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Mid-life ride
I bought my M3 in December with 71k miles...had been looking for one for three years before this one rolled on the lot. It has been everything I hoped, and I've even managed to get 21 mpg combined city/hwy. The ride is a little bumpy, largely because of the tight suspension and low-profile tires. But every time I drive it, I get a smile on my face. I don't drive it hard, but I do look forward to on ramps, and it's nice having "video game" speed whenever I want to pass on the highway. Press the accelerator, and it takes off. The stereo is good, but not great, and the factory navigation is obviously a bit outdated, but still neat to have.
Best value for the money
This car is possibly on of the greatest M cars ever built. The car handles like a surgeons scalpel. Acceleration is good, but not great. When compared to my dads car which is an e60 M5, it lacks the "push you back in your seat" factor that you get from that nazi V10. As my daily driver, it is very comfortable to drive around town as well as on the freeway. The SMG is NOT BAD! Treat it like the transmission it is. It is not an automatic. Simply let of the gas when you are changing gear. I do sometimes wish I went for the good ol' standard box, but when driving home late at night, its nice to have an auto mode to take care of changing gear for me. The car has potential for good gas mileage, but if you drive it like its meant to be driven, it won't. We loved this car so much that we bought another one for strict track use. With a little effort and a sawzall, we got her down to about 2900 without a driver. The already insane handling was exponentially increased with some of KW coil-overs and a set of slicks. Nothing more was needed from that 8000 rpm screamer so we left it alone. When in doubt, get the M. You wont regret it.
- Safety
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $17,890133 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $20,999173 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $18,888747 mi away
Love this Car.
Awsome car, suggestion, lower price a little, more people will buy.
Wish I had a Vette
I have driven too many sports cars to list. As for the M3, I agree with the guy who wrote in about the Corvette. If the vette had a back seat for my son, then, I would own the "Ultimate Driving Machine". I believe there is too much hype over a car that pales in comparison to the vette overall and watch your fuel consumption...the 8-cylinder Vette has them beat there too! Don't get me wrong; I do love the M3, because it offers safety, room for 4 passengers and sleek looks, but c'mon, it certainly is NOT "scarry" as one critic wrote in.
M-3 smg is slug
Car with SMG is a slug from standing start. Leaves line at 900 rpm to low for performance. Bogs and cannot spin tires until it gets RPM up, cannot be considered high performance. Other owners report same lack of starting line power with SMG. Car has terrible ride with 19" wheels seems like solid tires on smallest crack in pavement. Car doors are very hard to open, latch snaps back if not fully depressed. Saleslady though SMG was an automatic with manual shift, did not know what a Getdrag was. Very disappointed in BMW and dealer. Traded car at one month and 800 miles for C5 Corvette convert, very happy with Vette lots of power at any rpm.
BMW M3
I was on the wait list for the Porsche 997 and decided to get the M3 instead. I would love to own both but do not regret my decision to get the M3. I have been in or owned and/or driven Audi S4, Ferrari 550, Porsche 911T, Corvette Z06. All are outstanding in their own way. Bottom line is that there is no comprable car for the money. Corvette Z06 is a fantastic performance machine but still in essence a 'Chevy.' The C6 may be different. The S4 (2001) was a great car and easier to modify for more horsepower but had severe understeer and turbo lag. I would rather have the 911 turbo or Ferrari but obviously both are in a different price class.
Nice, but way overrated.
The exhaust note is too loud and raspy. That may fit a utilitarian, no- compromises car like a 911, but not a BMW. At lower speeds there is a looseness in the gearbox. It sounds like something is broken. BMW says this is totally normal given the car's racecar heritage. I say that's a cop-out. The car is fast but not enough to justify that. The stereo sucks. I've had problems with speaker vibration from the beginning and BMW can't or won't fix it. The car's performance envelope is too far beyond what you can do on the street. Under normal driving, this car is no better than the 330ci. My advice is to save the extra $20k and buy that model.
