BMW 3 SERIES (2005-12) M3 4DR SALOON 4.0 V8 DCT AUTO
The BMW 3 Series (2005-12), particularly the M3 4DR Saloon 4.0 V8 DCT Auto, is a standout model in the UK's used car market, renowned for its sporty performance and distinctive design. This luxury saloon offers a compelling mix of everyday usability and high-performance driving, making it an appealing choice for car enthusiasts who want a sophisticated vehicle capable of delivering exhilarating speed while remaining practical for daily commuting or longer journeys. With an average recorded mileage of around 77,300 miles and a typical private sale value of about £9,840, this vehicle attracts buyers seeking a balance of value and excitement.
What makes this M3 model truly special is its powerful 4.0-liter V8 engine paired with an automatic DCT transmission, offering an engaging driving experience that rivals many sportier rivals in its class. Although it’s a high-performance car, it is also known for its stylish design, advanced features, and driving agility, making it ideal for those who enjoy spirited driving and are looking to stand out on the road. With its reputation for reliability and the distinctive M badge, the BMW 3 Series (2005-12) M3 4DR Saloon 4.0 V8 DCT Auto is a respected choice among performance car enthusiasts in the UK and an exciting option for anyone considering a used sporty saloon.
average use
The recent mileage data for the BMW 3 Series M3 (2005-2012) indicates that the majority of these vehicles have recorded mileages between 60,000 and 90,000 miles, with 16.3% between 60,000 and 70,000 miles and a further 16.7% between 80,000 and 90,000 miles. The next largest proportion, 12.9%, is in the 90,000 to 100,000-mile range. Notably, a smaller percentage of vehicles have very low mileage (0-10,000 miles, just 1.4%) or very high mileage (above 150,000 miles, around 2.3%). This suggests that most of these vehicles are mid-life, with a significant number reaching the 80,000 to 100,000-mile mark. Overall, the data reflects typical usage patterns for performance cars of this age, predominantly falling within the 60,000 to 100,000-mile range.
vehicle values
The data indicates that the majority of private sale valuations for the BMW 3 Series (2005-12) M3 4DR Saloon 4.0 V8 DCT Auto fall within the £6,000 to £9,000 range, accounting for roughly 38% of the listings. A significant portion of vehicles (around 56%) are valued below £10,000, highlighting their relatively lower market valuation compared to higher-price brackets. Notably, only a small fraction—about 4.3%—are estimated to be worth over £15,000, suggesting that these models are generally positioned in the lower to mid-price segments within the used market. The data also shows a gradual decrease in the percentage of vehicles as prices increase, with very few examples valued above £17,000.
production years
The data indicates that the majority of the BMW 3 Series M3 models from 2005-2012 in our sample were manufactured between 2008 and 2011. Notably, 43.1% of these vehicles are from 2008, making it the most common year of manufacture in the dataset. Additionally, the years 2009 and 2010 also account for significant proportions at 16.3% and 18.7%, respectively. Conversely, fewer vehicles are from 2012 (6.7%) and 2011 (15.3%), suggesting a higher prevalence of older models within this range. Overall, these figures imply that the most commonly available models are from the late 2000s to early 2010s, with a concentration around 2008.
colour popularity
The data indicates that among BMW 3 Series (2005–2012) M3 4-door saloons with a 4.0 V8 DCT AUTO, blue is the most common primary paint colour, accounting for approximately 36.8% of vehicles. Black is also quite popular, representing around 32.5%. White, at about 19.6%, is less prevalent but still significant. Less frequently chosen colours include grey (5.3%), red (3.8%), and silver (1.9%). Notably, the preference for blue and black suggests an inclination toward darker, sportier tones for this model during this period.
ownership cycle
The data indicates that the majority of 'BMW 3 SERIES (2005-12) M3 4DR SALOON 4.0 V8 DCT AUTO' vehicles have been registered with between 3 and 6 keepers, accounting for roughly 46% of the sample. Notably, the largest single group is vehicles with 6 registered keepers, comprising 18.7%. Conversely, vehicles with only 1 or 2 owners are quite rare, each representing just 1.9% of the sample. The distribution suggests that most of these cars tend to stay with a limited number of owners over their lifetime, which could imply some level of owner retention or consistent vehicle use.
engine choices
The data indicates that all BMW 3 Series M3 4DR Saloon 4.0 V8 DCT Auto models from 2005 to 2012 are equipped with an engine capacity of approximately 4.0 liters, with 95.7% having a 3999cc engine and a small minority (4.3%) at 4000cc. Additionally, the entire sample runs exclusively on petrol fuel. This highlights a consistent engine size and fuel type across these vehicles, reflecting standard specifications for this high-performance model during that period.
