2006 BMW M3 consumer reviews

Fantastic driving, handling & performance!! And it still gives practicality/space & great mileage on trips. Great appointments & quiet for a soft top. Add a wind blocker for max top-down comfort. Changed rear camber (to -1 degree) to get 100% longer tire wear, with minimal handling change.

The E46 M3 is by all accounts an excellent car. BUT I passed on it until I drove the version with the competition package: "With the ZCP Competition Package, you get the CSL's 19-inch forged alloy wheels, larger Michelin tires, stiffer shocks and springs, a quicker steering ratio (15.4-to-1 to 14.5-to-1), larger cross-drilled front brake rotors (12.8 inches to 13.6 inches), cross-drilled rear rotors and brake pads with a more aggressive compound. The ZCP's less intrusive M Track mode is also part of the package. Actuated by a button on the steering wheel, it backs off the coupe's Dynamic Stability Control, but doesn't shut it down completely. Inside you get a buttery-soft Alcantara-covered steering wheel, which we think is worth $4 grand alone; an Alcantara-covered handbrake grip; and uniquely textured aluminum trim. Plus, cruise control and steering wheel audio controls are deleted from the vehicle. The Competition Package is available including a Harman Kardon sound system." I have the means and life (kids) to only have one "reasonable" sports car. To date, I cannot find a more compelling blend of serious handling...and liveablity (can pick a destination for a 20 minute drive, grab groceries, and blast back). The pure / direct driving experience of this car is exceptional. In the last year as the warranty was coming up I have driven the Corvette Z06, new M3, 911C2S, Lotus Exige, Mercedes C63, and some that were franky joy rides (Porsche Turbo, Mercedes CL63 as I won't spend over 100K for a car). The only car that I didn't test drive was the GTR which looks awesome...but I don't respond to the video game driving experience...I still love a manual and the german fit / finish. This car has unbelievable breaks, surgical turn in, plenty of power, loads of grip...and perfect balance. If I told you I recently beat a guy in his 996 Turbo on a Twisty Road that I knew well would you believe me? Yeah, I wouldn't believe it either...but that is how good this car's handling / grip is and useable power is (and I am a fine driver :). If you want a car to go 200 mph in a straight line, this isn't it...but a brilliantly engineered driver's car... This is one of the best choices on the market. It looks gorgeous...understated but clean muscular lines. Car freaks recognize and know this version of the M3...so prepare for lots of car talk with car freaks. Fun Stuff! I trade cars every two years...and have kept my Carbon Black / E46 M3 CS since 2006. Well, that is the strongest praise I can give. Good luck out there and keep the rubber on the road.

when you own one of these immaculate works of machinery. You will never want anything else. What an amazing car. You need a garage and a nice road to open this baby up. Everyone gives your respect for having it. its the meaning of reaching success.

Im here to tell you handling, excelleration and fun is all there. I love this car. Yes the competition has caught the E46 in speeed and horsepower, but when it comes down to the bimmer feel and trust they will never catch that. It is a beautiful rock solid car. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this car to all. I have 17,333 happy miles on mine and when I drop the top its a highly enjoyable experiance.

Bought this car new in Germany. Put over 16000 mostly autobahn miles on it and have not stopped smiling. When I say autobahn - I mean cruising at 120 - 130 mph and racing other cars up to 160 mph (electronically limited)

This is a great car. I beat my friend's rs4 with it so it is really fast, and the handling is just sooooooo good. But it lacks comfort. As a sports car this is perfect, but as a car to just cruse its not the best.

I've had this car since March '06 with a competition package and 6-speed on the floor. This car is very fast especially with the sport mode on! Excellent handling and acceleration. Ride is rough but I don't expect anything from a race-bred car; not a comfortable car to drive on a daily commute. Seems that this car comes with more options than standards. I thought it came with a factory alarm, like most cars this high a price but didn't. I've owned from a Honda to a Lexus, now a BMW. My next car? an Audi RS4.

This car has got to be one of the most fun cars to drive on the road. The 6 speed BMW transmission and BMW handling sets the standard by which all other cars are judged. The interior is kind of basic, and I am looking forward to improvements in 2007. On the other hand - maintenance is extremely ridiculous once you get over the warranty period. What is $100 on a normal car costs $300 on a 3-series BMW and $500 on an M3. The 60,000 mile "inspection II" costs $2300. Another inconvenience for a normal driver is the lack of a spare tire - I got stranded 100 miles from home and had to have the car towed - $400 in 2 new tires and a $200 allignment later I was back on the road. Summary - awesome car - but only drive within the warranty period or you will get burned.

Very reliable. Just the amount of engineering and design that went into this vehicle is amazing. Add to that 4 years or 50,000 miles of bumper to bumper coverage and this car cannot be beat in terms of supercar reliability.

This car is great. It handles like a dream and looks great. The interior is second to none. There are great features and lots of room. I think that this is the best car on the market period. No one can beat this baby.