1998 BMW M3 Review

1997 BMW 3-Series 2 Dr M3 Coupe with Luxury Package

39 Owner Reviews

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

The 1998 BMW M3 is one of our all-time favorite cars. Carves turns faster than your dad carves Thanksgiving turkey.

Cons

Price is a bit steep. Interior is a bit cramped.

What’s new

BMW further expands the M3 lineup by adding a four-seat convertible version for enthusiasts who crave open-air motoring. Like the M3 sedan, the convertible is available with either a manual or automatic transmission. Napa leather upholstery and a rollover protection system are standard. All M3s get standard side airbags this year.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1998 BMW M3 2dr Convertible 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$203/mo

$179/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 BMW M3.

5 (87%)

4 (10%)

3 (3%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.8

39 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 39 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great handling, lots of fun

pyite, 09/12/2011

1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan

I have owned this car for almost 2 years now, and it just feels great to drive. Check the "Melted Rubber" web site for a thorough review. With 230 HP, it is not going to win too many drag races; and I only get 25 mpg with 95% freeway driving. I could probably squeeze a couple more out of it, but it is practically impossible not to be a leadfoot. One thing to watch out for if you get …

Always fun to drive

darthbimmer, 07/11/2006

1998 BMW M3 2dr Convertible

I bought a used M3 after shopping it against the 328 and 330. All of them do 0-60 pretty quickly, but after 60 only the M3 keeps on going, going, going. This car almost never fails to put a smile on my face. It looks great, handles smartly, and accelerates quickly. Drop the top and crank the tunes, and life doesn't get much finer. The back seat makes it a fairly practical car -- …

Best Overall Sports Car Ever

Kevin, 07/26/2010

1998 BMW M3 4dr Sedan

I have had my 4 door M3 since 2003. I bought it from a private dealership with only 17K miles on it. I added the Dinan software one day at the dealership on a whim and wow 155 mph and I had to stop. It might have done 160, but who knows, I could also have gone to jail because of that. Used it as a daily drive until 2007. Now it is strictly for weekends and appointments. I have a truck …

Owned it for 16 years

adupont, 08/26/2014

1998 BMW M3 2dr Coupe

Bought it new and haven't regretted one day of ownership. Tracked it a Buttonwillow in California and that was what made me a believer. Before that I thought I just had a nice coupe. It has unbelievable handling. As the driving instructor said, don't change anything on the car. What needs to be modified is the driver. Been very dependable overall, but there have been many owner fixable …

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1998 M3 Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	21 MPG
Cost to Drive	$203/month
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	9.2 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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1998 BMW M3 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 1998 BMW M3 2dr Convertible 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 1998 BMW M3.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great handling, lots of fun

Always fun to drive

Best Overall Sports Car Ever

Owned it for 16 years

1998 M3 Highlights

Safety

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1998 BMW M3 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1998 BMW M3 2dr Convertible 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Great handling, lots of fun

Always fun to drive

Best Overall Sports Car Ever

Owned it for 16 years

1998 M3 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 1998 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 1998 BMW M3 2dr Convertible 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 $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.}