2023 BMW 3 Series

Price Range: $43,800 - $58,400 ^{Price range reflects Base MSRP for various trim levels, not including options or fees.}

BMW 3 Series 330i xDrive Sedan Exterior Shown

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The latest-generation 2023 BMW 3 Series is a solid luxury sport sedan. But some rivals offer more impressive design and technology. Unfortunately, "benchmark" is no longer one of the descriptors that come to mind for the 3 Series.Read full review

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Edmunds suggests you pay

$37,399

2023 BMW 3 Series Review

byRonald Montoya^{Senior Consumer Advice Editor & Content Strategy
Ronald Montoya has worked in the automotive industry since 2008. He has written over a thousand car related articles and bought and sold over 100 vehicles over the course of his career. Ronald is a senior consumer advice editor and content strategy at Edmunds and has also contributed to the Associated Press. He has also been featured on ABC, NBC and NPR on a number of car shopping topics. He got his start in the auto industry by taking a part-time job at a car dealership, where he worked in the service and accounting department.}

rating written byBrent Romans^{Senior Manager, Written Content
Brent Romans has worked in the automotive industry since 1996. He has written or edited thousands of expert car reviews and road-tested hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Brent is a senior manager of written content at Edmunds and previously contributed to publications such as Super Street and Petersen's 4-Wheel & Off-Road. His personal car is a 2019 BMW M2 Competition, which he bought for its ideal combination of performance, style and practicality.}

Pros

Polished handling
Tastefully modern interior with plenty of room
Powerful and fuel-efficient engines

Cons

Ride quality can be a little too firm at times
Most of the 3 Series' advanced driver assist features aren't standard

What's new

Updated exterior styling
Digital instrument panel and larger touchscreen now share a single curved housing
Fewer buttons, with more functions moved to the touchscreen
BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant gains new functionality
Part of the seventh 3 Series generation introduced for 2019

Overview

The seventh-generation BMW 3 Series has been on sale for a few years, which means it was time for BMW to give it a feature refresh to keep it competitive against the recently redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-Class. We knew a styling update would be in the picture for the 2023 BMW 3 Series and feared the beaver-toothed grille from the 4 Series and M3/M4 would transition to the mild-mannered luxury sedan, too. Thankfully, BMW hasn't fussed with the exterior too much — the grille is slightly wider than before, the headlight cluster no longer has the little notch in the middle, and the front and rear bumpers feature sharper angles, giving it a more modern look.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.90 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$168/mo

$161/mo

Avg. Midsize Car

Calculate my fuel costs

There are significant changes to the interior, however. For starters, the 12.3-inch digital instrument panel and central touchscreen now share a singular curved housing running BMW's latest iDrive 8 software. The new software makes the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant smarter, with improved natural language voice recognition and additional features, including the ability to open and close the windows or the sunroof through verbal commands. Finally, the central screen is upgraded to measure 14.9 inches — nearly double the size of the previously standard 8.8-inch screen — and once again offers touch functionality.

BMW has also streamlined the center stack control layout. There are almost zero dedicated physical controls for the climate system. Instead, these functions are moved to the touchscreen in a climate menu, though the driver and passenger temperatures are always displayed. We're not huge fans of making attention-sapping touchscreens even more convoluted, but at least you can use the car's voice recognition system to change the temperature. The useful set of eight preset buttons, which can be configured for anything from radio stations to navigation destinations and specific menus, also disappears. Lastly, the shift lever has been replaced by a toggle switch.

All these changes make for a compelling entrant into the compact luxury sedan segment, but the 3 Series will face stiff competition from the redesigned Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the stylish Audi A4 and the up-and-coming Genesis G70. Read on for our thoughts on how the updated 3 Series fares.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Our Verdict^{The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.}

Good

7.8

out of 10

edmunds TESTED

Rated for you by America's best test team.

Performance

8/10

How does the 3 Series drive? We tested an all-wheel-drive 330i. Its turbocharged four-cylinder is strong and responsive; you don't need to rev it much before it delivers the goods. Our test car reached 60 mph in 5.6 seconds in our testing, which is a quick time for a small luxury sedan with a base engine. The transmission shifts quickly and complements the surprisingly flexible power of the engine.

The brakes in the 330i are solid all around and one of the highlights of this car. The pedal is smooth and easy to control in casual driving but strong, stable and confident in hard use. We also like the car's agility when going around turns. With the M Sport package, the 330i's body motions are well controlled. Experienced drivers might find themselves wanting a little more playfulness, but nonetheless this luxury sedan is easy to drive quickly.

