The history of the M3 goes all the way back to 1986, with its original years spent as a coupé. Then, in 1994 (during the second generation), the four-door saloon was introduced. By 2013, BMW decided to split the M3 coupés and convertibles from the saloon lineup, creating the M4. Since then, the M3 has only been available as a high-performance saloon, now in its sixth generation. BMW continues releasing updates to the powertrain and new styling features that keep this model popular.
Used BMW M3 cars for sale
Why buy a used BMW M3?
If you're in the market for a saloon car that's extremely fast, premium and stylish, then a used BMW M3 is a great choice. With high-end performance, this four-door saloon offers incredible acceleration and speed. Based on the regular 3 Series, the M3 is inherently practical, even for a family, with a decent amount of space for passengers and a large boot to match.
Latest used BMW M3
BMW, M3
2008 (08) - BMW M3
74Low Mileage
£14,750
Finance available £307 pm
*Representative example
- 4L
- Miles
84.7K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Convertible
Digbeth Motor Sales Ltd
BMW, M3
2004 (54) - BMW M3
30Low Mileage
£15,950
Finance available £334 pm
*Representative example
- 3.2L
- Miles
144.0K
- Not Supplied
- Manual
- Not Supplied
BMW, M3
2013 (13) - BMW M3
20Reduced
£21,999
Finance available £431 pm
*Representative example
- 4L
- Miles
68.0K
- Petrol
- Semi Auto
- Coupe
FMC Swansea Ltd
BMW, M3
2003 - BMW M3
51Low Mileage
£34,990
Finance available £698 pm
*Representative example
- 3.2L
- Miles
69.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Coupe
BMW, M3
1996 - BMW M3
22Low Mileage
£22,950
Finance available £450 pm
*Representative example
- 3.2L
- Miles
73.4K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
BMW, M3
2016 (66) - BMW M3
50Low Mileage
£30,999
Finance available £616 pm
*Representative example
- 3L
- Miles
39.0K
- Petrol
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
Rom Motors Ltd
BMW, M3
2022 (71) - BMW M3
5£59,990
Finance available £1,211 pm
*Representative example
- 3L
- Miles
25.0K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
PM Car Sales
BMW, M3
2005 (05) - BMW M3
65Low Mileage
£14,990
Finance available £312 pm
*Representative example
- 3.2L
- Miles
102.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
BMW, M3
2022 (22) - BMW M3
47£57,990
Finance available £1,170 pm
*Representative example
- 3L
- Miles
25.0K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
BMW, M3
2004 (04) - BMW M3
49Low Mileage
£24,900
Finance available £490 pm
*Representative example
- 3.2L
- Miles
82.0K
- Petrol
- Manual
- Convertible
JMB Motor Sport
BMW, M3
2021 - BMW M3
23Low Mileage
£58,695
Finance available £1,185 pm
*Representative example
- 3L
- Miles
16.0K
- Petrol
- Semi Auto
- Saloon
Top Gear NI
BMW, M3
2021 - BMW M3
40Low Mileage
£53,995
Finance available £1,088 pm
*Representative example
- 3L
- Miles
11.9K
- Petrol
- Automatic
- Saloon
Desmond Motors FordStore & Transit Centre
BMW M3 snapshot review
Pros
- Manual gearbox available
- Aggressive looks and standing
- Top-end performance
Cons
- Noise isn’t that great
- Poor economy
- Interior design rather dull in old models
BMW M3 by type
BMW M3 generations
First Generation (2022 to Present)
- Fuel type:
- Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 3
- MPG:
- Acceleration:
- 3.6 seconds
- Boot space:
- 500 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- stars
Greenest
M3 xDrive Competition M 5dr Step Auto
Cheapest
M3 xDrive Competition M 5dr Step Auto
Fastest
M3 xDrive Competition M 5dr Step Auto
Seventh Generation (2020 to 2022)
- Fuel type:
- Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 3
- MPG:
- Acceleration:
- 3.4 - 3.9 seconds
- Boot space:
- 480 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- stars
Greenest
M3 CS 4dr Step Auto
Cheapest
M3 Competition 4dr Step Auto
Fastest
M3 CS 4dr Step Auto
Sixth Generation (2015 to 2018)
The main changes to the sixth generation were drivetrain updates. For the first time, the M3 was available with all-wheel drive, offering more capability. However, the manual gearbox was only paired with rear-wheel drive.
