BMW M3: What You Should Know Before Buying Each and Every Version

E30 M3 (1986-1991) Engine: 2.3-liter inline 4-cylinder Horsepower: 200 Torque: 177 lb-ft 0-60: 6.5 seconds Top Speed: 146 mph Weight: 2,568-2,998 lbs. Pros: You can drive at your limit because it’s so balanced and won’t overwhelm you with horsepower. It’s a collector’s item that’s only gaining in value. Cons: Expensive. You have to rev to the limit to extract all its power. Might be too old for some. The grand papa. The first M3 was the simplest, the rawest, and the most racetrack-friendly. With only 2,600 pounds to push, the 200 naturally-aspirated horsepower made-from-racing M3 was light, agile and gave you what you expected from a car meant to destroy European racetracks: an analog experience like almost no other from a homologated street car. The 4-cylinder could rev to 7,000 rpm all day, and made you feel giddy while doing it. There were only 5,000 models brought to the U.S. market, so getting this 30-year-old for a steal is downright impossible unless a conservative relative passes it down to you. On average, they’re looking to sell for around $30K USD on eBay with modifications, and over 100K miles, but mint examples are around $70K USD. However, if you don’t have buku bucks lying around to drop on the M3, there are a good amounts of the 325is that you can get for a song to fix up and daily drive if you’re mechanically inclined. It’s not the M3, but it’s still a great car.

E36 M3 (1995-1999)

E46 M3 (2000-2006)

E90/E92 M3 (2007-2013)

F80/F82 M3/M4 (2014-present)