6/10 2021 G80 M3 – 
via Edmunds The G80 M3 aims at offering the best driver’s performance. There are three main models available with the G80 M3, including the base version, competition, and xDrive. The new G80s are currently the best M3 you can buy in terms of features, performance, and safety. 
via Edmunds The G80 is a driver and a fan favorite because it offers two transmission options, manual and automatic. The interior is the place to be featuring a refreshing 12.3-inch digital unit and a 10.25-inch center display with BMW’s latest iDrive 7.0 system. The G80 M3s will cost you anywhere from $79,000 to $86,000, depending on your preferred model.
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Contents
- 1 Which is the fastest M3?
- 2 Which BMW M3 has the most horsepower?
- 3 Is M3 or M4 better?
- 4 Is a M3 faster than a M5?
- 5 Is the M3 faster than AMG?
- 6 What is better than an M3?
- 7 Is M3 high maintenance?
- 8 Is a BMW M3 a fast car?
- 9 Why is the M3 so special?
- 10 What BMW is similar to the M3?
- 11 Which is better M3 or RS3?
- 12 What year E90 M3 is best?
- 13 Why is the E46 M3 so good?
- 14 Are older BMW M3 reliable?
What year M3 was the best?
What was the best year for the BMW M3? – Determining the best year for a BMW M3 can be tricky and it comes down to a lot of personal preference. Critics generally say that the best M3 would be something from the E46 generation, more specifically a 2006 model with the manual transmission, competition package, and no sunroof.
- The E46 had everything that makes a BMW M3 great.
- It was fast without being too aggressive, it had a completely mechanical feel to it, and it had an improved exterior from the previous generation of the M3.
- Many people consider the E46 to be the last great M3 because after 2006 the M3 grew in size and lost some of the connection to the road as things changed to be more computerized.
Ultimately choosing the best M3 comes down to the generation that you grew up in. The M3 has always been an iconic vehicle and when people start driving they often lust after the idea of being able to drive off the lot in a brand new M3. This leads to every generation of the M3 having loyal fans.
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Which is the fastest M3?
You won’t be surprised to hear that the BMW M3 Touring is set to be a little bit quick. In fact, it’s now officially the quickest estate car ever to lap the Nürburgring, having set a time of 7m 35.060s. Speedy.
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Which M3 is reliable?
G80 Mean Tweets – The G80 M3 is the most reliable, fastest, and comfortable M3 yet. Though it might lack a little soul compared to an E90, it makes up for it in many other ways. While some may never get over the looks, owners have not only adapted but come to love it.
- All three of us have owned previous M3s and agree that this latest example is the most refined and capable yet.
- The sky has not fallen, as some BMW enthusiasts have suggested.
- The car has proven so popular that BMW has upped the base price by almost $4,000 for 2023, the largest increase of any BMW model.
Still, finding an allocation for one is extremely difficult. We M faithful can be a fickle bunch, so let’s have a little fun, Jimmy Fallon style. Here are some “mean tweets” about the car. 
Big flair, don’t care.
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Which BMW M3 has the most horsepower?
M3-R (Australia) – In order to race in the Australian Super Production series, fifteen M3-Rs were sold by BMW Australia in 1994. With a power output of 240 kW (322 hp), the M3-R is the most powerful production E36 M3. Four of the cars were used for the race series, while the remaining eleven were sold to the general public.
- Buyers were required to possess a CAMS motorsport licence in order to purchase an M3-R.
- The cars were delivered to the workshop of the Frank Gardner racing team for final preparation.
- A bolt-in FIA-approved roll cage was a factory option.
- Suspension upgrades consisted of new springs, adjustable struts and rear perches.
Engine upgrades consisted of AC Schnitzer camshafts, dual pickup sump, an oil restrictor in the head and a cold air snorkel into the air filter box replacing the left hand foglight. Other changes included four piston front brake calipers, a shorter (3.25:1) differential ratio, the driveshaft from the M5, a twin-plate clutch, a non-functional rear seat, no air conditioner, a deeper front splitter and a larger rear spoiler.
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Is M3 worth buying?
German car manufacturers have earned a great reputation of the years. Following World War 2, they set their eyes on being the most popular manufacturers of luxurious and sporty cars. Among all those outstanding companies is, of course, BMW, The Bavarian company has been at the forefront of innovation for over 50 years and has not stopped producing amazing vehicles.
Out of all the sports cars made by BMW, one truly stands out: the M3. Being the very first M-car to ever come out of BMW’s manufacturing plants, the M3 was destined to either fail spectacularly or succeed beyond people’s wildest imaginations – nothing in between. These days, it is well-known that the M3 was an epic success.
However, there are still several things everyone forgot about the BMW M3,
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Is M3 or M4 better?
Which car is faster? BMW M3 vs M4 – Given that both cars utilize an identical engine and drivetrain in the current generation, depending on the transmission you choose, the M4 would be the faster car due to its weight loss over the M3. With that said, the weight difference is minimal, and we certainly wouldn’t be making this a make-or-break decision when buying either car.
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Is a M3 faster than a M5?
The Choice – When considering the BMW M3 VS M5, which should you choose? Besides just being larger and costing an extra $31,000, the M5 is a prestigious luxury car with a spacious interior, more power, and state-of-the-art electronics. The M5 may be a consideration if you have a large family and want to turn heads but that also comes at a steeper price.
