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Awesome Performance. Expensive to Maintain.
I wanted an e46 M3 or e39 M5 since they were introduced. Finally bought '02 M3 MT coupe in 2010. WOW, what a machine! Perfectly balanced, high-revving and powerful engine (love the exhaust note), great in the corners, stops on a dime. Other cars, including the M5, may be faster but this one is just a blast to drive every day. If you're accustomed to owning non-M BMWs, be prepared to spend 3X or more per year to maintain this vehicle. If that's not a problem, then you're going to love this car - it is a true performer! I understand why Edmunds says this will be one of their favorites of all time. I also understand why none of the editors bought it after the long-term test :)
Beware of the hype...
In my mid 20s I have owned about 30 cars, many of them BMWs, and BMWs are my favorite by far. Some of them also with higher miles and never a problem. This includes a 2003 Range Rover (highly modified X5 essentially) with over 90k and a 1995 750iL with 114k. My M3 convertible SMG CPO only has 78k and already feels like its falling apart, has been to the dealer numerous times for an engine tap they insist is normal, and is unacceptably loud and harsh for the performance you actually get.
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $17,900319 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $21,999412 mi away
- Base CoupeMSRP: $44,990491 mi away
The M3 made me a new BMW fan
The BMW M3 is a true BMW enthusiast's must-have. I bought this car at 90k miles and have driven it 30k more without many major issues - just one dead gas pedal which cost me ($120, 5 mins to replace), four oil changes ($70 each), air filter, and a few other small repairs (window regulator $200, convertible top sensor $300). If you can even remotely work on cars, you can SIGNIFICANTLY reduce the cost of ownership and heighten its reliability. I commute with this car everyday and it's fast, fun, practical, and great in stock form.
The Ultime Driving Machine!
Finally got to buy a 2002 SMG M3 Interlagos Metallic Blue Coupe, what a car! Just have it for two month now, got it with 109,500 on it, and had put it over 1,000 miles already, the only thing I did was change the throttle body sensor and change the oil, everything was about U$375.00 in an aftermarket BMW shop ( don't dare to go to the dealer, they will charge you U$160.00 just to read your car with the computer) so the EML and Engine service soon light went away! Yes it can be a litter expensive to maintenance, but the car won't be breaking every week or turning EML or engine service soon lights on, Is a daily driving car,with no problems!
MMMMM Good!
My M3 is Imola Red with the Red/Black interior. It has all options including the nav system and SMG II sequential manual gearbox which is great! The "automatic" mode is a godsend in stop and go traffic. I didn't buy this car for fuel efficiency, which is a good thing. The best I've averaged on the hwy was about 21...and I've already seen some 15 mpg "in town" tanks. As such, the 16.5 gallon tank empties FAR too quickly, with fill ups as often as 250 miles.
Pure sports car for mechanics
You have to be either mechanics or available for extra money for repair. It's been 18 months since I bought my M3 vert. I only could drive my car for 12 months. Other 6 months? It had been at the shop for repair. So far spent 8000 dollars on only repair. Here are some highlights. Motor mount, tranny mount = $1000 Smg2 transmission issue(broken gear selector detent springs) = parts $50, labors $1050 total: $1100. smg2 clutch assembly replacement with new slave cylinder= $2500 drive shaft center suppport bearing=$500 Used smg2 hydraulic pump unit=$1000 smg2 hydraulic replacements with coding=$1300 other minor repair=$800 Willing to spend more money in repair than the car value? Then this is the car for you.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
'02 BMW M3
Awesome car to drive... absolutely love it!!! The SMG gearbox is the way to go especially if you live where there is lots of traffic.
Think twice M3
fun car to dirve but lots of problems. Trans and power train was in the shope 5 times.
BMW stands for: " Bring My Wallet !"
I'm a working Joe, military guy, car enthusiast. I've had faster cars and slower cars, but I like BMWs the best. This car is a blast. I got my steel Grey/cinnamon m3,6-sp manual, lease turn-in; 26,000 miles, in 2005. It now has 106,000 miles on it and has cost me over $9300.00 in repairs and maintenance (including 4- sets of tires thus far) over and above my car payments. It's 2010 now, so for 5 years--that's pretty expensive! My m3 got a "new motor" sometime in its 1st owner's life because of the main bearing cap recall. The motor/trans has been flawless! All the complaints that folks have documented are valid for mine. Call me crazy, I still love my m3. It's one gorgeous sports/gt car.
