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BMW 3-Series M3 running costs and reliability

2007 - 2013 (change model)

Running costs rating: 2 out of 52.0

Written by Mike Humble Published: 6 June 2019 Updated: 15 March 2022

Miles per pound (mpp)

Reliable fuel consumption data for comparison purposes is not available for this model.

What is miles per pound?

Fuel economy

A more stringent standard for fuel economy (WLTP) was introduced from September 2017, and this model was not required to undergo that test. Its fuel economy measured under the previous test system was 21 - 25 mpg. However these figures are less likely to be achievable in real world driving and so should never be compared to another car's mpg which was measured under the newer, more realistic WLTP system.

View mpg & specs for any version

At £50,000+ the M3 isn’t cheap, however it is well equipped with leather seats and satellite navigation among the standard equipment. It will also depreciate slowly – expect it to be worth about £30,000 after three years. Fuel consumption of around 23mpg is pretty punishing while servicing and parts are expensive too.

With an output of 295g/km CO2 for the saloon and Coupe, the M3 counts as a heavy polluter, but thanks to some cleaver energy saving technology, it is cleaner than its predecessor despite being heavier and more powerful. The Convertible emits 309g/km of CO2 but interestingly opting for the automatic DTC gearbox actually reduces emissions and improves economy on all models.

The saloon and the Coupe are capable of 23mpg, which rises to 24mpg with the auto. All cars from March 2010 come with an engine stop/start system which helps reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Fuel consumption averages 22 mpg.

Keeping to the servicing schedule as indicated by the on-board computer is essential to ensure the M3 remains reliable, although the 3-Series in general has a very good record for reliability.