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1997 BMW M3 SEDAN
john, 06/21/2009
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
1st new car I ever bought & still own 12 years later, tracked it when under warranty, only issues was brake rotors & too much restriction in power steering boost. STOCK SUSPENSION WAS SHOT AFTER 50,000 MILES, went to turner ms bilstein sport/h&r sport springs. Never looked back. Re-did rear this year. Under bilstein warrenty. Issues were blown head gasket @105,000 miles, rebuilt rear axles@ 115,000 & VANOS @ 95,000& lower control arms @ 90,000 all par for the course, mobile one only in engine, trans, rear & power steering 25 mpg.
FUN CAR but better be a DIY past 120K
Kelli, 08/26/2009
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
5 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have put SEVERAL thousand dollars into repairs into this car over the last months. If you can't do the work yourself expect to sink lots of bucks into it!
1997 BMW M3 for sale near you
Showing 3 of 9 listings
- Base SedanMSRP: $22,50014 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $22,90072 mi away
- Base SedanMSRP: $29,9991,404 mi away
See all 9 listings
This is the car for you!!!
Bimmerboim3, 09/11/2009
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
After being the laughing stock of my high school football teammates with a 1991 bright teal Acura Integra, I decided that it was time to upgrade to a BMW. I have always liked BMWs, but I didn't think that I could afford the repairs, but I was completely misinformed. With a total of 171k miles, I couldn't be any happier with my M3. After 4 years of ownership, my repairs pair bills have been half the price of my girlfriend's Nissan 200sx, which she has had for 2 years. If you are looking for a true sports car with the body of a tank and reliability of a Honda, this is the car for you!!!!!
I love this car
Dennis, 09/20/2010
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is a car that was built to be driven. Plenty of power and great handling makes this a very fun car to drive. For the most part it is very predictable and feedback provides plenty of warning when pushing the limits on corners.
The King of the Crop
jsh139, 02/28/2002
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
This is the best car I have ever owned, bar none. You can't buy an all around better mix of performance, luxury, and style for less than $50,000. Pre-owned values have really started to come down on the E36 M3 (95-99). Pick one up today before they are all gone!
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Mike O., 03/24/2009
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
There have been few purchases (<5) in my life that I have absolutely no regrets about. This tops the list. Everyday when I get behind the wheel of this car I am elated. The response is like no other vehicle I've driven. The flat torque curve starts you off at 200lb-ft and the acceleration is fantastic. Handling is phenomenal; double suggested speeds for highway ramps (professional driver, closed course, do not attempt at home). Every time I think about getting a new car, those thoughts are blown away when I drove home. To top it all off, it's practical-4 doors, trunk space, decent rear legroom. This is the most fun you can have in an automobile, probably for around $10k these days.
Possibly The Perfect Car
Sportscarnut, 12/05/2002
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
THE best practical sportscar on the market. Looked at the 4 door M3 also until my significant other declared it "plain". Quick poll of females at the office reached the same conclusion. Take your time looking and spend about 20% over the Edmunds estimate to get an enthusiast owned car. You'll be glad that you did. High mileage is OK as long as maintenance has been done, and the pricing is appropriate. Be prepared for sticker shock on operating costs if you have owned a Honda. Dealer parts are pricey, and M-specific parts are ridiculous. 17" tires last about 15,000 miles at the max. PAY THE PRICE AND BUY THIS CAR!!
Ultimate Four Door Sadan
Techno_V299, 01/03/2005
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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.
Rear Sedan from MOTORSPORT-3
Alexander B, 11/26/2005
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It has been long time, that BMW has made me of it's fanatic, #1 reason: the ultimate driving experience, by the way M-editions are The Ultimate Driving BMWs. This 97/M3 is my 3rd bimmer & 1st M3, and I like everything of it. It offers more futures & quality even today, than 2006 American/Japanese "Transports" of same class & price - and "PRICE" of this M3 I don't mean new one, but as is now on the market 95-99/E36. First I wanted coupe, but since both they look, weigh & measure same, two extra doors makes this one more usefull. Well, I think everyone should owe one of these, at least once in a lifetime.
Perfect Fun to Drive Car
Aaaaaron090, 07/01/2003
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Very fun car, very well built
M3 - Nothing like it
internaut, 03/20/2008
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Had this car for 10 years now - not a single significant problem with it. Always a pleasure to drive. Ready for action and being pushed to the extreme. A car of this class is completely unaffordable now.
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.
Everything I'd hoped it would be!
Sammyzuko, 07/01/2009
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I've owned my M3 for 5+ years now and couldn't be happier with her. I haven't had any major problems with her. You do have to replace basic wear items if you expect these old cars to drive like they're intended to*. I still enjoy every moment I'm behind the wheel of this car. The aftermarket is full of options to keep the E36 driving as good or better than new. *items like bushings that would need to be replaced on any car, but the average person driving their Corolla into the ground doesn't typically care about these items or getting optimal handling out of their daily driver.
Fun car, great handling
Hokie_M3/4, 09/15/2002
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Overall I have been very pleased with the car. The engine pulls very strong from any RPM and the engine note filters nicely into the cars interior. The only problem is once I hear the engine all I want to do is STOMP IT, hence gas mileage has not been the best.
Fun car to drive
donny, 02/13/2008
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
This is an awesome car to drive, great handling and lots of power, great sleeper car. I don't know about other people but this car hasn't been the most reliable car I have owned, it has left us stranded on the side of the road three times, had to trailer it home all three times, now it is in the garage getting worked on again, has been nothing but a hassle the last year and a half of owning it, I trust my old 1989 Ford pickup more.
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.
Achtung: M Power is addictive!
bez, 07/21/2003
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Best handling car
Legendary car, 03/24/2005
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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).
Worth the wait and every penny you spend
WytLytnyn, 03/21/2003
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
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.
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.
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.
Best Car I've Ever Owned!!!
cravnpup, 02/06/2003
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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.
Life of an M3 by M FACE
black beauty, 01/15/2003
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
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
The Ultimate Driving Machine
JoeBigDaddy, 03/19/2002
1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
If it were remotely possible to disprove the BMW motto of, "The Ultimate Driving Machine", they wouldn't be allowed to say it. Trust me, if you have the $$$ and you want the BEST 4 door sports car on this planet, you pick up an M3, period.
Simply Amazing
PerfectBMW, 11/05/2006
1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my Estoril Blue M3 over one year ago, and haven't looked back since. The performance (acceleration, braking, handling, etc) are self explanatory. It IS a perfect balance of weight, luxury, power, and suspension to create the most pleasurable driving experience. The only thing that can top it, is the E46 M3. For an enthusiast, an E36 M3 is a car that needs to be in your garage.