2011 BMW M3

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2011 BMW M3

Starting MSRP $55,900–$67,550

Average Rating

5.0 out of 5
Review This Car
Comfort:4.2 out of 5
Performance:5.0 out of 5
Exterior Styling:5.0 out of 5
Interior Design:4.5 out of 5
Value for the Money:4.0 out of 5
Reliability:4.7 out of 5

4 out of 4 people would recommended this car to a friend

Consumer Reviews

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Love that M division!

by Rev limiter
from Allentown, PA | May 7, 2012

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Drove the M3 at BMW M school in Spartensburg SC and went out and bought one! What a great car, tons of power when you want it but it can also be quite tame and used as an everyday driver. MPG is about 20 which is not bad for a 400+ HP V8. Love my car!"

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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No Regrets

by New To Bimmers
from Vancouver, BC Canada | December 15, 2011

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"This is my first BMW and it is a hallmark version of the 3 series. I had considered waiting for the all new 2012 BMW 3 series but the regular 3 series is so common and while they still have great handling and power, the V8 of the M3 is a whole other level above. It is by far the most stable sedan I've ever driven. Grip seems endless but yet the ride is still very comfortable especially if you set the adjustable suspension to comfort. The interior is looking a bit dated compared to the rest of its competition and the space is a bit tight still. I think the smallish interior size is my biggest complaint however, it makes the car nimble and easy to park. Trunk size is also smallish but my other family car is a minivan so I'm fine with that. It's still adequate for a few small to mid size suitcases and handles regular shopping just fine. Also fits my two kids, both still in toddler car seats though if you are long of leg, it might get a bit cramped even for the kids. I do feel that this car is not the ideal car for a grocery run as the engine barely warms up. It's meant for higher speeds and open roads which in a city environment is a bit hard to come by. I yearn for a chance to take the car to a track day. Finally, the front bumper and ride height does take some care to not scrape. I've touched slightly a few times. Those used to low cars should have no problems but if your last car was not a performance car, be careful of ramps and parking stall curbs. Free maintenance is nice for the first few years. Just be prepared to pay the around $300 for an oil change post warranty. Good thing is the oil change is only necessary once every 12,000 miles. Bad thing is the M3 uses a specialized oil that very few people carry and if you intend to change the oil yourself or do it through some personal mechanic you'll have to source the oil from a few online retailers or BMW dealerships directly. Each oil change uses about 8.5 quarts at a cost of about $12-15 a quart. You can see why the changes cost so much, even if DIY. Those in snowy or cold regions like myself will likely want a proper set of winter tires to aid grip of the 414 hp. Again being a performance car makes things more costly as the smallest size wheel that will fit the M3 is 18". My last set of 17" performance winter tires cost me $95. The ones on my M3 now are $200 each. Wheel selection is also somewhat limited in the 18" size. I've seen a few people use 19" wheels for winter which costs even more for tires. Overall though the car is an amazing performer. The steering is so spot on and if you get a chance to open her up on an open country road, the drive is electric. V8 is truly amazing at the top end both in power, feel and sound but is just as easily driven in a mild manner when not pushed. In the city, in full auto mode, it is as docile as any other 3er. So if you have a spouse that is more Maria than Mario Andretti, don't worry."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Transporting family


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The Ultimate Driving Machine Incarnate!!!

by Young Entrepreneur
from Memphis, TN | December 5, 2011

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 5 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 5 out of 5
Value for the Money: 5 out of 5
Reliability: 5 out of 5

"Owned this car for 3 months. No issues. Fast as can be. Top drops, heads turn, tires burn. Awesome acceleration. I've averaged 17.5mpg with very spirited city driving and a trip or two from Memphis to Nashville to see the Titans play. Super plush seats that hold you firmly in place. Even the side bolsters are adjustable. The attention to detail is overwhelming. The redline for the tach even adjusts as the engine warms up. This is the sickest car I have ever owned. I plan to keep it for a long time."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: Used

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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Love my Car

by DT the LA sports car enthusiast
from Los Angeles | November 23, 2011

Rating from

(5)
Comfort: 4 out of 5
Performance: 5 out of 5
Exterior Styling: 5 out of 5
Interior Design: 4 out of 5
Value for the Money: 3 out of 5
Reliability: 4 out of 5

"I owned a 2008 M3 convertible which I loved so when it was time to turn in my lease I decided to just get a 2011 version. I test drove a 2012 650i convertible and it drove well and was a nice ride, but I love the tight ride of the M3. If you like a sports car ride you can't get much better than the M3."

I would recommend this car to a friend: Yes

This vehicle was purchased: New

Primary use for this car: Commuting


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