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1997
BMW M3

Starts at:
$39,380
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • M3S 4dr Sdn Manual
    Starts at
    $39,380
    19 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • M3 2dr Cpe Manual
    Starts at
    $39,380
    20 City / 28 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I6
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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Expert 1997 BMW M3 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

The boomers are getting older and wider, and their kids are getting older and taller.

Consequently, Mr. and Mrs. Boomley have been buying sedans instead of coupes.

As is the case whenever the Boomleys burp or stub their toes, cataclysmic socioeconomic changes follow. This time around, their shifting driving preferences have left sedan sales booming – and coupe sales dying.

Someone has already pulled a sheet over the stiffening body of the Toyota Camry coupe. The Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar coupes will be interred at the end of the model year.

The Boomleys’ shift from two to four doors has even been felt at BMW M, which is the special BMW toy factory where speed-crazed Munich munchkins build the M3.

The M3 is a limited-production, hot-rodded version of the German automaker’s delightful 3 Series car. Until this year, this high performer had been available only as a coupe. But in 1997, it is also offered in the sedan form I tested.

As an additional concession to those softening Boomleys, the sedan is offered with an automatic transmission as well as a manual gearbox. The coupe maintains its performance purity by being available only with the ZF Type C five-speed manual. (Happily, the tester was fitted with the Type C, a city slicker whose moving parts seem to be made from an alloy of silk and steel.)

There really isn’t much aesthetic difference between the M3 coupe and sedan, because the 3 Series car is lovely in either two- or four-door form. And there isn’t a performance difference either, because both cars use the same go-fast hardware.

And go-fast is what you get from this $39,380 cutie. The manual M3 goes from rest to 60 miles an hour in 5.9 seconds, which is serious sports car stuff.

Although it has a top speed of 155 miles an hour in Europe, the M3 has been electronically limited to 137 in this country. I guess BMW just wants you to drive at a sensible speed.

The quick trip to the hairdresser this car affords is courtesy of an enlarged and tweaked version of the 3 Series inline six. The regular 3-car engine displaces 2.8 liters and develops 190 horsepower. The M3 variant has been bored and stroked to 3.2 liters, and puts out a rousing 240 Hohenzollerns.

(Actually, the folks at BMW will hate me for calling horsepower by such a name. BMWs are made in Bavaria, and the Hohenzollern royals were Prussians. Bavarians like Prussians about as much as doctors like malpractice lawyers.)

The M3’s spirited engine is matched by brilliant suspension performance. The sedan stays flat and unflustered when you push it hard in a corner, and its grip is exceptionally tenacious. That bite doesn’t come as much of a surprise if you bother to check out the rubber before you go barreling into the turns. The tires are 17-inch, Z-rated numbers with widths of 225 millimeters up front (225/45ZRl7) and 245 in the back (245/40ZR17).

A delightful aspect of the new M3 is the ride it affords. M3s of old really beat you up on rough pavement. This car doesn’t. Its suspension delivers the degree of athleticism BMW wants, and still affords a comfortable ride.

The pleasures of driving the M3 go beyond its athleticism, of course. There is a great deal of satisfaction to be taken from the sheer precision of this car’s design and execution.

But even wonderful cars usually have warts, and the M3 is no exception.

The warts in question here are aesthetic rather than functional, and might not be warts at all in the eyes of other beholders. But they sure are in mine.

Wart #1: The flared panels under the doors and the extended front spoiler. These are add-ons intended to make the M3 look hotter than the 328i sedan it is based on. I hate this kind of speed racer junk. It’s an afterthought that does violence to a car’s styling.

Wart #2: The bright yellow/brown upholstery in the test car. This was a color only a diaper could love.

SPECS
Base vehicle: Rear-wheel drive, 3.2-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel power disc brakes, anti-lock braking system, variable-assist power steering, traction control, sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, P225/45ZR17 front tires, P245/40ZR17 rear tires, dual air bags, security system, climate control, cabin air filter, stereo/cassette, central locking, power windows, power mirrors.

Test model: No extras.

Base price: $39,380

Test model: $39,950 (inc. shipping)

EPA city rating: 20

Test mileage: 21

Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper, roadside assistance, three years/36,000 miles scheduled maintenance.