Buy it if you can afford the Maintanence
Such an awesome car, especially in Laguna Seca Blue. Handling is superb and for the performance a 19-22 overall MPG is pretty good. LOVE LOVE the car. It turns heads everywhere and gets compliments on the color at least once a week. However, the car has been to the shop more than 20X since I bought it. Everything has gone wrong with this car. The biggest problems were the CAT failed ($2000) and also the rear subframe cracked ($1700). The interior is also cheap and the tranny doesn't seem to fit the car, long strokes, clunky, and is not smooth. But that engine and stance makes it worth it... I think. :)
M3 after Nissan Maxima
Japanese reliability and German reliability are 2 different things. My '95 Nissan Maxima had 165k miles and almost no problems. '02 M3 with 40k miles (bought with 28k) does have some issues. 1. Before 28k miles engine: overheating + minor repairs. After 28k miles: water pump failed, windows/locks control module failed, navigation failed + minor issues. If you buy German car, make sure you have warranty. I have 100k miles and 2 years left on mine. Other then that the car is nice. SMG is #1 transmission in the world. DSC does wonders to save your life. Convertible looks sexy! And S54 engine considered to be #1 winner engine in the world from 3 to 4 litters from 2001 to 2006.
The Ultimate Driving Machine
Moved to this car from a 1991 E30 M3 and very pleased with the GT car performance and agility of the 3rd generation of this vehicle. I thought the E36 was lacking in horsepower where the E46 does not. It's practically a race car in it's stock form and not much room for adding more in bolt on improvements. If you can't keep up on the maintenance on this car yourself look to spend a lot at the dealer or private shop. If you want the sexy glamor of a 911 buy one of those, if you want to carry four passengers and walk around a 911 buy this. Suggest getting a rare color other wise it just looks like another 3 series, mine is in Laguna Seca Blue and I get tons of complements on the color...
Best M3 yet
I've had all 3 generations or M3's, and they keep getting better every generation. Excellent car!
bmw M3
the bmw M3 is a great car i have owned mine now four three weeks...and i have nothing but excellent things to say about this car...and the SMG 11 is great
This is the best
This is the best BMW I've owned!!! Almost all of my cars in the past 15 years have been BMW's. They've included 540i, 330Ci, 7 series and an X5 4.6is for my wife. But this car is by far the most fun to drive. In the year and a half I've owned it there have been no problems except a minor scratch on the paint. It's fun to drive and is extremely reliable. My daughter is at college in Ohio (Kenyon) and we live in upstate New York. WE've driven to here school maybe 6 times in the past 2 years and it was perfectly comfortable. This is the best car I've ever owned and I can't wait until the new 2004 comes out.
The absolute best car out there
I took delivery of my M3 at the performance center and could not be more pleased with the well trained professional people there. Driving M3's on the track and the delivery process was fantastic. This car has everything I could hope for, 1st class design, awesome power, and it does everything with typical BMW style. My M3 is still relatively new to me, but I get a thrill everytime I drive it.
Carbon blk convertible
This is one of the best sports car out there. I took it to the track with yokohama tires. Being a convertible I though it would be solwer than M3 coupe, but my time was faster then the M3 coupe. You could really open it up in the track.
about time
Don't put off having a ball in life. The Z3 has been the best investment in fun that I have made in a long time. It has a unique caracter that brings a smile to your face and those in around you. Quality is in every aspect of the vehicle and the service from the dealer is a-one.
Me and My M3
My silver 2002 six-speed M3 makes me happy. I didn't know how to drive a stick-shift before I bought this car but the 333hp was all the incentive i needed to learn quickly. This car looks and handles great. Everytime i take the M3 out it gets more attention than almost any other car on the road. This car is so fast and so smooth it is unbelievable. Sunny days, winding country roads, sunroof open, a good CD...its all i need. If you are thinking about buying an M3 - just get one...
