1997 BMW M3 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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User reviews for 1997 BMW M3
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by Dan H
Aug 19, 2014
She was picked up used and even after 11 years was a strong runner and handling was good. I liked the solid feel on the road in all weather conditions. I'd like to get another M sometime if they would come down in price.Aug 19, 2014
by Anson C
Nov 26, 2013
My 1997 M3 sedan will always hold a place in my heart. I will always miss her. I wish I had never sold it. Should've kept it and bought a Honda Civic as my daily driver. You just can't beat the handling and balance of this car. Also the shape and lines of the sedan will always be iconic my eyes.Nov 26, 2013
by Logan F
Mar 03, 2013
LOVED THIS CAR!!! got it when iI was young, not thinking about maintenance and cost of ownership!!! Put a smile on my face every time behind the wheel though!!! Like that mine was a 4 door and had very subtle differences from say a 325i back then. Mar 03, 2013
User rating:
by Dan H
Aug 19, 2014
She was picked up used and even after 11 years was a strong runner and handling was good. I liked the solid feel on the road in all weather conditions. I'd like to get another M sometime if they would come down in price.Aug 19, 2014
by Anson C
Nov 26, 2013
My 1997 M3 sedan will always hold a place in my heart. I will always miss her. I wish I had never sold it. Should've kept it and bought a Honda Civic as my daily driver. You just can't beat the handling and balance of this car. Also the shape and lines of the sedan will always be iconic my eyes.Nov 26, 2013
by Logan F
Mar 03, 2013
LOVED THIS CAR!!! got it when iI was young, not thinking about maintenance and cost of ownership!!! Put a smile on my face every time behind the wheel though!!! Like that mine was a 4 door and had very subtle differences from say a 325i back then. Mar 03, 2013
by Hein d
Jun 11, 2011
It is one of the last BMW's that can be realtively easily worked on by an enthusiast owner, and it also one of the last of the true drivers cars before BMW went nuts with gadgets and electronics overload. Not a powerful car my modern standards, but a timeless design and a beautiful balance of all round performance and feelJun 11, 2011
by Debbie L
Feb 27, 2011
First of all it was a 4 door.. and i loved this car. My soul mate.lol.. I love a car that can handle and my favorite thing is when you get on the gas... it immediately accerlates just as if you let off the gas.. it immediately decreases speed.. LOVE THAT..and being able to go from driving automatic to manual.. Feb 27, 2011
by Edward H
Aug 16, 2010
Absolutely LOVE this car... Great acceleration, great handling, a blast to drive. Stand on the brakes, and it will stop on a dime and give you change. Most repairs are fairly inexpensive, but maintenance items (brakes etc) are generally more expensive than on some other cars. Currently getting 21-23mpg around town, but it has a misfire. When it is running correctly, I get 22-25mpg. Not bad for a car that has a fun factor this high, and will run circles around a lot of the cars out there today.Aug 16, 2010
by Jeffrey D
Jun 17, 2010
A fun Track car. This 13 year old car has been my daily driver since 2000 and has many fun days on the track. Since upgrading the suspension it sticks in the corners like it was on rails. Very Fun! Jun 17, 2010
by Drihan G
Aug 27, 2009
Very strong and fast , brakes are very good , handle perfect.
build to handle and to fit you like a glove in the seat , expensive to maintain.Car quality overall is good only thing that will stay with you is the hard clutch. Aug 27, 2009
by Ray M
Aug 24, 2009
The most fantastically fun car I have ever driven! Wicked fast, pinpoint handling, gets better mileage than my truck and any car I have ever owned (160 MPH econocar?) in an elegant package...if you are a performance car fan you need to drive one of these!Aug 24, 2009
by Clark M
Jun 23, 2009
The e36 M3 is an excellent car unfortunately I rushed into buying one, and ended up buying an M3 that had been abused buy its previous owner. It is the best handling car that I have ever driven. The engine is fun, likes to rev, and has decent power at every rpm. The Styling is kind of bland compared to the other M3's. Vader seats are very comfortable and they hold the driver in place. Buy one with complete service records, and have it inspected by a well known BMW Specialist before you buy one. Don't buy it if it has ever overheated. Use a Waterpump with a metal impeller, and maintain the cooling system religiously to avoid major headaches later.Jun 23, 2009
by Daniel O
May 19, 2009
I love it. It's a great buy for the money... I guess performance isn't as good as some of the newer sports cars but it's good enough for me. Great handling. Car and driver called it the best handling car in the world regardless of price in its day. And its RWD!May 19, 2009
by Randall N
Nov 21, 2008
This is as of yet the best thing i have ever driven. The E36 M3 is hands down the best looking generation of M3, including the new E92. Drove it on Gingerman Raceway in South Haven MI and it was extremely planted in the corners, i was able to catch and pass many cars (subaru Sti, lotus elise, etc) that should have outperformed me based on power/weight ratio. i had an upgraded sport suspension and track tires but the car was otherwise completely stock. unfortunately the car was rolled on the track and totalled a few years ago otherwise im sure it would still be going strong.Nov 21, 2008
by Tom Z
Aug 15, 2008
Best well rounded sports car available. The NA inline 6 engine is a monster and can even get 26-28 MPG. The handling is amazing and the braking is perfect. The pedals are even designed for heel-toe driving. The fun factor is off the charts highly recommended for anyone thinking about buying one.Aug 15, 2008
by Enzo D
Aug 05, 2008
The M3 is like one of those mules that pull tour duty in the Grand Canyon, year after year: It isn't capable of a misstep. This car lets you seek out its limits quicker and more confidently than any of the other cars here. If that doesn't make for a winning handler, we don't know what does. Aug 05, 2008
by Nima T
May 30, 2008
The care is just fun to drive. It handles awesome. I can take corners, and the car is glued to the ground. The interior is getting old, and my seats are getting ripped, but hey I have been driving it for a long time. May 30, 2008
by Thomas M
May 06, 2008
This is a wonderful vehicle that can be had at a good price these days.May 06, 2008
by Nolan P
Apr 12, 2008
Fantastic car. Great power. Great modification ability. Too bad the turbo kit never made it.Apr 12, 2008
by Curtis C
Mar 30, 2008
The 2nd generation M3 from BMW putting out 240 hp and roughly the same in torque. At roughly 3100 lbs, it churns out a 0-60 time of roughly 5.5 seconds. This particular model year (1997) only comes with a standard transmission and the infamous "vader" seats.
With a nearly 50/50 weight distribution, this car handles amazingly. Great track car right out of the box. ;)
Mar 30, 2008
by Giles W
Feb 10, 2008
Although BMW M-car enthusiasts do not rate these, my old E36 saloon was a very good car - quick, good handling (without traction control), with a great engine.Feb 10, 2008
by Michael B
Jan 15, 2008
Great car! Handles and accelerates like none other!Jan 15, 2008
by Shan A
Jan 07, 2008
3.2L Inline 6, 320Bhp, No complicated computer system to tell you how u should drive your baby....RAW POWER!Jan 07, 2008
by Kyle N
Dec 30, 2007
the original and absolutely astonishing 6 cylinder M engineDec 30, 2007
1997 BMW M3 Pricing
Original MSRP
$39,950 to $39,950Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags
Audio System
Premium Brand: Harman-Kardon · AM/FM radio
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Steering wheel: tilt-adjustable
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: rear
Headrests
Front headrests: integrated · Number of front headrests: 2
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Sunroof: power glass
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Heated: front seats · Upholstery: leather
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
