorious wail at full throttle all the way up to its sky-high redline of 8,400 rpm.
The M3 story isn't all about the engine, though. The ultimate "ultimate driving machine" must go around corners, and the M3's brilliantly balanced and capable chassis gets the job done. There's a level of communication and involvement with the M3 that makes you feel in complete control, and it's one that's increasingly being lost in the new world of electric power steering and selectable driver settings.
Indeed, the 2011 BMW M3 still stands as the most well-rounded choice in the hyper performance luxury car class. Audi offers the same body style choices, but the 2011 Audi S4 and S5 trade some all-out performance for better civility, though the new 2011 Audi RS5 should be a better match. 2011 Cadillac's CTS-V (now as a coupe and wagon, too) will outrun the M3 in a straight line but isn't as agile around corners. The story is similar with the sedan-only 2011 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Really, you can't go wrong with any of them. But if you really want a sports car that doesn't look like one, the M3 is the only game in town.
Performance & mpg
A 4.0-liter V8 powers every 2011 BMW M3, sending 414 hp and 295 pound-feet of torque to the rear wheels. A six-speed manual transmission is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission (M DCT) is optional. The latter offers manual operation via steering-wheel paddles as well as a full automatic mode. All M3s feature a specialized locking rear differential.
We've tested just about every variety of M3. The coupe with traditional manual went from zero to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, while the sedan with a manual and the convertible with M DCT did it in 4.8 seconds. With either transmission, EPA-estimated fuel economy is 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined. A manual-equipped convertible gets 13 mpg city.
Safety
Standard safety features for the 2010 BMW M3 include front seat side airbags, full-length side curtain airbags, antilock disc brakes, traction control and stability control. The convertible lacks the side curtains, but the regular front side airbags extend up to head level, and there are also pop-up rollover hoops. Braking is phenomenal -- in our 60-0-mph braking test, the M3 came to a halt in just 100 feet, which is among the shortest distances we've ever recorded.
The M3 itself has not been crash-tested, but the 3 Series sedan scored four stars (out of five) for frontal impacts for both driver and passenger in government tests. It garnered a perfect five stars for side impacts for both front and rear occupants. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests gave the 3 Series sedan "Good" ratings (the highest possible) in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing, although the convertible received a second-lowest "Marginal" score.
Driving
The 2011 BMW M3 is the heaviest M3 yet, but it's also the most capable. The 4.0-liter V8 is one of the most exhilarating engines in any car, and most drivers will run out of gumption long before the M3 runs out of grip. The EDC option provides three driver-selectable suspension settings (Comfort, Normal and Sport), but even in Normal, the M3 does an adequate job of soaking up bumps while providing world-class body control on back roads. Frankly, those who get the M3 without EDC will never miss it.
The optional M DCT dual-clutch automated manual is good but not great. Specifically, you can't have rev-matched downshifts without harsh upshifts -- on the smoother shift-quality settings, the rev-matching feature is absent. The manual transmission, in typical BMW fashion, has longish -- but still satisfying -- shifter throws and a remarkably light clutch action.
Interior
The M3's sport seats are at once outstandingly supportive in hard driving and among the most comfortable we've sat in for long trips. The backseat is a bit cramped, however -- expected in the two-door models, but not in the sedan, which trails rivals from Audi and Mercedes in rear headroom. In the coupe, an automatic seatbelt arm delivers front occupants their belts, eliminating the need for torso-twisting maneuvers. The convertible's heat-reflective leather does a wonderful job of keeping the seats from absorbing too much heat from the sun with the top down.
Build and materials quality inside the M3 are excellent. However, the overall design lacks visual interest despite the availability of metallic and wood accents. The current version of iDrive -- mandatory with the optional navigation system -- is the best yet by far, featuring extra physical buttons and a revised menu structure for much more intuitive operation. From the driver's perspective, there's a notable lack of bins and cubbies in which to store cell phones, wallets and the like, especially if the iDrive controller has been equipped, as it replaces the storage nook on the center console.
2011 BMW M3 models
The 2011 BMW M3 is available in sedan, coupe and convertible body styles. Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, eight-way power front seats (with manual thigh extender, adjustable side bolsters and four-way lumbar adjustment), leather-cloth upholstery, driver memory functions and a 10-speaker sound system with HD radio and an auxiliary audio jack. The coupe adds a carbon-fiber roof and split-folding rear seat, while the convertible adds a fully powered retractable hardtop and sun-reflective leather.
The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and retractable headlight washers. The Premium package adds power-folding auto-dimming mirrors, BMW Assist telematics, Bluetooth, leather upholstery and different interior trim. The Technology package adds electronic damping control, M Drive adjustable settings, keyless ignition/entry, the iDrive electronics interface and a navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic. Most of the above items are available as stand-alone options along with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof (deletes carbon-fiber roof on the coupe), rear parking sensors, automatic high beams, power rear sunshade (coupe and sedan), a split-folding rear seat (sedan), satellite radio, an iPod/USB adapter and a 16-speaker premium sound system.
The coupe and sedan can be equipped with the Competition package, which adds EDC (electronic damping control), 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, a lowered suspension and different programming for EDC and stability control.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#57 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW M3 from 2008-2022.$824/yr
vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.87x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).22.4%
vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2011 BMW M3.
