Used BMW M3 for Sale by Owner

Check out these BMW M3s for sale by owner. Pick your favorite, then finish the deal with the convenience of the world's only transactional automotive marketplace.
Used BMW M3 For Sale By Owner

About the BMW M3

The BMW M3 is a high-performance sports sedan that has carved out a legendary reputation among driving enthusiasts worldwide. Born from BMW's motorsports division in 1986, the M3 takes the already capable 3 Series and transforms it into an exhilarating machine bred for the racetrack or the street.

With its high-revving inline-six engine, the M3 delivers blistering acceleration and an unmistakable exhaust note that stirs the soul. But the M3 is more than just straight-line speed—it's a precision instrument made to conquer the most demanding roads and racetracks. Its finely tuned chassis, featuring sophisticated suspension components and massive brakes, provides exceptional handling prowess and control.

Step inside, and be greeted by an interior that blends sport and luxury. From the heavily bolstered seats to a driver-focused cockpit, every detail reinforces the M3's performance pedigree.

Whether carving up a twisty mountain road or attacking the circuit, the BMW M3 delivers an uncompromising driving experience that few other sport sedans match. Over its 35+ year history, the M3 has continued to evolve and push the boundaries of what a performance sedan can be.
Image highlighting Buying/Selling Car Privately by PrivateAuto

BMW M3 Sedan

Born from BMW's legendary M division, the BMW M3 Sedan takes the already potent 3 Series and elevates it to a new level of exhilarating performance.

At its heart beats a ferocious 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine, producing 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Coupled with a 6-speed manual transmission, the M3 Sedan's powertrain delivers blistering acceleration, making it capable of sprinting from 0–60 mph in just 4.1 seconds.

The M3 Sedan’s standard features include:

Track-ready cooling system
Manual transmission
M-tuned electric power steering with Servotronic
M drive and M driving dynamics control
Adaptive M Suspension with electronically controlled dampers
M Compound 4-wheel ventilated anti-lock disc brakes (ABS) with dynamic brake control (DBC)
Dynamic stability control (DCS), including brake fade compensation, start-off assistant, brake drying, and brake stand-by features with M dynamic mode
Double-joint spring strut front suspension
Five-link rear axle
M sport differential
18"/19" M double-spoke orbit gray wheels, style 824M, with performance non-run-flat tires
Power-folding, heated side mirrors
Shadowline exterior trim
Sport exhaust system with quad tailpipes and chrome-plated exhaust tips
Lightweight trunk lid with integrated lip spoiler
Kidney grille with twin slats and model designation badge
Aerodynamically optimized double-arm side mirrors
Extended Merino leather
Anthracite headliner
M door-sill finishers, M footrest, M gear shift lever, and other M-specific design elements
aluminum rhombicle anthracite trim
Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility
BMW ConnectedDrive® Services
BMW TeleServices
Connected package with real-time traffic information and on-street parking information, hazard preview, BMW remote services including stolen vehicle recovery, remote door unlock, and my BMW app.
Harman Kardon® surround sound audio system with 464-watt amplifier and 16 speakers
3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function M sport steering wheel with controls for audio system, cruise control, and Bluetooth® wireless communication for hands-free mobile phone
Dynamic cruise control
Tire Pressure Monitor
Rear-window defroster
BMW curved display with configurable 12.3" instrument cluster and 14.9" central information display
iDrive 8 operating system operated by voice, touchscreen, or iDrive touchpad controller
Cloud-based navigation system and multiple over-the-air (OTA) updates for map data
Driver's and passenger's front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology
Active knee protection
Front-seat side-impact airbags
Front safety belts with automatic pretensioners
Acoustic safety-belt warning
LATCH attachment for child-restraint safety installation
LED Headlights
Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger-seat safety belts (for installation of child-restraint seats)
Programmable LED daytime running lights
Anti-theft alarm system
Impact sensors, automatically unlocks doors, and turns on hazard and interior lights
Rear-view camera
Park distance control
Active driving assistant includes frontal collision warning, active blind spot detection, lane departure warning, speed limit info
BMW assist ecall™ includes emergency request (SOS button) and enhanced automatic collision notification
Mobility kit
Automatic high beams
Active protection system detects imminent accidents
Automatic-dimming interior rear-view mirror and driver's-side exterior mirror
Rain-sensing windshield wipers with adjustable speed and automatic headlight control

*Features indicated for the 2024 model year for all trims.

A used M3 Sedan usually sells for $24k to $76k, depending on mileage, condition, and age.

BMW M3 Competition

The M3 Competition is BMW's high-performance, track-ready trim.

It is powered by the same 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo inline-six engine, producing a monstrous 503 horsepower and 476 lb-ft of torque. It is equipped with an 8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with DriveLogic, sport and manual shift modes, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifters, and launch control.

