BMW M3 F80 Hero

Used BMW M3

A performance icon. The BMW M3 is the text book answer for those wanting a legendary driver's car with fine practicality

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Used BMW M3 for sale

BMW M3 F80

The BMW M3 is a performance car icon that rarely needs an introduction, but here we are singing its praises yet again. Sold between 2014 and 2018, the BMW M3 (F80 generation) was the first M3 to be sold exclusively as a saloon with four-doors only.

The previous-generation M3 was sold between 2007 and 2013 and was offered in a Saloon, Coupé and Convertible version, in the form of the E90, E92 and E93 respectively.

Coupé and Cabriolet models now fall under the BMW M4, which was also launched in 2014, hence the M3 switch.

Still with us? Good, as the F80 M3 offers:

  • A focused driving experience
  • Breathtaking performance
  • Decent practicality
  • Legendary heritage

Find out if a BMW M3 could well be the right choice for your next used car below.

Engines and Driving Experience

BMW S55 Engine

The F80 M3 produces 425bhp, ensuring 0 to 62mph takes just 4.1 seconds when chosen with the 7-speed automatic DCT transmission, or 4.3 seconds with the 6-speed manual gearbox.

Competition Pack versions get 444bhp, meaning a tenth of a second is shaved off the figures above when completing the 0 to 62mph time. An M3 CS was also available, with just 1200 units worldwide. Special paint, lots of carbon fibre and further chassis tweaks. Power was increase again to 454bhp, dropping the 0 to 62mph time to a rapid 3.9 seconds. It was available solely with a DCT automatic transmission.

As for driving experience, the M3 is not a car that that forgives, it demands concentration as all that power to the rear-wheels can be quite a handful if not respected. For keen drivers, the M3 will reward in spades but show it no respect and it can become quite the handful, to say the least. Wet weather can literally dampen the experience, and those wanting an easier car to live with will feel more comfortable in an all-wheel drive Mercedes-AMG C 63 or Audi RS6.

Practicality and Running Costs

BMW M3 CS F80

M cars are surprisingly practical, partly due to the fact most are based on more normal BMW offerings, so the M3 takes after the practical BMW 3 Series.

Therefore, you get four doors and a massive boot, able to swallow 480 litres, which is the same as the Mercedes-AMG C63 Saloon and with the Audi RS4 Avant (Estate) only having an extra 25 litres on offer, the M3 offers more than enough for its Saloon shape.

As for running costs, this is a bona fide M car so it's not going to be cheap. Servicing will be substantial, but a well-looked after M car will always be sought-after, so it's well worth keeping on top of. For specialist care, we recommend using a Stratstone BMW retailer, but any Evans Halshaw retailer can carry out routine servicing too.

Tax and fuel are pricey on the F80 M3, with economy usually in the low 20mpg range, whilst 30mpg is possible on a motorway run. We would recommend fitting quality premium tyres for your M3 when needed, which will not only make the car ride and drive better, but also increase safety too. Expect to pay just under four figures for a full-set.

Interior, Technology and Safety

BMW M3 F80 Interior

The interior of the F80 M3 is typical BMW, and therefore feels well-made and features nice M car detailing and lashings of carbon fibre trim. To an untrained eye the interior does look similar to other BMW cars of this era, but different leather choices and options can make the car feel more special.

Those wanting a much more exclusive interior will want the CS with its enhanced detailing and use of Alcantara.

Technology is good in the range, with everything the keen driver will need. Sat nav is standard and comes with the brilliant BMW iDrive touchscreen infotainment system that sits in the middle of the dashboard. Dials are classic analogue BMW, and manage to look classy and current despite newer-generations offering fully-digital clusters.

With the M3 being able to deliver colossal power, safety needs to be spot on and being based on the 3 Series, the M3 has a five-star Euro NCAP safety rating. Features in the range include:

  • Adaptive headlights
  • High beam assist
  • Lane departure warning
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Reversing 360-degree camera

 

Is the BMW M3 right for me?

The F80 version of the BMW M3 continues the legacy of the iconic M3 story and is still one of the most competent saloon cars out there.

If you require more stable all-wheel drive, then a Mercedes-AMG C 63 or Audi RS6 will better suit your needs, but if you want a car that offers a more dynamic and driver focused feel, then you you'll crave the M3.

A BMW M5 is worth looking at if you require more space and power, but it won't be as sharp as the M3, but does offer all-wheel drive in some versions if you have your heart set on a BMW.

If you want a Coupé version of the M3, then take a look at the BMW M4.

 

Why purchase a used BMW M3 through Evans Halshaw?

Find your ideal used car with Evans Halshaw

At Evans Halshaw, we have a variety of used cars for you to choose from. Each car is carefully selected by our teams before making its way through the rigorous preparation process, where it's inspected by a qualified technician and then fully valeted.

All our vehicles are fully HPI checked, giving you peace of mind when making a decision. In addition, we're able to offer Home Delivery to UK mainland addresses, giving you flexibility when searching for your next car.

We're also able to offer you a tailored Service Plan for your selected car, which allows you to spread the cost of maintenance over an agreed period of time, whilst saving you money in the process.

If you'd like some advice on picking the right car for you, or you've spotted a vehicle and want more information, please contact your nearest Evans Halshaw dealership, where one of our friendly associates will be more than happy to help.