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1995
BMW M3

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$37,950
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Expert 1995 BMW M3 review

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

Even grownups need toys, which is why BMW builds cars, such as the 325is coupe, and rockets, such as the high-performance M3 makeover of the 325is intoa two-door missile.

BMW last produced an M3 performance version of the 3 series in 1991. At that time it shipped coupes off the assembly line to its Motorsport subsidiary, which undertook the power transfusion, though power at the time meant a beefed up 4-cylinder engine.

Today BMW does the conversion work on the assembly line, and along with thefirst M3 in four years comes the first 6-cylinder engine in the M3. And what you have is a $35,800 toy.

The ’95 M3 is swift, with a 0- to 60-mile-per-hour reading of about 6 seconds from its 3-liter, 240-horsepower, 24-valve, inline 6-cylinder engine. A smooth shifting 5-speed helps coax every ounce of energy out of the powerplant. Anti-lock brakes on all four wheels bring the power under control when needed, but if you get a tad aggressive or someone isn’t paying attention, a pair of air bags cushion you from impact.

In other words, the M3 is a rather complete package-power and safety wrapped in a $35,800 sticker. While $35,800 is one heck of a package to some, those who dabble in Bimmers see it as a blue-light special. There are reports of buyers waiting in line for the couple of M3’s dealers get each month.

Though the M3 may be a toy for the Bimmer bunch, we test drove one purely in the interest of science. Treated it as a job, part of the daily 9 to 5 grind. Let nothing stand in the way of research.

We must admit, however, that science can be fun. Along about second gear, you keep one eye on the road, the other in the rearview mirror watching headlights grow smaller.

The 3-liter has a bit of a kick to it, yet the fuel-economy rating is 19 miles per gallon city/27 m.p.g. highway, so you don’t have to spend all of your playtime at the pump.

While starting life as a 325is coupe, a few concessions were made to the added performance. The M3 has larger brakes and recalibrated ABS, along with alimited slip differential, to handle the power. To ease parking and low-speed maneuvers, variable assist and variable ratio power steering was added. Windshield wiper speed even varies based on vehicle speed.

The M3 is smooth and relatively quiet without any need for a rumble-tuned exhaust for performance sound effects. (Who would hear it anyway from 25 car lengths away?)

Yet, the M3 does have a few drawbacks. The rear seat is a decoration added to keep insurance companies from categorizing it as a two seater at higher rates. And though the 5-speed is smooth, there is no automatic-at least not for now. BMW, however, said it is considering adding one soon. As long as spring, summer and fall bring road repairs and debilitated traffic, there willbe a need for an automatic.

The other gripe is a personal one-and the same complaint we’ve had with Bimmers for years-the seats are s tiff. If you’re traveling the autobahn at 135m.p.h. for 50 miles, you have other things demanding your attention than the amount of foam padding tickling your tush. If you’re traveling the Kennedy Repairway at rush hour, it doesn’t take seven miles to realize the back is getting stiff, the butt a bit burdened.

“No pain, no gain” doesn’t have to apply to car seats. And until the U.S. government builds a no-speed limit autobahn joining the coasts, there will be people who would appreciate a little less firmness in the bucket they’re seated on.

Standard equipment in the M3 includes stainless-steel exhaust, a special aerodynamics decor package from front air dam to rear spoiler with ground effects rocker panels, air conditioning, dual power and heated sideview mirrors, heated driver’s door lock that activates when the handle is lifted and windshield washer jets, power windows, power locks, velour carpets, tintedglass, outside termperature display with a freeze warn ing alert for icy conditions, rear window defroster, AM/FM stereo with cassette, split fold-downrear seats and drop-down tool kit in the trunklid.

In an impact, the doors automatically unlock, interior lights switch on andhazard flashers activate. If you need to change a flat tire, there’s even a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox.

Our test car added the cruise control/fog lights package at $455 and the power electric sunroof at $1,120, which is a great feature to have to enjoy the scenery and circulate fresh air through the cabin, but at $1,100 seems more than a tad overpriced.

With a $470 freight charge, the car stickered at $37,845.

The orignial M3 was offered in 1988-’91 and was powered by a 2.3-liter, 4. The ’95 M3 is the first to offer a 6.

