Top 5 Best BMW M3 Years That Every Car Lover Should Know

If you're reading this, chances are you’ve got a bit of a thing for BMW’s M3. Who could blame you? The M3 is, after all, one of the greatest performance cars ever made. Whether it's the ear-popping exhaust notes, the sleek aggressive design, or that raw feeling when you're behind the wheel, the BMW M3 is an absolute dream machine.

But not all M3s are created equal! Some years stand out as the absolute best, and we're here to help you navigate through the many options. So let's dive into the top 5 BMW M3 years that every car enthusiast should know about. I mean it really know about.

2011 BMW M3 E92: The Last Naturally Aspirated M3

Ah yes the E92 M3. If you know anything about M3s, you know that the 2011 version was special. It marked the end of an era—the last naturally aspirated V8 in an M3. In a world where everything is going turbo, this naturally aspirated monster is a bit of a unicorn.

Why it's great

• Engine: The 4.0-liter V8 under the hood of the E92 M3 is a high-revving beast. It produces 414 horsepower and it sounds absolutely glorious—no turbo whistles here just pure unfiltered engine noise.
• Handling: Thanks to its precise steering and well-balanced chassis this M3 is an absolute joy to drive whether you’re on the track or carving up a mountain road.
• Performance: It’s fast, hitting 0-60 mph in just 4.1 seconds, but it's not all about the speed. It's about how the car makes you feel. That engine revs to 8300 rpm for goodness sake!

Potential Drawbacks

But let’s be real: the E92 M3 is not perfect. The gas mileage is laughably bad. You’re looking at around 14 mpg in the city, maybe 20 on the highway if you’re lucky. But hey if you’re driving a V8 M3 for its fuel efficiency you're kind of missing the point!

And don’t get me started on the rod bearing issues. Yup they exist and they’re expensive. But let’s call that the price of admission to one of the best-driving M3s ever made.

Alex Collantes a self-proclaimed "M3 enthusiast" said, "I would take the rod bearing issues any day over having a car that doesn’t make me smile every time I start it up."

1995 BMW M3 E36: The One That Made It Global

The E36 M3 is a little bit like that old band you loved before they got famous. It wasn’t until the E36 that the M3 became a truly global phenomenon. Sure the earlier models were great but the 1995 E36 M3 was the car that made everyone sit up and take notice.

Why it's great

• Balance: The E36 is often hailed as the most balanced M3 of them all. The handling is precise, the chassis is perfectly tuned, and it just feels "right" when you're behind the wheel.
• Engine: The 3.0-liter inline-six engine produces 240 horsepower—not earth-shattering by today’s standards but plenty for its time.
• Affordability: In the used car market, the E36 M3 is still somewhat of a bargain. You can find decent examples without having to sell a kidney.

Potential Drawbacks

The E36 is not without its quirks. The interior quality? Well, let’s just say BMW was still figuring out how to make durable plastics in the 90s. Also, the vanos system (BMW’s variable valve timing) is known to fail on occasion, and repairs aren’t exactly cheap.

But let’s face it: You didn’t buy an M3 for luxury. You bought it to drive. So, while you might hear a few rattles and deal with a sticky door handle, you'll forgive it all when you take it around a corner at speed.

2004 BMW M3 E46: The Ultimate Driving Machine

Ask any BMW fanatic what their favorite M3 is and nine times out of ten, they’ll say the E46. The 2004 E46 M3 is the sweet spot for many reasons. It’s powerful, gorgeous, and, more importantly, it captures the essence of what an M3 is all about.

Why it's great

• Engine: The E46 has a naturally aspirated 3.2-liter inline-six engine that pumps out 333 horsepower. It revs to 8000 rpm, which gives you all the thrills you’d expect from a performance car.
• Handling: The E46 is often described as the best-handling M3 ever made. It’s just so well balanced, it almost feels telepathic when you're driving it.
• Design: Let’s be honest—the E46 M3 is one of the best-looking BMWs ever built. Its wide fenders, aggressive front bumper, and sleek design make it an icon.