BMW M3 - Hype from Reality
I previously owned a 2000 M Roadster. Loved the car - a beast. Tight handling, throaty exhaust, a rocket launcher. My buddy owns a 2002 330Ci - refined car, snappy, loved the top. I thought the 2003 M3 w/SMG would marry the best of both. It does - in a way - but after owning it, I still find myself longing for the purity of the M Roadster. It's just as fast (01-02's would actually smoke the E46 M3), handles better, and it's way lighter. The M3 outputs 333HP but it weighs 3780lb. The SMG trans screams at high RPM/track driving, but it takes getting used to around town. For an awesome daily driver for the fam, save the $ and get the 330Ci & buy the M Roadster for the weekend.
Greased Lightning and Roaring Thunder!
The BMW M3 is a vehicle unlike any other. It combines the power and handling of a Porsche or Ferrari, with the luxury and comfort of a Mercedes. It's ride is firm and responsive. Formula 1 level performance, all for only $50,000!! This car is truly the best car I've ever driven...I can only imagine what the BMW engineers will create for the 2006 model.
Simply great!
THe best thing u can do is to purchase the M3 with the new shift SMGII, simply great!!!!!!!
Fun Fast Exciting...it's an M3
I personally am new to the BMW world as I've only owned a 2001 BMW 330CI and recently purchased a 2003 BMW M3 Coupe. I was impressed with the performance, handling, and look of the car. The car is amazing and looks fantastic!! The only option I wish the M3 would offer is Heads up display to help keep my eyes on the road rather than on my speedometer.
Spectacular
This is my first BMW, and I have to admit it has been a long time coming. I have been desiring an M3 for about 15 years and have finally gathered the coinage for the purchase. When I picked up the car, there was not one flaw I could see. This is the best built and sportiest car I have ever driven or seen. I even get 26 MPG with this high-performance automobile! Truly amazing.
The Best Car
I have driven this vehicle for a coupke weeks now. It is simply amazing. I can't wait to hop in everyday and drive. I've never liked to drive anywhere until I got into this true.. ultimate driving machine.
Outrageous
It's been a year now, I a still get surprised by the power this little in- line six put's out. My wife still won't drive the car due to the tight handling and head jerking snaps between gears. I've had it up to 135 for about 30 minutes across the Mohave desert (in train with a TT and A8) and fely I could have out accelerated them at any moment. Yeah, the price tag with the SMG tranny is high, but my kids will understand that Junior College is OK, once they get there.
Great Car
Amazing...so fun, as fast as a porsche carrera, and a real looker. A lot of bang for the buck.
smg is great
Absolutely no regrets. Rides smooth when city cruising; rides hard when pushing it. Windblocker on the cab means tunes can be heard in any weather. Sunny day and SMG means happy man.
OWNER
LOVE IT THE BEST CAR TO DRIVE THE FEEL LIKE I AM IN A SPACE SHIP AT 100MPH
why buy anything but an M3
Ok people, I have driven many many high proformance car and nothing comes close to the sheer joy and excitment for the money. some people might find it hard to assoicate value with this car, but i do.
One happy M3 owner
My car is a late '03 and it's been nothing but a wonderful driving experience so far. I've put nearly 30,000 miles on it in 18 months and it's been perfectly reliable as a daily driver...no warranty issues. I've even driven in light snow with it, thanks to the abilities of DSC. The best thing you can do for yourself is to take the one day M-school course offered by BMW at their performance delivery center in Greenville, South Carolina. You'll learn all about how to properly use the M3's capabilities. It's cheap insurance!
Don't wait to get a used M3
I have owned 24 cars in the past in 12 years of me owning my license. I had always wanted an m3 conv. and I finally purchased one! It has made me decide that BMW is truly the ultimate driving machine and I will get another m3 if I ever decided to sell this one . But that does not look likely. Fun/ sun / speed! They made a great car that I would recommend to anyone that asks.