Comfort

7/10

How comfortable is the 3 Series? Our test 330i suffered from an overly firm ride. We suspect our test car's optional sport suspension (as part of the M Sport package) and possibly the rough-riding tires were the cause. If you're worried about comfort, we'd suggest getting a 3 Series without the M Sport package. We do like the 3 Series' quiet cabin at highway speeds. Plus, the front seats are supportive and have plenty of available adjustments.

Interior

8/10

How’s the interior? The driving position is superb, providing excellent sightlines and a just-right relationship between the driver, the steering wheel and the pedals. The controls are for the most part straightforward and easy to decipher, including no-brainer buttons for skipping tracks and handy virtual sliders for adjusting cabin temperature. You can control the central display screen either by touch or with a knob, and the latest iDrive software is both responsive and intuitive. On paper, the interior is about as spacious as other compact luxury car cabins, though the BMW's wide doors make it a bit easier to get in and out, especially in the rear.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Save as much as $9,861 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $9,861 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the M340i xDrive trim.}

2023 BMW 3 Series pricing in Ashburn, VA

Edmunds suggests you pay

Build & Price

Technology

8/10

How’s the tech? The 3 Series is available with all features we've come to expect from a modern luxury vehicle, but the fully digital "curved display" dashboard is a game-changer. We've previously found fault with various aspects of the 3 Series' iDrive infotainment system, even highlighting its complexity as a Con. That's not the case anymore. The massive central touchscreen looks great, and the interface is so intuitive that the traditional iDrive knob down by the shifter seems almost superfluous. If you'd rather let your phone take over that screen, Apple CarPlay performs flawlessly. The video-gamey digital instrument panel may rankle BMW purists with its lack of traditional circular gauges but, hey, it's a tech-first world and BMW knows it.

In terms of driver aids and active safety, BMW charges a modest fee if you want to add common features like adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assistance. We've found the adaptive cruise control system's braking to be a bit abrupt at times, but in general these features operate unobtrusively.

Storage

8/10

How’s the storage? The trunk is sizable, and the lid hinges are shrouded so they won't crush cargo when the lid comes down. The rear seatbacks are split 40/20/40, and they fold and lie nearly flat when down. Storage space for small items in the cabin is decent.

For family taxi duty, the 3 Series does a respectable job. The Isofix anchors for securing child safety seats are clearly marked and easily accessible under flip-up lids. There's also enough space to fit a larger rear-facing car seat behind all but the tallest drivers.

Continue reading Edmunds Expert Rating below

Fuel Economy

8/10

How’s the fuel economy? With a rating of 28 mpg in combined city/highway driving, the 330i xDrive is surprisingly efficient for the performance it delivers. (The rear-drive 330i is slightly more efficient, and the M340 is slightly less.) We averaged a respectable 31.3 mpg on our 115-mile evaluation route, which is above expectations. Other traffic-heavy tanks yielded mpg in the low 20s.

Value

7.5/10

Is the 3 Series a good value? The 3 Series isn't the priciest offering in the segment, but it's also far from the best value. You get a quality product for your dollar with solid performance to match and complimentary maintenance as a bonus. But if you're looking for maximum value, you're better off checking out some of the other segment offerings. Warranty coverage is typical for a luxury brand.

Wildcard

8/10

BMW can still make a capable small sedan. For most people, this 3 Series will meet expectations. But for people who love driving for fun, the 330i will likely disappoint a little. Certainly the M340i ups the excitement a little. As for design, the cabin has character, but there are some styling elements at the rear of the car that remind us of a Lexus. That's a first for a 3 Series and not necessarily a good thing.

Which 3 Series does Edmunds recommend?

If you have a spot to plug it in, the BMW 330e is our recommendation. It's price isn't much higher than the base 3 Series, yet it comes equipped with a plug-in hybrid powertrain supplying an estimated 22 miles of pure electric driving before switching to gas-electric hybrid operation.

Compare 2023 BMW 3 Series trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

BMW 3 Series Reviews

Owner Reviews

4.6

29 reviews

5(79%)

4(10%)

3(3%)

2(3%)

1(5%)

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Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Smooth, quiet, sporty, and efficient