1997 BMW M3 review: Our expert's take
By

The boomers are getting older and wider, and their kids are getting older and taller.

Consequently, Mr. and Mrs. Boomley have been buying sedans instead of coupes.

As is the case whenever the Boomleys burp or stub their toes, cataclysmic socioeconomic changes follow. This time around, their shifting driving preferences have left sedan sales booming – and coupe sales dying.

Someone has already pulled a sheet over the stiffening body of the Toyota Camry coupe. The Ford Thunderbird and Mercury Cougar coupes will be interred at the end of the model year.

The Boomleys’ shift from two to four doors has even been felt at BMW M, which is the special BMW toy factory where speed-crazed Munich munchkins build the M3.

The M3 is a limited-production, hot-rodded version of the German automaker’s delightful 3 Series car. Until this year, this high performer had been available only as a coupe. But in 1997, it is also offered in the sedan form I tested.

As an additional concession to those softening Boomleys, the sedan is offered with an automatic transmission as well as a manual gearbox. The coupe maintains its performance purity by being available only with the ZF Type C five-speed manual. (Happily, the tester was fitted with the Type C, a city slicker whose moving parts seem to be made from an alloy of silk and steel.)

There really isn’t much aesthetic difference between the M3 coupe and sedan, because the 3 Series car is lovely in either two- or four-door form. And there isn’t a performance difference either, because both cars use the same go-fast hardware.

And go-fast is what you get from this $39,380 cutie. The manual M3 goes from rest to 60 miles an hour in 5.9 seconds, which is serious sports car stuff.

Although it has a top speed of 155 miles an hour in Europe, the M3 has been electronically limited to 137 in this country. I guess BMW just wants you to drive at a sensible speed.

The quick trip to the hairdresser this car affords is courtesy of an enlarged and tweaked version of the 3 Series inline six. The regular 3-car engine displaces 2.8 liters and develops 190 horsepower. The M3 variant has been bored and stroked to 3.2 liters, and puts out a rousing 240 Hohenzollerns.

(Actually, the folks at BMW will hate me for calling horsepower by such a name. BMWs are made in Bavaria, and the Hohenzollern royals were Prussians. Bavarians like Prussians about as much as doctors like malpractice lawyers.)

The M3’s spirited engine is matched by brilliant suspension performance. The sedan stays flat and unflustered when you push it hard in a corner, and its grip is exceptionally tenacious. That bite doesn’t come as much of a surprise if you bother to check out the rubber before you go barreling into the turns. The tires are 17-inch, Z-rated numbers with widths of 225 millimeters up front (225/45ZRl7) and 245 in the back (245/40ZR17).

A delightful aspect of the new M3 is the ride it affords. M3s of old really beat you up on rough pavement. This car doesn’t. Its suspension delivers the degree of athleticism BMW wants, and still affords a comfortable ride.

The pleasures of driving the M3 go beyond its athleticism, of course. There is a great deal of satisfaction to be taken from the sheer precision of this car’s design and execution.

But even wonderful cars usually have warts, and the M3 is no exception.

The warts in question here are aesthetic rather than functional, and might not be warts at all in the eyes of other beholders. But they sure are in mine.

Wart #1: The flared panels under the doors and the extended front spoiler. These are add-ons intended to make the M3 look hotter than the 328i sedan it is based on. I hate this kind of speed racer junk. It’s an afterthought that does violence to a car’s styling.

Wart #2: The bright yellow/brown upholstery in the test car. This was a color only a diaper could love.

SPECS
Base vehicle: Rear-wheel drive, 3.2-liter engine, five-speed manual transmission, four-wheel power disc brakes, anti-lock braking system, variable-assist power steering, traction control, sport suspension, 17-inch alloy wheels, P225/45ZR17 front tires, P245/40ZR17 rear tires, dual air bags, security system, climate control, cabin air filter, stereo/cassette, central locking, power windows, power mirrors.

Test model: No extras.