2002 smg
lots of small things wrong---but overall a 9.99 to drive and own
Sweet Ride!!
WOW! What a car! This car is a step up over the previous model (1997-my last M3). More power, better features.
porshe eater
I love this car. I have had the last couple of revs of the M3 and it gets better each time. The SMG simply takes the mistakes out of fast driving. and my buddy that owns a porsche cab. is now jealous.
Overall Bliss
This car is a driver's dream. The complete package of comfort and performance. Outside of the door trim losing adhesiveness, the car has been worry and problem free. You can't help but get out and push the 333hp to the limits. The brakes, steering and DSC help make it as safe as it is fun to drive. There is not other car on the road, providing as much fun as the M3 for the money.
Wow !!
I have NEVER had more fun with a car. Great fit and finish. A thrill to drive. The SMG is the future...get it now. It's not hard to learn. A5 mode not bad for drinking coffee or using the phone. Back to BMW after many years (1987). What I love is the market for all the cool add-ons.
Tight M3
The M3 is the best sports car for its cost and can compete with some of the greatest cars in the world. It drives extremely well in daily traffic and such.
m3 convert.
An incredible car-much more than I ever imagined.I love the smg and the navigation.
WOW!!!
Mortgage the house if you have to - This car rocks!!! I now come to intersections and actually slow down to get a red light just so that I can show off the pure power of this car!! You must drive it to appreciate the responsiveness and handling. If you are a true driver you must buy this car.
THE ULTIMTE DRIVING MACHINE
Beautiful sporty elegant deisgn interior and exterior, moves like a rocket, SMG is the future great trans! peresonally looks hotter then a porsche and Benz CLK55AMG conv wich is at 82K how can someone pay so much for an ugly car. but anyway this is it the M3 convertible, best package for the best price!! it moves as fast as it catches you eye on the road, its a beast!!!
Mr. Blue
If Bond were to choose a car that he can truly use in genuine espionage work, this is it. The M3 may not be too flashy with its chassis design but it still remains a very handsome GT car. It is adequately "very" powerful too with its ability to reach 60mph in less than 5 seconds. It has a Sequential Manual Transmission, which is similar to F1 cars. I got all the techno-upgrades and this decision continues to prove as a very wise one. Indeed, the only options missing were an ejector seat and concealed sub-machine guns. If you can solve the formula: Me=M3, then go get one. Once you do, you don't have to "die another day".
The Killer
The car is outrageous - speed, handling, aggressive styling and a complete blast to drive. The car comes from the factory ready for the track; The bulging wheel wells, quad exhaust tips, huge front air intake, 6-Speed manual gearbox and free revving engine that redlines at over 8000 RPM signals that this car means business. If BMW markets their regular 3-series as "The Ultimate Driving Machine", then I don't know how to better describe the M3... drive one yourself and feel the perfect blend of power and handling.
Great Car
2003 6 speed Black with Red interior which is beautiful. Engine is unbelievable and handling is typical 3 series which is great. I also have a 330cic and this handles much better. Fuel tank is too small, I'm averaging about 20 miles per gallon so far. Sport mode is alittle hard to get used too at slow speeds but it hauls ass and is a blast to drive. I highly recommend this car.
E46 M3 is a superior car
This is my second M3, but the first of this (E46) generation. I am absolutely stunned and impressed with the level of performance that has been drawn from this exceptional 3.2 litre inline 6 engine. I thought my old '97 M3 with 240HP felt quick, well this thing is unreal. You can outrun 911's and most of the muscle car crowd and look better doing it. Handles amazingly well, rides smoother than expected (even with my 19" wheels) and is an all around wonderful car. I would change very little about it except maybe make the interior a little more "Mercedes like" I guess.
Live in Daytona?
