Your Privacy

By accessing this website, you acknowledge that Edmunds and its third-party business partners may use cookies, pixels, and similar technologies to collect information about you and your interactions with the website as described in our Privacy Statement; and you agree that your use of the website is subject to our Visitor Agreement.
Skip to main content

Used 1997 BMW M3 Consumer Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
26 reviews

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.

Price history graph example

Trending topics in reviews

Pros
Cons
4.75 out of 5 stars

No Comparison

RAB, 12/22/2006
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

My 4 dr E36 M3 is an automatic with the luxury package - leather and wood trim. I think of it as a total stealth bomber - I catch a lot tuner cars by surprise. Can't say enough about the power, handling, or braking. Fit, finish, and craftsmanship are first rate. My M is 10 years old and still feels like a new car. Prices have plunged and I cannot think of a better way to spend $15,000. Helps to have a good repair shop, as relying on the dealer can be suspect. HAVE to be prepared to take care of an older Bimmer, but if you do, you will be well rewarded. There are brand new sports sedans that cannot compare to this car - in '97 it came with huge tires, 17" wheels, & huge brakes.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

Yes, I have indeed arived.

Blackmind, 03/06/2003
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

Report Abuse
1997 BMW M3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 9 listings
See all 9 listings

4.88 out of 5 stars

Well Worth It, even now

bdski11, 12/10/2008
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I was actually looking for a 540i, but when I found this car with 50k original miles, perfectly maintained, I couldn't say no. Since then its been no looking back. Good highway MPG-28-30 if careful. Comfortable but somewhat stiff ride. But enough of the boring stuff, it RIPS. If you're considering this car, I recommend it. Find one that wasn't beat. Brakes, tires, parts are expensive, but they are well made. I've put 25k miles on it, and they were not easy miles. Some don't, but I love luxury package.

Report Abuse

4.88 out of 5 stars

Excellent all around vehicle

homer32, 04/18/2003
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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

Report Abuse

4.13 out of 5 stars

fun, but some cheesy features

howtomb, 02/12/2003
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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.

Report Abuse
Items per page:
5