While the M3 is an enthusiast’s car and the coming BMW roadster due in the fall of 1995 as a 1996 model is also built off the 3-series platform, BMW insists the intent of the M3 is not to build early excitement for the roadster.

“No relation between the two,” BMW spokesman Rob Mitchell said.

Only 2,000 M3s will be shipped to the U.S. this calendar year, another 2,500 in 1995.

1995 BMW M3 review: Our expert's take
By Jim Mateja

Even grownups need toys, which is why BMW builds cars, such as the 325is coupe, and rockets, such as the high-performance M3 makeover of the 325is intoa two-door missile.

BMW last produced an M3 performance version of the 3 series in 1991. At that time it shipped coupes off the assembly line to its Motorsport subsidiary, which undertook the power transfusion, though power at the time meant a beefed up 4-cylinder engine.

Today BMW does the conversion work on the assembly line, and along with thefirst M3 in four years comes the first 6-cylinder engine in the M3. And what you have is a $35,800 toy.

The ’95 M3 is swift, with a 0- to 60-mile-per-hour reading of about 6 seconds from its 3-liter, 240-horsepower, 24-valve, inline 6-cylinder engine. A smooth shifting 5-speed helps coax every ounce of energy out of the powerplant. Anti-lock brakes on all four wheels bring the power under control when needed, but if you get a tad aggressive or someone isn’t paying attention, a pair of air bags cushion you from impact.

In other words, the M3 is a rather complete package-power and safety wrapped in a $35,800 sticker. While $35,800 is one heck of a package to some, those who dabble in Bimmers see it as a blue-light special. There are reports of buyers waiting in line for the couple of M3’s dealers get each month.

Though the M3 may be a toy for the Bimmer bunch, we test drove one purely in the interest of science. Treated it as a job, part of the daily 9 to 5 grind. Let nothing stand in the way of research.

We must admit, however, that science can be fun. Along about second gear, you keep one eye on the road, the other in the rearview mirror watching headlights grow smaller.

The 3-liter has a bit of a kick to it, yet the fuel-economy rating is 19 miles per gallon city/27 m.p.g. highway, so you don’t have to spend all of your playtime at the pump.

While starting life as a 325is coupe, a few concessions were made to the added performance. The M3 has larger brakes and recalibrated ABS, along with alimited slip differential, to handle the power. To ease parking and low-speed maneuvers, variable assist and variable ratio power steering was added. Windshield wiper speed even varies based on vehicle speed.

The M3 is smooth and relatively quiet without any need for a rumble-tuned exhaust for performance sound effects. (Who would hear it anyway from 25 car lengths away?)

Yet, the M3 does have a few drawbacks. The rear seat is a decoration added to keep insurance companies from categorizing it as a two seater at higher rates. And though the 5-speed is smooth, there is no automatic-at least not for now. BMW, however, said it is considering adding one soon. As long as spring, summer and fall bring road repairs and debilitated traffic, there willbe a need for an automatic.

The other gripe is a personal one-and the same complaint we’ve had with Bimmers for years-the seats are s tiff. If you’re traveling the autobahn at 135m.p.h. for 50 miles, you have other things demanding your attention than the amount of foam padding tickling your tush. If you’re traveling the Kennedy Repairway at rush hour, it doesn’t take seven miles to realize the back is getting stiff, the butt a bit burdened.

“No pain, no gain” doesn’t have to apply to car seats. And until the U.S. government builds a no-speed limit autobahn joining the coasts, there will be people who would appreciate a little less firmness in the bucket they’re seated on.

Standard equipment in the M3 includes stainless-steel exhaust, a special aerodynamics decor package from front air dam to rear spoiler with ground effects rocker panels, air conditioning, dual power and heated sideview mirrors, heated driver’s door lock that activates when the handle is lifted and windshield washer jets, power windows, power locks, velour carpets, tintedglass, outside termperature display with a freeze warn ing alert for icy conditions, rear window defroster, AM/FM stereo with cassette, split fold-downrear seats and drop-down tool kit in the trunklid.