This is my 4th BMW and wanted to treat myself to a convertible. Although this is truly a looker, unless you are driving the Daytona 500 to work, Id suggest getting the loaded 330 (or Lexus IS). Racing clutch is impossible to not be jerky no matter how delicate you shift. Suspension is so tight than unless youre on pristine Florida roads, you can lose a kidney on the way to work. But, lets face it, the car draws attention and its still true that nothing handles and drives like a BMW!
wow
wow-what a blast.cant wait to drive it at sea level.it is a race car,not for the family.
Ultimate Driving Machine
Right when I saw this car I knew that we were meant for each other. The handling will blow you away. Love letting it loose all the way to 8200 redline and then shifting in .8 milliseconds. Love driving in SPORT and DSC turned off. Surprising decent mpg get 27 on highway and 21 on streets and I don't drive like a gramma. Just keep in mind if the road is ruff you will feel it! M3 comes with a lot of options like nav, competition package, CSL, luxury package.
Rush of Seratonin and Dopamine driving this car !!!
This car is extremely powerful and fast for what it is. For a 3.2L 6 cylinder car this thing has more power and much faster than my 1995 Corvette with a 5.7L V8 that i used to own. Very comfortable ride that handles awesome. You can take turns and bends at very high speeds and it hugs the corners and feels very stable at high speeds. I have the 6 speed manual which I love. Fastest I took it up to was 130 mph in 6th gear and still some room on the tach. the European models can top out close to 180 mph. US models have a restrictor on the somewhere around 140 or so but can override with a chip. Does use a bit of gas depending on driving habits but who cars when your having fun.
by this car make your life alot better
This car is the sweetest ride available. The comfort is unparralled coupled with this level of performance. The sequential Manual gearbox is a blast although it takes about 2 weeks to master it. I highly reccomend this option. My prevuois car was a 98 Z3 which I still own. My Z is great but it's a child compared to this bad ass Machine.
It's my car and I love it!
I have been waiting over 8 years to own an M3.... I love My Car So..... much. If there were one thing that I could change. it would be to redesign the cup holder, you have 2 cup holders, but you can only use one.
A work of art....
No other automobile on the road today can provide this type of sport and luxury feel that the BMW M3 can provide. I have driven many cars ranging for the nissan Z's to the Mercede's AMG and when you compare performance with price they cannot match this work of art...
MMMMMM
0 problems in 6 months with sterling performance, wet or dry. I've owned performance cars, trucks and a roadster - but my E46 M3 takes the cake. It took almost 3 months to get it once the order was placed but when I saw it sitting ready for me to take her home, the wait was more than worth it. What other car comes close to this price point that: 1.lets backseat passengers take their legs with them 2. High Performance Rev-Happy Engine 3. Safety 4. "Fun to drive" doesn't even touch it.
Great Car - One of a kind
Name another vehicle that seats four, offers open-air motoring, and goes like stink. This is one of the most practical, and among the most exciting, sports cars available today, all for a relative bargain. Beyond rational considerations, look at this thing. I have tested every single convertible out there (from Ford Thunderbird to Mercedez) and none can compare to the BMW M3 convertible (unless you are willing to spend more than $100,000 for a Z8 or the new 500 Mercedez convertible).
Bavarian Engineering at its best.
Love the car, its like a wolf in sheep's clothing. Drives like a luxury car when out of sport mode. But when you push the sport button it instantly turns into a street legal race car. Handles like a dream and puts a huge smile on your face when you drive this vehicle.
M3, fun on wheels
Ive been driving bimmers since 1984, a 325, a633, an M6, a 540 sport, and this M3 is the best of the bunch. Got the premium package with moon roof heated seats and all leather seats. Actually, this is my sons graduation present for next May. When I turn it over, I'll go pick up another one. Just too damn much fun to drive!!!!!
Awesome Ride
My research led me to this beauty - no doubt the best vehicle I've driven.
M3
Nice Car all around
Great Car
This car is a great car. I would recommend it for anyone.
03 M3
Great build quality. Great handeling, complete performance package without being offensive.
WOW
What a car? handling, speed, looks and much much more. Its a dream come true
Good Stuff
Great Car and very fun to drive.