2012 BMW M3 Review
- $17,980good price$264 below market127,600 milesNo accidents, 4 Owners, Personal use8cyl Automated ManualSwitchcars.com (113 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Twinsburg, OH
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (13 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSDX9C52CE784769
Stock: 784769
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-29-2024 - $32,800fair price$1,035 below market77,565 miles2 Accidents, 5 Owners, Personal use8cyl Automated ManualHyperCars (200 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in New Albany, IN
Competition package, premium package, enhanced premium sound, cold weather package, 7 speed M double clutch transmission, Alpine white. MSRP: $75,945....
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSKG9C54CE797630
Stock: HC-7630
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-06-2024 - $31,688fair price$421 below market53,524 milesNo accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use only8cyl Automated ManualiCars Chicago (290 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Skokie, IL
2012 BMW M3 2dr Convertible Space Gray Metallic Exterior Over Black Leather Interior Only Two Previous Owners!!! Only 53,524 Miles!!! $82,775 MSRP!!! ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (13 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSDX9C56CE784418
Stock: ICC2954
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-10-2024 - $38,880fair price$461 above market63,447 milesNo accidents, 5 Owners, Personal use8cyl Automated ManualCatoctin Auto Group (293 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Frederick, MD
Rare and desirable ZCP Competition Package. Alpine White over Black interior. Extremely clean overall. Low original mileage. Runs like brand new. No l...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSKG9C52CE797710
Stock: 797710
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-16-2024 - $41,990fair price$199 below market50,133 milesNo accidents, 2 Owners, Personal use8cyl ManualAvazi Auto Group (309 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Gaithersburg, MD
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSKG9C53CE798400
Stock: 798400
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-21-2024 - $24,291good price$1,135 below market96,469 milesNo accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use8cyl Automated ManualWind Rider Auto Outlet (312 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Upgraded Headlights
Close
Located in Woodbridge, VA
2012 BMW M3!! *Clean Carfax* *Passed VA safety inspection* *Fresh oil change* *New brakes all around* *New tires all around*(THE PRICE YOU SEE IS THE ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSKG9C5XCE798684
Stock: 34007
Certified Pre-Owned: No - $34,995good price$2,116 below market65,639 milesNo accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use only8cyl Automated ManualGodspeed Motors (342 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Upgraded Headlights
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
- Multi-Zone Climate C...
Close
Located in Charlotte, NC
Clean CARFAX, 4.0L naturally-aspirated V8 rated at 414 horsepower at 8,400 RPM, 7-speed dual clutch transmission, Premium Package, Carbon Leather inte...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (14 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSKG9C56CE798410
Stock: A8556
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 04-06-2024 - $27,990fair price$187 below market72,902 milesNo accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use8cyl Automated ManualHansen Brothers Auto Sales (342 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Milwaukee, WI
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (13 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSDX9C57CE784833
Stock: E784833
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 08-28-2022 - $31,895fair price$96 below market52,347 milesNo accidents, 3 Owners, Personal use only8cyl Automated ManualSelect Motor Cars (505 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Leather Seats
- Upgraded Headlights
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
Close
Located in Deer Park, NY
FINISHED IN BLACK WITH FOX RED LEATHER INTERIOR. ABSOLUTELY LIKE BRAND NEW! WITH ONLY 52,000 MILES! OPTIONS INCLUDE NAVIGATION, 19 INCH WHEELS, PREMIU...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
16 Combined MPG (13 City/20 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBSDX9C59CE784879
Stock: |119375
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 11-22-2023
Edmunds' Expert Review
Pros
- Sublime high-revving V8
- otherworldly handling
- relaxed highway ride
- convertible's sleek retractable hardtop.
Cons
- Limited interior storage
- relatively cramped rear seat.
What’s new
For 2012, the BMW M3 coupe and convertible get a USB/iPod interface, Bluetooth, BMW Assist and an anti-theft alarm as standard features. The M3 sedan has been discontinued for 2012.