The M3 is a smaller car, but agile, fast, and elegant. It has the classic BMW sporty look, and it is a fun car to drive. The M3 is much cheaper than the M5 but just as fast. Neither car lacks elegance, performance, or power, and both are reliable models. If you have an extra $31,000 to spare, go with the M5, but if you already have a fixed budget, then you will not go wrong with the M3.
Whether you are ready to decide on purchasing a BMW or if you still have questions, contact Braman Motorcars at 1-561-609-0130. A knowledgeable staff of BMW experts is waiting to assist you.
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Is the M3 faster than AMG?
Ultimate German grudge match: BMW M3 Competition v Mercedes-AMG C63 S A rivalry passed down through generations comes together today, as we pit the new against Mercedes-AMG’s hugely-popular, Affalterbach’s flagship sports coupe may be more seasoned than Garching’s fresh-faced saloon, but it hasn’t grown wary with age. Peak power is identical between the two cars at 375kW but it’s the AMG’s hand-built 4.0-litre V8 that holds the torque advantage, producing 700Nm compared with the 650Nm available in the twin-turbo 3.0-litre S58-powered BMW. AMG’s iron fist may fall to BMW’s velvet punch, however, as diabolical Melbourne winter conditions pour water over any hopes of besting the manufacturers’ acceleration claims. And to make things more difficult; both cars are shod with ultra-focused Cup tyres. While the is rather point and shoot in its drag race preparation, the younger M3 comes armed to the teeth with technology. In between the ten-stage traction control system, and a drift mode yaw analyser that rewards you with star ratings, lies a launch control system that is incredibly frustrating to engage yet brutally effective in the real world. From a dig, the C63 S is simply overcome by its own might as its rear end breaks away under the weight of 700Nm. The M3, on the other hand, rapidly rows through the first three gears controlling measured bursts of wheelspin as the C63 recedes into the rear-view mirror. Our second race sees the two German rivals take on a soft launch in comfort mode: no launch control or race modes, simply plant the accelerator from zero rpm and go. googletag#show googletag:hide->googletag#hide [email protected]>googletag#refresh > Again, the C63 devolves into wheelspin as soon as the engine comes onto boost and suffers an even more ignominious defeat. In horrid, cold and damp conditions, the new BMW M3 managed a rapid 4.8 second 0-100km/h sprint, almost a full second ahead of the C63 S’s 5.7 second best. The M3 crossed the quarter mile marker over a second’s delta, besting a 12.4 second pass at 197.2km/h compared to the AMG’s 13.6 second pass at 189.7km/h. Hit the video above to watch both full races, and don’t forget to subscribe to the channel for more drag battles, car comparisons and reviews! : Ultimate German grudge match: BMW M3 Competition v Mercedes-AMG C63 S
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Is M3 better or M5?
BMW M3 vs M5 Summary – Historically, the BMW M3 and M5 have served two completely different audiences. Previous generation M3s were made to be the ultimate lightweight, zippy, performance daily driver. M5s of the past were the larger, more luxurious autobahn cruisers meant for speedy, long-distance trips to the lake house.
- While the current G80 M3 and F90 M5 still conform roughly to those archetypes, they are the most similar M3 and M5 so far.
- In terms of sheer performance, the G80 and F90 are each better in their respective domain.
- The M3 is the better option for the track due to being lighter and shorter.
- The M5 is the better light-to-light racer due to its M-xDrive system and additional 100 horsepower.
The G80 is also said to be much more animated and exciting to drive than the very predictable F90. If price is a primary concern, the G80 is much better value for money. If you can go without the mountain-moving amount of power that the M5 provides, the M3 is the better all-rounder.
- Both the M3 and M5 feature a new, ultramodern interior design and are very similar to each other on the inside.
- The M3’s styling continues to be a very polarizing talking point in the BMW community.
- If you can’t stand the bucktooth grilles, the G80 might not be the choice for you.
- With that being said, people are coming around to the new look and even saying that the M5 looks outdated now.
Regardless of your decision, both the M3 and M5 come from a long line of vehicles that haven’t ever disappointed. The G80 and F90 seem to be carrying on that trend. If you found this article useful and are looking for other M-model comparison content, check out our BMW M3 vs M3 Guide,
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What is better than an M3?
9/17 BMW M5 Competition – 
via Formacar While the M3 is a decent sports car, the M5 takes sportiness to a whole new level. In fact, the M5 Competition does everything the M3 does, but better. The car’s spaciousness makes it highly practical, while the cabin is adorned in leather and packed with luxury features.
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Do BMW M3 break down a lot?
Are M3’s Reliable?
