2017 BMW M3 Review
2017 BMW M3 Review





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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJonathan Elfalan
Director, Vehicle Testing
Jonathan Elfalan has worked in the automotive industry since 2005. As a director of vehicle testing at Edmunds, Jonathan has tested and reviewed thousands of cars and written thousands of car-related articles over the course of his career.Pros
- Fierce acceleration from turbocharged engine
- Highly capable handling with agreeable ride quality
- Powerful brakes
- Upscale, well-equipped interior with room for four adults
Cons
- Synthetic engine noises could be off-putting
- Steering feedback might be lacking for the most discerning drivers
What’s new
The 2017 BMW M3 receives a few minor changes. The formerly optional adaptive suspension dampers are standard this year, and inside the cabin there's the latest version of BMW's iDrive infotainment interface. For option packages, a Competition package (introduced midway for the 2016 model year) increases engine horsepower and includes other performance enhancing parts. There's also a limited number of special edition 2017 "30 Jahre M3" (30 Years of M3) models available.
Vehicle overview
The 2017 BMW M3 is based on the popular 3 Series small luxury sedan, and the two cars share basic exterior and interior designs. But when you compare the models on a spec sheet, there is no mistaking which one is more performance-focused. With 425 horsepower, lightning-quick steering, a sophisticated active rear differential and brakes seemingly suitable for slowing down a locomotive, the M3 has all the right tools that make it a world-class high-performance sedan.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M) 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 $5.33 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$317/mo
M3 Base
vs
$237/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Two years after the most recent M3 redesign, BMW is also looking to boost the flair of its iconic sport sedan for 2017 with the release of a limited-edition model called the 30 Jahre M3, celebrating the 30-year anniversary of the first-generation M3. BMW says it will sell 150 in the United States, and each one will come fully equipped with just about every M3 option you can get, plus exclusive Macao Blue metallic paint.
If a luxury sport sedan is the type of vehicle you're looking for, there are some enviable alternatives to consider besides the M3. The Mercedes-AMG C63 sedan trumps the M3 with a turbocharged V8 that's good for up to 503 hp (in the S model). The Cadillac ATS-V lacks the BMW's and Mercedes' interior polish and rear seat room but counters with a brawny turbocharged V6 and arguably the best handling of the bunch. The newest player in the segment, the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio, hails from Italy and makes strong performance claims with a 505-hp turbocharged V6. But given the M3's combination of racing-worthy performance and daily-driver civility, it continues to be an ideal pick in the class.
The 2017 BMW M3 comes standard with antilock brakes, traction and stability control, front side airbags, side curtain airbags and front knee airbags.
The stability control system integrates several features designed to improve braking performance, such as self-drying brake rotors (when the windshield wipers are in use) and automatic brake-pad preparation (when the driver abruptly lifts off the gas). BMW Assist emergency communications is standard and includes automatic crash notification, stolen vehicle recovery and on-demand roadside assistance.
Optional safety features include a surround-view camera system, front and rear parking sensors, blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and a forward collision mitigation system with automatic emergency braking.
Edmunds' Expert Rating
Performance, comfort and everyday utility need not be mutually exclusive qualities. A class act on both the street and at the track, the 2017 BMW M3 is one of the best high-performance luxury sport sedans you can buy
Driving
The heart and soul of any M-badged BMW is its engine, and the 2017 M3's twin-turbo inline-six is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Acceleration comes on like a tidal wave at about 2,500 rpm and delivers a thrilling ride all the way to its peak at 7,500 rpm. Both transmissions match revs enthusiastically on downshifts, and the M-DCT's launch control is a consistent and effortless way of pinning your awestruck passengers into their seats. If we could change one thing, it would be BMW's decision to pump synthetic engine noise through the speakers — particularly shrill notes that appear when you're hard on the throttle. Otherwise, though, you know the M3 is doing a lot right if that's the strongest powertrain criticism we can muster.
Another small shortcoming is the M3 lacks BMW's traditional steering feel. Those used to the hypercommunicative hydraulic-assisted racks in previous M cars might notice this more, but we do find the steering in the new cars to be responsive and precise in our handling tests. Thankfully, the company's controversial variable-ratio steering system isn't even an option, as precision and consistency have always been a hallmark of the M3. In spirited driving, the M3's advanced active differential reacts to changing conditions in milliseconds by shifting power between the rear wheels, delivering mid-corner composure and predictability that's as good as anything with four doors — and better than many with two. As for the daily grind, the suspension turns out to be admirably civilized on rutted roads, particularly given the athletic handling capabilities that come with it.
Interior
The 2017 BMW M3 has the same sleek, understated cabin design of the 3 Series but adds tasteful sport-themed enhancements. The M logo appears frequently (perhaps too often), and carbon-fiber trim adorns the dash and center console.
Just about every feature comes standard on the M3, including the 8.8-inch central display screen with navigation. The latest iDrive 5.0 infotainment system takes a bit of time to learn, as expected, but its logical menu structure and wealth of customization possibilities make it one of the best systems available. From the driver's vantage point, the classic analog tachometer and speedometer provide a historical link with BMWs of previous decades.
The front seats are well-bolstered and as comfortable on long drives trips as they are supportive in aggressive driving. There's plenty of front headroom and legroom, and the backseat is decently sized for this class of car, with appropriate accommodations for two average-size adults. Trunk space is about average at 12.0 cubic feet.
