BMW M3
The BMW M3 combines remarkable athleticism with the practicality of four doors and a trunk. It’s like a supercar that you can also use for carpool duty. These qualities have made the M3 the sports sedan standard-bearer ever since its 1986 debut.
The BMW M3 combines remarkable athleticism with the practicality of four doors and a trunk. It’s like a supercar that you can also use for carpool duty. These qualities have made the M3 the sports sedan standard-bearer ever since its 1986 debut.
Now in its sixth generation, the M3’s ongoing success has made BMW’s Motorsport division a household name. Indeed, the automaker has applied the same basic formula (more power, greater performance) to most of its lineup, spawning dozens of new M-badged models over the years.
All M3s since the 2015 model year have employed a turbocharged inline six-cylinder engine under the hood. Driving the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven- or (as of 2021) an eight-speed automatic, it generates well over 400 horsepower and can launch the car to 60 mph in under four seconds.
But handling is what makes the M3 truly special. It takes turns better than any sedan has a right to. Like most BMWs these days, the M3 no longer possesses the automaker’s once trademark levels of steering feel. But it still delivers an astonishing amount of poise through corners, thanks in part to an active rear differential that can adjust the levels of power to each wheel, maximizing grip and cornering speed. For 2022 models, that agility increases with the addition of an available all-wheel-drive system (on Competition models only).
Despite its sports-car-like abilities, the M3 can also be surprisingly docile. The adaptive suspension (which has been standard equipment since 2017) keeps the ride smooth and relaxed, especially in Comfort mode. And like the BMW 3 Series on which it’s based, the M3’s well-appointed cabin boasts plenty of room for four adults (five in a pinch), not to mention a relatively spacious trunk.
As the most expensive 3 Series variant, the M3 comes packed with almost every feature you could want. Still, some notable creature comforts are optional, including ventilated front seats, a sunroof, a heated steering wheel, a wireless charging pad, and a WiFi hotspot. A few desirable driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping assist, are also available only as add-ons.
BMW M3 Model Lineup
The M3 is the high-performance version of BMW’s compact luxury sedan, the 3 Series (reviewed separately). With room for five, the M3 slots between the subcompact M2 coupe and the midsize M5 sedan in BMW’s performance car lineup.
BMW offers the M3 in two main trims: base and Competition. The latter boasts additional power and performance. Since 2015, all M3s have come standard with a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive became an option for Competition models in 2022. No hybrid or electric versions have yet been released.
Popular Trims
BMW M3 Owner Reviews
Average Rating for 2015
4.8
89 verified owner reviews
Top 2015 Reviews
George D. from MA
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
Great car but some of the finishes/features are annoying and hard/impossible to shut off if you choose. i.e. artificial engine noise, heat/cooling coming on by default, legal disclaimer every time you start (at least just do it once a day).
Larry K. from NY
Verified Owner · Oct, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
Could make the sound little louder
Tim H. from CA
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
Overall, I absolutely love my M3. The flared rear fenders, aggressive front fascia, and 2-tone full leather give (Silverstone) this car a ton of presence and add to the air of luxury/performance, especially here in the Bay Area where 3ers are as common as Camrys. A few minor niggles with the car: - Bluetooth sometimes shuts off the volume to my music when paired with the phone. - The nav system requires multiple clicks to start guidance (e.g. "Start Guidance" --> "Start Guidance" or "Add as Destination". It would be easier to have a single flyout/drop-down menu rather than multiple clicks. - The "Onboard Info" screen requires multiple and separate clicks to reset avg consumption and average speed. Further, it doesn't tie to the trip computer data. This seems redundant. I preferred the board computer reset function on the turn signal stalk of my e46. - The voice input function for navigation is... very... slow and sometimes hilariously wrong, though this may have been addressed with the 2016 update.
Jason W. from PA
Verified Owner · Sep, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
I love my new M3 it combines many attributes I find important. Superior power and handling, with advanced technology, in a usable package. Attractive styling and available European delivery were very important. I also find the BMW community to be valuable with tips and information. Very few auto brands have such an active and loyal following.
Matthew D. from MD
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
The steering sucks. Maybe look at 911 GT3 steering because they figured out the programming to make electric power steering not dog [bleep].
Ben D. from OH
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
I bought the M3 for the driving experience value for the money. I find that many of the options packages have very low value/money, so I didn't get very many. Choosing options a la carte would be nice, but in absence of that I would prefer for the packages to be grouped/priced in a way that made them more attractive to me.
James F. from CA
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
The problem I indicated was a paint run on the front bumper. Not a serious problem, but I do expect a better paint finish on this caliber of vehicle. We decided not to repair it as it may have made it worse. The biggest issue I have with the car is the iDrive system. It's just not very intuitive or easy to use. Far too many button clicks to do simple tasks and the navigation isn't very good. Some things about the car just don't make much sense. Like having to set the M button every time you drive the car instead of having it default to the last setting. Or the dual-zone climate control not being able to link both together. Silly little things that jump out at you right away that really should have been addressed long ago. Overall though none of that is why I bought this car. I bought this car for the driving experience. And in that area it is phenomenal!
Carlos A. from CA
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
I always buy vehicles that I feel represent a good performance per dollar ratio. I also tend to buy vehicles that out-perform my previous ones; I rarely ever downgrade.
Alberto Z. from FL
Verified Owner · Aug, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
This is the third M3 if owned, as a kid I always wanted to have this car, not because of a status symbol but because of it's racing pedigree. I can honestly say this is the best M3 I've had. I love the fact it has four doors and I can fit my kids comfortably but at the same time I can "enjoy" the car. It's more than a sedan its where I can get away from all the garbage at the office.
David E. from MO
Verified Owner · Jul, 2015
2015 BMW M3 Sedan RWD (8-cyl)
Best car I've ever owned. Plan to buy another when lease is up. Exceeds all my expectations. 100% satisfied with my purchase