2005
BMW M3

Starts at:
$47,300
Shop options
New 2005 BMW M3
See ratings
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Consumer rating
Owner reviewed vehicle score
Not rated
Safety rating
NHTSA tested vehicle score
Shop Cars.com
Browse cars & save your favorites
Dealers near you
Find & contact a dealership near you
Listings near 43272
Change location See all listings

Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • M3 2dr Cpe
    Starts at
    $47,300
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • M3 2dr Convertible
    Starts at
    $55,800
    16 City / 22 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3 2005 BMW M3

The good & the bad

This vehicle doesn't have any good or bad insights yet.

Use our comparison tool to look at this model side-by-side with other vehicles or view the full specifications list .

Start your comparison

Available cars near you

See all cars near you

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
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
See all CPO program details

Compare similar vehicles

Select cars to compare for more detailed info.
  • 2005
    4.7
    BMW M3
    Starts at
    $47,300
    2005 BMW M3
    16 City / 23 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2005
    4.7
    Ferrari F430
    Starts at
    $170,045
    2005 Ferrari F430
    10 City / 15 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2009
    4.5
    BMW M3
    Starts at
    $54,850
    2009 BMW M3
    14 City / 20 Hwy
    MPG
    4
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2007
    4.9
    Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    Starts at
    $110,600
    2007 Aston Martin V8 Vantage
    13 City / 19 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 1994
    4.4
    Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    Starts at
    $29,900
    1994 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
    -
    MPG
    -
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    -
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2001
    4.8
    BMW M
    Starts at
    $44,990
    2001 BMW M
    17 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas 6-Cyl
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 2006
    4.8
    Honda S2000
    Starts at
    $34,050
    2006 Honda S2000
    20 City / 26 Hwy
    MPG
    2
    Seat capacity
    Gas I4
    Engine
    Rear-wheel drive
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • 1992
    5.0
    Acura NSX
    Starts at
    $65,000
    1992 Acura NSX
    -
    MPG
    -
    Seat capacity
    -
    Engine
    -
    Drivetrain
    Compare
  • Compare more options
    Use our comparison tool to add any vehicle of your choice and see a full list of specifications and features side-by-side.
    Try it now

Consumer reviews

91% of drivers recommend this car
4.7 / 5
Based on 24 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.4
Interior 4.3
Performance 4.8
Value 4.3
Exterior 4.7
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • By pee lover from ohio
    Used to own this car
    December 16, 2024

    THIS CAR EXPLODED WITH ME INSIDE IT NOW MY LEFT ARM AND

    THIS CAR EXPLODED WITH ME INSIDE IT NOW MY LEFT ARM AND SECOND NOSTRIL ARE GONE IT TOOK MY FREAKING FACE PLEASE NEVER BUY THIS CAR!!!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 1.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 1.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 1.0
    Reliability 1.0
    3 people out of 16 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By //MDaily from Tacoma, WA
    Owns this car
    April 11, 2020

    A classic well balanced sports car. The bar.

    The 2001-2006 BMW M3 (chassis code E46). This generation of M3, like others was and still is and icon of sport and spirited diving. When new, this set the bar and was the measuring stick by which other cars were evaluated. Sure, it doesn't have all the current tech, even seeming Spartan compared to all the comforts of a large high-end luxury sedan or SUV, but that's never been why we love M3s. Now the E46 M3 is between 14-19 years old and it's performance on paper is comparable to that of a new Civic Si, but it still has something that very few cars have. Dare I say it at the risk being cliche? Soul. The M3 wasn't supposed to be the fastest in a straight line but a well balanced alround touring car. Its the perfect balance of handling, power not too much power, and class while still reasonable enough to drive everyday or just on those nice spring Sundays. It does "fun" VERY well and that is why it still is one of the most pleasing cards to drive. The looks are before a lot of the more controversial later BMW designs. It has that work of art, screamer of an in-line 6 cylinder S54 motor (2001 engine of the year winner and winner of the 3-4 L category for six straight years in a row 2001-2006). Though SMG had begun to increase in popularity, some E46 M3s still came with an honest to goodness manual transmission. This is what makes the E46 M3 one of the best of what seems to be a dying bread of cars and values should hold (or even increase) through the years like most other M cars have done historically. Cost of ownership isn't cheap. It's a BMW, no surprise there. However, failure and repair costs increase when considering SMG equipped M3's. Another thing you should consider is how much money you'll spend washing and waxing it then time sitting there and staring. That's one of my hobbies too... when not driving it. The E46 M3 is in an icon in a lineage of special cars and had become an instant classic.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    7 people out of 7 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Clay Crawford from Indianapolis, Indiana
    Owns this car
    June 11, 2018

