1997 BMW M3 Review

26 Owner Reviews

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BMW M3 model years

BMW M3 for Sale

BMW M3 types

Sedan
Coupe

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Great steering, top-notch suspension, and nice exterior styling.

Cons

Spartan interior and cramped passenger compartment.

What’s new

To the delight of sports car enthusiasts who need the practicality of four doors, BMW releases a sedan version of the M3. Identical to the coupe in virtually every respect, the 1997 BMW M3 sedan is available with either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission. Note that the coupe is no longer available with the automatic.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe 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

$174/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 BMW M3.

5 (88%)

4 (12%)

3 (0%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.9

26 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

1997 BMW M3 SEDAN

john, 06/21/2009

1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan

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 …

FUN CAR but better be a DIY past 120K

Kelli, 08/26/2009

1997 BMW M3 4dr Sedan

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!

This is the car for you!!!

Bimmerboim3, 09/11/2009

1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe

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 …

I love this car

Dennis, 09/20/2010

1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe

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.

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1997 M3 Highlights

Type:

Sedan

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$194/month
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	10.3 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive

See all features & specs

Safety

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver4 / 5
Passenger4 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Not Tested
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
0
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Not Tested
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Not Tested

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1997 BMW M3 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe 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.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 BMW M3.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

1997 BMW M3 SEDAN

FUN CAR but better be a DIY past 120K

This is the car for you!!!

I love this car

1997 M3 Highlights

Safety

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Join Edmunds

1997 BMW M3 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe 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.

Most helpful consumer reviews

1997 BMW M3 SEDAN

FUN CAR but better be a DIY past 120K

This is the car for you!!!

I love this car

1997 M3 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 1997 BMW M3 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Bmw

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1997 BMW M3 2dr Coupe 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.}