2003 BMW M3 Consumer Reviews

I have an '02 convertible with the SMG transmission, which I love. I've had the car for five years and have done a lot of maintenance to it (will actually be servicing the rod bearings next week) and it runs and drives amazing. Sure, it's >20 years old, so the modern equivalent is superior in many ways, yet this M3 has become a true BMW classic with a masterpiece of an engine. A true driver's car.

The E46 M3 is a line that most automakers try to step over but most can't. These ultra capable 333 horse power beauties will make you smile at the acceleration but make you GRIN at the handling. These gems are holding value and soon be on most collectors lists

This is a true driver's car! It's no wonder this particular year/model (2001 E46 M3 - naturally aspirated manual trans) is among the few that are actually *appreciating* in value! You're glued to the road and the steering is so tight it's unreal. It's almost like an extension of me - like "I want to go there" and it responds as though it knew what I was thinking! The power can throw you back in your seat - such a thrill to drive! I don't even listen to music because I want to hear to the car and focus on what I'm doing. I bought it a few weeks back, and because of its low mileage (53,000) & mint condition, told myself that this was an "investment" - that I'll keep it a few years and then sell it for double the price, but every time I drive it, my plan evaporates. I bought a custom cover for protection from the elements, birds, dings, etc. since I don't have a garage, and drive it mostly when my trip includes highways (at least once a week.) Bottom line: If you love BMWs, this is one you want in your fleet!

This car is awesome in every way except corrective and preventive maintenance. You gotta keep up with it or they’ll be very expensive bills coming your way

Has amazing power especially for a normally aspirated engine. Addictivly fun to drive. A pure drivers car, that always turns heads. Love the stealth factor about the M3; in other words; all the power and speed and agility, without so much noise. I ordered this car from the BMW dealer, and at the last minute the salesman showed me the rarely ordered & very distinctive Alcantara leather option for the seats. I went for it, and am glad I did. This suede like Alcantara leather option looks fantastic, shows no wear, and keeps your butt from sliding around in the seat, unlike regular smooth leather. Love it!

Gives me the smiles everytime I drive this car by myself. This is almost a true collector car - hard to find another model that sounds as good and pulls as hard near redline. No regrets buying this car - Ive driven all the m3s- this is most likely the last true M car. Not fast by todays standards, but the way it communicates and drives cannot be duplicated by todays cars.

The E46 M3's are still one of the most beautiful cars ever built in my opinion. I put through a custom build order on mine after putting 150,000 of a '97 M3. I deleted almost everything that added weight and slowed the car down ie. no sunroof, no power seats, no leather on the seats because I've always found then not grippy enough on the race track. So my only options where the Harmon Kardon stereo and the cold weather pack (I live in Colorado after all). Me and the dealer were both surprised at what the interior was when you deleted leather, the seats are done up in black Alcantara. If looking for a E46 M3 if you can find you of the last 100 or so cars built you'll get a real treat. As the production wound down they saw they had too many Competition Package parts left so they all got the brakes, struts, roll bars from the Comp Pack. So I have a Competition pack car with cruise control. To sum up this is still today one of the best cars ever built when you consider performance and looks ( this is the last car before the Bangle butt showed up) and I'm not giving mine up even after 10 years. Might buy a new M2 but I'm keeping what I know a love.

Wow...what can a mere mortal say but bow to the Engineering guys at BMW M Workes.....Had an E90 328I sport sedan as my first BMW....Knew I had to have an M after about two weeks. Found and bought my E46 M3 sight unseen except a few good photos, clean DMV check and Carfax..wrote a check...the rest is History..SMG, Harmon Kardon, leather, MAGICAL 3.2 inline 6....Now at 50K miles...Rouge Engineering full exhaust, carbon fiber grills, rear diffuser, front splitter, Stop tech slotted rotors, ESS Intercooled Supercharger 550 Kit...P285's on the back, 255's on the front....STOCK..This was an amazing car...I just wanted to make it better but NOT change it's manner, it's character, it's INTENDED Function...and, Honestly, I got LUCKY I didn't screw it up...If you have EVER wanted to own a piece of magical engineering and a proud Flag waiver of a small but Focused company...Get One of These...yes, $180 oil changes, which include a Mandatory 150 point inspection to be Fair...40K service @ $1500 for a full valve adjustment and VANOS check..and another 150 point inspection....Insurance LOVE'S me..LOL But hey...there's an old saying..."NEVER FEEL SORRY FOR A GUY WITH A BMW" If you can foot the Bill....GO FOR IT...I PROMISE You, you wont even think about the check you just wrote after about two miles.......