See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
With Upgrades, Pretty Much The Perfect Car
Amazing balance of performance and practicality. Research the VANOS, cam bolts, and rear subframe. Upgrade kits and parts are available for all. They can cause major damage if not inspected and addressed (if nec., as far as the subframe). Convertibles are reportedly less likely to have the rear subframe problem. Skip the SMG - arguably hard to live with, unreliable, expensive. Consider removing the manual transmission's Clutch Delay Valve (CDV). The car can be hard to shift smoothly and fellow owners recommend it, saying doing so solves the problem (I'm planning to do it). Car is a remarkably comfortable tourer on the highway and is equally adept at carving up mountain roads. Seats are the best I've ever had and upgraded stereo (Harmon Kardon) is the best OEM I've ever had as well. The convertible does flex a bit. Top up, there are blind spots. It's also hard to judge the corners of the car from the driver's seat and easy to scrape the front spoiler. Parts and oil can be expensive, but considering the car's performance, it's still a good value. You can drive it like a Honda all day or get on it and accelerate like a hoon. UPDATE 11/28/16: Still love this car. Had the CDV removed and it does shift much more smoothly. The strong online enthusiast community for these is helpful, friendly and informative. Some people find the e46 M3's ride too harsh; I suspect this is regarding the coupes and the convertible's extra weight improves things. Also, the 19-inch wheels reportedly result in a much firmer ride (I have the 18s). As the cars get older parts can be crazy high, but here again the online forums are a great resource. And a quality, well-reviewed independent mechanic is invaluable. UPDATE 11/30/19: This is a second-car, so the miles are low - it only has 60K. Had the Inspection II service done at my independent repair shop for around $1,600 after a 25 percent discount from a promotion the shop was running. Other than that, nothing to report. A great thing about the cars is that you can buy aftermarket head units that look stock and have up-to-date features like Apple CarPlay - I just bought an Avin Avant 4 and look forward to installing it.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Best sports car ever
I have been driving my M3 for the last 4 years. Truly amazing car. So responsive with exceptional handling. It is turning like on a rail I am not kidding. SMG is amazing once you get used to it - takes a while but once mastered you will love it. So much fun driving in the city. I am getting around 18/25 MPG not great but worth it. Lower the gear step on the gas boom you are there. It is rock solid in terms of reliability. No issues whatsoever. Only change oil twice a year around 100 bucks. E46s are probably the most reliable BMW model ever built. I heard M39s are also pretty reliable. This is one of the best sports car ever. Definitely a head turner. I am sad because it is getting older.
- Base CoupeMSRP: $39,9506 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $19,999654 mi away
- Base ConvertibleMSRP: $19,995672 mi away
Turbine Smooth
I have owned 58 cars - this is the very best - first drove a friend's new one in 1994 and vowed I'd get one, one day - well I am fortunate to own such a magnificent beast! The grin factor is huge - I always enjoy starting her up , letting her warm up - then giving more and more stick - and then there's still the Sport button - wow what could a person want? Looks good in an understated way - just the way I like it - best thing I ever did on the motoring side of things! Find myself wondering what I could replace it with - nothing comes to mind!
All in one!!! Performance, Style and Reliability
Bought this amazing car last year with 55k orig miles. I've since driven it for 12k miles and can only say great things about it. It runs, drives and handles outstanding. The solid build, craftsmanship and styling of this car is top notch. The exterior color is called Carbon Schwartz. At first glance, it looks Black; but, in sunlight it seems to change to metallic dark Blue. Have to see it to believe it! Interior is Black with Black convertible top and 19" wheels. All original, non SMG, regular 6 spd. No problems at all. A practical yet powerful convertible sports car with room for 4 people and suitcases. A powerful, great handling sports car that gets 20mpg!! BMW got it right!!
$60k lemon
I special ordered my m3, my first bmw, and my last. It's been serviced 11 times in the past year, mostly for problems with the smg. the smg is the most overrated transmission ever and should not be sold until perfected. It's sluggish in first, sometimes choppy, and most recently just stalled completely. it had to be towed back to the dealership to replace the relay...again.