2017 BMW M3 models
The 2017 BMW M3 is a four-door, five-passenger high-performance sedan that's based on the 3 Series. Only one trim level is offered. It comes standard with 18-inch alloy wheels, summer tires, adaptive xenon headlights, adaptive suspension dampers, an active locking rear differential, M3-specific exterior body panels (including a "powerdome" hood and wider rear fenders), power-folding and auto-dimming heated mirrors, automatic wipers, keyless entry and ignition, leather upholstery with cloth accents, heated 10-way power front seats (with four-way power lumbar adjustment), driver memory settings, carbon-fiber interior accents, fold-down rear seatbacks, cruise control and dual-zone automatic climate control.
Standard technology features include Bluetooth connectivity, a navigation system, an 8.8-inch display screen, a suite of applications under the BMW ConnectedDrive banner, BMW's iDrive infotainment interface, and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system with HD radio, satellite radio, a USB audio input, an auxiliary audio jack and a CD player.
The Competition package bumps peak power to 444, a gain of 19 horsepower, and adds forged 20-inch wheels, an M sport exhaust with black chrome tailpipes, revised tuning for the suspension and adjustable driving modes, special exterior trim and lightweight M sport seats.
The M3's optional Executive package adds parking sensors, a rearview camera, a head-up display wireless phone charging, a Wi-Fi hotspot, enhanced USB and Bluetooth, and a heated steering wheel. The Lighting package contributes adaptive LED headlights and automatic high-beam control. The Driver Assistance Plus package gets you blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, a surround-view camera system, speed-limit display and a forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, and collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking.
Stand-alone options include a few of the packaged items above plus 19-inch wheels, upgraded carbon-ceramic brakes, an automated parking system, a side-view and top-down camera system, Apple CarPlay smartphone integration and a power rear sunshade. A sunroof is available as a no-cost option.
The rear-wheel-drive 2017 M3 packs a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine that cranks out 425 hp and 406 pound-feet of torque. Two transmissions are available: a standard six-speed manual with automated rev-matching or an optional seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission (M-DCT) with steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters.
According to BMW, the M3 with M-DCT can sprint to 60 mph in 3.9 seconds, and the six-speed will do the trick in 4.1 seconds. In Edmunds performance testing, a six-speed BMW M4 coupe (very similar to the M3 but with two fewer doors) needed 4.4 seconds to hit 60 mph. Note that the six-speed lacks launch control, making the launch procedure more trial-and-error-based; the M-DCT has it as standard.
The EPA estimates that an M3 with the standard manual transmission will deliver 20 mpg combined (17 city/26 highway). Opting for seven-speed M-DCT lowers those numbers to 19 mpg combined (17 city/24 highway). Automatic engine stop-start, which shuts off the engine to save fuel while the car is stopped, is standard on every M3.

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Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 BMW M3.
Most helpful consumer reviews
5 out of 5 stars
too ready to rumble
mike,12/02/2018
4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
car doesn t relax enough for comfortable street use but sure is fun! transmission is maximized for performance even in comfort setting
5 out of 5 stars
Best car I ever owned!!
Burnett ,10/06/2020
4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
Hands down.....the best vehicle I ever owned. After 4 years in a E90, I really appreciate the low end torque this one provides. 2017 M3 Comp 6 speed manual transmission. 👍🏿
5 out of 5 stars
Best all around sports car
Anthony Nguyen,12/01/2016
4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
The M3 is the best all around sports car. It is the bench mark that all other sports car are compare to. The handling is great with very good power. It is comfortable enough for a daily car also.
5 out of 5 stars
The Right Choice
Jacob E,06/28/2021
4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
In August of last year I was debating if I should buy a F80 M3 or a C63S. I ended up buying the M3 and I couldn’t be happier. The quality of the interior is immaculate and it drives so well. The competition seats are also surprisingly comfortable and offer lots of lumbar support and a nice searing position. The car is 4 years old now and almost off of warranty and I have had no issues … with the car. The m3 competition is the right choice.
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More about the 2017 BMW M3
Used 2017 BMW M3 Overview
The Used 2017 BMW M3 is offered in the following submodels: M3 Sedan. Available styles include 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M). The Used 2017 BMW M3 comes with rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 6-speed manual. The Used 2017 BMW M3 comes with a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. basic warranty, a 4 yr./ unlimited mi. roadside warranty, and a 4 yr./ 50000 mi. powertrain warranty.
What's a good price on a Used 2017 BMW M3?
Price comparisons for Used 2017 BMW M3 trim styles:
- The Used 2017 BMW M3 Base is priced between $46,000 and$58,998 with odometer readings between 34448 and77978 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, VA. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
Which used 2017 BMW M3S are available in my area?
Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2017 BMW M3 for sale near. There are currently 6 used and CPO 2017 M3S listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as $46,000 and mileage as low as 34448 miles. Simply research the type of car you're interested in and then select a used car from our massive database to find cheap prew-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the AutoCheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the Used 2017 BMW M3.
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Should I lease or buy a 2017 BMW M3?
Is it better to lease or buy a car? Ask most people and they'll probably tell you that car buying is the way to go. And from a financial perspective, it's true, provided you're willing to make higher monthly payments, pay off the loan in full and keep the car for a few years. Leasing, on the other hand, can be a less expensive option on a month-to-month basis. It's also good if you're someone who likes to drive a new car every three years or so.
Check out BMW lease specials
Check out BMW M3 lease specials
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