BMW M3
Used Car Review

Overview

Thinking about a performance saloon that can handle both school runs and track days? The BMW M3 might be exactly what you’re looking for. This legendary high performance machine has been the benchmark for sports saloons for decades, offering raw power wrapped in a surprisingly practical four door package. It’s the car for driving enthusiasts who need everyday usability without compromising on thrills.

From the moment you see it, the M3 commands attention. Its aggressive styling with flared wheel arches and quad exhaust pipes hints at the beast beneath the bonnet. The iconic kidney grille and aerodynamic bodywork give it an unmistakable presence that rivals like the Audi A3 or Mercedes C-Class AMG simply can’t match. But the real drama happens when you fire up that twin turbo straight six engine. The sound alone tells you this is no ordinary saloon.

Behind the wheel, the M3 delivers an intoxicating blend of precision and power. The steering is surgically precise, the brakes are phenomenal, and the engine pulls like a freight train from any speed. Yet it remains civilised enough for daily driving, with comfortable seats and a refined ride when you’re not pushing hard. While it commands a premium price, you’re getting one of the finest driver’s cars ever built. It proves that practicality and performance can coexist beautifully in the same package.

What's the BMW M3 Like to Drive?

The BMW M3 is all about pure driving excitement wrapped in everyday practicality. The current generation features a twin turbocharged 3.0 litre straight six engine producing between 473 and 523 horsepower depending on the variant. The standard M3 Competition delivers a staggering 0 to 60 mph time of just 3.8 seconds, while the xDrive all wheel drive version shaves that down to an eye watering 3.4 seconds. This isn’t just fast, it’s supercar territory acceleration in a four door saloon.

What truly sets the M3 apart is how it delivers this performance. The engine response is immediate and linear, building power smoothly all the way to the redline. The eight speed automatic gearbox is lightning quick, snapping off changes in milliseconds. The chassis is beautifully balanced, offering incredible grip and precision through corners while remaining stable and composed at high speeds. The adaptive suspension can transform the car from track weapon to comfortable cruiser at the touch of a button. Every dynamic element works together to create one of the most complete performance saloons ever built.

BMW M3 Interior, Tech & Comfort Review

Step inside the M3 and you’re greeted by a cabin that perfectly balances luxury with sporting intent. The dashboard features BMW’s latest iDrive infotainment system with a large curved display that houses both the digital instruments and central touchscreen. The materials throughout are top quality, with carbon fibre trim, Alcantara surfaces, and beautifully finished switchgear. The M specific steering wheel feels perfect in your hands, with just the right thickness and grip texture.

The front seats are a particular highlight, offering excellent support during spirited driving while remaining comfortable on long journeys. They feature multiple adjustment options including lumbar support and side bolster adjustment. The cabin is impressively quiet at cruising speeds, thanks to excellent sound deadening. Standard equipment is comprehensive, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, premium audio system, and dual zone climate control. The rear seats are genuinely usable for adults, making this a proper four seater rather than a 2+2 like some rivals.

The BMW M3 represents the pinnacle of the sports saloon genre. It delivers genuine supercar performance while remaining practical enough for everyday use. The engine is a masterpiece of engineering, the chassis is beautifully balanced, and the overall package is incredibly sophisticated. Every element has been honed to perfection through decades of development.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

How Much Does It Cost to Run a BMW M3?

As a high performance premium car, the M3 comes with appropriately premium running costs. Real world fuel economy typically ranges from 22 to 28 MPG depending on how you drive it, which means frequent visits to the petrol station if you enjoy using the performance. Insurance costs will be substantial due to the high power output and desirable nature of the car. The initial purchase price is also significant, starting from around £75,000 for a new model.

However, M3s have historically held their value exceptionally well, which helps offset the high initial cost. Maintenance costs are reasonable for a car of this calibre, though you’ll need to budget for high performance tyres and brake components if you use the car hard. car finance options are widely available and can make ownership more accessible through manageable monthly payments. While it won’t be the cheapest car to run, the sheer driving pleasure and strong residual values help justify the costs for enthusiasts.

Is the BMW M3 Practical for Everyday Use?

For a high performance sports saloon, the M3 is surprisingly practical. The 480 litre boot easily accommodates a weekly shopping trip or several suitcases for a weekend away. The rear seats fold down to expand cargo capacity when needed, though the opening isn’t as large as you’d find in an estate. Inside the cabin, there are plenty of storage compartments for phones, wallets, and other daily essentials.

The real practicality story is about everyday usability. Unlike some supercars that feel like hard work in traffic, the M3 can happily cruise in comfort mode with a smooth ride and quiet cabin. The four doors make it genuinely family friendly, with easy access to the rear seats. Compared to other used BMW cars, the M3 strikes an exceptional balance between performance and daily usability. It’s a car you could genuinely use as your only vehicle, whether you’re commuting to work or heading to a track day.

The BMW M3 stands as the definitive sports saloon, combining supercar levels of performance with genuine everyday practicality. It wraps BMW’s decades of motorsport expertise into a package that works equally well for school runs and track days. The twin turbo straight six engine is a masterpiece, the chassis is perfectly balanced, and the overall refinement is exceptional.

You choose the M3 because you want the ultimate driver’s car that doesn’t compromise on usability. Its combination of devastating performance, precise handling, and comfortable interior makes every journey special. It’s perfectly suited for enthusiasts who need a practical four door but refuse to give up on driving thrills. If you’re looking for a performance car that can genuinely serve as your daily driver, the M3 is in a league of its own, and with car finance options available, it’s more accessible than ever.