Hmmmmm...power, looks, how it purrs, handling, the Harmon Kardon stereo, the instant respect it gets from other drivers and.....yeah, power

The front cowel is too low...I already ripped it up in the parking garage

Why would I NOT recommend it? The only issues seems to be total cost of ownership, seeing as the M is not a cheap car to buy or maintain. But you forget about all of that when you're driving it. I have a feeling that people would pay a lot more for this car if necessary. I'm pretty sure this car is the panacea for middle age crises. And I'm only 28.

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I've driven a lot of "performance" cars and this one beats the pants off of all of them. What separates the M3 from other cars is attention to detail and refinement. The m3 is a luxury car/dragster that is simply a joy to drive. I took one of my friends along on a drive, and he didn't stop grinning for a week...I guess 130mph will do that to you. "It's so FAST," he said, over and over.

The 1995 M3 2 door 5 speed might be the way to go until you can get your hands on the 330hp screamer. Bought the one I saw on the floor at a local dealer, in Avus Blue, and the strengths far outweigh the efforts over the years. The 95 is the easiest and cheapest to modify. With the power cure already well designed for either a quick cruise down the american highway or a tire-chirping stoplight to stoplight lane change, you can easily get more. Recognizable from its wider stance, it just says "lets race"... or give me another ticket. Power, torque, road manners, with 4 seats!
My buddy is a BMW certified mechanic - and that has really helped get the car through these past couple of years... if you pick one up, you will probably go through this cycle (or similar):
1) Rear tires - get the factory ones.
2) Front brakes - everything short of new calipers, and forget cross drilled...this car wont even use 'em unless you are making a right hand corner at 140 every 60 seconds.
3)Front tires.
4)New coolant/Brake flush/Synthetic lube.
Some other things work, some dont seem to.. and I have tried quite a few -
from Dinan to Turner - maybe an exhaust would be a logical modification.
I would reccomend (and I have) the M3 in ALL its forms to friends. Even strangers. The quality on the 95s surpass anything they are putting out today.. some were even partially hand assembled.. (pre 6/95is) so there is a great deal of care that went into the engine/tranny/suspension.
You couldnt really get a better deal on a fast car - except perhaps the mustang/used corvette, and even then one would lose the utility.

I have to be critical of a few things, which may round out this review.
1)Noisy valve train. (can be re-indexed with the right jigs)
2)Noisy flywheel/clutch. (annoying on a high end BMW)
3)Fuel economy. (gets about the same as my large GMC- when DRIVEN 10 mpg)
4)High insurance. (they all know your going to see at least 100mph)
5)Expensive tires. (Through 2nd set at 1000 per - always looking for good used ones)
6)Oversteer. (This will become a concern when you get it at the limits.. great for a scare the first couple of times)
7)10/5/12 spoke rims. (The lux wheels are easier to clean)
8)Gets trounced by clean Vetts, SS Camaros, 911s. (See upgrades in strenghts)
9.Gets beat by Mustangs, 540 sports, A8s, A6s with V8. (See above)
10. High maintance exterior. (I like to keep it clean and waxed)
11. High maintance interior. (Should use lexol care products summer/winter)
12. Useless in freezing rain/snow.. loose dirt, oil/tranny spots (dont drive it if you even think it will rain hard or snow)
13) Power band should be about 300 rpm lower. (see upgrades)
14) Could use brighter lights (but not at $1800)
15) Could use 6 spd. (Just seems a bit late in getting to the M)
16) Should have options from the lightweight... like aluminum doors etc.
17) Some oil control problems (run synthetic and 3/4 quart high)
My conclusion is that these things can be said of most cars - and perhaps the 330xi is BMWs answer to a some of these weaknesses, but if you want a race car that has streetcar options the M is the leader under 48K.

If you are willing to put up with a combination of power and handling that reminds you of what its like to be on a rollercoaster - bogged down by frequent service with expensive parts... and your friend with the 18K mustang beating you to the light this car is hard to pass up..(no pun intended)

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325i (better in ALL ways)
Nissan ZX (fun car, didnt last)

The engine is fantastic, with linear power delivery and gobs of useable torque. Steering has great feedback and handling balance is near perfect.

The brakes do not hold up to hard use and will fade if run hard (ie. track use). Different pads will fix this.

