Over 35 years and six generations, the M3 continues to hold its place in the hearts and minds of driving enthusiasts everywhere, and for good reason. Which M3 is the best of the best?
The BMW M3 is one of the longest-running names in both sports car and motorsports history. Originally developed as a homologation special (effectively a race car that ran a limited production, a road-legal counterpart to satisfy race series requirements), the car became so popular that BMW continued making it.
Now, 35 years and six generations later, the M3 continues to hold its place in the hearts and minds of driving enthusiasts all over the world, and for good reason. Today, we look into why the BMW M3 has been–and remains–such a special car.
BMW M3: What’s in a Name?
First, BMW vehicles (and the M3 specifically) do have some unusual naming conventions to be aware of. Throughout this article you will see references such as “E46” or “G80” — these refer to BMW’s internally-used chassis codes for each model. It’s an easy way to refer to different generations of the same model of any BMW, and that is no exception for the M3.
It’s very common to see this terminology while shopping for a pre-owned M3, so it’s something to become familiar with.
Also notable, for the 2014 model year, the M3 split, becoming the M4 Coupe and Convertible, and the M3 Sedan. Mechanically identical, it should be said that all advice below for F80 and G80 cars holds true for both the four-door M3 and the two-door M4.
Additionally, the E90 M3 received three different chassis codes, one each for sedan, coupe (E92), and convertible (E93). For simplicity’s sake, we will simply be referring to it as the E90, but if you’re shopping for one, don’t be confused by the different numbers.
BMW M3 Engines
Despite primarily being known for their inline-six-cylinder engines, only a couple of generations were powered by the famed six: the E36 (from 1994-1999) and E46 (2001-2006) generations.
More recently, two more models share the inline-six architecture, but they have added a pair of turbochargers to aid efficiency and get some additional power out of the engine.
The newest M3 (the G80), and its predecessor, the F80, both use twin-turbocharged inline-six cylinders, and both are good for over 400 hp. BMW chooses to utilize an inline-six design, as the cylinders are aligned in a straight line, increasing balance both in the engine’s power delivery and steering and handling.
The remaining two generations–the first (E30) and fourth (E90)–rely on an inline-four-cylinder and a big, four-liter V8, respectively. Here’s a breakdown of the M3’s engines through the years:
- E30 (1986): 192 hp 2.4L inline-four
- E36 (1992): 240 hp (U.S.) 286 hp (everywhere else) 3.0L and 3.2L inline-six E46 (2000), 333 hp (up to 360 in CSL trim) 3.2L inline-six
- E90 (2007): 414 hp 4.0L V8
- F80 (2014): 425 hp (up to 453 in CS trim) 3.0L twin turbo inline-six
- G80 (2020): 473 hp (503 in Competition trim) 3.0L twin turbocharged inline-six
BMW M3 Reliability
When it comes to reliability, each generation has its individual quirks, in some cases accounting for thousands of dollars of preventative maintenance. Here, we get a quick look at each generation’s foibles and fortes.
E30
Despite the E30 M3’s inline-four-cylinder being essentially a race engine crammed into a sports coupe, the E30’s engine enjoys a reputation as being mostly reliable. Most of its engine components were overbuilt for expected track use.
However, older electrical components are common failure points (such as window switches and gauges), and age, of course, complicates things. For instance, some of the flimsier plastic bits, like the interior door latches, will fail, mostly due to age.
E36
The E36 M3 is a bit of an outlier in this list since the U.S. models received a slightly altered version of the engine from the rest of the world. Still, the two powerplants are based on the same engine, and therefore share most of the same problems. They tend to burn or leak oil and will require a mandatory cooling system upgrade.
Additionally, the E36 faces similar age-related issues as the E30, including plastic bits breaking and snapping, and minor electrical issues. They also tend to wear out their suspension bushings and mounts prematurely, so most owners opt to upgrade or replace most of the components before they start driving the car regularly.
E46
The E46 M3 faces a few rather necessary maintenance items. One of the most important is the rod bearings, which will wear prematurely and stick you with a four-digit repair bill. If the bearings fail, it’s nearly always catastrophic engine failure; this will raise your bill exponentially as opposed to just taking care of them preemptively.
Additionally, the rear subframe is known to tear and compromise the structural rigidity of the vehicle, though usually after years of hard driving on the used market. For better or for worse, it’s a well-documented failure point and can be addressed by welding in relatively inexpensive subframe reinforcements (which are labor-intensive to install).
If you are doing the labor yourself, it might not be a huge issue. If you’re paying a shop, this becomes a $1,200-plus project.