Potential Drawbacks

If you’re buying a used E46 M3 make sure you’ve got a good mechanic on speed dial. These cars are known for subframe cracking, which can be a costly repair. Also, the SMG transmission (if you go that route) is notorious for being clunky and unreliable. If you're smart, you'll go for the manual.

And while the E46 is considered a "future classic," it’s already starting to climb in price. Finding a clean, unmodified example is getting harder by the day.

As Alex Collantes said, "The E46 is a car you fall in love with despite its quirks. It's like dating someone who's high maintenance, but you just can't stay mad at them."

2016 BMW M3 F80: The Turbo Era Begins

Welcome to the turbocharged era of M3s! The F80 was the first M3 to ditch natural aspiration for turbo power, and while it might have ruffled some purist feathers, there’s no denying that it’s a serious machine.

Why it's great

• Engine: The 3.0-liter twin-turbo inline-six produces 425 horsepower. Turbo lag? What’s that? The F80 is quick, responsive, and capable of hitting 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.
• Technology: The F80 is packed with modern tech—everything from adaptive suspension to multiple driving modes that can tailor the car's performance to your preferences.
• Everyday usability: Unlike some earlier M3s, the F80 is a car you can drive every day without sacrificing too much comfort.

Potential Drawbacks

But there are some downsides to this technological wonder. For starters, the sound. Turbocharged engines just don’t sound as good as the naturally aspirated ones. Sorry, that’s the truth. Sure, you get more power, but you also get a synthesized exhaust note pumped through the speakers. Some of us like our engine noise to come from the engine, thank you very much.

Also, some purists feel like the F80 is a bit too tech-heavy. It's less about the "feel" and more about the numbers. But hey if that’s your thing you’ll love it.

Alex Collantes mentioned, "Yeah, the F80 doesn't sound as good as the older models but man, it’s fast. It's like that friend who isn’t great at conversation but always picks up the tab."

2021 BMW M3 G80: The Controversial One

The G80 M3 is the latest and possibly most controversial M3 ever made. The elephant in the room is the grille. People either love it or they hate it. There’s no in-between.

Why it's great

• Power: The G80 is the most powerful M3 yet, with the Competition version producing a mind-boggling 503 horsepower. It’ll do 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds, which is seriously quick.
• Technology: This car is a tech powerhouse. Everything from the infotainment system to the driver aids is cutting-edge.
• Handling: Despite its size, the G80 handles like a smaller car. It’s agile, precise, and incredibly fun to drive.

Potential Drawbacks

Let’s just get it out of the way—the grille is polarizing. Some love it, some hate it. Personally, I think it’s like cilantro: if you like it, great! If you don’t, well, good luck getting over it.

Another thing to consider is the sheer amount of technology in the car. Some purists feel like the M3 has gotten too big, too heavy, and too tech-driven. But that’s the way of the future, my friends. Adapt or die.

As Alex Collantes put it, "The G80 is a monster. Yeah, the grille is a bit… much. But when you're going 100 mph, you’re not staring at the front of the car, are you?"

How to Choose Your Perfect M3

So, which M3 is the best? Well, that depends on what you’re looking for. If you want something raw and visceral, go for the E46. If you want a future-proof daily driver with modern amenities, the G80 might be your best bet. And if you just love the idea of owning a piece of M3 history, the E92 and its naturally aspirated V8 will make your heart skip a beat.

Things to Consider

• Budget: M3 prices vary greatly depending on the year and condition. E36 models are more affordable, while E46 and E92 prices are steadily climbing.
• Maintenance: Some M3s (we’re looking at you, E46 and E92) are known for having expensive maintenance issues. Make sure you know what you’re getting into.
• Driving Style: Are you a purist who loves the feel of a naturally aspirated engine? Or are you all about that turbocharged power? Decide what driving experience you want.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best BMW M3 year is no easy task. Each generation has its strengths and weaknesses, but at the end of the day, you can’t really go wrong with any of them. The M3 is an icon for a reason—it's a car that makes you feel alive every time you get behind the wheel.

So go out there and find your perfect M3. Just remember to set aside some money for gas... and possibly a new set of rod bearings.