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| Originally Posted by Randy Johnson I found this statement when searching the internet and wondered how true it was in the real world., BMW M3 Reliability Rating Breakdown. The BMW M3 Reliability Rating is 2.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 29th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $1,161 which means it has poor ownership costs. Now most of my previous cars have been asian: honda, acura, infiniti, mazda and they have been very easy on maintenance. Now I’ve got a 435i and it is definitely more expensive to keep running. A few unexpected issues that I think should not be a concern at under 60k miles. I’m wondering how much more the maintenance cost of a 2018-2016 M3 would be. Lets say it has under 50k miles and has had all dealer maintenance performed and not raced every weekend. What I’m really asking is do these cars break down alot? I know they have a potential crank hub issue that is not cheap to fix. |
You definitely have to pay to play and the extended warranty will give you piece of mind. With that aside, this is one of the worst comparison tests I’ve seen in a while. The comparison is between Midsize Luxury Sedans which isn’t really what the M3 is. The F80 is a vehicle made for harder driving, light track work, regular runs to 7600 rpm, heavy braking, accelerated oil usage, and prolonged triple digit speeds. The above are the types of things that necessarily cause components to wear faster. And yet, the reliability of the F80 is compared to cars that, frankly, won’t see any of those uses by 99.9% of the drivers who buy them. Even a M3 that never sees the track will still be driven harder that any Lincoln MKZ. But here we are comparing a car with a 12.5 second 0-100-0 to these cars (and for good measure I’ve included cars with similar 0-100-0 which would be more appropriate reliability comparisons): Attached Images _ DSC, you say? Never heard of it
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| Originally Posted by Randy Johnson I found this statement when searching the internet and wondered how true it was in the real world., BMW M3 Reliability Rating Breakdown. The BMW M3 Reliability Rating is 2.0 out of 5.0, which ranks it 29th out of 31 for luxury midsize cars. The average annual repair cost is $1,161 which means it has poor ownership costs. Now most of my previous cars have been asian: honda, acura, infiniti, mazda and they have been very easy on maintenance. Now I’ve got a 435i and it is definitely more expensive to keep running. A few unexpected issues that I think should not be a concern at under 60k miles. I’m wondering how much more the maintenance cost of a 2018-2016 M3 would be. Lets say it has under 50k miles and has had all dealer maintenance performed and not raced every weekend. What I’m really asking is do these cars break down alot? I know they have a potential crank hub issue that is not cheap to fix. |
I don’t think there is “more” maintenance for an M3 to a 435i. Only thing that differs from BMW to most asian cars is the more frequent spark plug changes and more rear tire changes due to torque and RWD. I think BMW has longer oil change intervals than a toyota/lexus. It’s 1 year or 10K miles vs 6months or 5K miles. Other than that, everything is roughly the same. Brake Fluid is still ever 2 years. Coolant. Most Asian cars are like 10 years or something now. BMW is “lifetime” if you trust it. Brakes are.YMMV depending on how you drive. You can still eat up brakes on a non-BMW fairly quickly. No more Power Steering fluid changes. I mean that’s about it. There isn’t really much difference from an M3 to like a Toyota Camry. Every car has some sort of “issue” Toyota/Lexus transmission has some weird issue with their 8 speed with gear hunting, Honda has oil dilution problem with their turbo engines (not sure if this was resolved yet) that can lead to catestrophic failure. A new engine isn’t cheap, labor is expensive. _ N1rve 2019 BMW / / / M 4 – Alpine White | Sakhir Orange/Black Leather | M-DCT | Executive Package | 19″ Black 437M Wheels | Carbon Fiber Trim | Sunroof | Active Blind Spot | Heated Steering Wheel | Adaptive M Suspension
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2019 M4 ZCP, Alpine White/Sakhir, DCT, MPE 2019 M2 Comp, Alpine White, DCT, track car build, 1/2 cage, AP Racing Brakes & Nitron Coilovers 2004 Audi A4 Avant USP 6mt, RS4 clutch, built motor, Garrett GT3071r “Big Ass Turbo” Motoza Tune
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Are M3’s Reliable?
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Is M3 high maintenance?
Annual Maintenance Cost of a Bmw M3 – Overall – the Bmw M3 has yearly car maintenance costs total to $1,161, The table below shows a complete ranking of how various cars rank in this overall system as some comparison. Given that the Bmw M3 has an average of $1,161 and that the average vehicle costs $651 annual – the M3 is substantially cheaper to maintain.
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What car is faster than a M3?
536-HP 2022 BMW i4 M50 Nearly Outruns the M3 Competition Michael Simari, BMW | Car and Driver
In our testing, the reached 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, which makes it 0.2 second quicker than the, However, the M3 Competition beats it by 0.1 second in the quarter-mile and passes it after 80 mph. The i4 M50 is the first M-badged electric, and it has 536 horsepower from two electric motors. The M3 Competition is the more powerful version of the M3, and it has a 503-hp twin-turbo inline-six.
Welcome to Car and Driver’ s, where we zoom in on the test numbers. We’ve been pushing vehicles to their limits since 1956 to provide objective data to bolster our subjective impressions (you can see how we test ). A more comprehensive review of the 2022 BMW i4 M50 can be found,
The 2022 BMW i4 M50 is the brand’s first electric vehicle to wear an M badge. Although it isn’t a full-blown M car, it has what it takes to keep up with top-performing compact sports sedans and coupes from M in a straight line. In Car and Driver testing, it outaccelerated the M3 Competition to 60 mph and, to little surprise, overcame gas-powered “M lite” cars such as the M340i and M440i.
When it eventually arrives, we have no doubt that the first full-M electric car will be a serious performer. BMW In our testing, the i40 M50 reached 60 mph in 3.3 seconds, 0.2 second ahead of the rear-wheel-drive M3 Competition and nearly half a second ahead of BMW’s initial claim.
