BMW 3 Series vs BMW M3
BMW 3 Series
BMW’s compact executive saloon.
BMW M3
BMW’s high-performance saloon.
BMW 3 Series
Pick the 3 Series for benchmark handling, efficient engines and a premium cabin in a compact executive sedan.
BMW M3
Pick the M3 for a powerful, versatile high-performance saloon with the S58 and a choice of manual or xDrive.
Performance
B48 320i · Petrol vs M3 Competition · Petrol
| BMW 3 Series | BMW M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
184 hp
|
510 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
300 Nm
|
650 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
7,1 s
|
3,9 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
240 km/h
|
250 km/h
Winner
|
| Power-to-weight |
125,2 hp/t
|
286,5 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
134 g/km
Winner
|
230 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,9 L/100km
Winner
|
10,5 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| BMW 3 Series | BMW M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
480 L
|
480 L
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
—
|
1.200 L
|
| Wheelbase |
2,85 m
|
2,86 m
Winner
|
| Length |
4,71 m
|
4,79 m
|
| Width |
1,83 m
|
1,90 m
|
| Height |
1,44 m
|
1,43 m
|
| Seats |
5
|
5
|
Powertrain & tech
| BMW 3 Series | BMW M3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CLAR (rear-wheel-drive base) | CLAR (G80, shared with the 3 Series) |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Rear-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | B48 petrol · B47 diesel · plug-in hybrid | S58 3.0 twin-turbo petrol |
| Fuel | Petrol · Diesel · Plug-in hybrid | Petrol |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic (ZF) | 6-speed manual · 8-speed automatic (ZF) |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d-TEMP (early) · Euro 6d (later) | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Euro 6 diesel allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) | Euro 6d petrol allowed in the LEZ (Brussels/Antwerp/Ghent) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- Early iDrive/infotainment quirks
- DPF on diesels doing mainly short trips
- Timing chain rare but known on B48
- Cooling-system plastics and electric water pump
- Oil-filter housing / valve-cover gasket seepage
- Carbon buildup on intake valves (direct injection)
Pros
- Benchmark handling (rear-drive base)
- Efficient, strong B48/B47 engines
- Excellent iDrive 7 infotainment
- Powerful, free-revving S58 twin-turbo
- Versatile: usable saloon with M performance
- Choice of manual, automatic and xDrive
Cons
- Firm ride on M Sport suspension
- Rear seat less roomy than some rivals
- Firm ride, especially in sportier settings
- Controversial vertical grille
Driving experience
BMW 3 Series
Precise, balanced and still the class benchmark to drive. Steering is quick, accurate and communicative, body control taut, and the rear-drive chassis stays planted yet adjustable through bends. sDrive keeps the classic 3 Series balance and a hint of playfulness; xDrive adds all-weather grip without dulling the nose. The optional adaptive M suspension spans comfortable to firmly controlled. The B48/B58 petrols are smooth and free-revving, the B47/B57 diesels pull strongly and stay refined, and the 320e/330e plug-in hybrids glide silently on electric power. The ZF 8-speed is quick and seamless; the early manual is a rare, engaging treat. Overall a poised sports saloon that blends sharp dynamics with everyday comfort.
BMW M3
Powerful, refined and highly capable. Steering is precise, body control is excellent and the car feels planted and engaging. Rear-drive versions retain classic M balance and playfulness; xDrive versions are more neutral, secure and quicker off the line. Adaptive M suspension offers a wide range between firm and acceptable comfort. The S58 is strong, free-revving and characterful with excellent mid-range and high-rev performance. The manual (base) is engaging; the ZF 8-speed (Competition) is quick and smooth. Overall a highly versatile high-performance saloon that balances dynamics with everyday usability better than many predecessors.
Compare specific generations
Belgian taxes & LEZ
For sale at dealers
BMW 3 Series
0 for saleNo listings at the moment