Base price: $39,380

Test model: $39,950 (inc. shipping)

EPA city rating: 20

Test mileage: 21

Warranty: Four years/50,000 miles bumper to bumper, roadside assistance, three years/36,000 miles scheduled maintenance.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
6 years
Roadside Assistance
4 years / 50,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
Certified Pre-Owned Elite with less than 15,000 miles; Certified Pre-Owned with less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year / unlimited miles from expiration of 4-year / 50,000-mile new car warranty
Dealer certification
196-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.8 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.6
Interior 4.7
Performance 4.9
Value 5.0
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.7

Most recent

  • Buy one now before they get expensive

    I've been driving my 1995 as a daily driver since day one and currently have driven over 200,000 miles. This is one of the best cars I've ever owned. It's been reliable and easy to work on as a DIY. It's been a pleasure to drive and own. Parts are still reasonable. Because it is a M3, it will keep its value if you keep it up and take care of it. You should buy one now before they become really collectible and expensive.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    5 people out of 5 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • A very fun sports car!

    The E36 M3 is a very fun car to drive, especially with a standard transmission. The reliability is okay, as BMW was making decent cars back then compared to today. The ride is okay, but hey, it is a sports car. Overall, I would purchase one if you can get them very cheap (5,000 dollars and under!) (If it is a REAL M3, not just a 3 series).
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Ultimate daily sports coupe

    Elegant styling is matched only by its combination of speed, handeling, and braking. Overall package is as near perfection as I’ve experienced in a road car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Fun to drive

    Relive the excitement of driving a classic European performance vehicle. This car can bring excitement to your daily drive to work, or it can bring SCCA trophies home for your mantle. Priced Right drives great!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Go buy one now

    By far my favorite car I've owned. Well balanced, decent power, but just wants to drive. Long distance, short distance, highway, back road, Just does everything (except snow).
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Top Notch Performance and Reliability

    I've been the proud owner of my 1997 M3 4-Door Sedan for 18 years. Although it still has only 59K miles, it's been one of the most reliable and exhilarating cars I've ever owned. It features the rare combination of a 5-speed manual transmission, sunroof and Luxury package.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Great All Around Performer

    I bought a 1997 4-door 5-speed BMW M3 in July '04. Keeping it in running in top shape costs you, but the results are worth it. Driving the M3 around makes any trip a fun experience, while getting 23 mpg combined city/highway. I tracked the M3 a few years ('06-'09), and all it needed were summer tires and good brake pads. With its locking rear differential, and winter tires, the M3 got around in the snow tolerably well too. Sadly the M3 was lost in an accident (September 2012). The car saved our lives, as we were blind-sided by a young lady driver in her '98 Jeep Grand Cherokee. If the M3 weren't totaled, I'd still have it today. It was a great car!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Race car

    I just purchased my 1997 M3 a couple months ago and it is engineered fantastically and you can tell the good quality parts that BMW uses. I bought this to turn into a race car as it is very popular as a relatively inexpensive, ultimate handling, absolute blast to drive car. It is also used by racers because of its great reliability. Some BMW reviews say BMWs are expensive to maintain but this one certainly does not have many problems like other BMWs have. (And that is why you don't take it to a dealer..) Aesthetics: The clear side markers and clear tailights immediately make this car stand out and look so much better. I don't really know about the comfort and interior design as mine is stripped out.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • What an Engineering!

    BMW chassis e36 M3 is a very beautiful car, always will be. Getting behind the wheel feels like you are in the cockpit of a Jet-fighter. In 1997 M3 won the competition among Vette C4, F355, Viper GTS, Toyota Supra, Honda NSX, C36amg... M3 was named "Best handling car at any price". Now I will share my knowledge about this car: If you want a CAR, not just Transport - buy BMW. If you want BMW, buy e36 M3, either 1996/97 or early 1998. Later one of 98 & 99 are heavier, have no longer napa leather & need more gasoline 19-26MPG. 95 OBD1 M3 was easier to modify before, but now there are everything for OBD2 as well. 95 M3 has smaller engine 3.0L & it is cast iron, less quality valve/springs, old style ergonomics, has no ASC(Stability Control), 19/27MPG... 96-99 OBD2 has 3.2L Alloy engine built with Forged parts, better head, everithing is digital, ASC, heated seats, better traction, and fuel economy at 20/28MPG - ONLY 96/97 EARLY 98 M3... How to distingush early 98 M3 from later one? Later M3 has three spoke steering wheel, back seat head rests, M-contour rims are heaviest also. Get M3 with forged or M-Paralell rims. Watch history before buyng one, most importent factor is 'How many owners car had', as of 2007 2-3 owner M3 is OK, but 4-7 What you think? Maintenance history is very important. I guarantee you will enjoy owning this cars. Last & not least is to get it with MANUAL transmission, better MPG, Automatics have 11lb-torque less, and REMEMBER to look for 4door M3, they are rare, made only in 97-98.. Sedan M3 looks better than coupe, plus all the rest it's more usefull. BTW sedan M3 weighs same as coupe. Good luck finding good 1996/97 M3/4!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • What a thrilling ride!

