2006 BMW M3 Base

The M3 is BMW's high-performance version of the 3 Series, and it's the one enthusiasts still talk about today. It's a driver's car through and through, with sharp steering and a chassis that begs for a back road. Inside, you get supportive sport seats and a clean, driver-focused layout that's held up well over the years. Owners mention the SMG transmission's pump can fail and cost thousands to fix, so a manual is often the safer bet. Stepping up from the standard 3 Series convertible to the M3 buys you a track-tuned suspension, an M-tuned steering rack, and the legendary S54 engine under the hood. Its 3.2L I6 delivers 333 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque, going through a six-speed automatic to the rear wheels, and gets 17 mpg combined on premium. This convertible trades some chassis rigidity for open-air driving, and the SMG automatic can be tricky in stop-and-go traffic.