This car is arguably the best value for under $50,000. Easy to drive, absolutely reliable and gorgeous to look at. Steering and handling are considered to be among the best out there, regardless of price. And it does all this with room for four people and sizable trunk.

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Porsche 911, Audi S4, Chevrolet Corvette

Amazing performance

Not reliable. Car has been in shop over 20+ days. Mostly electric/electronic problems. BMW does not care about their customers and has a poor attitude and poor service (some items were fixed three times before corrected).

It a very fast car. However, the reliability for such an expensive car is terrible. My girlfriend's Jetta (and a Corrado and GTI I used to own) had far better reliability and dealer service then anything I got from BMW. I will not buy a BMW again. I am now considering either the Audi S4 or a Porsche 911

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You should consider this car if you are looking for the following attributes:
This car has incredible poise and road manners. Acceleration is very strong, particularly in passing situations. Unbelievable feel for the road through the steering wheel. Great ergonomics, - everything is within an arm's reach. Excellent braking. Very good lighting (short of a Xenon upgrade) Excellent reliablity (read Consumer's Digest Review of pre-owned 3 series sedans, -they rate them a best buy) Invaluable Tip: Before purchasing your M3, obtain the V.I.N., and visit your local BMW dealer, - they will be happy to print out for you a complete vehicle report, which includes all services performed, misc. reasons it's been in the shop, and any outstanding recalls not performed on the car.

Do not consider owning this car is you are looking for an economical car to maintain. Not that this car is unreliable, just expensive to service.
Rear spoiler can inhibit view out of the back window. This makes recognizing police vehicles in the rear view mirror difficult. Options on the car should have been considered standard (cruise control on a $40,000+ an option???) Manual seats difficult to readjust from a different driver. (Power seats much better - get this option if possible) As I mentioned above, EXPENSIVE to service, but you will be treated like a king by your BMW authorized service center, they'll even provide you with a loaner at no charge.

[This section is my comprehensive review of the car, - something I hope will assist you in making a purchasing decision.] I purchased this 4 door automatic M3 at 28,000 miles, and the car was certified, - it had the 7 year, 100,000 mile extended warranty. Let me begin the review by stating that this is the best 5 speed automatic transmission sold on a sport-sedan. The vehicle's computer shifts, holds and selects the gears just like you would using a 5 speed manual when used in the sport mode. Don't believe it? Drive one and see. Fuel economy is surprisingly good, I average around 23 m.p.g. and am not light-footed. This car can seat 4 adults, although rear seat comfort is not the best with very firm and thin cushioning in the back. I got manual adjustment seats, - a mistake in my opinion if more than one of you will drive the car. Once you get the seat adjusted, however, the view is perfect out the windshield for performance driving. The steering wheel communicates a road feel not found in any car short of a Ferrari, and the Ferrari is no better. Simply incredible, - you will begin to intuitively know this car's limitations and capabilities driving blindfolded. (Not that you would want to....) The engine pulls strongly right to the redline, and is a screamer from a standstill, and a rocket in the passing lane. One way to sum this up: You will not believe the speedomter when you glance down at it, - "No way am I going this fast!". At high speed, this car is a rock, and I mean dead-solid. Cornering? This car is glued to the road. Push it, and the car tends to oversteer. So poised is this auto, that merely lifting a tad off the accelerator brings the car's rear end snapping back into line. Don't lift off completely! Braking requires very little pedal effort, with amazing stopping power...as one reviewer put it: "You will be able to stop, but the person behind you may hit you". This M3 came equipped with the full computer, which includes such functions as outside temp, m.p.g., distance remaining in fuel tank, trip distance, memo reminder, date, time, and speed alarm. The computer also actively checks the entire car's electrical components and engine management system, alerting the driver to failures such as a brake light, headlight, or engine malfunction. One example of a nice touch: the computer sounds an audible alarm when the temperature drops below freezing, warning you to possible icy conditions. Nice! I have tested the car's antilock and traction control system in all kinds of conditions. I'll state here that this is not a winter car. You can drive it in the snow, but slap on some winter tires and watch exiting the corners, even with the traction control system on. (Don't even think about turning this off in the snow!) The rear wheels will beat you in a race (meaning you will spin in an instant). The antilock systems works very well in rain, snow, or loose road surfaces, instilling alot of confidence. Lastly, the car has been extremely relaible, with a good fit and finish. I've had two minor things break on the interior, and the dealer replaced them right away, with no further recurrences. With regards to this review, anything more on the car gets down to driver preferences, such as cabin comfort, etc. I'll leave that up to you, with just a few comments: I love the one touch up & down windows, and the functional sunroof. The stereo system is decent, but I replaced the speakers and added an amplifier, keeping the car's stock head unit as is. Much better! Also, here is a great tip: treat the leather seats once a year with a good leather conditioner, and you will avoid the "elephant wrinkles" commonly found in M3 interiors. The leather stays soft yet plaible, so no creases develop. The head turning factor is still high, at least until the new M3 arrives in the U.S. If your M3 doesn't come with a spoiler, consider adding one because it makes the car's looks (*but see Weaknesses). If you have any other questions at all, please email me and I will try to answer your inquiries.