    What a car BMW built, a M3 sedan which can out corner and out accelerate most sport cars. The performance of this car is outstanding, the horsepower is rated at 240 but I can tell you that it feels alot more (and take it from a person who owns a Viper RT/10). Frankly I have more fun driving my 1997 BMW M3 sedan then the Viper as it is a total sleeper car. BMW is certainly correct when they say the "Ultimate Driving Machine." The only drawback to the car is that it does not have a center console armrest, storage and a tilt steering wheel. But all that is forgotten when you hit the go pedal and hit the turns.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • I dreamed this car

    Most amazing design & look, a balance between civilization and savagry, powerfull drivetrain, nimble & agile, that makes E36 m3 ultimate symbol of BMW's greatness. You get 5 passenger every-happy-day car, with big trunk, heated comfortable seats, nappa leather, OBC & so on... But most important in it is it's power, handling, steering, breaking and feeling you get. In S50B32(EURO) spec m3 you could get even more: 316bhp/258ft-tq, 0-60 5sec, top speed 175mph and more....
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Best Sports Car All Around

    I have "four" words for you: This Car Is SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEET!! You will love this car more than anything else you own. The motor is bulletproof. The interior is eligant/sporty, very functional, and is extremely comfortable, having all of the features and gadgets of a modern 2006 American/Japanese car (keep in mind that this is a car made in 1997) Blows the competition away.... Pretty inexpensive considering the fact it is a BMW engineered rocket. What more do you need. Oh...and did I say that it is blazing fast completely stock. You don't really need to modify this car at all...just put on some race tires and enjoy a fine day at the track. Oh...and the best of all "The Car Is A Chick Magnet" and it gets 22-25 mpg on average. Two Problems: 1.) The black strip trim/molding that goes all the way around the car is not appealing to the eye. You must take these off and paint them the same color as the car. Makes a huge difference :-) 2.) The car has more electronic devices and sensors than I have ever seen before. I mean a plethora of wires and switches that tend to go out here and there. Electrical problems are never good, but the car has NEVER failed me and it is relatively easy to fix them when they pop up. The cars electronics will let you know visually when there is a problem. 3.) Can be a little spendy for maintenance. However, if you find a good local BMW specialist, the prices will be fair and just bring it to the dealer for the electrical issues. The dealer is the only place that can 100% accurately diagnose an electrical problem from my experience. In closing, these are all minor issues. The car is worth its weight in gold and I promise you that you will ENJOY THIS CAR. I also know that you will learn to love investing your hard earned cash to maintain the car. Everyday you will be excited to be behind the wheel of "the ultimate driving machine". It really does live up to the slogan. JUST MAKE SURE THE CAR IS IN GOOD SHAPE WHEN YOU BUY IT.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1997 BMW M3?

The 1997 BMW M3 is available in 2 trim levels:

  • M3 (1 style)
  • M3S (1 style)

What is the MPG of the 1997 BMW M3?

The 1997 BMW M3 offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 28 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1997 BMW M3?

The 1997 BMW M3 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 1997 BMW M3 reliable?

The 1997 BMW M3 has an average reliability rating of 4.7 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1997 BMW M3 owners.

Is the 1997 BMW M3 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1997 BMW M3. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.8 / 5
Based on 12 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.6
  • Interior: 4.7
  • Performance: 4.9
  • Value: 5.0
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.7

BMW M3 history

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