Used BMW M3 review: 1994-2000

BMW M3 may look like any other BMW 3-Series, but once you've experienced the turbine smooth power of the M3's highly-tuned six-cylinder engine and its superbly balanced chassis, you quickly realise you've driven something very special. 

The M3 story began in 1987 when BMW launched the E30 M3 as a barely disguised racer created to contest the one-off World Touring Car Championship.  However, it took until the E36 model in 1994 before the car hit Australian roads.

The M3 was based on the E36 3-Series two-door coupe and looks like any other 3-Series coupe. If you want to identify it from the outside, you need to look at the details.

Things like the smallish M3 badge on the boot lid, the distinctive alloy wheels, the twin exhaust outlets and, if you've got a keen eye, the body kit. The problem is that many of these also found their way on to more modest Beemers, so the boot-lid badge is the surest way of picking the real thing.

At the heart of the M3 is a mighty straight six-cylinder engine: three litres in capacity, with dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, fuel injection and a new variable camshaft timing system BMW dubbed VANOS. The B30 six was super smooth, pulled hard from low down in the rev range right to the top, which was in excess of 7000 revs.  When unleashed, it would propel the 1460kg coupe to 100km/h in 6.4sec.

If the engine provided the power, it was the chassis that allowed it to be unleashed. With independent suspension at both ends, with sports tuning, it was brilliantly balanced.  The 235/40ZR17 tyres, on 17-inch alloys, generated enormous grip to keep the M3 glued to the black top, but the great thing was the M3 could be driven on the throttle.

Huge disc brakes ensured it also stopped with assurance, and ABS was standard for extra safe stopping power.  Inside, it had cloth trim sports seats, as well as central locking, a driver's airbag, power windows, airconditioning and a trip computer among a long list of standard features.

In 1996 a major update saw the engine enlarged to 3.2 litres, power jumped to 236kW and torque was boosted to 350Nm. At the same time, BMW added a six-speed manual gearbox, and in 1997, a six-speed sequential manual gearbox, along with dual airbags and cruise control.

In the shop

The performance of the M3 almost guarantees that it will be driven hard, on the road and sometimes on the track. Many have been used in events like the Grand Prix Rally in which they're always competitive.  That should make anyone thinking of buying one wary, but the good news is they stand up well to the occasional track outing.

BMW mechanic Chris Lake says clutches cop the most abuse and they tend to fail earlier as a result.  Other items that tend to need replacement more often are the front lower control arm castor bushes and the trailing arm bushes in the rear end. Lake says oxygen sensors in the exhaust tend to have a fairly short life compared to sedans.  If regularly driven hard on the track the M3's brake discs can warp and crack, which means expensive replacements are needed. 

M3s are generally well looked after by caring owners.  Seek out specialist help once you've selected a car, to ascertain its condition.

Crunch time

With a responsive chassis, powerful ABS brakes and sports tyres, it has a great primary safety package.  The first E36 M3 had a driver's airbag only, but a passenger's airbag was added in 1996.  The E36 3-Series rated above average in a recent used car safety survey.

Look for

Good looking two-door coupe
Silky smooth six cylinder engine
Great ride and handling
Great road/race car for amateur club sport
Sizzling performance

Rating

18/20 One of the most exhilarating cars you'll ever get to drive.