2003 BMW M3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The 2003 BMW M3 came with a promise from the German automaker that problems that had been routine in the engines of previous models had been corrected. To prove their point, BMW offered 100,000 drive train warranties on the 2003 M3.
Most drivers didn't need to take advantage of the guarantee and reported few problems - but a higher than average number of speeding tickets - even after several years of driving the 2003 M3. The engine is described as "responsive" while the car itself looks "muscular."
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2003 BMW M3
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by Anonymous
Apr 01, 2024
This is an amazing car, sure its old and outdated by todays standards. It is in many ways nicer than newer cars made today. The interior quality and fit and finish is exceptional. Sounds amazing, still a solid performer, a joy to drive. Apr 01, 2024
by Aaron K
Dec 09, 2021
Very solid positive connection with the road. One of the best driving cars of all time .Dec 09, 2021
by Anonymous
May 01, 2015
Enjoyable to drive, just maintenance costs are high. Gets compliments everywhere I go, really quick. A very nice car nonetheless, very respectfully and known in the BMW Community, fits passengers in the back just fine. If you buy one make sure you get ALL maintenance records on hand and verified.May 01, 2015
User rating:
by Anonymous
Apr 01, 2024
This is an amazing car, sure its old and outdated by todays standards. It is in many ways nicer than newer cars made today. The interior quality and fit and finish is exceptional. Sounds amazing, still a solid performer, a joy to drive. Apr 01, 2024
by Aaron K
Dec 09, 2021
Very solid positive connection with the road. One of the best driving cars of all time .Dec 09, 2021
by Anonymous
May 01, 2015
Enjoyable to drive, just maintenance costs are high. Gets compliments everywhere I go, really quick. A very nice car nonetheless, very respectfully and known in the BMW Community, fits passengers in the back just fine. If you buy one make sure you get ALL maintenance records on hand and verified.May 01, 2015
by Jose V
Mar 16, 2015
Overall the E46 M3 is a great car. I'm actually looking forward to purchase another. Except, hardtop coupe this time. Its fast, amazing handling, sounds great, and not bad on gas consumption. Would definitely recommend to anyone. Best car out there in my opinion (aside from the E30 M3 hehe).Mar 16, 2015
by Matteo S
Feb 15, 2012
If you're looking of a car to drive everyday and of to the track on
weekends with, you have to get a BMW M3. There is nothing that can come
close to offering this kind of practicality and fun for the price.Feb 15, 2012
by Habib B
Aug 09, 2011
I loved this car! Only problem, I felt it was a bit underpowered. Car had tons of torque and the Drivelogic system allowed this car to be a daily driver. The car handled very well, and it wasn't much of a looker but it definitely made you feel younger.Aug 09, 2011
by Anonymous
Mar 11, 2011
Fun to drive, quite fast and handles greatly!!
Couldnt ask for a better (E46) M3! When I
purchased it, I was unaware of the fact that the
Oxford Green Metallic and the Cinnimon interior
were a rare color combination for the series! Not
that I mind this added bonus!!! :DMar 11, 2011
by Ruchik D
Aug 23, 2010
Excellent Performance. Never not exciting. Not too much or too little.
Needs attention and care. Build quality is good, but needs care
Gorgeous looks.
Average maintenance. Fuel cost is not much, and parts are not too expensive.
The most fun car to drive.Aug 23, 2010
by Anonymous
Jan 12, 2010
What more can you say about this car? Having driven all of them,
I think the E46 M3 is the best balance of power/weight,
handling and looks of all the M3s. The SMG transmission takes
a little learning, but after that it's fantastic. Driving this car is
the most fun you can have with your clothes on....
Three years after I first wrote this review, I still have this car and I still love it. With the top down at intersections, people tell me how great it looks. It's still just really fun to drive. I don't drive it every day, but the only major maintenance expense has been $600 to repair a failed gear in the folding top mechanism. I have driven many high performance cars, some faster, some more exotic but nothing better balanced. The brilliance is in the integration of all the things that matter.Jan 12, 2010
by Aaron R
Aug 30, 2009
THE ultimate driving machine, perfect balance of power, handling, styling, and most importantly fun. Great build quality, higher cost of ownership than most cars, but is is basically a factory tuned, street legal race car so that's to be expected. Aug 30, 2009
by Dow L
Apr 27, 2009
Great brakes, revs well however, its a bit heavy though. Very well engineered, puts what power it has very very well and has great traction. Shifter is a bit long, but its nothing I cant change. I need 4 more words.Apr 27, 2009
by Paul S
Mar 29, 2009
So far, I have only replaced the cam sensors,alternator and the battery which were covered by the extended warranty. Replacing rear and front brake rotors and pads,flushing the brake fluids and engine coolant thru the dealer or any shop is expensive, so DIY.Just buy original BMW parts.Mar 29, 2009
by Paul P
Jan 01, 2009
An amazing car! The M3 I drove had the SMG gearbox and it worked beautifully. The engine revs freely and when worked, gives incredible perfomance. Handling is almost race-like and although I drove the M3 on an airfield, I would imagine it would be a great cross county machine.