What a blast
I've owned a few sports cars, and nothing can match the fun factor of my M3. It makes me smile every time I drive it. Great power (esp for a 6), great handling, looks awesome, and my local dealers service dept is the best to boot. I am in the process of ordering a new '06 M3 coupe and will be doing the European delivery. I will never buy anything but German cars from now on.
M3 - 2004
This car is nothing but responsive. Braking action is excellent. Engine is extremely reliable. Handling is solid. Definitely, best value for its class. Best looking BMW M3 design ever. In my opinion, BMW will never surpass the E46 body style for a long time to come!!! Last, on top of all, this could be a daily driver, no brainer!
Awesome!
Having owned Audi s and BMW x5,330d I finally bought my m3. What a fantastic motor. I went to Manchester via motorway, the other day and recorded 29.6 mpg at a steady 80- 90 mph. This is the best car, by a long way, I have ever owned, a pleasure to drive.
Fun at First - Then the poor quality
Had a lot of fun with the top down, great acceleration and speed -- loved the SMG. Not enough space for all the bad. Twice transmission died on the freeway at 90 mph, flying in neutral. Manage to get to the side, tow-truck guy says "these have been dropping like flies." GPS never worked. Took into different dealers totaling 5 times, everytime they said it was fixed. It actually works now. Intermittent glitch on windows rolling up, still not fixed. Tire pressure light is on now and won't go away (tires checkout). Took to dealer and they said it was fixed, drive it away and light still on. Anyway, tons of other basic quality issues. Frayed steering wheel leather.
The Ultimate driving machine
It is hard to put into words about the magical smiles my '04 M3 makes on my face! You need to be the screaming passengers or a gutsy driver to take advantage of what this car delivers! FUN!!. The SMG takes time to learn, but I have a blast at Laguna Seca Raceway! I will have to refer people to the customer M3 reviews seen here to explain what I have to say about my M3! By far the best scariest time in total control! The most fun you can have with your pants on! I have done only 4 mods to my M3. Racing bushings for suspension, -1 degree camber for handling, Cool Carbon brake pads for the track, and K&N air filter. Stock other than that. Can't wait to drive! You have to pry me out of the seat!
A supercar that has a back seat.
This is the most fun car I have ever owned. Being able to take my kids in a convertible is great and the fact that it is quick and handles well is a super bonus.
close to perfect
If you are thinking about getting a Bmw M3 i believe you are thinking with inteligence. 0-60 in 4.8 stock, think about that. The handling is amazing, its like a go kart. And to consider how sporty it is the enterior is wonderfull with the feel of the leather and lumber heated seats to the luxuries easy to use navigation screen that is mind blowing. Also if you order the 19" alloy/chrome wheels you are set to go. If your passion in cars is healthy then you will end up test driving this ultimate driving machine and never wanna get out of the driver seat. In conclusion it handles like a dream, has the get out of my way apperance, while having the luxury desig
M Power yourself !!!!!!!!
Excellent car!!! The handling at high speeds on curves is THE BEST of any car I have driven to date. If you get the hardtop option like I did, you will have a car that is a coupe, convertible, and sports car, all in one!!! I love the SMG transmission, it allows you to drive in either automatic or manual modes (the manual mode is much more fun). The fuel economy isn't all that bad. If you drive it carefully on the highway, you can get a little more than 24 mpg, not too bad for a sports car. I wish it had a bigger fuel tank because I don't like filling it up too many times, but oh well the driving experience more than makes up for this.
BMW Leaves me in limbo
This vehicle had a vibration in the front end since the day I took delivery. 18 months later with 50+ days in the shop during that time they could not diagnose & fix the problem. The dealer and the manufacture walked away stating they could not test drive the vehicle over the speed limit. The problem existed at 120 kms/hr and up. My point is........you better hope you get a good BMW otherwise your not going to get satisfaction front your dealer. This was my first & last BMW.
Do yor really know how to use the SMG?!?
