Item: Used BMW M3 Coupe 2000 - 2006
Rating: 4
Author: What Car? Team

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Munich-based BMW is most famous for its sports saloons, in particular the 3 Series and 5 Series. However, it actually builds almost every type of car imaginable: everything from two-seat convertibles to seven-seat MPVs.

The cheapest model in the BMW range is the 1 Series hatchback, which is a rival to the Audi A3, Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Volkswagen Golf. Meanwhile, at the other extreme is the i8 plug-in hybrid sports car, which costs more than £100,000.

BMW was also quick to capitalise on the rise of the SUV and now has six in its range: the X1, X2, X3, X4, X5 and X6.

All of this makes it one of the big three German prestige brands, along with Audi and Mercedes-Benz.

You're buying a strong combination of awesome performance and day-to-day practicality

Used BMW M3 Coupe 2000 - 2006

You're getting a day-to-day car that can challenge <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/porsche">Porsches</a> and the like, so be prepared to pay for the privilege, especially if you plan to take it on tyre-shredding track days. That 338bhp engine translates into expensive insurance, and claimed fuel economy is 21mpg at best.

Maintenance isn't cheap, either. Figures from Warranty Direct indicate that BMW main-dealer labour rates are over 35% more expensive than average. However, find a decent independent specialist, and you should pay around half of what you would at a franchised garage.

Warranty Direct's research also indicates that the M3's reliability is a little below par, and average repair bills are not small. While servicing costs can be upwards of 30% higher than for any other 3 Series, the M3 can still be less expensive to maintain than its <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/category/sports">sports car</a> rivals.

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You're buying a strong combination of awesome performance and day-to-day practicality


The M3 comes fully loaded with kit – from stability and traction technology to big alloys, air-con and six airbags. However, we'd avoid the larger 19-inch alloys - they may look good, but they do nothing for the ride quality.

In addition to the standard precise six-speed manual, BMW also offered an SMG (Sequential Manual Gearbox) paddle-shift auto. It's effective but brutal, so unless you do lots of track days, stick with the manual.

In 2003 came the limited-edition 360bhp M3 CSL. It is even more focused than the standard car: more powerful and lighter, and with bigger brakes, sharper steering and more. The CS arrived in 2005, matching many of the CSL's parts to the M3's standard 338bhp engine.

The classifieds will have plenty of M3s, and there are many more in BMW's network and with specialist dealers, but get an independent inspection before you think about signing a cheque.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter <a href="https://pages.haymarket.com/whatcar/wcar-form.html">here</a>

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<h2>What we're looking for:</h2><ul><li>Ride comfort shouldn’t be sacrificed at the altar of handling sharpness</li> <li>Plenty of power from a melodic engine</li> <li>Handling that doesn’t come at the expense of a back-breaking ride​​​​​</li> <li> Practicality is not essential but nice to have </li></ul>

Driving fun is right at the top of any sports car buyer's priority list, and every one of our award candidates has backroad entertainment coded into its DNA.

The Mazda MX-5 embodies sports-car spirit without wearing an exotic price tag, and has deservedly gained a strong following over the years. Much newer to the scene is the mid-engined Alpine A110. It may carry a name from the past, but this potent, mid-engined sports car was designed with the very latest lightweight thinking.&nbsp;

Rounding off our shortlist, though, is a name that'll be familiar to even those to whom sports cars hold little interest. The Porsche 911 was born an icon in 1964, and the latest generation bridges the gap between sports car and supercar. Yet, somehow, it manages to preserve a distinctly civilised character.

Sports

The BMW M3 was built to be driven hard – and hold up well. However, they're not indestructible: check any proposed purchase over thoroughly, and seriously consider a professional inspection, especially to spot crash repairs.

Check all the electrics, too. If something's not working, make some calls to find out how much it will cost to repair. In all cars, check for low oil pressure, because wear of the big end's shell bearing isn't uncommon. And, if you're trying a car with the SMG automatic gearbox, be ready for shifts that can get you kangarooing down the road like a learner driver.

Bear in mind that the car you're looking for may well have some warranty remaining, and keep an eye out for a car with a desirable extended warranty. The good news is that owners like the <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">3 Series</a>: the JD Power customer satisfaction survey in 2006 ranked the standard car overall joint 11th out of 139 models, and third in the executive car class, while BMW came joint fifth out of 35 manufacturers.

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The BMW M3 is a focused driving machine with thrilling performance and fantastic handling. Yet you can use it every day, even if you have kids.

At its heart is a brilliant 3.2-litre straight-six engine, from which <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/make/bmw">BMW</a> has wrung 338bhp. The acceleration will amaze you, with no let-up all the way to the 155mph limiter, but at the same time the engine is flexible enough to just pootle around in traffic.

While the ride is firm around town, we reckon it's a small price to pay for the more forgiving ride and sublime handling you can enjoy on faster roads.

There's plenty of road and engine noise, but that's not necessarily a bad thing: the straight six engine sounds fantastic when it's worked hard.

Inside, the M3 is clearly a <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/saloon/review/n91">3 Series</a>, but the bespoke dials, steering wheel and sports seats give an inkling of the car's capabilities. And, as in the standard <a href="https://www.whatcar.com/bmw/3-series/coupe/used-review/n256">3 Series Coupe</a>, there's space for four adults, although rear headroom is restricted, and you get a decent-sized boot.

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Used BMW M3 Coupe 2000 - 2006 review

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What to look for when buying a BMW M3 2000 - 2006, covering common problems to check for and overall vehicle reliability.

The BMW M3 was built to be driven hard – and hold up well. However, they're not indestructible: check any proposed purchase over thoroughly, and seriously consider a professional inspection, especially to spot crash repairs.,Check all the electrics, too. If something's not working, make some calls to find out how much it will cost to repair. In all cars, check for low oil pressure, because wear of the big end's shell bearing isn't uncommon. And, if you're trying a car with the SMG automatic gearbox, be ready for shifts that can get you kangarooing down the road like a learner driver.,Bear in mind that the car you're looking for may well have some warranty remaining, and keep an eye out for a car with a desirable extended warranty. The good news is that owners like the 3 Series: the JD Power customer satisfaction survey in 2006 ranked the standard car overall joint 11th out of 139 models, and third in the executive car class, while BMW came joint fifth out of 35 manufacturers. 

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Used BMW M3 Coupe 2000 - 2006 review

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