Edmunds says
The 2012 BMW M3 might be the best all-around car for the driving enthusiast. To the track, the office or day care, the M3 handles it all with purpose and style.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2012 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (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 $4.45 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Vehicle overview
Is there anything the 2012 BMW M3 can't do well? We've tried to find some fault or glaring deficiency with BMW's alpha car…but we're at a loss. The 2012 BMW M3 is simply one of the best high-performance cars available that doesn't ask you to sacrifice for your daily needs. With seating for four, a comfortable but firm ride and 11 cubic feet of trunk space, the M3 calmly gets you across town, yet breathes fire and moves out quickly when called upon.
The 2012 BMW M3 carries over mostly unchanged, except that it now has a few more features as standard equipment. As before, it's powered by an exclusive, naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V8 that has ample midrange power complemented by an addictive high-end rush as it winds out to an 8,400-rpm redline. In a straight line, the M3 is nearly as quick as a Porsche 911. A supremely balanced chassis and available adaptive suspension dampers help the M3 corner steady and true without sacrificing ride comfort on the highway or during the city slog. And the M3's well-constructed cabin, cosseting seats and high-tech features make long hauls as enjoyable as short sprints.
BMW has discontinued the M3 sedan for 2012, but we suspect it's only a temporary absence. With this year's introduction of a new 3 Series, a redesigned M lineup isn't far behind. The next M3 will likely be lighter and use a turbocharged inline-6 for improved fuel efficiency. While a turbo-6 will likely maintain the M3's ripping acceleration, we can't help but think a force-fed power plant will inherently change the nature of the car. Could the 2012 M3 be the last of the traditional M cars? It certainly looks that way.
The M3 has few peers that are as well-rounded, but for the money, there are several good alternatives. The Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG is available as a sedan and coupe, and its brutish V8 power and adept handling give the M3 a run for the euros. Cadillac's CTS-V is a larger, American-style take on the M3 ethos with eye-popping performance. Lexus' IS F sedan is often overlooked, but thanks to its recently retuned suspension that improves the ride quality, it's a desirable choice as well.
Still, for a world-class sports car that deftly navigates the daily grind, the 2012 BMW M3 is unbeatable.
Performance & mpg
A 4.0-liter V8 powers the 2012 BMW M3, sending 414 horsepower 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.
In Edmunds testing, an M3 coupe with manual transmission sprinted from zero to 60 mph in a quick 4.6 seconds. A convertible with the dual-clutch automated manual transmission makes the same run 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 2012 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 does feature rollover hoops and front side airbags that rise to head level. Braking performance is simply phenomenal. In Edmunds testing the M3 stopped from 60 mph in 100 feet, which is among the shortest distances we've recorded.
Though the M3 itself has not been crash-tested by the government or insurance industry, the previous-generation 3 Series sedan earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's highest rating of "Good" in both frontal-offset and side-impact crash testing. The 3 Series convertible, however, received the second-lowest "Marginal" score for its side-impact crash-worthiness.
Driving
The fun starts with the 2012 BMW M3's engine. The high-revving 4.0-liter V8 is one of the most exhilarating engines in any car we've driven. And this year's M3 is likely to be the last normally aspirated M car BMW will build.
On a winding road, most drivers will run out of courage long before the M3 runs out of grip. The adaptive damper 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.
The optional M DCT dual-clutch automated manual is good but not great. Specifically, you can't have rev-matched downshifts without harsh upshifts, because the rev-matching feature is absent when the settings for smoother shift quality are engaged. The manual transmission has long throws in the BMW fashion, but the action is satisfying and it's complemented by light-effort clutch action.
Interior
The M3's sport seats manage to be outstandingly supportive in hard driving, yet also very comfortable during long trips. The rear quarters are similarly soothing provided its passengers are smaller, but we still wouldn't keep adult friends back there too long. In the coupe, an automatic seatbelt arm delivers occupants their belts, which eliminates awkward torso twisting to belt up. In the convertible, the heat-reflective leather keeps the seats from getting scorching hot during those perfect top-down afternoons.
In terms of fit and finish, the M3 is excellent. But despite the different available metallic and wood accents, the overall design is a little sleepy (though some may find it classic in a minimalistic way). Regardless, the iDrive electronics interface -- mandatory with the optional navigation system -- is the best version of BMW's system thus far and reasonably easy to use.
