1994 BMW M3 Coupe 3.0 286 BHP

Summary:

BMW's most iconic M car. A fast and a timeless classic!

Faults:

Never let me down since I've owned her - owned a few M3's before, including the EVO model.

She recently developed a heavy misfire in all cylinders and a rough idle on 28/05/2013. Turned out the spark plugs were shot.

I fitted new NGK Laser plugs, new air filter, and cleaned the coils and fitted a new TPS sensor, and the car now runs better than when I acquired it.

These cars are pretty bullet proof, but renewing parts earlier on can keep the car in great health.

General Comments:

Firstly, they're German engineered, so you simply cannot fault the design / engine / technology!

Having owned both the 3.0 and the 3.2 Evo, I believe the 3.0 is the better M3 to have.

Stronger Rolls Royce Vanos, and the power difference, despite what is says on paper, is merely 15 BHP, if that.

These are future collectors cars, and are becoming rare in good form.

My M3 is a '94 3.0 coupe, finished in Arctic Silver coachwork with Graphite Alcantara motor sport Vader interior, polished Evo wheels, amber lenses, and just 74,000 miles on the clock.

Theses cars have about 300 BHP in a straight 6 race engine, and they love to be driven!

Only available in manual, so a true driver's car.

I believe the 5 best BMW M cars were the M1, E30 M3, E36 M3, E34 M5, and the E39 M5.

These cars are very reliable, but maintenance is crucial to get the best out of the car.

Comfort is very high with the Vader seats; so comfortable, even on long journeys!

Fuel wise, I'm getting about 20 MPG round town during the current fuel prices in 2013.

The car makes me happy though, so price is no option, and she's only ever run on super unleaded fuel.

Handling is astonishing... Breathtaking grip in the dry, and great in the wet if you know how to drive. No traction button, so she will bite!

I do most the work on her myself, apart from 'on the ramp' jobs, and then she goes to a friend of mine who is an ex BMW tech.

I'm not sure what else to say really, apart from the fact these cars are getting hard to find; mostly Evos knocking about now, and high mileage ones at that.

Prices are rising, so I'm keeping hold of mine, but mainly because I fall in love every time I turn the key.

I hope you enjoyed the review.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 30th May, 2013

1994 BMW M3 Coupe 3.0 M Power straight 6

Summary:

German reliability in a quick and rewarding package

Faults:

Rear trailing arm suspension bushes required replacing.

After market exhaust mounting bracket snapped.

Rear tyres last 5000 miles only, when driven enthusiastically.

General Comments:

These cars sound absolutely glorious when you are pressing on.

Dry weather handling is supreme, and the chassis inspires a lot of confidence to push the limits.

Wet weather driving requires caution as there are no electronic safety nets on this model.

Fuel consumption around town is poor, however 32 mpg+ is possible on a run.

Interior is well assembled, however it's beginning to look dated compared to later cars.

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 7th July, 2006

1994 BMW M3 Coupe 3.0

Summary:

Love it

Faults:

Have only had the car a few weeks, but OK so far. Just done inspection II, and nothing reported.

General Comments:

Even non-car people like the M3.

Great handling/performance.

Not as expensive to maintain/run as people think.

Far better prospect than Japanese imports (WRX, EVO blah..)

Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 25th April, 2001

1st Jun 2005, 18:01

Hows the insurance on the car? and fuel consumption?

Raziel.

3rd Aug 2005, 05:22

I have had my 94 E36 M3 for a couple of years now and it's a great car. Excellent on Fuel best I have got is 7.5l per 100KLM sitting on 120kph on the highway if you have a go they dont mind a drink but who cares. No major service issues. These cars are now a real bargain and really do offer bang for your buck.