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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.0L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 17 / 24 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,300 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 459 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $60,751–$70,017 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
Our scoring places the 2017 BMW M3 at 7.5/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sports. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.1/10, while Reliability at 6.2/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. Reliability is the weak spot: 6.2/10, under the class average. Review the recall record on this page and price in extra maintenance headroom. The safety score of 7.7/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance is a genuine highlight at 9.1/10. The BMW M3 delivers engaging driving dynamics — responsive handling, meaningful power delivery, and a drivetrain that rewards spirited driving without sacrificing daily usability. The cabin tech earns 8.2/10 — infotainment, smartphone integration, and driver-assistance are all close to the best this class offers.
Priced from $60,751–$70,017, 13 MPG, seating 5, the BMW M3 sits in the premium tier of the sports category. The value score of 6.8/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 9 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2017 BMW M3 is a solid, well-rounded sports that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is value and reliability — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2017 BMW M3 ranks #204 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 36% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $60,751 starting price is about 32% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the M3 model years we've scored, the 2017 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.0/10 | $79,207 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $79,207 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $76,900 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $74,593 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $72,286 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $69,979 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $67,672 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $65,365 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $63,058 | Read review → |
| 2017 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $60,751 | |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $58,444 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $56,137 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 11/10/2018 · 18V713000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion. |
|---|---|
| Structure / Frame and members 09/09/2016 · 16V653000 | BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.