- And that’s even with the i4’s extra 1243 pounds compared with the M3 Competition on our scales.
- That’s in part from its 81.5-kWh lithium-ion battery pack and two electric motors.
- One motor powers each axle, and the two combine for a total output of 536 horsepower and 586 pound-feet of torque.
- As the more powerful version of the M3, the Competition model has 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque from BMW’s S58 twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, sent through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
An all-wheel-drive M3 Competition is now available, and although we haven’t strapped our test gear to one yet we expect it to match the i40 M50’s performance to 60 mph. However, the M3 Competition displays its horsepower-to-weight advantage and beats the i4 M50 in the quarter-mile.
The M3 passes the M50 after 80 mph and blasts through in 11.6 seconds at 124 mph, while the i4 is 0.1 second behind and traveling 4 mph slower. The i4 M50 takes advantage of its all-wheel drive and the instant torque from its electric motors, though, going from 5 to 60 mph 1.0 second quicker than the M3.
Our test results also show the gap in passing speeds, with the M3 requiring an additional 0.9 second to go from 30 to 50 mph and an extra 0.7 second to get from 50 to 70 mph. The M3 Competition is more capable in corners, achieving 1.03 g’s on the skidpad compared to the i4 M50’s 0.97 g.
The M3 was equipped with Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires, while the i4 M50 arrived with Pirelli P Zero Elect PZ4 rubber. Its lateral grip puts it more in line with the M340i, which had a max cornering capability of 0.96 g in our testing and was also equipped with Pilot Sport 4S tires like the M3., we lapped the M3 Competition xDrive around Virginia International Raceway’s Grand Course in 2:53.5.
Michael Simari | Car and Driver The 2022 BMW i4 M50’s $66,895 starting price is a relative bargain for what you get in terms of performance, as the M3 Competition costs $7100 more. Sure, you can’t get a purist rear-drive and manual transmission setup in the i4 like, but the numbers speak for themselves.
- We can’t wait to see what the eventual full-M electric models will be capable of at the test track.
- Check back for our full test and review of the i4 M50 soon.
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This content is imported from poll. You may be able to find the same content in another format, or you may be able to find more information, at their web site. : 536-HP 2022 BMW i4 M50 Nearly Outruns the M3 Competition
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Is an M3 a supercar?
The verdict: Even more capable than before, the new M3 is a supercar disguised as a sedan — but it’s the disguise itself that might just be a deal breaker. Versus the competition: The M3’s adjustability sets it apart from competitors like the Mercedes-AMG C63 and the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio; it can be a calm around-town cruiser or the ultimate track monster with the push of a few buttons.
- The BMW M3 is one of those iconic sports machines that creates strong feelings among enthusiasts.
- Is the new one as good as the old one? Can all its technology make up for the extra weight it lugs around? Has it become too expensive, too unattainable, too electronic? There’s plenty of debate in the car-enthusiast world, but something that hasn’t generally been an issue for the BMW M3 before is its looks — until now: Is it too ugly to be seriously considered? We don’t normally discuss how a vehicle looks, as taste in design is largely subjective; one person’s hideous is another person’s appealing.
But if our anecdotal discussions with current M3 sedan and M4 coupe owners are any indication, the M3’s new styling may just impact its viability for a lot of buyers. Can the M3’s performance and other abilities overcome its questionable looks? Related: Quicker 2022 BMW M3, M4 Competitions With AWD Priced Under $80,000
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Is the M3 a reliable car?
Due to a combination of high average annual repair costs, as well as frequency and severity of unscheduled repairs, RepairPal gave the BMW M3 a below-average reliability rating of 2.0 out of 5.0.
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Is a BMW M3 a fast car?
The M3 Sedan has a 0-60 mph time of just 4.1 seconds, the M3 Competition boasts a mere 3.8 seconds, while the M3 Competition xDrive has a 3.4 seconds 0-60 mph time.
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Why is the M3 so special?
5/10 The Handling – 
Via motor1.com The M3 is very well-known for its handling. Everyone knows it munches corners, and it really beats the competition when it comes to handling. It has always felt like a proper sports car, but that’s no surprise because the standard 3-series is a better drivers’ car than the competition. 
via Pinterest The M3 is definitely one of the best German cars of the last decade and that’s mainly thanks to its handling. It feels precise, and drivers feel confident to push it to the max around the bends.
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How long do M3 engines last?
Thread: Life expectancy of a BMW M3.
