BMW's famed M3 is in its fifth generation and one of the most desired sports coupes on the planet at any price point. Previous M3 coupes are now called the M4 with an MSRP over $65,000.00 and no longer the entry model to the exclusive “Club M”.
But have no fear, as there are four generations that precede it and many argue they offer a purer driving experience for a fraction of the current model’s costs. Now if driving isn’t your thing I’d wonder why you were considering a BMW M car in the first place but I am not hear to judge, I am hear to tell so let me begin.
Based on the subject title of “The $20,000.00 M3?” you are likely wondering if this is the old “bait and switch” trick but have no fear the only time we switch here is to change gears as we take pleasure in the joy of driving hopefully on some semi deserted twisty. To my surprise and likely yours I was almost shocked when I realized that the M3 Coupe model year 2001 through 2005 are currently listed across the Web starting in the high teens! Now you must keep in mind that means the earlier models are 15 years old and might have as many as 150,000 miles or more on the odometer. I’d stay clear of those unless you are a mechanic who loves to work because that’s just a few miles away from some major reconstructive surgery. The good news is that if you are not in a rush and have the time and patience to search you can find a low mile version (I found several with less than 75,000 miles) that could be had for about $20,000.00 give or take a couple of grand on either side of that number.
These cars were known as the E46 to the BMW geeks and are arguably the best ones as they are relatively analog (translation simple to figure out and maintain) but powered by an amazing six cylinder engine with plenty of get up and go. If there is any interest they delivered 333hp and in the “Stop Light” Grand Prix could catch that unsuspecting guy in his fancy Porsche wondering what just happened.
These M3s also came with a wide variety of creature comforts that included navigation, blue tooth, premium stereos and many technological do-dads that would intervene to ensure you from killing yourself while experiencing the joy of driving. Coupes or Convertibles, manual or automatics that allow you to change gears with steering wheel mounted paddles. This car has street cred with the performance geeks and despite it being two body styles or generations back from the current model it still offers some cache. The valet guy might not park it in the premium spot out front reserved for the newest and hottest toys but you can be assured there’d be no shame in your game rolling anywhere in these cars.