Lastly, the VANOS system–BMW’s version of variable valve timing–is a common failure point with plenty of preventative solutions. These will likely cost $1,000-plus, so be prepared. Ultimately, this car should be avoided unless you have the know-how or a mechanic willing to complete repairs for pennies on the dollar.
All this being said, the E46 M3 delivers an incomparable driving experience, and the wonderful S54 engine delivers a responsive and enthusiastic response whenever it’s pushed. Mixed with a compliant chassis, it makes it worth every penny.
E90
Like the E46, the E90 M3 delivers a balanced power delivery and a great driving chassis alongside it. Unfortunately, it also suffers from similar costs to maintain. Rod bearings are still an issue and will cost you some decent cash to repair if you aren’t doing it yourself.
The S65 V8 also suffers from throttle actuator issues that are probably going to crop up between 80 and 100,000 miles. This will set you back an equally high pile of cash ($1,200-plus) if you’re not doing the work yourself. That’s pretty much the bulk of the concerns.
As long as you keep the car well maintained past 100,000 miles, you’ll have a great driving, and even better sounding, sports car for an attainable price.
F80
Probably the most reliable M3 since the E30, the F80 does not have many common issues. There have been reports of the crank hub failing, and while this is mostly a problem related to modified cars, it still rears its ugly head occasionally with stock cars. This preventative measure will run you roughly $2,500, but the peace of mind is probably worth it.
One thing to note: Many F80s tend to be modified, which isn’t a problem as long as you’re aware of the modifications.
Occasionally, owners will tune the car to increase power without making necessary supporting modifications, and that can cause damage to the engine and premature wear. Shop carefully and make sure, like any other car on this list, you get a pre-purchase inspection.
G80
As the G80 is nearly brand-new still, we do not have much insight as to how reliable it will be in the long term. The engine is closely related to the one in the F80, though, so that likely will bode well for the G80 in the future. If you take care of your new G80 with regular maintenance, reliability will be the least of your concerns.
BMW M3 Pricing and Depreciation
The easiest M3 to buy is certainly the G80. It’s brand-new and still will be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty for three years or 36,000 miles.
Of course, buying a new M3 isn’t necessarily attainable for everyone, as they start at $69,000 — but you’ll be getting all of the newest tech, the best performance, and a warranty to boot.
Plus, the G80 offers the highest level of customizability ever, with options like carbon-fiber race seats and a carbon exterior package, letting you individualize your car the way you’d like.
M3s tend to depreciate quickly, plateauing at around 10 years after their original debut. After that, they tend to begin appreciating as they become more and more scarce.
You can expect to pay a very pretty penny (some have sold for over $250,000) for a nice example of an E30 M3. No other M3 has gotten close to that kind of price, but the E46 and E90 are well on the way; the best examples of each have gotten close to the $100,000 mark.
Generally, the above prices are outliers for extremely low-mile and well-preserved versions, and the sweet spot for an older M3 is $20,000-$30,000. Make sure you get a pre-purchase inspection prior to pulling the trigger, as they are inexpensive and can save you thousands of dollars in the long run.
Which BMW M3 is the Best?
Well, that depends on how you define “best.” The newest G80 M3 is the fastest, safest, and most modern M3 ever made. Additionally, you still can buy a manual, which may be a big deal if you’re shopping for an involving drive like the M3.
Others will say the E90 M3 is the best, due to its throaty and powerful V8 engine and old-school hydraulic steering. Still, others will insist that the E46 M3 was the most balanced of the bunch, combining lightweight with good, linear power, and a compliant ride. Its classic looks make it likely the most popular M3 ever.
Which BMW M3 is the Worst?
Just like the “best” M3, the “worst” one is equally difficult to pinpoint.
The E36 M3 (especially the U.S. version) received a neutered engine and isn’t favored by most enthusiasts. However, it’s likely one of the cheapest to acquire and maintain and still promises driving thrills.
Some will decry the F80 M3 as the “worst,” because it’s where BMW chose to stop using naturally aspirated engines, favoring more efficient and powerful turbochargers. As far as maintenance goes, the E46 can become very needy–and expensive–quickly.
Therefore, “worst” quickly becomes just as subjective as “best” when it comes to the BMW M3.
The M3 has remained a mainstay in the sports car world for over three decades now with no end in sight. Though seeing many changes through the years, the general philosophy of the car has remained the same: Fulfill the expectations of someone looking to purchase the Ultimate Driving Machine.
The best way to determine which M3 is right for you is to drive them all. They all provide a wonderfully rewarding driving experience and their own reasons to fall in love with the BMW.
Photos: BMW
