BMW M3
Six generations, six different engine architectures, one of the most consistently re-evaluated nameplates in performance cars.
10 reviewers · 21 videos · 78 press articles
Reviewers agree on its handling and fun to drive, but split on performance and daily drivability.
across 10 reviewers
"And this thing is actually peppy. You got 210 220 horsepower on a car that only weighs around 2,800 lb. It's no slouch."
Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 10:21"It's got 190 horsepower. It doesn't sound that special, and it's not that fast."
Vin_ tra · ▶ 8:57"the first thing that strikes you is is this is a wonderful cockpit... it's just works for driving"
Harry's garage · ▶ 12:29"Even in period, car reviewers would say, uh, on the highway, the E30 M3 is a little too high strung, the gearing's not quite right, it's not really comfortable on the highway."
M3nameisjosh · ▶ 11:05"That being said, has an undeniable cool factor, and in my opinion, out of all the M3s, it's definitely the coolest."
Jubbal & Cars · ▶ 13:08"is it worth it but the answer to that is OB obvious isn't it of course it's not"
JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 0:58Performance
3.0/510 of 10 reviewerssplit“even in their day these were not Cars well regarded for their outright Pace”
mixed · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 8:51“this car is down on power from that Carrera and even though this car is lighter it feels significantly slower”
mixed · EverydayDriver · ▶ 6:55“naught 60 on a sporty road 6.1 seconds which is really not that quick obviously by modern standards”
Carfection · ▶ 11:51Handling
4.5/510 of 10 reviewersconsensus“these are just beautifully balanced”
positive · Carfection · ▶ 6:19“they were beloved for their handling”
positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 8:55“it's so direct this car comes from the age when BMW claimed they'd built the ultimate driving machine and they were absolutely right”
positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 14:51Fun to drive
4.5/510 of 10 reviewersconsensus“the interactivity and all the feel you've got from the steering and through the chassis it's just brilliant”
positive · Carfection · ▶ 7:44“This original E30 is great, just like it is. First try out of the box, BMW makes unbelievable automobile.”
positive · EverydayDriver · ▶ 8:54“it's just about the sensations... the analog controls the sound of the engine the vibrations the smells”
positive · Autogefuhl · ▶ 15:09Daily drivability
3.5/510 of 10 reviewerssplit“the first thing that strikes you is is this is a wonderful cockpit... it's just works for driving”
positive · Harry's garage · ▶ 12:29“it's why it makes it such a good road car today as well because of course it's small so it fits on the road perfectly”
positive · Carfection · ▶ 8:20“this just feels modern full stop if I was told that I had to get this car right now Smokey in the Bandit style to the port in France I could do so without issue”
positive · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 8:19Value
3.0/510 of 10 reviewerssplit“is it worth it but the answer to that is OB obvious isn't it of course it's not”
critical · JayEmm on Cars · ▶ 0:58“I don't know if they're worth what they cost”
EverydayDriver · ▶ 19:59“I think it's sort of hit its plateau.”
Vin_ tra · ▶ 30:18Hear it in the reviewer’s words
- Road & Track
Tested: 2026 BMW M3 Competition xDrive Is Excellent at Almost Everything
◆Worth itThe 2026 M3 Competition xDrive is a masterclass in performance versatility, though it sacrifices some steering purity for all-weather capability.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts needing a high-performance daily driver that can handle all weather conditions.
- Watch out
- Synthetic steering feel · Lack of physical buttons · Brake-by-wire feel · Expensive carbon bucket seats
Quotes worth your time - Top Gear
BMW M3 Competition Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe M3 Competition is a ruthlessly effective, high-precision machine that is let down only by its automatic transmission.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who prioritize chassis precision and daily usability over manual transmission engagement.
- Watch out
- Automatic transmission lacks engagement · Firm low-speed ride · CS trim is poor value
1,285 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
First drive: the BMW M3 'Competition Pack' Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆BuyThe Competition Pack is a transformative upgrade that fixes the standard M3's waywardness and makes it the car it should have been from the start.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a more balanced, precise M3 without sacrificing daily usability.
- Watch out
- artificial engine noise remains · gearbox still lurches on upshifts · lack of top-end engine sparkle
894 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
Retro review: the V8-engined E92 BMW M3 Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe E92 M3 is a scarily quick, precision-engineered machine that manages to be both a usable daily driver and a furious, engaging performance car.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a high-revving, balanced performance car that doesn't sacrifice daily comfort.
- Watch out
- Manual gearbox feels slightly old-fashioned · Competition brake pads are noisy
2,697 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
BMW M3 CSL Review 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe M3 CSL is a scintillating, near-perfect performance car that is made more interesting and involving by its flawed SMG transmission.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who value driver engagement and are willing to work with the car's quirks.
- Watch out
- Jerky SMG transmission · Requires driver effort to drive smoothly
1,227 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
BMW M3 Touring Driving, Engines & Performance | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe M3 Touring is a masterclass in performance estate engineering, though the standard Competition model is the smarter buy over the expensive CS.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts needing a practical family hauler that doesn't compromise on track-ready dynamics.
- Watch out
- Automatic gearbox lacks DCT crispness · Engine note feels artificial · CS variant suffers from cabin drone · Expensive optional ceramic brakes
1,509 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
BMW M3 manual review: six-speed, three-pedal M3 tested Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe manual M3 is the driver's choice, offering a level of engagement that the automatic simply cannot match, despite the minor compromises in daily convenience.
- Best for
- Driving enthusiasts who prioritize engagement and connection over absolute convenience.
- Watch out
- lack of steering feedback · muted exhaust note · clutch effort in city traffic · lower fuel economy
1,196 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time - Top Gear
BMW M3 Competition xDrive review: 4WD super-saloon tested Reviews 2026 | Top Gear
◆Worth itThe M3 Competition xDrive is a brilliant, all-weather performance machine that loses none of the RWD car's character while gaining significant usability.
- Best for
- Enthusiasts who want a high-performance daily driver capable of handling all weather conditions.
- Watch out
- Harsh low-speed ride · 50kg weight penalty · Requires manual downshifts for quick acceleration in eighth gear
1,142 wordsOpen articleQuotes worth your time