Used BMW M3 2014-2018 review

Years ago, you knew where you stood with BMWs. If you wanted an extremely competent compact executive saloon you bought a 3 Series. If you wanted that, but wanted to show the world at large what a sporting person you were, you bought the two-door coupe version. If you really wanted the world to know how gifted you were behind the wheel, you bought an M3, the original versions of which were two-door only, but which by 1994 had become available as a practical four-door saloon too. Practical it might have been, but no one would ever think it dull, with its fat tyres and huge wheels and bulging arches.

A few years ago, though, BMW changed course, and if you wanted a two-door M3 in cut-short coupe form, you had to buy what was now called the 4 Series - in full-on, mega-power form it was called the M4. If you wanted your super-sporting M3 as a four-door, though, it soldiered on as the M3. In practice there was little to choose between the two, other than the number of doors, with both sharing the same engine and chassis components and set-ups.

Alas, the demands of new emissions legislation put paid to the M3 in 2018, four years after its UK launch, although the more popular M4 carried on a little longer. With the latest-generation 3 Series, however, in 2019, BMW reintroduced the M3.

However, anyone looking for a seriously quick and astonishingly capable sporting saloon on the used market should look no further than the M3. Under its purposeful bonnet is a fire-breathing twin-turbocharged 425bhp inline six-cylinder engine, and from new there was the choice of six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox, the latter of which offers lightning-quick changes and is the quicker car on paper, too: the 0 to 62mph sprint can be dispatched in a mere 4.3 seconds. Opt for a car that came fitted with the Competition Pack and you'll get 20in alloys, track specific springs, dampers and anti-roll bars, a black chrome quad exhaust system and an improved audio system.

There is only the one trim level, and it’s handsomely equipped. Standard equipment includes dual-zone climate control, electric heated memory seats, a DAB radio, sat-nav, Bluetooth and USB connectivity. In fact, most of what you need, and a lot of what you want, is included as standard in the M3.

On the road, that powerful engine translates into some stunning performance figures, as mentioned, and its response to the pedal makes it truly exhilarating to drive. It sounds great, too, from the outside, even if it is rather rough-sounding from the inside. You’ll have no qualms when it comes to cornering, too, with immense levels of grip, terrifically enjoyable handling and super-responsive and well-weighted steering. The M3 is an agile and adjustable delight to drive, with a suspension that can be made firmer when you’re driving harder, and very little body lean in corners. The flip-side is the BMW’s ride is firm, but it’s also tolerable for a car of its ability. There’s lots of road noise at motorway speeds, however, so long drives can become a little tiring.

Inside the low-set driving position is spot-on, and there’s plenty of adjustment. The figure-hugging seats hold you in place, and all-round visibility is good. All of this, together with good materials, fine detailing and precise, slick controls, gives the car a suitably premium feel. The M3 is not as flashy as some of its alternatives but many drivers will prefer its more restrained look and feel. It also comes with BMW’s excellent iDrive infotainment system. It’s linked to an 8.8in colour screen and is controlled via a handy rotary dial down by the gearstick. It’s simple to use and easy to look at because the screen is mounted high up on the dash. The standard-fit BMW Professional Media Pack also gives you access to a greater number of online services and an upgraded sat-nav.

There’s plenty of space, too, at least up front. Taller passengers in the rear behind a tall driver might be short of leg room, but on the whole this is a roomy four-door car capable of carrying four in comfort. The boot is the same size as the standard car’s, so can easily manage the sort of luggage you might need for a family holiday.

If you're interested in buying a used BMW M3, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.

You’ll need around £30,000 to get into the driver’s seat of an M3. This will buy you a 2014/2015 car with an average mileage for the year and a full service history from an independent dealer. Up this to between £31,000 and £35,000 to buy a 2016 car that fulfills the same criteria, and between £35,000 and £40,000 for 2017 cars bought from a franchised dealer. Expect to spend between £40,000 and £45,000 on the last 2018 cars.

Quite a lot. For starters, the official average fuel consumption figure is 34mpg for the better-performing automatic version, this according to the NEDC fuel tests that were prevalent at the time this M3 was out, corresponding to a highish CO2 emissions output of 194g/km.

Its desirabiity means you’re unlikely to ever pussy-foot around in this top-notch sports car, so don’t expect to match the mileage figure, and annual car tax for cars registered before the tax changes of April 2017 came into force are likely to be high. Those registered after that date will pay tax at the annual flat rate, currently £155 a year, but will also pay a supplementary luxury car tax for cars costing over £40,000, currently £335 a year.

Insurance is in the top group, so expect big bills there, and servicing costs will be high, too. We would recommend carrying out servicing at a franchised dealer, and also looking for same on the service history when buying the car.

The Competition Pack certainly adds a sportier mein to the M3’s make up but we wouldn’t go out of our way to find one over a standard car. The real choice is whether you look for a manual car or an automatic one. We’d look for an automatic one, because it’s a fraction faster and more efficient and it’s easier to live with.

Our favourite BMW M3: M3 DCT

The Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio has a brilliant engine that gives the car terrific performance. It’s got masses of grip and, on top of that, it handles brilliantly and is quieter and more comfortable than the M3.

The Porsche 911 might have only two doors next to the M3’s four but it’s still reasonably practical, with four seats and a good-size boot. However, its forte is its blistering pace, its grip in corners and the driving pleasure it offers.

If you're interested in buying a used BMW M3, or any of the other cars mentioned here, check out our used car classifieds site here.

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