Used BMW M3 cars

With its powerful dual kidney grille and dynamic design, the BMW M3 is a performance car that demands attention. First launched in the UK in 1986, the M3 is based on the popular BMW 3 Series model and has set the standard for its segment, competing fiercely with rivals like the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63 S and Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. It proved such a success that all subsequent 3 Series generations have been joined by M3 counterparts. In 2022, the first M3 Touring (estate) joined the lineup and was named Best Dream Car at the 2023 Autocar Awards.

BMW M3 updates and facelifts

The BMW M3 has gone through a number of iterations and refinements over the years. The very first generation M3 could reach 62mph from a standstill in just 6.5 seconds. Over the decades this has improved, with selected models taking you from 0-62mph in just 3.4 seconds. The M3 has been available in several body styles over the years, but in 2014, with the arrival of the Mk5 edition, BMW created a separate M4 label for the coupé and convertible versions. As such, Mk5 and Mk6 generations were launched in four-door saloon guise only.

The Mk6 BMW M3 saloon was released in 2020 and is the most powerful in the model’s history. It offers a range of customisation options and settings to exploit its robust powertrain. The award-winning M3 Touring (estate) joined the lineup in 2022 and offers the same impressive performance but with greater practicality.

Fifth and sixth-generation models are the most prevalent in the used car marketplace, with the former introduced in 2014 and the latter in 2020.

Practicality and style of the car

The BMW M3 is far more than just a high-performance machine; it's also a practical solution for day-to-day motoring. With a boot space of 480 litres, the saloon offers ample storage for your everyday needs and matches the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio for luggage capacity. The rear seats can even be folded to accommodate larger items when necessary.

Choose the M3 Touring for even greater practicality. This variant offers a 500-litre boot, which increases to 1,510 litres when you fold the rear seats. The rear bench also splits 40/20/40, providing the flexibility to accommodate various passenger and luggage combinations.

Running costs

The BMW M3 falls within insurance groups 41–49 (out of a possible 50). Some iterations are therefore more affordable to insure than the Mercedes-Benz AMG C63, which falls into groups 47–49.

Road tax for Mk6 editions stands at £570 per year for the first five years following the first tax renewal. This is because the M3 has an original list price of over £40,000, which incurs a £390 surcharge. Thereafter, tax is charged at the standard rate for the vehicle’s fuel type.

How a used BMW M3 drives

Mk5 M3 models manufactured between 2014 and 2020 come equipped with a 3.0-litre 425bhp petrol engine with twin turbochargers. Developing 550Nm of torque, it can accelerate from 0-62mph in just 4.3 seconds when paired with the six-speed manual gearbox, and an even swifter 4.1 seconds when mated to M DCT automatic transmission. Fuel economy reaches a respectable 34mpg on the combined cycle.

The Mk6 M3, manufactured post-2020delivers even more impressive performance. Equipped with a 3.0-litre TwinPower Turbo engine, it has an output of 509bhp, as well as peak torque of 650Nm. This combination enables the car to accelerate from 0-62mph in an impressive 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 155mph. The engine is mated to eight-speed M Steptronic automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. In terms of fuel economy, the M3 manages 34mpg in combined driving.

Ultimate performance is reserved for the M3 CS variant. This edition has been developed to feature a power boost up to 550bhp, reducing the 0-62mph time to just 3.4 seconds on its way to a top speed of 188mph.

The M3 offers a rear-wheel-drive model as well as an M xDrive all-wheel-drive option, which have a rear bias. It also comes with an Active M Differential that splits power between the two rear wheels, giving you plenty of settings to customise how the car handles.

The BMW M3 is not purely about power; it's also about versatility. The car comes with adjustable suspension, a drift analyser and launch control, enabling you to tailor the car's performance to your specific needs.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official MPG figures.

2007 - 2013

2014 - 2021

Features you can expect in a BMW M3

Interior

The BMW M3 features a state-of-the-art digital dashboard, complemented by a high-resolution touchscreen that is seamlessly integrated into the centre of the dashboard. This system is powered by the latest generation of BMW's iDrive operating system, offering a user-friendly interface for accessing a wide range of functions. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard too in Mk6 editions (2020 onwards). This allows for effortless smartphone integration and access to multimedia and communication apps.

The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster is customisable, offering various themes and the ability to select the information you wish to have displayed. A head-up display is also available, providing essential driving information directly in your line of sight, including gear shift indicators in sportier driving modes. Wireless phone charging, front and rear parking sensors and an M Sport multifunction leather steering wheel add a touch of luxury and control.

USB Type-C ports are strategically placed in both the front and rear sections of the car, allowing for easy charging and data transfer. Storage solutions have been carefully considered throughout the vehicle. The door bins can hold one-litre water bottles and there’s a practical central storage console to keep things tidy.

One of the standout features of the BMW M3 is the three-zone automatic air conditioning system, which allows both driver and passengers to customise the cabin temperature. This ensures that everyone on board can enjoy a comfortable and personalised climate.

The heated and electrically adjustable front bucket sports seats are designed for both lateral support during spirited driving and for comfort on longer journeys. The rear seats offer reasonable head and legroom, making it possible to seat up to five adults, although the car is better suited to carrying four particularly on longer journeys. The two outer rear seats provide ISOFIX child seat mounting points, ensuring younger passengers can travel safely.

Technology

Features such as autonomous emergency braking, traction control, anti-lock brakes and multiple airbags are fitted as standard to the BMW M3. Additionally, parking sensors at both the front and rear, along with a reversing camera, ensure safer parking and manoeuvring.

More advanced systems like Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) are complemented by M Dynamic Mode, which includes integrated wheel-slip limitation for slippery conditions. This allows for ten levels of traction control, giving you the flexibility to adapt the car's handling to various driving conditions.

Safety

The BMW M3 prioritises safety for everyday driving and family use, coming equipped with a comprehensive suite of safety technologies that work in harmony to ensure a secure driving experience. Although not tested independently by Euro NCAP, the model inherits all the equipment from the related BMW 3 Series.

The 3 Series was awarded a full five-star rating, with 97% adult occupant and 87% child occupant protection scores. The adult occupant score compares favourably with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class (93%), on which the C63 is based.

Trims available on the BMW M3

BMW M3 Competition

The entry-level trim in the BMW M3 lineup is the M3 Competition, available in either rear-wheel drive or M xDrive all-wheel drive configurations. Standard features include 19-inch alloy wheels, a 10.3-inch touchscreen with BMW iDrive, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Climate control air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity for phone and audio streaming and adjustable settings for both the driver and front-passenger seats are also available.

BMW M3 CS

The M3 CS trim takes performance to the next level with bodywork made from carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) to reduce weight. This trim is equipped with M Compound brakes and a tailored suspension setup. It also features track tyres as standard, measuring 19 inches at the front and 20 inches at the rear.

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