2002 M3 SMG
Exceptional acceleration and handling; the ride is what one would expect from the sport-tuned suspension. The SMG seems to work well in LA freeway traffic or on the open road. Styling is understated, subtly sporty, and belies the fact that this is one ferocious muscle car. Current supply/demand situation means paying premium over MSRP.
everything they said was true!
if you're thinking about getting an m3 - just do it! it's wonderful - the best car i think i've ever driven and i've had six porsches! power is amazing - growls around town and nice and docile on the highway! comfortable, powerful, great on gas, reasonable cargo room, looks amazing! - what more could you ask? oh- and if you get the convertible- consider the hardtop for it. it gives you the chassis strength of the coupe - and you can take it off in good weather!
The beastest car ever!
A diablo embodied as a car!!
good car
the car is great
M3 outperforms my Porsche
My 2002 M3 outperforms anything on the road in its price class. The performance and handling are outstanding. The fun-to-drive rating is a solid 10. A tremendous value for the money and excellent fit and finish throughout.
Street legal race car!
Purchased my 2002 M3 used and it has been fantastic to drive!! Came with the SMG tranny and its a blast to have in the city. Very reliable and the handling characteristics are unbelievable. The 19" wheels are a must have. Currently looking for a convertible model.
Finally got my M3
I sold my 2006 G35 6mt coupe and got an 02 M3. Wow, night and day as far as performance! Yea, the deck rattles from the bass and the front tweeters seem to be blown and the pass side window trim was sagging. But its a $55000 plus car I stole for $15000 and other than the few inexpensive problems its my favorite car ever! So fast, smells german inside, the paint is amazing, the looks, the sounds, the power and yes, even the gas mileage is out of this world. I hope it stays this great! I put 89000 on my G and never one time in the shop. That I will miss and hope my new bemmer does just as well. Dont buy a ragged out one, if they took care of it, it will take care of you. M3 for Life!!!
02 Steel Grey/Imola Red Coupe 6 Spd
Fabulous car. Fast mover and quick stopper. Grips wonderfully and handles predictably, but it is still a quite comfortable ride partly due to very comfy seats. The engine revs astonishingly quick and has awed chipped S4 and Vette owners. Even at $60k I think it is a good deal and allows me to carry clients/friends in the back seat. Personal favorite BMW of all time in terms of looks (as opposed to questionable upcoming releases). I can't wait to track it this fall...
4 months review w/SMG
After 4 months of driving my M3 with SMG, I can say that I "finally" get used to the SMG control. Just take times to figure how it works. I think that I was able to find the setting I like best (there are a total of 11 choices). Read about the previous comments on SMG problem, hopes it will not happen to me! :) Was looking at the Boxster S.. but was happy got the M3 instead.
Former 500SL Sport Driver
Awesome two lane performance, supremely comfortable on long, high speed, highway trips. Get rid of the cheapo plastic aluminum trim and put in the real thing or wood. Kepps driver in high adreneline mode!!
Wolf in Sheeps Clothing?
Very fast, incredible handling, great brakes, can operate in all weather conditions. Disappointed with lack of standard features when compared with lesser priced cars (i.e. CD player, sunroof, all leather interior, black only colored interior, Xenon lights, power seats, metallic paint, dual trip computer and floor mats). Not good in slow traffic conditions. Shifting from 2nd gear to 3rd can be difficult ... sometimes slips into 5th gear. Stick shift can sometimes be a little rough. Doors are a little too heavy ... really have to push to open them from the inside.
Wow!!
I had heard a lot about this car. I was going to buy a M5, but the dealer convinced me to buy a M3 Convertible. I have the SMGII transmission. This is the best car I have ever driven. It handles, accelerates, and looks good. My friends and family are jealous. Although expensive, the M3 is the best car for the money, when compared to more expensive sports cars that do not stand up to the M3.
BMW is the Ultimate Driving machine.
This car is great if you want a sporty and luxurist car to drive. Price is a bit high, but once you get to know the sales people at BMW and drive a M3, you will be sold. I know I was...
m3
after tax it hit 60k. however i feel its the best car for the $ in the world. or maybe just the best car. the car has smg transmission which is formula 1 style shifting. awesome!!! good looks and great feel.
fast as a bitch
this is the fastest car for it's price range, it's smooth, comfortable and looks amazing
M3 review
fantastic car. i had a great time driving it. i would rather have one of these than a ferrari.