Pros: Performance/Handling
Cons: NoneJan 01, 2009
by Sven S
Nov 19, 2008
Nothing to say! It is a BMW M3 E46!
There is no other Racecar for the every day use on the roads. Maby some but not with five seats.
Good:
A lot of Power!
Perfect Handling!
Brakes are amazing!
And good Gas Miles!
Not so good:
Hight maintenance costs.
Needs a lot of maitenance.
Nov 19, 2008
by Alex S
Oct 21, 2008
The car was not stock when I purchased it first of all, the suspension, wheels, braking system, tires, muffler, are all aftermarket items. Becasue BMW is very picky about weight distribution the car boasts a near perfect 50:50 balance. The suspension (KW schocks, eibach race springs, ground control sway bars) was tuned to have a neutral balance, (so ive been told) I am guessing that a stock M3 understeers. Therefore the car behaves very well at the limit and it is easy to correct if you find the rear end slipping out too much. As far as straight line performance goes, its ok, a quick car for sure. Braking performance is very impressive, since the stock calipers and discs have been replaced with Stoptech ST-40 calipers and slotted rotors, and now paired with PFC-01 pads will actually lock up the Toyo T1-Rs i was running before, part of my reasoning to switch to Michelin Pilot Sport Cups. Right now they are currently only in the front (suspension needs some TLC) which is pretty entertaining.Oct 21, 2008
by Anonymous
Sep 20, 2008
Best all around everyday car for the sports car minded.
PROS: Great looks, great acceleration, extremely responsive and everyday driveable. No fuss to own and can seat up to 4 people and carry a lot of cargo. SMG transmission is the perfect blend of sporty technology and convenience. CONS: 21mpg average, higher repairs costs.Sep 20, 2008
by Brandon A
Aug 16, 2008
well lets start.. i like this car because its really tight and there is no lag.. the interior style is amazing. and the speical body kit has like a kinky looking style haha. and the grill's on the side are only on m3 m5 m6.. thats it the m3 is probly the greatest car ive ever rode in.Aug 16, 2008
by Christopher K
Aug 04, 2008
Perfomance:- Very quick, handling the best I have experienced, Brakes need sorting but with a modification they are great.
Build Quality:- Very good as you would expect
Appearance:- Looks very mean and agressive
Cost of ownership:- About as cheap as it gets for this perfomance and it does 30mpg on a run!
Fun Factor:- One of the best cars I have driven and the best one I have owned.
Aug 04, 2008
by Julian S
Jul 21, 2008
Bad SMGII transmission!
Great Performance!
Overall: If you plan to change ur car within 5 years, this is a great car to you! It would be one of the fun car to drive if you have limited budget. It does turn head when u drop the top when wandering around~Jul 21, 2008
by Salman M
Jun 23, 2008
Like: Six Speed SMG Transmission, rear-wheel drive, M-Branded limited slip differential Suspension. Cornering brake control, DSC - Traction Control, Adrenaline Rush, and Ride Quality.0-60 under 5 second with Redline going up to 8000 rpms.
Dislike: GAS Mileage..but comes with the territory.Jun 23, 2008
by Colin B
Jun 19, 2008
Very fast. Handles like a car should.Jun 19, 2008
by Fouad W
Jun 01, 2008
for a 3.2 L engine the power extracted from this car is incredible.. won't believe what cars stay behind u ( talking about the S.E model ) Jun 01, 2008
by Axel M
Mar 28, 2008
this car is light and fast and it drifts perfectly but the best of all is that its a convertible the
bad thing is the price and the insurance on it.Mar 28, 2008
by Sparsh V
Feb 18, 2008
Terrific weight distribution, mind blowing pick-upFeb 18, 2008
by Scott H
Feb 18, 2008
extremly smooth power delivery, amazing sound and handling. Feb 18, 2008
by Estevan M
Jan 07, 2008
Handles like it's on rails and 333Hp kind of fun as wellJan 07, 2008
by Jesús C
Dec 15, 2007
M- The most powerful letter
Sell everything you have to buy this car, it's worth it!
Dec 15, 2007
by Al K
Nov 27, 2007
One of my favourite cars to date, rock solid just a bit too harsh on the back roads.Nov 27, 2007
2003 BMW M3 Pricing
Trims & specs
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