Im 19 years old and on January 15, 2004 I became the happiest 19 year old in America. The car is great in performance and handling. The SMG (once you truly figure out how to drive it) is an amazing achievement for BMW. Tip to burn out turn traction control off and turn shift gauge up to the 6th! place. Then push your stick into first holding it and reving the car. It will let you rev to about 1500 rpm then let go of the stick and watch an amazing take off. For the price this car is in a class of its own especially for younger generations. Furthermore the Audi S4 is amazing in performance as well the only problem is that it suits an older consumer base.Cant wait for the new M3 in 2008!
A German Delight
This vehicle has proven itself both in drive and in park. It breaks necks, causes people to stare and attracts attention thanks to its positively defined look which equilibrates muscle with class. However, when the car is in drive, it is a different story. Very quick, sounds great, not too many cars that can keep up with the 333 horses energizing this machince meant to race down the autobahn. Feels great, handles great, and loks great... what more can you ask from a car that gets from 0 - 60 mph in 4.5 seconds ?
Can't buy more fun
Nothing handles, accelerates, and overall performs like an M3 convertible and still has room for 4 people and luggage (try that in a Porsche). Proof positive that you can make a practical car fun, and a performance car practical! All with 21 mpg city and 25 mpg highway.
WOW
One of the most powerful convertible cars next to a Ferrari. Gets looks from passers by.
Fun car
This car is a sensible, fun car.
My Favorite
Never been more happy with a car. I love it!!!
The New BMW Owner
I don't have it yet
Exactly what I wanted
This is a very special car -- I needed something bigger than the two-seater I was driving before but still wanted a lot of fun -- this is it. Tons of performance, very comfortable, loaded w/convenience features. Mine has the SMG transmission, which is a hugely capable tranmission that helps both in performance driving and in around-town traffic. I couldn't be happier w/my choice.
Exotic Car?
With 333 HP, the BMW M3 owns the stage. The beautiful SMG(Sequential Manual Gearbox) helped alot,'cus when I drive up the mountain roads, I don't have to worry about stepping on the clutch, in other words the SMG makes the Gear-up like automatic, but you could juice up the power like Stake-Shift. It is a very nice and romantic car to drive on,especially passing by mountain sides. The only downs of this car is the fuel economy, if it could be like a camry's fuel economy then that would be great. But who gives, the car is alreay great enough to let you forget about the fuel economy. I recommend this car to those who wants to have a blast of their lifetime.
you
great car to drive any time. Best car built end of story. It needs a bit more power to keep up with supercars.
M Drei
Best Sports car for the Money. Carries Four adults comfortably. Decent Cargo room as well. Did I mention it goes like stink. Very detailed break in Period w/Engine and drivetrain. Must follow this to the letter. After 1200 mi. let it rip to the 8000 RPM Redline. Car doesn't stand out from the crowd that much, a boon to some and not to others. Sucks down gas like a drunken sailor, but who cares this is a sports machine, you'll be driving like Montoya in No time!!!
Best bang for the buck !
For the money,.... its a supercar. Phenomenal brakes, even supercars can only achieve. Solid chassis rigidity. Best stock suspension. Very decent power. One time had a run in with a Ferrari 360 Modena, we were neck to neck and it was a blast. Cannot buy a better all around package for the money. Great cargo room. Good ergonomics. Comfortable ride. Can't say enough.
SOLD on M3
The ideal sports coupe. Sports car and basic transportation is a single package...
Lorenzo's Beast
Car is amazing as described in Auto write ups. Have a Dinan stage one chip and car beahves even "beastier"
m3 SMG convert-ible
originally suspicious of smg, but it is a fantastic innovation. I am glad I got it.
TOPLESS M3 IS FUN!!!
I have had the 02 M3 cabroilet for just about a year. I traded a Porsche Boxter S. This is a far superior car - No contest. It is abetter & less expensive 911 cabroilet with more room, the same or better performance and SMG, which Porsche does not even offer. I have the 19" wheels but would get the 18" wheels if I had it to do over for the ride.
excellent
the car is awesome it drives great and is very very fast it handles great and i have never had problems withit
On top to saty
Class, Performance, comfort, great looks..you have it here. Its so fun slapping around Mustangs & Firebirds/Camaro's like little gnats. HAAAAAA !! this car tends to eat V8's for breakfast, lunch & dinner !!
