Used BMW M3 for sale: everything you need to know
The BMW M3 has gone through huge changes over the years, from four, to six and eight-cylinder engines, then back to six-cylinders with turbocharging. It’s had two and four doors, estate variants, and stripped-out track-focused models. But throughout that time it’s simply been a fantastic driver’s car, and hugely desirable too.
The latest M3 is more technologically advanced than ever. It’s heavier too, but also quicker and even more capable, perhaps offsetting the fact that its styling is also more divisive than ever - enough that it may put some buyers off entirely. The car’s ever-increasing price is another barrier, but buy used and you may be able to find an M3 for less than you expect.
Should you buy a BMW M3?
Set aside the car’s styling for a moment and the latest M3 is undoubtedly still a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a high-performance saloon car. The latest model now makes more than 500 horsepower - that’s more than twice the most potent versions of the original M3 of the 1980s - but it’s still fantastic around corners too, with unbelievable levels of grip and composure, and sophisticated electronics not only to help keep you on the road, but also to help you exploit all that performance.
That includes one of the M3’s toys, an M Drift Analyser, which can rate your ability to hold the car sideways - on a track only, of course. Even driven sedately the M3 is something of an event, with huge performance, a responsive drivetrain, direct steering, and a firm but far from uncomfortable ride quality.
It feels special inside too, especially with the optional carbon sports seats, though the lump in the seat between your thighs can be in just the wrong place for some drivers. Quick-access steering wheel buttons let you select driving modes, and the gearshift paddles work with a responsive gearbox to help you keep everything on the boil - there’s no manual option though, so you’ll need the smaller BMW M2 for that. Being a 3 Series at heart, it remains practical too - there’s space for four and a pretty decently-sized boot too.
The M3 goes head-to-head with cars like the Audi RS4 (which is available only in Avant estate form) and the Mercedes-AMG C63, whose latest four-cylinder iteration doesn’t quite hit the mark, but whose previous V8 models are great fun. The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a fantastic drive too and is much easier on the eye than the BMW. If you need more space, BMW also offers an M3 Touring - and if you prefer an even racier look, then the two-door BMW M4 is another option.
What’s the best used BMW M3 model to buy?
Until BMW introduces other variants of the M3 (not counting the M3 Touring, which we’ve covered elsewhere) your choice is primarily between rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, and with the former currently off the price lists, you’re likely to find more of the latter anyway. With so much power, all-wheel drive certainly isn’t a bad idea, and it gives the M3 a more secure feeling particularly in poor weather, without compromising its agile, rear-driven feel.
Your only other decision is whether to find a car with one of the optional packages - such as the M Race Track Package with carbon bucket seats and carbon-ceramic brakes, among other things - or one without. Not everyone gets on with the shape of those seats, so try before you buy.
Used BMW M3 fuel economy and performance
- BMW M3 Competition: From just a 3-litre straight six and turbocharging, BMW extracts 510PS, which results in a 0-62mph time of 3.9 seconds (with a top speed of 155mph, or 180mph with the M Driver’s Package). Average fuel consumption is 27.6mpg.
- BMW M3 Competition xDrive: The same engine and gearbox but xDrive all-wheel drive means an even quicker 0-62mph time of 3.5 seconds, while economy is actually quoted a little higher, at 28.2mpg.
What used BMW M3 trim levels are available?
- The BMW M3 Competition has distinctly different styling from regular 3 Series saloons, not least with a much larger version of the brand’s kidney grille, normally found on the 4 Series (and M4) coupe. It also gets flared wheel arches, an exposed carbonfibre roof, unique door mirrors, dual twin-exit exhausts, and several interior changes. The specification is the same for xDrive models.
Used BMW M3 dimensions and boot size
The BMW M3’s exterior dimensions are:
- Length: 4794mm
- Width:1903mm
- Height: 1433mm
- Ground clearance: 120mm
The BMW M3’s boot space is:
Used BMW M3 road tax
This is a simple one, since however many or few option boxes the original owner ticked, there’s only one engine and all versions of the M3 cost more than £40,000. That means not just an annual tax bill of £190, but a surcharge that brings the cost up to £600 per year for 2024/2025. You’ll pay this higher bill from the car’s second year on the road, until its sixth.
How much is it to insure a BMW M3?
The M3 and M3 xDrive are towards the upper end of the 50-group insurance rating system, with the regular car being in group 41 and the xDrive in group 42. This isn’t unusual for a high-performance saloon though - the Audi RS4 sits in groups 44-50, and the outgoing V8-engined Mercedes C63 in groups 47-49.
