Name: BMW M3 Review
Item: BMW M3
Author: Gumtree.com

Developed by the German manufacturer’s in-house motorsports division, the BMW M3 was first launched back in 1986. It’s a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series range and has exclusively had a five-door sports saloon body style since 2014. There was a coupe version on offer before that, but that’s been replaced by the M4 since 2014. The car currently offers a powerful, turbocharged 3.0-litre engine. It’s aimed primarily at luxury buyers who want to experience some of the full-throttle power and performance of motor racing, without sacrificing the comfort and practicality they need on a daily basis.

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What we think about the BMW M3

The BMW M3 is a car built for fun and excitement, but it’s also practical enough for a casual runabout.

Pros

Powerful, growling engine

Great handling

Luxury design

Cons

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Mediocre fuel efficiency

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No diesel or hybrid alternatives

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Not quite roomy enough for long family trips

The most recent version of the BMW M3 has a 3.0-litre, turbocharged petrol engine, with a fuel economy of around 32 miles to the gallon. Previously available as a coupe, it’s now only available as a five-seater saloon in two trim levels: Saloon and Competition Saloon. There’s also a wide range of trim levels for interior and performance specs.

Driving performance of the Bmw M3

Our Driving Rating9 / 10

Great performance is what most people will be looking for from a sporty saloon like the BMW M3, and it doesn’t disappoint. A seriously powerful engine with a forceful roar makes it a real joy to get around in, while the impressive grip and sturdy chassis make for a comfortable ride. The suspension is tuned for a sporty feel and the highly responsive steering also provides you with plenty of feedback for an engaging, interactive driving experience.

Safety and reliability of the Bmw M3

Our Safety Rating8 / 10

When crash tests were last carried out in 2019, the BMW M3 was given a five-star safety rating from Euro NCAP, indicating the top level of safety. Particularly impressive was the way that it protected the driver and other adult passengers, with a 97% rating given for their protection. Child protection was scored at 87%, as was the safety of pedestrians around the car. The car’s safety features scored slightly lower with 76%, but it nevertheless boasts such advanced functionalities as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, with adaptive cruise control available as an upgrade.

Under the bonnet of the Bmw M3

Our Engine Rating9 / 10

The M3 has had a large, twin-turbo 3.0-litre petrol engine under the bonnet since 2018. In the most recent model, the entry-level version can provide up to 473 bhp, while 503 bhp is available if you opt for the sportier Competition trim. This powerful engine has allowed the car to hit 60 mph from standing in just four seconds, and more recent M3s are able to manage the same feat in even less time. A six-speed manual transmission comes as standard.

What you'll find in the Bmw M3

Our Design Rating8 / 10

With the sporty performance of a saloon like the M3, you’d expect a stylish, forward-thinking aesthetic, and it doesn’t disappoint on this front. The shape is sculpted and streamlined, and its heavy, solid feeling matches the car’s immense power. The 2021 redesign in particular has a front end that’s large and bulky, and its multi-sectioned grille that makes the most of BMW’s iconic design. The 2018 model is 74 inches wide and 184.5 inches long, which is noticeably less compact than many of its competitors, and the 2021 model is larger still.

Comfort and interiors in the Bmw M3

Our Comfort Rating7 / 10

The BMW M3’s interior design isn’t quite as impressive as its bold exterior, but it still has a strong and sophisticated look. Its layout is focused on the driver, and its materials lean towards functionality over luxury, with a satisfyingly chunky steering wheel as well as carbon fibre accents and trims around the edges of the cabin for a more racy feel. The 2021 redesign also offers distinctive ‘M’ branding on most of the interior fittings. Cargo space is around 12 cubic feet, which is larger than the Mercedes AMG and many of the M3’s other competitors.

What features you'll find in the Bmw M3

Our Features Rating8 / 10

The BMW M3’s high-tech infotainment system is accessed via the 12.3-inch touchscreen on the top of the dashboard and can also be controlled by a rotary knob on the central console. Both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are offered for full mobile device integration, and an impressive Harmon Kardon speaker system comes as standard. The 18-inch front alloys and 19-inch rear alloys can be upgraded to 19 and 20-inches, and other possible upgrades include a titanium exhaust, a carbon rear spoiler, and carbon-ceramic brake discs.

What fuel efficiency to expect from the Bmw M3

Our Fuel Consumption Rating7 / 10

The large 3.0-litre engine averages around 19 miles to the gallon, which is a little less than competitors in its class. You can get around 22 mpg with highway driving, while city driving offers just 16 mpg. As well as being relatively inefficient, it also emits around 285 g/km of CO2, so Mother Earth won’t thank you. This makes it one of the less environmentally-friendly saloons available, although it’s not significantly worse than other vehicles in its class, such as the Audi RS5.

Running costs of the Bmw M3

Our Cost Rating6 / 10

Mediocre fuel efficiency means that you should be prepared to spend quite a lot on petrol to keep the BMW M3 on the road. The German manufacturer offers a relatively generous four year, 50,000-mile warranty for the vehicle, as well as three years of complimentary maintenance. The large engine means that the M3 placed in a high tax and insurance bracket, which will further add to running costs. On the plus side, BMWs are reliable, so you’re unlikely to need to do much to resolve issues beyond the yearly scheduled maintenance.

Our verdict of the Bmw M3

4 / 5 Gumtree rating

An exciting sports saloon with a powerful engine and stylish looks, the BMW M3 is highly recommended for anyone who sometimes likes to take a drive on the wild side.

BMW M3 Review