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Owned Audi A4, and Eclipse Turbo. This M3 outperforms them both, as well as most other cars you'll encounter on the road, with a much more solid and refined feel to it. In other words, this car feels expensive, and you get your moneys' worth.

Road Feel
Predicatable Handling
Strong Brakes under normal driving conditions
Stealth Appearance
Mid Range torque
Great Seats

Build Quality (Squeaks and Rattles from the dash and door panels)
Engine frequently runs Hot

I like the car a lot. Some quality glitches have ruined the overall experience, maybe the new M3 will be built to a higher standard.

Handles great!! Quick acceleration (especially in 1st gear), Looks great, stock 17" rims. Great quarter mile time.

Upgrades too expensive (if you would like to make it go faster than it does already), Third gear tends to not pull the car anymore (comparing to Camaro's SS and Z28)

Paid 23,000 US dollars for it. EXTREMELY HAPPY CUSTOMER!!! Recommend to everyone that has never driven a sports car. It is the ULTIMATE DRIVING MACHINE!

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Mercedes C43, Porsche Boxster, Honda S2000

FAST acceleration, great handling and does not look like a ordinary boring BMW. The ground effects and the 17 in rims makes this car standout like the monster that it is.

Adds too many tickets to your record!

I bought a 99 for 41K total (with tax) and it is worth it. I love driving the car, the only bad thing is that I get to where I am going to quickly.
I would recommend this car to anyone who prefers fast and affordable German cars!

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Corvette(but who wants an american car?)
Porsche Boxer

Great sports car, gr8 acceleration, better handling than any other car in its class, can do upto 150 mph with ease, Its a fun car to drive, responds gr8 to driver inputs.

I found only one, it needs a lot of money to keep this thing going,
I have replace the brakes twice in the two years I had it, replace the rear trailing arms and bushings twice, the radiator blew up once, and the list goes on, maybe its just my car but It sure hurts..

Its a fun car to drive, watch out for the tickets, cops luv to give tickets for M3's and If you can afford the maintenance its a great car to drive

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Fast, great handling, very predictable, no bad habits or dangerous transitions if you go too far. A very serious sports car that can hold 4 people and a lot of stuff in the trunk. The fit and finish of the car was wonderful - far greater than the usual 3 series. (I think the '95s were made more carefully than later years.) Just remember, you can get carried away in this car and suddenly discover you're doing triple digits with little effort or noise. The structural integrity is still great after 5 plus years and over 100,000 miles.

After 115,000 miles: have replaced the plastic air ducting behind the bumper FOUR times (they blow off the car at speed); have replaced the rear shock mounts THREE or FOUR times (it all blurs together); have replaced the dash computer twice. The dealer is very expensive and appointments are sometimes needed 30 days ahead. As a '95, my car has the wheels that can be easily damaged; later years got uglier wheels that are stronger. I also have a Miata - I wish the M3 were as reliable. I also wish the car had an inch more ground clearance.

Life doesn't get much sweeter than this, particularly in the price range. I've used the car for a lot of long distance travel and that's really sweet. (Although be warned: stop and go with the somewhat heavy clutch can become tedious.) My favorite is having the horsepower to still pass all those luxury cars when going up a steep grade. BMW understands something about cars that NO other manufacturer does.

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Everything else represents a bad compromise - less reliable (Corvette), less room (Porsche) etc. Even the M Roadster is not as good: it uses the older 3 series rear suspension because they couldn't fit the M3 rear suspension into it's small frame. As the song says: "Nothing Compares 2 U"