2012 BMW M3 models
The 2012 BMW M3 is available in coupe and convertible body styles. There is no M3 sedan for 2012.
Standard equipment includes 18-inch wheels, a limited-slip rear differential, automatic and adaptive xenon headlights, automatic wipers, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, manual sport seats with power-adjustable side bolsters and lumbar support, leather-cloth upholstery, Bluetooth, the BMW Assist telematics service and a single-CD sound system with HD radio, USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.
The coupe adds a carbon-fiber roof and split-folding rear seat, while the convertible gets a power-retractable hardtop, power front seats with driver seat memory and sun-reflective leather.
The Cold Weather package adds heated front seats and retractable headlight washers, while the Premium package bundles comfort and tech features, including power-folding mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, upgraded leather, different interior trim, rear parking sensors and a navigation system (with real-time traffic and voice command). The same package for the coupe also includes power front seats, a power rear sunshade and leather upholstery.
Many of the above items are available à la carte along with 19-inch wheels, a sunroof (requires replacing the coupe's carbon-fiber roof with steel), heated front seats and a premium sound system.
Finally, the coupe can be fitted with the Competition package, which adds adaptive suspension dampers, 19-inch wheels with high-performance tires, a lowered suspension and different programming for EDC and stability control.
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.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW M3 from 2008-2022.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).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).for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2012 BMW M3.
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
Fast, Practical, But Not Perfect
Too early but here is my 1st impression!
Everything You Heard, Hoped For, and More!
Fun when you need it
2012 M3 Highlights
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $68,750 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 16 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $344/month |
Seating | 4 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.0 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
- Alarm
- 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 2012 BMW M3 info
Vehicle reviews of used models
- Honda Passport 2020 Review
- Honda Odyssey 2021 Review
- Honda Insight 2021 Review
- Honda Odyssey 2020 Review
- Honda Insight 2020 Review
Shop similar models
- Used BMW 2-Series-Gran-Coupe
- Used Audi S4
- Used Mercedes-benz Cls-class
- Used Mercedes-benz E-class
- Used Infiniti Q50
Shop used vehicles in your area
- Used BMW M3 2012
- Used BMW M3 2016
- Used BMW M3 2013
- Used BMW M3 2021
- Used BMW M3 2011
- Used BMW M3 2017
- Used BMW M3 2018
- Used BMW M3 2010
- Used BMW M3 2022
- Used BMW M3 2015 For Sale
Popular new car reviews and ratings
- Kia Sorento Kia Sorento
- Durangos
- 2025 Acura MDX News
- Prime Rav4
- 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee News
- Toyota Toyota Venza
- Acura MDX2023
- Hyundai Tucson SUV
- 2023 Honda CR-V
- Mazda Miata Car
Research other models of Bmw
- 2024 BMW M8
- 2024 BMW M4
- 2023 BMW X1
- 2024 BMW X3
- 2023 BMW 3 Series
- BMW 8 Series Sport
- BMW 4 Series
- 2023 BMW M4
- BMW X3 2023
Research similar vehicles
- 2023 Porsche 911
- 2023 GLC-Class Coupe
- 2024 Cayenne Coupe
- Lexus RC 300 F Sport
- Subaru BRZ 2023
- BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe 2024
- 2024 BMW 4 Series
- Lexus LC 2024
- 2023 4 Series Gran Coupe
- 2023 4 Series
Other models
- Used Volkswagen Tiguan in Calumet City, IL
- Used Bentley Mulsanne in Albany, GA
- New Lexus Es-300H for Sale in Beaufort, SC
- New Genesis GV60 for Sale in Pacoima, CA
- New BMW I7 for Sale in Foley, AL
- New Audi Sq8-Sportback-E-Tron for Sale in Deer Park, NY
- Used Chrysler Concorde in Sanford, NC
- Used Toyota Celica in Franklin, TN
- Used Jaguar Xj-Series in Pacoima, CA
- Used Chrysler Concorde in Clermont, FL