- 01-04-2002, 11:44 AM is about what mileage bracket? I have heard people saying that a well maintained M can last for 300-400K before needing a rebuild, is this true? Also, if this car is a daily driver, seeing highway and town miles, as well as some distance trips, is this life expectancy still accurate? Anyone that can help, I appreciate your input, thanks to all who give this thread a look see. 01-04-2002, 11:46 AM a: there is no reason that ANY car couldn’t last that long with proper and timely maintenance. b: BMW engines are particularly strong so I have no reason to believe otherwise. However, if you drive it like you stole it, it will probably shorten the life expectancy. c: Most BMW drivers don’t drive their cars til the wheels come off. 01-04-2002, 12:21 PM the m3 should last at least 200k with the proper maintenance. i’ve heard of many m3 owners well into the 100k mile mark. i’m at 99k and no major probs so far. i plan to keep it for awhile and eventually make it my auto-x/track car. 01-04-2002, 12:45 PM 105k miles, engine is bulletproof, still has excellent compression. Suspension bushings will be replaced shortly, other than than that no problems. 01-04-2002, 12:48 PM Thank you to umnitza,bjo, and badmonkey. Keep on submitting your two cents, I appreciate it. 01-04-2002, 12:49 PM I am running at 129K right now with no problems. I have strong compressiojn numbers so I am going to S/C it, then we will see how strong the M engines are Hope it doesn’t explode. I think my transmission will go long before the engine (I have let too many morons drive my car) which is why I have a spare sitting around. I was told by a dealer that the regular 3 series engines can be good to 400-500K if maintained properly.
- He said the M3 engine, being higher performance, would have a 250K-350K lifespan.
- Don’t know if he actually had any clue what he was talking about.
- What I wonder is whether the engine is putting out geo metro hp #’s by that point.
- ’95 Daytona Violet M3 – 3.2L OBD1 RMS Stage 2 SC at 11psi; RMS 6″ Crank Pulley; Nick G.
Software; Euro 3.5″ HFM; 36lb/hr injectors; H&R Coilovers; Rogue Lightweight flywheel and sprung-hub Carbon Kevlar clutch, UUC System U DTM exhaust, EVO II Comp SS, Tranny Mounts and Enforcers, braided steel clutch line, Clutchstop; BMW X-Brace; Eastern Motorworks console gauge kit; Phillips 5000K HID’s; Euro Ellipsoids and Clears all ’round; ACS interior accents; 18″ Hamann HM2’s ’72 BMW 2002 in resto’ phase ’90 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD with PTE 50 trim T3/T4 turbo, AEM EMS (tuned by me), 28.5×10.5×3.5 FMIC, 680cc injectors, suspension that feels like it wants to kill me, and too much else to list. 01-04-2002, 01:56 PM Hey, thanks to everyone for responding, keep the info coming, I appreciate this. 01-04-2002, 02:57 PM Originally posted by BJO ultim3: hey you put on 30k a year. i thought i was bad by putting 25k or so. hope you have good luck with the s/c., winter.). As I said before, the car has been virtually trouble free and those miles have been well enjoyed! Wonder if there is someone who puts on more miles a year here? Must be. Last edited by ultim3; 01-04-2002 at 03:08 PM, ’95 Daytona Violet M3 – 3.2L OBD1 RMS Stage 2 SC at 11psi; RMS 6″ Crank Pulley; Nick G. Software; Euro 3.5″ HFM; 36lb/hr injectors; H&R Coilovers; Rogue Lightweight flywheel and sprung-hub Carbon Kevlar clutch, UUC System U DTM exhaust, EVO II Comp SS, Tranny Mounts and Enforcers, braided steel clutch line, Clutchstop; BMW X-Brace; Eastern Motorworks console gauge kit; Phillips 5000K HID’s; Euro Ellipsoids and Clears all ’round; ACS interior accents; 18″ Hamann HM2’s ’72 BMW 2002 in resto’ phase ’90 Eagle Talon Tsi AWD with PTE 50 trim T3/T4 turbo, AEM EMS (tuned by me), 28.5×10.5×3.5 FMIC, 680cc injectors, suspension that feels like it wants to kill me, and too much else to list. Rel 1999 Titanium Silver / / / M3 (SOLD) Conforti Intake, Shark Injector, AA Gen 3 Exhaust, AA Track Pipe, Koni SAs, H&R OE Sports, TC Kline RSMs, X-Brace, UUC TMEs, ZKWs w/HID, DDE Gen IV, Clears, NIKEN pedals, Pioneer DEH-P7000, Valentine One 2003 Tarmac Black Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VIII Borla cat-back, AEM SRI, GReddy TT, Sony CDX-CA810X 2005 Lemans Blue Chevrolet Z51 Corvette 01-05-2002, 01:22 AM My car “anniversary” will be tomorrow. I bought the car with 45K and change on it. It now has 69K.24K in one year.not too little.car has been relatively trouble free.except for the same paranoia already mentioned, everything seems to be working as expected. 01-05-2002, 07:46 AM UltiM3 has me beat by 2k. I have 127k on my 95 M3, and you’re the first I’ve heard of with more. No way I’ll catch you from here. Nowadays I only drive it every other month when I get stateside on days off. Probably only put on about 7k a year. I’d be interested in hearing what maintenance things have/will come up in all your miles. Care to share? Also, which SC are you thinking about? I’m looking hard at Race Marque Systems with the aftercooler. StormShadow: Bought it new. IMHO, it’s been rock solid. General history: 7 Driving Schools, 15 Track Days Never driven in snow Lotta highway miles Essentially stock besides K&N air filter, SS brake lines, UUC reinforced tranny mounts, UUC clutch stop. Maintenance History 15k miles – Replaced Differential (Under Warranty) 80k – Plastic water pump failed (common problem) 90k – Replaced rear shock mounts (common problem) 