5 star(85%)
4 star(15%)
3 star(0%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
41 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars
Fast, Practical, But Not Perfect
DEEM, 11/19/2010
2011 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
The engine sounds beautiful and I love the high revs. Grip is outstanding with the 19" wheels. Four door practicality is a huge plus as the Cayman was claustrophobic. The stereo is great and the build quality is very high - you pay more than an STi or Evo, but this is a car you'd proudly give the boss a ride in. Xenon lights are terrific and all 3-series should have them standard. … The manual gearbox is a bit notchy in 1st and 2nd. The throws are quite long for a sports car, but clutch travel is perfect and soft. These cars should also come with BMW Assist standard in case of a flat tire - No Spare is a huge issue. I had issues with the Tire Pressure Monitor when I took delivery.
4.5 out of 5 stars
Too early but here is my 1st impression!
Sameh, 05/13/2010
2011 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
I got the 2011 DCT coupe few days ago. Too early to give any objective opinion, but here is my first impression. Perfect look, wont change a thing. Nice driver seat and cockpit. The M button does change throttle response and sharpness dramatically. You can drive it as a mellow C class Mercedes on 7th gear at 40 MPH going to Starbucks, or as a crazy beast in 3rd gear at 80 MPH merging … onto a highway. Power is too much for the street, needs a track to enjoy it. Get used to shifting at 4000 RPM cause it doesn't feel right shifting before that but enjoy the sound. Take a c shaped exit on 70 MPH and life will never be the same. Tried Audi S5 twice, good car but M3 is in different league.
5 out of 5 stars
Everything You Heard, Hoped For, and More!
Katalepsis74, 03/20/2020
2011 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
Listen, anyone in 2020 looking to buy this generation of M3 has done their homework as much as humanely possible. Take it from someone in your exact position, you will love everything about these cars, especially if you get a premium extended warranty which is why in our case we were patient and finally found/purchased ours through CarMax. This alleviates the ONLY two concerns with this … entire generation, the connection rod bearings and the throttle body assemblies. To be fair, we've experienced NO issues with either and honestly at this point I'm no longer expecting to!
4.63 out of 5 stars
Fun when you need it
kis, 09/28/2010
2011 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (4.0L 8cyl 6M)
I have owned many great cars in the last 25 years including Porsches, Mercedes, BMW, Audi, Infiniti, and Lexus'. Without a doubt the 2011 M3 is one of my best purchases because it combines fun with comfort and (hopefully) reliability. The dual clutch is amazing and the engine strikes just the right note when you put your foot in it. Handling is superior and the brakes have been great … for street use. I have also enjoyed the navigation, Sirius radio, and bluetooth features on my vehicle. To date (albeit brief) this car has been a pleasure. I decided on the M3 over the C63 because while the Merc is more entertaining on the street (great torque), the bimmer is the better balanced auto.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2011 BMW M3, so we've included reviews for other years of the M3 since its last redesign.
2011 M3 Highlights
Sedan
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $55,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $323/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 12.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the M3 include:
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
People who viewed this also viewed
4.8 average Rating out of 4 reviews. |
Starting at $78,100 |
5.0 average Rating out of 1 reviews. |
Starting at $44,500 |
Starting at $118,700 |
Related Used 2011 BMW M3 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Used Toyota Camry 2017 For Sale
- Used BMW X3 2018
- Used BMW M4 2018
- Used Lincoln Aviator 2020 For Sale
- Used Scion FR-S 2017
Shop similar models
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used BMW M3 2018
- Used BMW M3 2021
- Used BMW M3 2016
- Used BMW M3 2015 For Sale
- Used BMW M3 2010
- Used BMW M3 2017
- Used BMW M3 2011
- Used BMW M3 2022
- Used BMW M3 2012
- Used BMW M3 2013
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- 2023 Sonata
- Audi Audi S3
- 2025 Subaru Crosstrek News
- 2025 Kia Sportage Hybrid News
- 2025 Mazda 3 News
- 2023 Acura TLX
- 2024 Audi S5
- BMW X4 Car
- Mazda Protege 2023
- 2024 Hyundai Sonata
Research other models of Bmw
- BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 2024
- BMW i5 2025
- BMW 2 Series 2024
- 2025 BMW X6 M
- 2023 BMW X4
- 2024 BMW 7 Series
- 2025 BMW X6
- 2023 X4
- 2023 BMW 2 Series
- 2024 4 Series Gran Coupe
Research similar vehicles
- Lexus RCF
- 2024 BMW 8 Series
- 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
- BMW 235I
- M4 CSL
- 2023 E-Class
- Lexus RC 350 F Sport
- Toyota GR86 2023
- BMW 4 Series 2024
- BMW 430I Gran Coupe
Other models
- Used Ford E-350 in Brownsville, TX
- Used Bentley Continental-Gt in Tyler, TX
- New BMW Alpina-B8-Gran-Coupe for Sale in Gainesville, VA
- Used Hyundai Sonata-Hybrid in Huntsville, TX
- Used Mercedes-Benz Maybach-Gls in South Portland, ME
- Used Lotus Evora-Gt in Odenton, MD
- Used BMW 4-Series in Randallstown, MD
- Used Audi E-Tron in Bossier City, LA
- New Chevrolet Express for Sale in Punta Gorda, FL
- Used Honda S2000 in Chillicothe, OH