2004 BMW M3
It's been about 6 months since I made that downpayment for my 04' M3. On September, my dealer called me to pick up my ride. Oh my god... Silver Metallic... Fully Loaded... I'll never forget that day I picked up my car from the dealer... No one dares to go ahead of you on the road. One of the police officer rolled down their window to shout "Nice Car you got there~!"
Can't wait to drive it
Everytime you sit in the seat...you can't wait it hit it and zoom to full speed. When I am out of town and driving some rental...I can't wait to get back into the seat of my M.
omg!
Oh where to start? This is the second M3 I've owned, the first being a '99 e36 coupe. This e46 m3 is the most amazing machine I've ever driven! I'm sure my next car will be an M3 as well...and possibly the one after that! When driving this car, everyday is as exciting as the first! -ST
BMW M3 Convertible-1 year later
I have now had my convertible m3 for 1 year and enyoyed it tremendously. The summer was spectacular and the winter was definately enjoyable with winter tires.
the best
i've never owned a car that i couldn't get enough of. i drive my car sometimes where no where to go. it is the best car i have ever driven
LOVE IT
BEST CAR ON THE MARKET.
Duh
Super car performance that with room for 5. Incredible performance from a normally aspirated motor.
BMW M3 Cab
Fun car to drive best for the $
amazing car
This is the absolute best car I have ever owned. This car is so much fun you will be thinking of excuses to drive it. I was sold the second i let the clutch off the floor. This car will take turns at speeds you could never imagine and will accelerate at insanly fast speeds. I will warn that this car is nto for everyone though and it is alot of car to be driving and if you are not completely confident that you are a very good driver I would not suggest buying this car. I am definatly going to got another one when I can maybe even an M5 if they are back in production stateside when I need a new car.
I Won't Miss My Porche
I been driving a Porche's since 1982 after 5 911 this is my first BMW and I dont think Ill ever go back
BMW M-3
I traded in a 2000 BMW 328ci and even though this is an expensive car it is well worth it. It's resale value is better,handling is better, performance is much superior and there are very few around. It is more demanding to drive around the city but give the driver some serious grins when it is allowed to stretch it's legs. Life is short, why not get something exotic that has value.
2003 M3 SMGII
Outstanding performance car. Already has clocked a 4.22 0-60 time using the launch control software that the SMG equipped car comes with. That was with rear tires that could use replacing (Micheline Pilot Sports). Computer was a Passport G Timer. Should be able to break the 4.0 sec barrier when the tires are replaced with Micheline Pilot Sports PS2's this summer. This is a pure performance vehicle. Anyone looking for a Lexus ride/handling best look for a Lexus or some other mush mouse.
Does it get any better than this?
This has been my dream car for the last 10 years. After ordering my 2003.5, I'm happy to say it's even better than I hoped for. It's just an amazing piece of engineering that excites you just looking at in the garage. On the road, it absolutely blows your mind!
What a Car !!!!
This car is everything I expected and more, the Smg is awesome. The only bad thing is the speed limit in the USA
The ultimate drive to work or anywhere.
From the moment you first start the engine to the instant you park your car, you experience pure enjoyment. Performance is excellent and comfort is acceptable despite a firm ride. You are able to experience true race car performance without sacrificing luxury. The only problem I face everytime I drive this car is staying within the legal speed limit.
M3 2004
Power available if you can use all of it. Handling is superb. Best sports sedan available.
Drool drool drool!!!
Great engine with a strong powerband, never runs out of breath, pulls strongly. I got the 2004 SMG coupe silver gray with black leather and under 4000 miles on it. Fully loaded except for the cold weather pkg. The SMG did take a little getting used to, but boy it is a rush! The M3 will beg you to unleash it, will cajole you with sweet engine humming saying everythings OK, just floor the pedal. And at gas stations, you can look at the admiration in peoples eyes. Truly a cult car, a true jock with enough space for 4 adults and for practical day to day driving and spirited highway runabout.
A MUST HAVE CAR
THIS IS A MUST HAVE CAR. IT IS THE BEST CAR ON THE MARKET.