110k – Replaced windshield washer pump 123k – Repaired trunk latch spring 124k – Replaced original battery (died while car sat undriven 3 months) 125k – Replaced radiator (preventive maintenance. Old one is still good) Recurring nuisances: Driver side window auto-up feature Intermittent fuel guage (happens rarely, though) Windshield and foglamp replacements (3 and 6 respectively due to highway miles and lotsa construction in Phoenix area) Factory CD changer sometimes acts up Plastic underpanels are a bit flimsy, need reinforcing often Bent rims due to low profile tires and the occasional pothole Other notes: 23.5 avg mpg for 127k miles Best tankful of gas – 27.5 mpg Worst tankful of gas – 9.5 mpg (Michigan Speedway driving school) All scheduled Inspections performed by BMW dealer Lotsa DIY minor maintenance (brakes, oil changes, waterpump and radiator replacement, custom air intake, shock mounts). Avus Blue 95 M3 260,000 original-owner miles, tracked monthly, driven daily UUC WilwoodSuperlite4-WheelBigBrakeKit JTD/Bimmerworld/RRT Brake Cooling Ducts UUC ReinforcedTrannyMounts Front&RearStrutBraces MotorsportX-Brace ElectricFanDelete TurnerMotorsportSkidPlate EdgeMotorworksGauges ISC N1 Track Coilovers Schroth Rally4 Harnesses ISC Camber Plates Euro 6-speed UUC Stage 2 Flywheel/Power Clutch diffsonline.com 3.64:1 Rear Diff Turner FullChassisandSuspension ReinforcementKit MemphisMotorsportsPark RoadAtlanta MichiganSpeedway StLouisGatewayRaceway Buttonwillow WillowSprings StreetsOfWillow CaliforniaSpeedway PhoenixIntlRaceway ArizonaMotorsportsPark Firebird LasVegasMotorSpeedway LagunaSeca ThunderhillPark SonomaRaceway BatangasCircuitPhilippines SubicIntlRaceway SepangF1Circuit Pahrump SpringMountain MotorsportsRanch Reno-FernleyRaceway PutnamPark NCMMP PittRace Mid-Ohio Indianapolis Speedway RoadCourse 01-05-2002, 08:17 AM Phantom, thanks man, thats awesome. The one I am considering is a 95 Dakar Yellow M3 with 125K on it. Thanks for all the info on yours. 01-18-2002, 02:17 AM Originally posted by Phantom Nowadays I only drive it every other month when I get stateside on days off. Probably only put on about 7k a year. Recurring nuisances: Intermittent fuel guage (happens rarely, though) I advise you to keep the fuel tank full while you’re away. I had a Celica once that sat a lot for 18 months. I only drove it about every two weeks. I did not keep the tank full, and it became rusted due to condensation. Cost me over $500 to have the tank cleaned and pump replaced. Not sure the same would happen on a bimmer, because I don’t know what the tank’s made of. But, a full tank of gas with some Stabil added is good insurance. :atom 01-18-2002, 02:18 AM You should use synthetic oil, good filters, and maintain a reasonable oil change schedule.
: Thread: Life expectancy of a BMW M3.
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Which BMW M Series is the fastest?
The BMW M5 Competition model is currently the fastest production car in the BMW lineup, going from 0 to 60 mph in 3.1 seconds.
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What BMW is similar to the M3?
The rear-wheel drive C 63 sedan is a like-for-like M3 alternative, but buyers may also choose a coupe or a convertible. The C 63 enjoys a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 with 469 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The C 63 S boosts those figures to 503 hp and 516 lb-ft.
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Which is better M3 or RS3?
I’m not sure how many cruises we will find in Edale in the Peak District on a wintry December morning but, thankfully, we’re ready to make a very small one of our own. There’s snow on the hills, but the peaks themselves are shrouded in cloud. The cold will tickle your toes if you stand around outside in it for too long.
This is definitely four-wheel drive weather. Now is the time to find out if this newly pumped-up Audi can mix it with a properly grown-up performance saloon: the new BMW M3 Competition xDrive, It might look like the Audi is being set up to fail here, but that’s not our intention. We just want to know if it can hold its own – because if nothing else, its pricing certainly suggests that it should.
The BMW, now in its fourth decade and its sixth model generation, has just gained optional four-wheel drive for the first time; the Audi, barely a decade old itself, has moved up into more rarefied market territory, from where it hopes to ride the crest of the wave of its cultish following.
- And the upshot? That if you want a fully loaded RS3 four-door, complete with its standard-fit new torque-vectoring rear differential but also optional carbon-ceramic brakes, adaptive sports suspension and assorted technological bells-and-whistles content, you will be paying more than £67,500.
- Yes, that much – gulp – for a 180mph Audi A3, albeit a very special one.
But increase your budget by less than £11,000 and you can be in all-paw BMW M3 Competition territory instead. If the Peak District was the wrong area to have gone looking for ‘youngsters’, a National Trust car park is definitely the wrong corner of it.
Still, here we are, at the foot of Mam Tor, planning our next move. The roads are quiet; wet and slippery, icy in patches, but not snowy or frozen. The temperature is five degrees centigrade. The passers-by – committed cyclists and well-wrapped walkers, mostly – take little interest in us (which is the way we like it).
