The Most Reliable BMW M3, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the BMW M3 you think is the most reliable!

Updated on May 1, 2024 06:55

Finding a reliable BMW M3 can be a daunting task for potential buyers, given the variety of models and the differing experiences of previous owners. To assist in this decision, an objective and continuously updated ranking of various M3 models based on user reliability ratings has been established. This ranking helps users identify which models have proven to be dependable over time according to collective user feedback. By participating in this list, users contribute to a broader, community-driven understanding of BMW M3 reliability. Voting on this ranking not only aids prospective buyers in making informed decisions but also encourages a transparent dialogue about vehicle performance across different years and configurations. This feedback mechanism ensures that the ranking reflects the most current and accurate experiences of M3 owners.

What Is the Most Reliable BMW M3?

1

61
votes
FotoSleuth · CC BY 2.0

BMW E46 M3

BMW

The E46 M3 is widely regarded as the most reliable M3. It has a well-built engine and a solid chassis, making it a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
The BMW E46 M3 is a high-performance sports car that belongs to the BMW M3 series. It was manufactured by the German automaker BMW from 2000 to 2006. The E46 M3 is renowned for its sleek design, precise handling, and powerful engine.

Engine: 3.2L Inline-6

Power Output: 333 horsepower

Torque: 262 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual or optional SMG

Acceleration (0-60 mph): 4.8 seconds
2

27
votes
BMW E36 M3

BMW M GmbH

The E36 M3 is also considered to be a reliable car. It has a durable engine and a sturdy chassis, which contributes to its longevity.
The BMW E36 M3 is a high-performance sports car from the BMW M series. It is part of the third generation (E36) of the BMW 3 Series and was produced from 1992 to 1999. The E36 M3 is known for its balanced handling, powerful engine, and overall reliability.

Engine: 3.0L inline-6 (S50/S52)

Power: 240 hp

Torque: 225 lb-ft

Transmission: 5-speed manual (Getrag)

0-60 mph: 6.0 seconds
3

14
votes
IFCAR · Public domain

BMW E92 M3

BMW M GmbH

The E92 M3 is a reliable car, with a powerful engine and a well-built chassis. It is also known for its excellent handling and driving dynamics.
The BMW E92 M3 is a high-performance coupe produced by BMW from 2007 to 2013. It belongs to the BMW 3 Series family and is part of the M3 lineup, which is renowned for its agility, power, and performance.

Engine: 4.0L naturally aspirated V8

Power: 414 horsepower

Torque: 295 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual or optional 7-speed dual-clutch

0-60 mph: around 4.5 seconds
4

15
votes
BMW E30 M3

The E30 M3 is a classic car that is still considered to be reliable today. It has a robust engine and a solid chassis, which contribute to its durability.
The BMW E30 M3 is a sporty and iconic compact luxury car that was produced between 1985 and 1992. It is considered one of the most beautiful BMWs of all time due to its elegant design and exceptional performance.

Engine: 2.3L inline-four engine

Power: 192 horsepower

Torque: 170 lb-ft

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Acceleration: 0-60 mph in 6.9 seconds
BMW E30 M3 in other rankings
- Position 1 of 10 in Most successful touring car of all time
- Position 9 of 10 in Most beautiful BMW of all time
5

11
votes
Tianyu10 · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW F80 M3

BMW

The F80 M3 is a reliable car, with a powerful engine and a well-built chassis. It is also known for its excellent handling and driving dynamics.
The BMW F80 M3 is a high-performance sports sedan from the German automaker BMW. It is part of the M3 series, which is renowned for its power, precision, and driving dynamics. The F80 M3 is specifically the fifth generation of the M3, featuring an aggressive design and exceptional performance capabilities.

Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6

Power: 425 horsepower

Torque: 406 lb-ft

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic or 6-speed manual

0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
6

6
votes
Thomas doerfer · CC BY-SA 3.0

BMW E90 M3

BMW M GmbH

The E90 M3 is a reliable car, with a powerful engine and a sturdy chassis. It is also known for its excellent handling and driving dynamics.
The BMW E90 M3 is the fourth generation of the BMW M3 series and was produced from 2007 to 2013. It is a high-performance sport sedan that offers a blend of luxury and thrilling driving experience.

