2002 BMW M3 Review
2002 BMW M3 Review
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Used M3 for sale
Appraise This CarBMW M3 model years
BMW M3 types
- Coupe
- Convertible
See Edmunds pricing data
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Astonishing performance, prodigious thrust, truly a bargain compared to its competition.
Cons
- Difficult ingress/egress, ride can be rough around town.
What’s new
An optional sequential manual gearbox makes its way into the 2002 BMW M3, which allows the driver to shift with almost instantaneous precision without a clutch. A CD player becomes standard, the automatic climate control has been revised and rear-seat side airbags are optional for both the coupe and convertible.
Edmunds says
Several of our editors would be driving the 2002 BMW M3 today if we were in a more lucrative field. Lotto tickets, anyone?
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2002 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
Not EPA tested for M3 Base
M3 Base
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Last year, the boys of Bavaria finally relented and sent us the potent M3. Boy howdy, was it worth the wait. The M3 coupe and convertible, based on the delectable current-generation 3 Series, is propelled by a magnificent 3.2-liter engine, with 333 thundering horses coming from a single bank of naturally aspirated six cylinders. Capped with a six-speed manual transmission, all that horsepower and the 262 pound-feet of torque (at 4,900 rpm) is good enough to propel the 3,781-pound M3 convertible to 60 mph in just 5.4 seconds, according to BMW. The lighter 3,415-pound M3 coupe, meanwhile, reportedly gets the job done in an even quicker 4.8 seconds. New for the year, an optional Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG) provides Formula One-style paddle shifting on the steering wheel and reportedly allows the transmission to shift faster than a skilled driver can shift a manual or a conventional automatic can shift itself.
But an exhilarating driving experience involves more than mere speed, and the dynamics of the M3 have car reviewers frothing at the mouth to describe the joy derived from piloting this vehicle. From its communicative steering and near-perfectly balanced chassis to the compliant-yet-firm ride, this Bimmer, like most others, will have you searching for that elusive twisty road upon which to spool the revs and extract that stunning exhaust note. Don't think that you'd be lacking structural rigidity should you opt for open-topped fun. In fact, BMW claims that this version of the ragtop boasts a superstructure more rigid than the previous-generation 3 Series coupe. It's quite an accomplishment and the perfect accompaniment to the M3's superb MacPherson strut front and double-wishbone rear independent suspension system.
Standard features for the convertible include heated power-adjustable sport bucket seats; these are optional on the coupe. For 2002, a CD player finally makes its way onto the standard equipment list. There are front and side airbags (coupes get a head protection system for front seat occupants, too), as well as optional rear-seat side airbags for safety, and, of course, antilock brakes are standard. BMW's Dynamic Stability Control system also makes the grade, and the drop-top version of the M3 gets a Rollover Protection System that automatically deploys roll hoops behind the rear seats in case the ragtop ever goes end over end.
Other options include a removable hard top for the convertible and a Cold Weather package for the coupe that includes a ski bag, heated front seats and a headlight washer system that'll make the cars more palatable during the winter months. A proximity-sensing Park Distance Control system will probably save a few costly scratches to the bumpers, and a navigation system with a wider screen for 2002 lets you know where you're going.
We think that the 3 Series is one of the best cars on the market today, and the M package increases its appeal exponentially. These beauts should have enough oomph and athletic prowess to have the competition whimpering in the corner.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2002 BMW M3.
5 star(85%)
4 star(13%)
3 star(2%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
102 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.13 out of 5 stars
Awesome Performance. Expensive to Maintain.
richpsu, 06/02/2011
2002 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
I wanted an e46 M3 or e39 M5 since they were introduced. Finally bought '02 M3 MT coupe in 2010.
WOW, what a machine! Perfectly balanced, high-revving and powerful engine (love the exhaust note), great in the corners, stops on a dime.
Other cars, including the M5, may be faster but this one is just a blast to drive every day.
If you're accustomed to owning non-M BMWs, be prepared to … spend 3X or more per year to maintain this vehicle.
If that's not a problem, then you're going to love this car - it is a true performer!
I understand why Edmunds says this will be one of their favorites of all time. I also understand why none of the editors bought it after the long-term test :)
4 out of 5 stars
Beware of the hype...
Playdrv4me, 05/14/2008
2002 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
In my mid 20s I have owned about 30 cars, many of them BMWs, and BMWs are my favorite by far. Some of them also with higher miles and never a problem. This includes a 2003 Range Rover (highly modified X5 essentially) with over 90k and a 1995 750iL with 114k. My M3 convertible SMG CPO only has 78k and already feels like its falling apart, has been to the dealer numerous times for an … engine tap they insist is normal, and is unacceptably loud and harsh for the performance you actually get.
4.88 out of 5 stars
The M3 made me a new BMW fan
JonH , 12/02/2008
2002 BMW M3 2dr Convertible (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
The BMW M3 is a true BMW enthusiast's must-have. I bought this car at 90k miles and have driven it 30k more without many major issues - just one dead gas pedal which cost me ($120, 5 mins to replace), four oil changes ($70 each), air filter, and a few other small repairs (window regulator $200, convertible top sensor $300). If you can even remotely work on cars, you can SIGNIFICANTLY … reduce the cost of ownership and heighten its reliability. I commute with this car everyday and it's fast, fun, practical, and great in stock form.
4.38 out of 5 stars
The Ultime Driving Machine!
mbatista911, 09/19/2013
2002 BMW M3 2dr Coupe (3.2L 6cyl 6M)
Finally got to buy a 2002 SMG M3 Interlagos Metallic Blue Coupe, what a car!
Just have it for two month now, got it with 109,500 on it, and had put it over 1,000 miles already, the only thing I did was change the throttle body sensor and change the oil, everything was about U$375.00 in an aftermarket BMW shop ( don't dare to go to the dealer, they will charge you U$160.00 just to read … your car with the computer) so the EML and Engine service soon light went away!
Yes it can be a litter expensive to maintenance, but the car won't be breaking every week or turning EML or engine service soon lights on, Is a daily driving car,with no problems!
2002 M3 Highlights
Coupe
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $45,900 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 9.5 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the M3 include:
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
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