For the ones that do stop, it’s the Audi that has lured them in. That might be the effect of the Python Yellow paint or it might be because this car appeals more widely than I realise. Time for a quick static appraisal of cabins and driving environments. In the M3, you sit low and straightlegged at the controls, in that bigwinged, carbonfibre-crotched, optional bucket seat, and so you inevitably anticipate that the experience you’re about to have will be fundamentally exciting. The controls and instruments are perfectly located in front of you: you feel couched right at the heart of the action that’s about to unfold.
- In the RS3, things aren’t so instantly sweet.
- Your backside feels as if it’s three inches farther from the floor and you’re perched that little bit over the controls.
- Visibility out is a little better as a result and the corners of the car are easier to judge.
- But there’s less to draw the eye around the cabin.
Other markets are offered more colourful dashboard materials in their RS3s, but in the UK we get a monotone look: black leather and grey decorative panels or carbonfibre garnish on upperlevel trims. Second-row space is a touch cramped for full-size adults (head room in particular), but it’s passable for growing kids.
- So the Audi’s cabin isn’t as usable or versatile as that of the BMW.
- Nowhere does the Audi’s interior really approach the material quality or variety of its rival; nowhere does it entice you in quite the same way.
- Let’s push that red starter button and see if we can find enticement elsewhere.
- There it is: the Audi’s fivecylinder engine fires and settles to an enigmatic audible throb of every bit as much volume and menacing presence as the BMW’s straight six, and possibly even a little bit more distinctiveness.
Both cars default to a fairly sociable running mode, but it’s only a flick of your thumb to set their active exhausts and digital sound generators to more effusive settings and to ready their active drivelines, dampers and electronic stability controls to really entertain.
- Where that’s concerned, the lighter Audi has 250bhp per tonne to wield, the BMW only 33bhp per tonne more.
- Could this be a closer fight than the form book would have it? The Peak District’s B-roads offer a useful mix of surfaces, tight, winding climbs and more open, flowing stretches to help us get under the skin of these cars.
If there’s a way that the Audi can outshine the BMW, we should be able to find it here. Even though it’s a cheaper performance saloon than the M3, the RS3 isn’t a simpler one – not any more. Before you really get on terms with the car, there are the usual Audi driving modes to cycle through and try out, plus a few others (RS Torque Rear mode is the one that’s supposed to bring the most throttle-adjustable handling to the fore, but more of that in a few moments).
Pretty soon you will discover that it’s best to go off-menu and combine the bits of the car’s various top-level configurations that you like in your own ‘custom’ programme. But even here, the Audi’s RS Individual driver modes just aren’t quite as clever as the BMW’s equivalents. In the M3, you can calibrate your own ‘M1′ and ‘M2′ modes really finely.
Fancy a bit more steering weight or mid-corner throttle steerable handling balance? Just help yourself. Dial up the set-up touchscreen menu, flick a slider, change one thing. If you like what you’ve done, press and hold that orange toggle on the steering boss and the combination is locked in, ready to be conjured up at the flick of a digit.
- It couldn’t be more simple.
- Like this, you can dial the four-wheel drive system from a stability-centred 50:50 front-rear torque split back to fully rear-drive, if you choose, or the stability and traction controls from fully on back to fully off or anywhere in between.
- Over time, you can refine a couple of dynamic personas for the M3: that of the indulgent, rear-driven, opportunist powerslide specialist or the more composed and secure, high-speed ground coverer.
Those personas are yours to define, and all the while the xDrive four-wheel drive system fits itself into and around them absolutely flawlessly. It makes them even more complex and interesting. In the Audi, you can save the bigger-picture stuff in your ‘RS1′ or ‘RS2′ settings, granted; but if you want the electronics fully off, that will be a second press-and-hold of a different button.
If you want the drivetrain in its most reardriven setting, you can use only the RS Torque Rear mode, and then there’s no customising the other systems. It’s all just a bit too fiddly and prescriptive. Furthermore, every time you change modes, you feel like you’re losing a part of the compromise you’ve settled on, not improving it.
That makes a huge difference to how much fun you ultimately get out of the car. As for what there is to get: well, the Audi isn’t outclassed in every way but, in the end, it’s put resolutely back in its box. For outright pace, both cars are more rapid than a fast saloon really needs to be on modern roads (which, let’s face it, isn’t saying much).
- Boosting hard, the RS3 could certainly hold onto the coat-tails of a well-driven M3.
- The trouble is, though, that the slightly lazy fivepot engine isn’t always on boost.
- It needs a moment to inhale at most crank speeds and won’t simply wake up and get on with it until you’ve got about 3200rpm showing.
That makes the sweet-sounding Audi feel more dramatic than the BMW in a superficial way, of course, when the torque suddenly arrives. But while you’re giggling, your dad’s M3 will have been on song 1000rpm sooner and on its way up the road. The BMW engine’s transient response is a lot better, which makes it notably quicker in the real world. The RS3 does have the better isolation and the comfier ride, but the M3’s body control is quite a lot better: over bigger vertical inputs, the BMW has an unflusterability that the Audi can’t equal. The RS3 is easily capable of going more quickly than its body control really makes sensible on rising and falling roads, and that makes it feel more dramatic.
When you find some longer, really testing bends to gauge the balance and handling poise of these cars, though, the gulf between them looms large. The natively rear-driven BMW’s four-wheel drive system seems emphatically on the side of the chassis, nudging its nose towards apices and then finding as much (or as little) mid-corner traction as you want once its line is set.
