BMW M3: performance, engines and what owners say

How fast is the E46 M3?

Coupe and convertible, 2001–2006. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.

The engine: BMW S54

3.2-liter inline-6, naturally aspirated

Redline8,000 rpm

Output333 hp, 262 lb-ft

BreathingSix individual throttle bodies

BlockCast iron, aluminum head

Engine's YouTube owner tone 48/100 · #3 of 4 M3 engines (videos about the BMW S54 in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)

BMW S54 engine page →

Known issues

• Rod bearingsBMW service actions

  BMW replaced oil pumps and rod bearings on 2001–2003 cars under two service actions and extended engine coverage to 6 years / 100,000 miles, long expired. Bearings are still the S54’s best-known weak spot.

  Fix: Oil analysis, or preventive bearings (ECS Tuning: about every 100k miles).

  3 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2001–2006)
• VANOSOwner-reported

  Worn VANOS hub tabs and sprocket bolts that back out. BMWBLOG calls it the most common S54 issue.

  Fix: VANOS rebuild with updated hubs.

  7 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2001–2006)
• SMG gearboxOwner complaints

  Owners filed complaints about the optional SMG automated manual: surging and replaced units.

  26 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2001–2006)

What owners say on YouTube

Share of the 182 most-watched E46 M3 videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).

Most-watched videos

The Ultimate BMW M3 Review: E30 vs E36 vs E46 vs E92 vs F80Car Throttle · 2.6M viewsTaking an E46 M3 out for a walk then doughnutsDevin Cunningham (Devin Tyler) · 2.3M viewsI saved $100,000 on my Dream BMW - E46 M3 Pt 1BigTime · 1.3M views

Should you buy a E46 M3?

• New, the M3 cost $46,045 (2001 coupe at launch).
• YouTube likes the 2006 best (54/100).
• Most owner complaints: the 2003 (54). Fewest: the 2005 (12). Raw counts, not per car sold.
• Budget for rod bearings: 3 owner complaints mention it. Oil analysis, or preventive bearings (ECS Tuning: about every 100k miles).
• Budget for vanos: 7 owner complaints mention it. VANOS rebuild with updated hubs.
• 9 recall campaigns across 2001–2006. Check a VIN before you buy.
• Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the M3 yet.

How fast is the E9x M3?

Sedan, coupe and convertible, 2008–2013. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.

The engine: BMW S65

4.0-liter V8, naturally aspirated

Redline8,400 rpm

Output414 hp, 295 lb-ft

BreathingEight individual throttle bodies

Weight445 lb, lighter than the S54 six

Engine's YouTube owner tone 43/100 · #4 of 4 M3 engines (videos about the BMW S65 in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)

BMW S65 engine page →

Why the engine page shows fewer: it counts only the 192 owner complaints and 5 recalls for 2008–2013 that name this engine or a version that only had it. This page counts all 202 complaints and 5 recall campaigns NHTSA files under "M3" for those years, other engines included.

Known issues

• Rod bearingsOwner-reported

  Tight bearing clearances plus hard revving on cold oil wear the bearings early. A spun bearing can end the engine.

  Fix: Preventive bearings around 60,000–80,000 miles (BMWBLOG). Warm the oil first.

  30 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2008–2013)
• Throttle actuatorsOwner-reported

  The two actuators that drive the throttle bodies wear out inside and trigger limp mode (codes 2B15, 2B16, 2B21).

  Fix: Rebuilt or new actuators, often both at once.

  4 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2008–2013)
• Idle control actuatorBMW warranty extension

  BMW extended coverage on the idle control actuator to 10 years / 120,000 miles for 2013 coupes and convertibles. Not a recall.

• M DCT gearboxOwner complaints

  The M DCT is the gearbox E9x owners name most in complaints, mostly on 2008–2009 cars. A 2008 recall (08V595000) covered about 2,500 DCT cars.

  50 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2008–2013)

What owners say on YouTube

Share of the 181 most-watched E9x M3 videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).

Most-watched videos

Here's Why the BMW M3 E92 Was the Craziest BMW M3Doug DeMuro · 2.8M viewsThe Ultimate BMW M3 Review: E30 vs E36 vs E46 vs E92 vs F80Car Throttle · 2.6M viewsThe Most GODLY Sound. E92 M3 POV [4K]wettm3 · 1.7M views

Should you buy a E9x M3?

• New, the M3 cost $57,275 (2008 coupe; sedan $54,575).
• YouTube likes the 2011 best (57/100).
• Most owner complaints: the 2008 (82). Fewest: the 2012 (6). Raw counts, not per car sold.
• Budget for rod bearings: 30 owner complaints mention it. Preventive bearings around 60,000–80,000 miles (BMWBLOG). Warm the oil first.
• Budget for throttle actuators: 4 owner complaints mention it. Rebuilt or new actuators, often both at once.
• 5 recall campaigns across 2008–2013. Check a VIN before you buy.
• Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the M3 yet.

How fast is the F80 M3?

Sedan (the coupe became the M4), 2015–2018. 0–60 times are magazine tests where we have one, otherwise the maker's figure.

The engine: BMW S55

Photo: Zytonits / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0)

3.0-liter inline-6, twin-turbo

Max rpm7,600 rpm

Output425–453 hp, up to 443 lb-ft

BlockClosed deck, no liners

CrankForged, lightweight

Engine's YouTube owner tone 50/100 · #2 of 4 M3 engines (videos about the BMW S55 in every car that uses it, so it differs from this car's own tone below)

BMW S55 engine page →

Known issues

• Crank hubOwner-reported, disputed

  The crank hub is pressed on, not keyed. Under high torque, mostly on tuned cars, it can slip and knock the timing out. BMWBLOG calls it rare but serious.

  Fix: Aftermarket keyed or pinned hub.

  5 owner complaints to NHTSA mention it (2015–2018)
• Carbon on intake valvesOwner-reported

  Direct injection lets carbon build on the intake valves: rough idle and misfires.

  Fix: Walnut-blast the valves.

• Gasket oil leaksOwner-reported

  Valve cover, oil pan and oil filter housing gaskets leak with age.

  Fix: Replace the gaskets.

What owners say on YouTube

Share of the 171 most-watched F80 M3 videos that praise or criticize each topic (a praise or trouble word near it in the title or transcript).

Most-watched videos

The Ultimate BMW M3 Review: E30 vs E36 vs E46 vs E92 vs F80Car Throttle · 2.6M views2018 BMW M3 CS Review - The Best M3TheStraightPipes · 2.2M viewsINSIDE the NEW BMW M3 Competition Package 2017 | Interior Exterior DETAILS w/ RevsCarvlogger · 1.7M views

Should you buy a F80 M3?

• New, the M3 cost $62,000 (plus destination).
• YouTube likes the 2018 best (56/100).
• Few owner complaints so far: 21 to NHTSA for 2015–2018.
• Budget for crank hub: 5 owner complaints mention it. Aftermarket keyed or pinned hub.
• 4 recall campaigns across 2015–2018. Check a VIN before you buy.
• Repair costs: we don't have owner-reported repair costs for the M3 yet.