Here are features unique to the M3 Competition:

Track-ready cooling system
19" x 9.5" front, 20" x 10.5" rear double-spoke, bi-color wheels, style 826M
High-gloss black exterior trim accents
Rear spoiler
Exclusive 19"/20" M forged wheels with high-performance tires
M Carbon bucket seats
Exclusive interior trim accents

A used Competition usually sells for $76k to $86k, depending on mileage, condition, and age.

BMW M3 Competition xDrive

The M3 Competition xDrive is the pinnacle of the M3 lineup, combining blistering performance with enhanced all-weather capability. It is powered by the same 3.0-liter BMW M TwinPower Turbo I6 engine as the M3 Competition, producing 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.

The xDrive sets itself apart by sending power to an intelligent M xDrive all-wheel-drive system. This allows the M3 Competition xDrive to rocket from 0-60 mph in an even quicker 3.4 seconds compared to 3.8 seconds for the rear-wheel-drive Competition. The xDrive system provides superior traction and launch capabilities in all weather conditions.

Other upgrades include:

Larger 275/35 front and 285/30 rear performance tires on staggered 19"/20" M forged wheels
A higher electronically-limited top speed of 180 mph
Slightly increased curb weight of 3,990 lbs due to the AWD components

But it retains the same precision-engineered chassis, brakes, aerodynamics and driver-focused interior as the other M3 variants.

A used Competition xDrive usually sells for $76k to $107k, depending on mileage, condition, and age.

BMW M3 Drivetrain and Powertrain

All M3 trims are available in all-wheel drive (AWD) and rear-wheel drive (RWD).
In its first iteration in the late 1980s, the M3 was powered by a 2.3L 16V four-cylinder producing 192 hp. Over the years, the M3's engine displacement grew, with the 3.2L inline-six producing 333 hp in the E46 model from 2000-2006.

The E92 M3 from 2007-2013 was powered by a 4.0L V8 developing 400 hp, while the F80 M3 from 2014-2021 utilized a 3.0L turbocharged inline-six producing 425 hp.

The current M3 model, the G80 M3, is powered by a 3.0L twin-turbo inline-six producing 480 hp and 450 lb-ft of torque. This compact power plant allows the M3 to sprint from 0-60 in around 3.8 seconds, while still delivering a thrilling driving experience thanks to its compact dimensions and precise handling.

Used BMW M3 Prices

You can sometimes find a high-mileage BMW M3 for as low as $24K, but most go for $86K up to as much as $107K or even more. Age, condition, mileage, and amenities determine the market value for any individual Range Rover. Here are some rough averages for different Range Rover trims.

BMW M3 Sedan: $24k to $76k
BMW M3 Competition: $76k to $86k
BMW M3 Competition xDrive: $77k to $107k
Image highlighting Buying Car Privately by PrivateAuto

Buy Your Next Car on PrivateAuto

You’ll love how intuitive and secure the car-buying process is when you use the PrivateAuto mobile app.

1. We’re the #1 website to find cars for sale by owner. We have 100% private-party cars for sale so you won’t be drowning in dealership listings.
2. Browse listings with clean history reports, service records, and all relevant documentation.
3. We use technological solutions for every stage of the deal. You get security, speed, and convenience without paying crazy fees.
4. Pay for your car instantly, with no fees. PrivateAuto Pay offers Venmo-like immediacy and convenience—without Venmo’s transaction limits. It’s the only way to instantly, safely, and conveniently transfer more than $5,000 in the USA.

You can filter PrivateAuto’s pre-owned BMW M3 for sale in your area to see what owners are asking for. Then, with our innovative offer feature, you can make an offer that works for your budget, sit back, and see if it gets accepted!

“PrivateAuto takes the stress out of private car sales!” — Gage Dietrich (Google reviewer, five stars)

BMW M3 FAQ


Which year is the most reliable M3?

The most reliable BMW M3 is the 2011–2018 F80. It is praised for its performance and simple maintenance.

Is a used M3 reliable?


Why are older BMW M3 so expensive?


How much is an old M3?


What is a 1995 BMW M3 worth?


Is M3 expensive to maintain?


Does the BMW M3 come with a rear-wheel drive engine?


How many sedan models does the BMW offer for the M3 model?


What fuel type does the BMW M3 take?


What is the average price of a 2021 BMW M3?


Which BMW M3 is equipped with a 420-horsepower V8 engine?


Which exterior colors does the 2024 M3 come in?


What body type is the BMW M3?


Browse Other Popular Cars

These are some of our most popular used cars for sale by owner.

Essential Resources for Used Car Transactions

Useful guides for getting your next private-party car purchase done.

How to Buy a Used Car in Every State

Avoid dealer fees and markup when you buy directly from a private seller. The following guides will help you navigate the process correctly in your state. Click on the appropriate link for state-specific instructions.

Sell Your Used Car

Looking to sell your used car? Click the link for your state to learn how easy it can be with PrivateAuto.
author image
Landon Epperly
Contributing Author
Landon Epperly is the Product Manager at PrivateAuto, where he thrives on turning innovative ideas into reality. With a deep passion for cars and boats, Landon combines his love for vehicles with his expertise in product development to enhance the online marketplace experience....