With the Audi, it feels like you’re always probing and pushing through the transient understeer, waiting in vain for the magic to happen, for the torque to vector and for the rear axle to come into play. On the road, even in Audi’s pseudodrift mode and on slippery asphalt, it just never quite happens.
- The car handles precisely and securely on a balanced throttle and generates loads of grip; it will straighten its line a smidgeon if you time your inputs just so.
- But it can’t be driven like the M3; it can’t swap from serious, composed grown-up to playful wild child and back again in the space of 200 yards and three well-sighted uphill corners taken at a fully engaged 50mph gallop just for the hell of it.
The RS3 has its calling cards. It’s lively, fast, characterful and entertaining in its way. I like it, and I can appreciate why younger folk might especially. But it needs to be kept to a broadly sensible price if it’s going to make rational sense to a keen driver, young or old. 1st – BMW M3 Competition xDrive: Switchable four-wheel drive only adds to the appeal of the most dynamically accomplished M3 there has ever been. Multi-talented and fully absorbing. Price £78,425 Engine 6 cyls in line, 2993cc, twin-turbocharged, petrol Power 503bhp at 6250rpm Torque 479lb ft at 2750-5500rpm Transmission 8-speed automatic Kerb weight 1780kg 0-62mph 3.5sec Top speed 180mph (with optional M Driver’s Package) Economy 28.0-28.2mpg CO2 228-230g/km Tax band 37% 2nd – Audi RS3 Saloon Launch Edition: Has character and turbo punch beyond its size but not beyond its ambitious price.
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What year E90 M3 is best?
Best M3 to Buy for the Money – The E92 M3 debuted in 2008 and since has been holding its value until now. Since the F80 BMW M4 has been released, the E92 M3 prices have been taking a hit. The E92 M3 still draws a certain crowd that admires the naturally aspirated V8 thats true to the DNA of M3 predecessors, but their prices have continued to decline over the past two years.2008 M3 models can be found for around $25k- $35k which is a steal compared to their MSRP.
With another year or two under its belt the value of the E92 will continue to drop until it bottoms out, but we believe that won’t happen for another couple of years. Finding the correct price on your new M3 is important, but also the model year is essential. When selecting a model year of the E9X M3, or any car for that matter, it’s important to wait for a face lift or design change.
By this point BMW has discovered and fixed any major issue with the M3. We personally believe any model after 2009 to be a solid choice. The E9X M3 was a well engineered sports car and you will be safe picking any model year after 2008. In our opinion, the ZCP Competition Package is not worth the money as most people that do plan to modify their car will change their wheels and suspension anyways.
If you are a true purist then a ZCP would fit you perfectly in that regard. All the additional BMW Apps that debuted in 2011 don’t sway us in that direction, especially the addition of start/stop technology. Our top choice would be a 2009 or 2010 BMW M3 coupe fully loaded including the optional carbon fiber roof with the DCT transmissions.
Both transmissions are very good but its a matter of preference and your current commute situation.2009’s will have the older tail lights but a pair of used LED tail lights can be bought on the forums for less than $500 that will make your 2008-2009 look like a 2013.
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Why is the E46 M3 so good?
The BMW E46 M3 is the high-performance version of the BMW E46 3-series, developed by BMW’s in-house motorsport division. It was initially produced only as a coupe, but it was later joined by a convertible model. It immediately took the hearts of real sports car enthusiasts during its launch.
It had a high-revving inline-6 engine, and lightweight construction, capturing the essence of the iconic BMW M3 E30. Since then, people considered the E46 generation as the greatest M car built due to its simplicity, appeal, and just overall design of it all. The hype of the E46 remained fairly steady for a while, but it has recently come back into the spotlight and the demand for this car is now seeing an upward trend again.
With that being said, if you are in the market for an M3, then we are here to show you why the E46 M3 is the best M3 money can buy right now.
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Why the E92 M3 is the best?
2/10 Destined To Be A Future Classic – 
Not only was it the first-ever M3 to be fitted with a V8 engine, but it was also the last M3 to feature a naturally aspirated engine. That’s two points that are sure to elevate the E92 to superstar status in years to come by both collectors and fans. 
With the world turning towards hybrid and electrically powered drive trains, it is very unlikely that the BMW M3 will ever be outfitted with an engine as unique and exciting as the 4.0-liter S65 V8 that saw service in the enigmatic E92.
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Are older BMW M3 reliable?
Overall Reliability Ratings: Is The Bmw M3 Reliable? – Overall the Bmw M3 reliability is 54.65 and that makes it not very reliable. The chart below illustrates exactly how this ranks compared to some other cars, but the average overall rating is 57 as some comparison.
This data is based on a mix of examining the cost and frequency of maintenance, the warranty coverage, and by looking at long-term reliability by looking at how long these vehicles are typically kept on road. Keep in mind this comparison is amongst all cars, not just compact or subcompact cars in the same class as the Bmw M3.
You might notice these figures differ substantially than those you might find in J.D. Power or Consumer Reports. Most publications look at reported issues in the first months of ownership to the dealership (such as JD Power), or ask for owners biased reviews over longer term cycles of their new vehicles.
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