2003 BMW M3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs





















































































































































































































































































































































































































































Overview
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...
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."

What owners say
"Overall, BMW M3 owners are thrilled with the car's incredible performance, handling, and engineering. They appreciate the smooth power delivery and the thrilling driving experience it offers, mentioning it as one of the best cars they've driven. However, some owners noted the high maintenance costs and gas mileage as drawbacks. Despite these issues, the M3 is seen as a dream car that balances speed, style, and practicality."
extremly smooth power delivery, amazing sound and handling.
February 18, 2008Best 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.
September 20, 2008Overall 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).
March 16, 2015What owners say
extremly smooth power delivery, amazing sound and handling.
February 18, 2008Best 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.
September 20, 2008Overall 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).
March 16, 2015THE 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.
August 30, 2009An 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: None
January 1, 2009Very solid positive connection with the road. One of the best driving cars of all time .
December 9, 2021Fun 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!!! :D
March 11, 2011What 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.
January 12, 2010Nothing 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.
November 19, 2008Perfomance:- 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.
August 4, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $55,195 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.2L 333 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 8.8 cu ft |
Combined MPG 17 | Drivetrain RWD |
Base MSRP $47,195 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.2L 333 hp I6 | Cargo Capacity 9.5 cu ft |
Combined MPG 18 | Drivetrain RWD |





