USED BMW M3 Coupe (01 - 07)

My car

I bought this car in Dec 04 and, while not cheap at £42,000, it is well worth the price. The look of the car is stunning - a wide, low, aggressive stance on 19-inch alloys makes it look like it's poised for action.

I previously owned a 330 Coupe Sport, which was quick but the M3 is in another class. Switch on Sport mode and the throttle response is instantaneous and immense, catapulting the car forward. The handling of the car is also incredible on any roads and unless driven stupidly will hold the road easily.

The only drawback I encountered was driving in the snow where the car became a bit of a handful and just wouldn't move. In some cases no matter what combination I tried with the traction control, gears and throttle.

Like another review, I have experienced some kangarooing while cold and on low throttle and the car is booked in for this to be looked at. It's a minor inconvenience, however.

In summary, it's a fantastic car, blisteringly fast and so much fun to drive. I would never go back to a 'lower' model.

My car

I have owned this car since March 2004, and, not only is it the best car I've ever owned, it is, in my opinion, possibly one of the best cars available at any price.

It is blisteringly fast, both in a straight line and on the twisty stuff. Yet, it can comfortably accommodate four and has a decent boot. The engine is an absolute marvel, and it is as comfortable pottering around town as it is being gunned to the 8000rpm rev limit.

Running costs and tyre wear have been entirely reasonable considering the performance, and equipment levels are good.

Regrettably, a change of business circumstances means the car has to go, and is dictating a downgrade to a 325i Sport Coupe, but I would have no hesitation in having another M3 just as soon as possible!

Two warnings though. Stick to the manual box and 18-inch standard wheels.

My car

I've had this car from new since late September and absolutely love it.

I've had a number of BMWs over the years and this one is easily the best (and most expensive to own!). Raw power, handling, looks, and sheer fun factor make this a pleasure to drive. I've been slightly disappointed by a couple of persistent rattles in the rear passenger compartment, which I've been unable to locate.

Overall I'd say that the build quality of the interior is no better (perhaps not quite as good) as my last car (51 plate 525i Sport). At nearly £50k, this is a little disappointing. The dealer was OK, though it didn't feel like a special purchase and I would have liked the experience of buying my pride and joy to have been a real pleasure. In the end it was nothing special, and that's a shame.

I can't really fault the car in any way, and after 6 months I'm itching to give it a long blast on roads with less traffic than Surrey / Kent.

My car

The best car I've ever owned or driven!

Bought mine second hand 6 months ago and still have a smile on my face every time I drive it.

Just about practical, although if driven hard eats tyres.

Servicing costs not bad considering it's a performance car, but has a healthy appetite for fuel

Only real negative, "BMW Mobility" instead of a spare wheel, not very user friendly on a dark night.