Used 2017 BMW M3 for SaleNationwide

Is the 2017 BMW M3 a good car?

Yes — the 2017 BMW M3 earns a 5/5 user rating, and it backs that up with a high-performance sedan layout that still works for everyday use. According to the overview, you get seating for five, a roomy 16.9-cubic-foot trunk, and a broad range of comfort, convenience, safety, and performance upgrades, so you can tailor it to your needs.

It also stands out for its usable hardware: a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, a standard six-speed manual, and strong output that keeps the car focused on driving enjoyment. The tradeoffs are real, though, including criticism of the electric-assist steering and styling that drew plenty of attention when the car was new.

With 33.3% of listings priced as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively without losing sight of value.

Is the 2017 BMW M3 reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The overview points to a car built around a proven enthusiast formula: a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine, rear-wheel drive, and a manual transmission in the standard setup. It also emphasizes that BMW offered a wide range of upgrades, which suggests the car was designed to serve both daily driving and performance use.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is less about the basic concept and more about how the car was treated, maintained, and modified before you buy it.

What should I look for when buying a used 2017 BMW M3?

At 59.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on cars that have been driven hard or modified. Focus on overall condition, signs of prior bodywork, and whether maintenance appears consistent with a high-performance car’s needs.

Because this model is built for serious driving, the best used example is usually the one with the cleanest history and the most transparent service record.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2017 BMW M3?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 213 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 59.2% of listings are accident-free.

Should I buy a 2017 BMW M3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2017 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2017 if:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 59.2% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.

The bottom line: The 2017 BMW M3 is a strong choice if you want the classic M3 mix of performance and everyday usability, especially if you value the sedan body, manual transmission, and broad customization potential. If you’re more price-sensitive, the best path is to compare carefully against nearby years and focus on the cleanest, best-documented example rather than chasing the lowest sticker price.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 29, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.