Tech enhancements were also released, including a head-up display, parking assistance, a professional driver-assist package and a heated steering wheel. Because the M3 is compatible with all M Performance Parts, some models may also have additional components, such as body kits and wings.
- Fuel type:
- Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 3
- MPG:
- 31 - 34
- Acceleration:
- 3.9 - 4.3 seconds
- Boot space:
- 480 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- stars
Greenest
M3 4dr DCT
Cheapest
M3 4dr
Fastest
M3 CS 4dr DCT
Fifth Generation (2014 to 2015)
BMW was able to reduce some of the M3's weight, which added to the performance. To do this, aluminium was used for the body panels and carbon fibre was added to the driveshaft and roof. Also, BMW improved the brake design by replacing its calipers with double-pistons and by offering an optional four-piston ceramic design. This was the first generation that was solely offered as a saloon model, with the M3 coupé and convertible now in their own lineup.
In 2016, BMW released a small design update with full LEDs added to the taillights and some new colours offered. Another update occurred in 2018 when BMW changed the lower front bumper on the M3.
- Fuel type:
- Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 3
- MPG:
- 32 - 34
- Acceleration:
- 4.1 - 4.3 seconds
- Boot space:
- 480 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- stars
Greenest
M3 4dr DCT
Cheapest
M3 4dr
Fastest
M3 4dr DCT
Fourth Generation (2007 to 2013)
Of all the M3 models, this generation was the heaviest, but it was also filled with many luxury touches. During these years, the M3 was available in all three bodystyles: a saloon, a coupé and a convertible. The convertible model featured a power-retractable hard top for instant open-air access.
During this generation, BMW released the seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, improving the acceleration time because the paddle shifters shortened the pauses between shifts. Updates also occurred in 2011 when minor changes were made to the interior.
- Fuel type:
- Petrol
- Engine Size:
- 4
- MPG:
- 21 - 25
- Acceleration:
- 4.6 - 5.3 seconds
- Boot space:
- 210 - 450 L capacity
- NCAP Safety rating:
- stars
Greenest
M3 4dr DCT
Cheapest
M3 4dr
Fastest
M3 2dr DCT
Used BMW M3 information
Used BMW M3 FAQ's
Which is the most popular engine in the BMW M3?
The M3 has only been available with petrol engines, but they offer plenty of power and excitement. The 502bhp Competition M engine has been popular with drivers. It has the same power as the base Competition variant but with greater acceleration and fuel economy.
Which are the most popular model variants?
The standard M3 is the most popular variant, due to standard features such as three-zone climate control, parking sensors with rear parking camera, and sports seats. However, there are other variants. When browsing, you'll also see many used examples of the M3 Competition, which is the standard variant of newer models.
What optional extras should I look out for?
Customers should look out for the Competition Pack with its adaptive M suspension, 20-inch star alloy wheels, active M differential and M sport exhaust. It can also come with the BMW Advanced loudspeaker system and lightweight sports seats.
Is the BMW M3 a good family car?
Yes, the BMW M3 has enough room to hold four adults comfortably. There are also ISOFIX points for child seats included and a decent-sized boot for holding groceries or luggage. The only negative would be running costs in terms of lower fuel economy, and increased cost of maintenance items such as tyres, brakes and routine servicing.
Is there a hybrid version of the BMW M3?
No, BMW hasn't built an M3 with a hybrid engine yet.
Is the BMW M3 available as a manual in the UK?
Older generations of the M3 can be found on the used market with manual transmissions. However, since the latest generation was launched, only automatic gearbox examples came to the UK.
Is there a four-wheel drive version available?
Up until recently, the BMW M3 was only offered with rear-wheel drive. It wasn't until the 2020 lineup arrived that a four-wheel drive option was released. Since then, both have been available, so they can both be found among used M3s.
Find a specific BMW M3
Trim
Engine Size
Fuel Type
Transmission
Colour
Buying a used car checklist: what to look for
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