The 2011 BMW M3 sedan is a driver-oriented dream, with a compact cabin, a 414-hp V8 engine, and wonderful handling. You can rev the engine to your heart’s content and still fit in with the daily driver crowd in this hyper-performance luxury sedan.

Though it’s a sports car at its core, the 2011 M3 doesn’t look the part—it has an understated quality that keeps things subtle, but sleek. Here to help uncover the best and worst elements of this top luxury option is

Jerry

, the licensed broker and

car insurance

shopping app. And to finish up, we’ll give you some tips on how to save on your

BMW insurance costs

How much is a 2011 BMW M3 sedan?

The 2011 BMW M3 was available as a coupe, convertible, or sedan. We’ll be focusing on the sedan model, which had an original starting MSRP of $58,000. On the used market, you can probably snag one with a price tag between $20,768 to $28,462.

Before you head off to the dealership, keep in mind that this used estimate may vary depending on your location, the vehicle’s condition, and other factors. You’ll also have fewer available options, as the 2011 M3 is already over ten years old. Keep reading to learn about the different ratings, features, and packages you may want to keep an eye out for.

Is a 2011 BMW M3 a good buy?

The 2011 M3 is driver-focused, with a compact cabin that doesn’t allow much room for backseat passengers despite the four-door arrangement. Cargo space is also totally left by the wayside, with a basic trunk and few interior storage options.

But for those looking for a sports car in sedan’s clothing with incredible handling and a luxury finish, the 2011 BMW M3 is at the top of the used car market pile.

Reliability

It has to be said—BMWs are notoriously unreliable. But what about the 2011 M3 sedan?

With a RepairPal rating of 2.0/5.0 for reliability and average annual repair costs of $1,161, the 2011 M3 doesn’t perform very well. It was subject to four recalls, the most concerning being the driver's frontal air bag inflator rupturing, causing metal fragments to scatter across the vehicle.

An older vehicle is likely going to need a little more TLC, so make sure you have money set aside for repairs if you spring for a used M3.

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Speed and performance

The 2011 BMW M3 comes with one engine option: a powerful 414-hp 4.0-liter V8 with 295 lb.-ft. of torque! The engine is paired with a standard manual six-speed transmission or available seven-speed dual-clutch automated-manual transmission (M DCT).

The engine is lighter than most other V8s at the time, fitting in with the M3’s responsive driving profile. It can propel the M3 sedan with the standard manual transmission from zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds. There are also three suspension settings available—Normal, Comfort, and Sport—that can be changed to provide the smoothest ride possible.

Fuel economy

The 2011 BMW M3 sedan isn’t one to prioritize fuel efficiency over performance—and its fuel economy numbers prove it. With an EPA-estimated fuel economy of 14 mpg city/20 mpg highway and 16 mpg combined, the M3 isn’t going to do you any favors at the gas pump, but it’ll be a joy to drive.

Interior and comfort

Let’s get into the core of your driver experience—the time you spend sitting inside your BMW. The 2011 M3 interior is all about the driver. From the super-supportive front seats to the iDrive controller in easy reach with physical controls and a revised menu for ease of use, the driver is the focus of the 2011 M3.

If you don’t believe us, ask the people sitting in the back seat. Besides less headroom than other luxury sedans and few to no storage options, there isn’t a lot of care put into the features available to backseat sitters.

However, the 2011 M3 does come standard with the following:

Lightweight components

Carbon-fiber-reinforced roof

18-inch wheels

Limited-slip rear differential

Automatic and adaptive xenon headlights

Automatic wipers

Auto-dimming rearview mirror

8-way power front seats (with manual thigh extender, adjustable side bolsters, and four-way lumbar adjustment)

Leather-cloth upholstery

Driver memory functions

10-speaker sound system

Auxiliary audio jack

You may come across used 2011 BMW M3 sedans with packages—such as the Premium, Technology, or Cold Weather package—and additional features such as:

Heated front seats

Retractable headlight washers

Power-folding auto-dimming mirrors

BMW Assist telematics

Bluetooth

Leather upholstery

Electronic damping control

M Drive adjustable settings

Keyless ignition/entry

iDrive interface

Navigation system with voice controls and real-time traffic

19-inch wheels

A sunroof

Automatic high beams

Power rear sunshade

Split-folding rear seat

Satellite radio

iPod/USB adapter

16-speaker premium sound system

EDC (electronic damping control)

Safety

For a vehicle over ten years old, the 2011 BMW M3 sedan has a decent suite of safety features, including:

Front seat side airbags

Full-length side curtain airbags

Antilock disc brakes

Traction control and stability control

Rear parking sensors

As is the case with many luxury vehicles, the NHTSA and the IIHS did not provide a safety rating for the M3. However, Car and Driver recorded excellent results in its 60-0-mph braking test, with the M3 stopping in just 100 feet—a best-in-class rating.

How to save on BMW insurance

Now that you’ve reviewed the best and the worst elements of the 2011 BMW M3, it’s time to consider how much you’ll pay for insurance. Luxury vehicles are generally more expensive to insure, especially a speed demon like the M3. If you want to cut down your

BMW M3 insurance costs

, look no further than the

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app.

In under a minute, Jerry can compare rates from over 55 top national providers and send the best options for you directly to your smartphone! You won’t have to make long phone calls or fill out online forms—instead, just tap your favorite policy and watch as Jerry locks in your new plan just like that!

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