In an impact, the doors automatically unlock, interior lights switch on andhazard flashers activate. If you need to change a flat tire, there’s even a rechargeable flashlight in the glovebox.

Our test car added the cruise control/fog lights package at $455 and the power electric sunroof at $1,120, which is a great feature to have to enjoy the scenery and circulate fresh air through the cabin, but at $1,100 seems more than a tad overpriced.

With a $470 freight charge, the car stickered at $37,845.

The orignial M3 was offered in 1988-’91 and was powered by a 2.3-liter, 4. The ’95 M3 is the first to offer a 6.

While the M3 is an enthusiast’s car and the coming BMW roadster due in the fall of 1995 as a 1996 model is also built off the 3-series platform, BMW insists the intent of the M3 is not to build early excitement for the roadster.

“No relation between the two,” BMW spokesman Rob Mitchell said.

Only 2,000 M3s will be shipped to the U.S. this calendar year, another 2,500 in 1995.

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Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

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

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Consumer reviews

5.0 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 5.0
Performance 5.0
Value 4.9
Exterior 5.0
Reliability 4.9

Most recent

  • A true Classic

    One of the top sports cars of 1995, the BMW M3. So fun to drive. Tight handling, great pickup, awesome on back roads. If you want a fun car to drive, this is the one.
    • Purchased a New 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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  • Most fun car you will ever drive

    Older M series are works of art. From how comfortable the leather bucket seats are, to the body styling, to the purr of the engine. I owned a 3.0 L E36 and the car roared along happily at 3k rpm or 7k rpm. You will FALL IN LOVE with the way these cars drive. These are the types of cars that you can connect with.
    • 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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  • My Favorite

    Power to weight ratio is amazing. Not the fastest car out there but a blast to drive. Always take care of the cooling system and this car will not let you down. Mine has 270,000 miles on it, I have owned it since 120,000 and only died on me twice, once was a battery and once was the alternator.
    • 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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  • A Joy to Drive! When BMW was still BMW

    I fell in love with this car the first time I saw it. Arctic Silver over Black Leather , with the sunroof open I think it's the most beautiful car on the road. Threads into corners like a race car - engine note subtle but sweet- if you can find a well cared for low mileage example you won't be disappointed.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • Have to love the e36 m3

    I love my 95 e36m3. It was my dream car when i was 15 and i got mine 2 in half yrs ago and I have been loving it. You can go over 100 real quick and not even notice that you are. Handles like a dream. It still turns heads as well. If your looking for a m3 of the e36's i would go with the 95 yr other then the 96-99 yrs.
    • 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 car ever

    this car just pulls and pulls until you reach 150mph!!! wow!!!!! best of all it only ever needs tire and brakes everything else is solid
    • 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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  • The ULTIMATE driving machine

    This car is worth every penny! I love the handling, performance, and styling of the E36 M. I drove it to the maximum speed limit a couple of times and still the car was still yearning for more speed. It is smooth, crisp, and very agile around the turns. The only thing that I did not like about the car is the price tag on maintenance, but overall, great bang for the buck!
    • 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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  • A Blast

    handling is great for mountain twisties. just took the car up for a great drive over the weekend with some other m3 owners; and the cornering was great at 60mph. its equipt with enough power to fill your body with a rush of adrenaline.
    • 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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  • 1995 M3

    One of the best balanced cars I've ever owned, and I have experienced the ownership of thousands of vehicles. Skillful drivers get the most reward, but the average guy still gets the impression of lasting quality that only seems to have such staying power on european vehicles. Mine has 140,000 miles, and still performs perfectly. I also have a 2000 M5, so I have a good power perspective, you might say. Chuck
    • 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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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 1995 BMW M3?

The 1995 BMW M3 is available in 1 trim level:

  • M3 (1 style)

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 1995 BMW M3?

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Is the 1995 BMW M3 reliable?

The 1995 BMW M3 has an average reliability rating of 4.9 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 1995 BMW M3 owners.

Is the 1995 BMW M3 a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 1995 BMW M3. 100.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

5.0 / 5
Based on 9 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 5.0
  • Performance: 5.0
  • Value: 4.9
  • Exterior: 5.0
  • Reliability: 4.9

BMW M3 history

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