Engine: 4.0L V8

Power: 414 horsepower

Torque: 295 lb-ft

Transmission: 6-speed manual or 7-speed dual-clutch

Rear-Wheel Drive: Yes
7

7
votes
Hugh Llewelyn · CC BY-SA 2.0

BMW F82 M4

BMW M GmbH

The F82 M4 is a reliable car, with a powerful engine and a well-built chassis. It is also known for its excellent handling and driving dynamics.
The BMW F82 M4 is a high-performance sports car that belongs to the BMW M3/M4 series. It is renowned for its exceptional driving dynamics, powerful engine, and aggressive design. The F82 M4 is a coupe variant, featuring a sleek and aerodynamic body that exudes both elegance and sportiness.

Engine: 3.0L Twin-Turbocharged Inline-6

Power: 425 horsepower

Torque: 406 lb-ft

Transmission: 7-speed dual-clutch automatic (optional: 6-speed manual)

0-60 mph: 4.1 seconds
8

10
votes
Darren · CC BY 2.0

BMW E92 M3 GTS

BMW M GmbH

The E92 M3 GTS is a limited-edition car that is known for its reliability. It has a powerful engine and a lightweight chassis, which contribute to its superb handling and driving dynamics.
The BMW E92 M3 GTS is a high-performance variant of the BMW M3 Coupe (E92), specifically designed for track use. It can be considered one of the most reliable versions of the BMW M3. With its aggressive styling and powerful performance, the BMW E92 M3 GTS is highly sought after by automotive enthusiasts and collectors.

Engine: V8

Displacement: 4.4 liters

Power: 444 horsepower

Torque: 325 lb-ft

Transmission: 7-speed M Dual-clutch
9

6
votes
MrWalkr · CC BY-SA 4.0

BMW E46 M3 CSL

BMW M GmbH

The E46 M3 CSL is a rare and highly sought-after car that is also known for its reliability. It has a powerful engine and a lightweight chassis, which contribute to its superb handling and driving dynamics.
The BMW E46 M3 CSL is a limited edition high-performance variant of the BMW E46 M3. It was specifically designed for enthusiasts who desired a track-focused, lightweight, and more aggressive version of the standard M3.

Engine: 3.2-liter inline-6

Power: 360 horsepower

Weight: 3,054 pounds (1,385 kilograms)

0-60 mph: 4.9 seconds

Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited)
10

11
votes
BMW E36 M3 Lightweight

BMW

The E36 M3 Lightweight is a rare and highly sought-after car that is also known for its reliability. It has a powerful engine and a lightweight chassis, which contribute to its superb handling and driving dynamics.
The BMW E36 M3 Lightweight is a special edition of the BMW E36 M3, designed for enhanced performance and reduced weight. It is considered one of the most reliable BMW M3 models.

Engine: 3.0L Inline-6

Power: 240 horsepower

Torque: 225 lb-ft

Transmission: 5-speed manual

Weight: Around 3,050 lbs

Missing your favorite BMW M3?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for reliable BMW M3

Model year

Certain model years might have more or fewer issues compared to others.
Engine

The engine type, whether it is a six-cylinder or a V8 engine, can impact the reliability of the car.
Maintenance history

Regular maintenance and timely repairs can significantly reduce the chances of any major issues.
Driving style and frequency

Aggressive driving, frequent use, and harsher conditions can increase wear and tear on the car, leading to potential reliability issues.
Overall build quality

The quality of the materials used, craftsmanship, and design can impact the longevity of the car.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most reliable BMW M3. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or BMW M3 is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

3155 views
171 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each BMW M3 once every 24 hours. The rank of each BMW M3 is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most reliable bmw m3

The BMW M3 has been an iconic sports car ever since its introduction in the 1980s. Over the years, the M3 has undergone numerous transformations, with each generation bringing something unique to the table. For many automotive enthusiasts, the M3 represents the pinnacle of BMW engineering and performance. However, with so many different versions of the M3 out there, it can be difficult to determine which model is the most reliable. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the history of the BMW M3 and explore which generations have proven to be the most dependable.