    Best first car

    This is my first car and I have been very privileged to own this as my first car. I absolutely love it tho.....I would recommend it to anyone you wants something that is a good value for the money, I paid 25,000 for mine and mine is now for sale for 35,000 a year and a half later. Don?t let people fool you about the SMG transmission. I love mine and as long as you know how to drive them they are perfect!
    • 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?
    Yes No
  • By LEO from Houston, TX
    Used to own this car
    November 29, 2017

    SMG killed the E46 M3

    December 2013 I'd purchase the used 2005 M3 E46 Convertible with 58 k miles on it and in pristine condition. At first I love the SMG but I's spent $ 5000 replaced the SMG hydraulic pump a year later. Then in June 2017 it failed again and another $5000 to replace the new one (the new pump have 2 years warranty from BMW dealer). E46 has the timeless design style but the interior materials are all cheap plastic easily to brake except the leathers. Great engine design and performance, go with the manual if you want to get one.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 2.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By steve-o from rockford
    Test drove this car
    October 2, 2017

    most fun to drive and best quality car ever.

    The car is beautiful. Bmw made the best of the best with it. Inline 6 cylinder naturally aspirated. Stock 0-60.. 5 seconds flat, luxurious, nice body design, quad exhaust, stock rims as well are beautiful and better than any aftermarket ones for the car. It handles like a dream and makes you feel bmw's slogan is true. The ultimate driving machine.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By BMWdood from Lexington, KY
    Test drove this car
    September 10, 2017

    Very Rad Vehicle

    Love the feel of this car. Not a fan of SMG transmission, but this engine has way too much power to ignore
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By Joey swolz from Raleigh nc
    Owns this car
    June 20, 2017

    Great sports car that does everything a super car.

    Very reliable and fast car one of the best cars i have ever owned never had any issues once so ever when the Germans built this car they sure knew what they was doing.
    • 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?
    Yes No
  • By marcus from Richmond, VA
    Owns this car
    June 15, 2017

    An all time favorite

    This vehicle has aged very well and most of the maintenance problems are well known like the vanos, subframe, and the rod bearings. If you can find one in good condition you should buy it, keep it and never look back.
    • 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 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By RS from los angles,ca
    Owns this car
    May 27, 2017

    wild beuty

    very rare car .price is very good for such a car in this class. powerful engine, very good balance,nice design,good brakes and ...
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    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?
    Yes No
  • By jhatzi3 from Chicago, IL
    Owns this car
    May 17, 2017

    Best car under 15k

    Best handling/speed/comfort/ and even looks money can buy under 15k. A 15 year old car still looks modern! Crazy I know, but it also is one of the fastest on the road too. Get a short shifter with an exhaust system and that's all you need. Getting behind the wheel of an e46 m3 is one of the best feelings you will experience. And did I mention only 15k!
    • 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?
    Yes No
  • By Porsche Bemmer Lover from LA
    Owns this car
    December 20, 2013

    Awesome Power and handling

    Love everything about the car except the rough shifting SMG transmission. Great Power and handling. Solid body even with the convertible body style.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • By rick from Daphne, AL
    Owns this car
    September 13, 2013

    Fantastic all around car

    This care is the best of everything: it has timeless lines; it is a great performance car; you can carry a family; great color (Interlagos Blue); great mileage (never had less that 19 + in heavy city traffic; virtually no repairs; gets lots of thumbs up; you can adjust the SMG so that it shifts like a Cadillac if you prefer it; a desirable car with great resale value. Weakest part of the car is the sound system. You must have the HK upgrade or plan on aftermarket add-ons.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • 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?
    Yes No
See all reviews

BMW dealers near you

See all BMW dealers near you

FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2005 BMW M3?

The 2005 BMW M3 is available in 1 trim level:

  • M3 (2 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2005 BMW M3?

The 2005 BMW M3 offers up to 16 MPG in city driving and 23 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 2005 BMW M3?

The 2005 BMW M3 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2005 BMW M3 reliable?

The 2005 BMW M3 has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2005 BMW M3 owners.

Is the 2005 BMW M3 a good Coupe?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2005 BMW M3. 91.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.7 / 5
Based on 24 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.4
  • Interior: 4.3
  • Performance: 4.8
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 4.7
  • Reliability: 4.4

BMW M3 history

Your list was successfully saved.
 
 
 
 
Save list Compare
[{"cat":"luxurypassenger_plus","stock_type":"used","bodystyle":"Coupe","page_type":"research/make-model-year","oem_page":false,"search_fuel_types":["Gasoline Fuel"]}]