Very good
This is one of the best cars on the planet! I used to have a supra turbo '97 but this BMW kicks its backside. With amazing handling on the track and outstanding acceleration, all in one daily driving car.
THE Car
All I can say is HEAVEN on four wheels...
Hail to the KING!
Took out a S2000, WRX, Supra Turbo, C32, Camaros, Mustangs, and much more. Its a beast. You'll love it!
2003 BMW M-3 Conv.in Phoenix Yellow
As the owner of a 1965 Ferrari 330 GT 2+2 which had the mishap of NOT dodging a tree last March,and a 1985 Chrysler LeBaron Town&Country conv. that had run its course, I wanted a car for everyday transportation that would provide excitement and performance. The BMW M-3 has outdistanced my hopes and expectations! The Phoenix yellow exterior, cinnamon interior leather, 6- speed trans, 333HP engine, HarmonKardon speaker system, and Navigational system all contribute to providing me with the BEST vehicle I have ever owned.
M3 Rocks!
I have 9200 miles today and I love the car! Always starts and turns heads. The 6 cylinder engine is a true reving machine. Handling for a sports car is good but could be improved. Ride is a little bouncy but what do you expect from a car that will keep up with a vette. Will buy another but will most likely have to wait a year again.
2002 BMW M3 CiC
Wow! This car is the most exceptional vehicle I've ever had the pleasure of driving. It completely defies description. It isn't my first BMW; I've previous owned (new) a '98 318i and a (new)'01 330i, and though they were nice cars, they just don't come close to the M3. The handling is awesome, the acceleration is awesome, the ride is somewhat harsh (but what can you expect from a sports car? It has a very stiff suspension)and this car is just so much fun to drive. It puts a grin on my face every time I get behind the wheel.
BEWARE OF SMG PROBLEM
First time M3 buyer loved the car for about one week. After that it was pretty much a nightmare. The SMG starts to do funny thing like switch gear from the current gear to neutral, while in motion. The problem is due to bad hydraulic causing the gear to switch from gear to neutral. The car is still at the dealer WAITING for the part to arrive sometimes this week. I am just hoping this problem won't happened to anyone who is consider buying this car. This is a great car to drive but not it's reliability. If you are consider of buying one do think twice before purchase it. Dame should have got myself a C32 AMG instead.
My "Black Widow"
I waited 18 months for my Jet Black convertible with Imola red leather interior--and it was well worth the wait! The car is TONS of fun, but be careful when you push the sport button! If you're in traffic, you could find yourself in the trunk of the vehicle in front of you! The car just flies! It's truly gorgeous, too; it draws looks like a flame draws moths. I love it!
2002 M3 Convertible
After 6 months I'm still in love with this car. The handling and performance is simply exhilarating. The SMG (Sequential-Manual-Gearbox) option is awesome and it uses the same technology that's used in today's F-1 race cars. I believe that the new 02' E-46 M3 lives up to what it's often called ... "the ultimate driving machine."
Worth the wait
Extremely fast and fun to drive at this price range (although not cheap) the best combination of value - luxury, power, handling, and investment.
smg m3
Considered buying a new Porsche 911. Had some nice cars. M3 is much faster and handles better than my 1992 911 C2. Much more practical and comfortable than new 911 with comparable performance. SMG a real delight. Been driving stick for 40yrs and been to driving schools. SMG probably able to outshift me 95% of the time.
Love the SMG
This car does it all and more: - Daily commuter - Baby transporter - Occassional track day - Incredible performance, beating both the 911 and c32amg
The best car of all times!
This is one of BMW's without a doubt finest work! This smooth ride will blow you away and good looks are a plus! I recommend this fully! Although it has a small back-seat the luxury and comfort will have you foget all your worries! MERCEDES, AUDI, JAGUAR WATCH OUT FOR THE NEWEST BMW M3!
Brand New
I have had my new M3 convertible just one day and it is beautiful. My convertible has the SMG transmission and I just love it. It performs just as you were shifting the car with a clutch, but without the sensitivity of the pedal. Also, driving in the automatic mode is a terrific accomodation to my bride. I can't wait until it is broken in to see what this machine will really do. I hope to get many fun years out of this baby.
AMAZING CAR
I have no complaints. This car is one of a kind. I have it in Phoenix Yellow Exterior and Black Interior. With SMG-II. Fits four people comfortably.