gonofurther, 09/19/2022

2023 BMW 3 Series 330e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A)

My fourth 3-series and my favorite so far. Needed a daily driver to replace an aging Chevy Bolt, my weekender being a 2014 Porsche Boxster S. With a 14 mile round-trip commute I do not need huge electric-only range, making a PHEV of some sort the right choice for me. I cross-shopped all the PHEV's under $60k and landed on the 2023 BMW 330e, which I ordered just to my liking, for which I … paid MSRP, and of which I took delivery last week. First impressions? This is easily the quietest car I have driven. I can have a whispered conversation with my wife driving 80 mph on the freeway. Engine noise is unobtrusive and switching between gas and electric in hybrid mode is unnoticeable. I spec'd mine with the Adaptive M-suspension which I would highly recommend. Though my last three 3-series were of the F-generation making this a somewhat unfair comparison, all had Msport fixed suspension that seemed to aim more for the sporty but were also jittery and high strung. The Adaptive M-suspension in comfort mode on this car seems to strike an excellent balance between suspension comfort and drivability. The combination of a refined powertrain and smooth driving dynamics yield a level of refinement I was frankly surprised to obtain at this price point. The interior is lovely and expensive-feeling in a tasteful manner, featuring comfortable and supportive seats, high-grade materials on all surfaces, and very well laid-out controls. The large curved center screen is bright and expansive and the instrument cluster tunable to different viewing options. I've been following owners manual instructions on break-in and so have not had a chance to really get on it, but even a gentle prod of the fun pedal leads to plenty of oomph and the low end torque from the electric motor is quite palpable. So far it would appear that efficiency is as advertised. I'm 250 miles in and not even down to a half-tank running exclusively in hybrid mode. Mine is the Msport spec so I cannot speak to the standard braking feel but holy mother are the brakes good on the Msport version. Feel is perfect and stopping power feels way better than any car I have driven other than a pile of Porsches (I have own two and tracked many others). There are a few features which I find less satisfactory. It took me quite awhile to sort through even a few of the configurable options. This version of iDrive is certainly superior to those of my past 3-series and I suppose that feature overload will not be unique to this car. I am also not super in love with certain styling aspects, not least of which is the Darth Vader look of the front fascia and splitter of the Msport spec, which you have to go with if you want the M Adaptive suspension. Likewise the instrument cluster, which has a "<" on the left showing speed and a ">" on the right showing efficiency - this is in comfort mode, with what is shown in sports mode being, I think, a speedo and a tach. These are modest gripes with what has been a major surprise. I paid $42k in 2010 for a BMW 335d, which was far less refined than this 330e for which I paid under $50k. Heck, my Bolt was $42k new. If you are looking for an stylish, smooth, quiet, and refined PHEV that doesn't seem to require any compromises this might be the one. It sure is for me.

Great car but maybe not for all

Howieceeya, 01/14/2024

2023 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

Update after one year: I am close to exchanging this car for a A4. I don’t care for the firm ride and the run flat tire situation causes me stress. I have had 2 tire incidents where I had to replace the tire after hitting potholes. I couldn’t drive away as the tire was totally deflated. If you can’t drive on the run flats then what is the point? No spare tire so had to wait an hour for …

The best compact sport sedan

Rali, 10/07/2022

2022 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I don't care what Edmunds says, but the 3 series is still the benchmark in compact sports sedans. I have a 2022 330i RWD, and the refined driving pleasure it delivers, is second to none. The 4 cyl is powerful, and you can feel the get up and go (without no noticeable turbo lag) as the car unleashes the inner sports car driver in you.

Best non-M BMW.

Andrew Wu, 10/30/2022

2022 BMW 3 Series M340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A)

Three months into ownership of my 2022 M340i, I still believe it's the best all-around car out there. Pros: Practicality is solid - suitcases, shopping bags, folded cardboard and the like all disappear into the trunk without issue. Car feels extremely stable at speed, easily comparable to the last-generation F80 M3. It corners quite well too, tons of grip both in the dry and wet. …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2023 BMW 3 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 3 Series since its last redesign.

See all 29 reviews of the BMW 3 Series

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2023 BMW 3 Series Features & Specs

Type:

Sedan

Trim:

330i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$43,800
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	29 MPG
Cost to Drive	$168/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	16.9 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

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BMW 3 Series vs. Audi A4

Right out of the box, the Audi A4 is better equipped than the BMW 3 Series, featuring standard leather seats and all-wheel drive. The A4 45 TFSI is quicker to 60 mph than the 3 Series, and the Audi's interior feels high-tech, though the new 3 Series' cabin steps up its tech vibe too. The more conservative Audi A4, though, isn't quite as satisfying to drive as the BMW.

Compare BMW 3 Series & Audi A4 features

BMW 3 Series vs. Genesis GV70

Hyundai's luxury spinoff brand, Genesis, wanted to build a Korean version of the BMW 3 Series, and the G70 is the result. The Genesis is just as fun to drive and is loaded with value. From performance to tech, the G70 is a credible alternative to the 3 Series. Its back seats and cargo area are smaller in comparison, however.

Compare BMW 3 Series & Genesis GV70 features

BMW 3 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class has long been the 3 Series home country rival, and the redesigned 2022 version is the best one yet. A strong and efficient engine and an effective voice control interface are among the C-Class' highlights. It isn't quite as fun to drive as the 3 Series, but if you value luxury over performance, the C-Class is the way to go.

Compare BMW 3 Series & Mercedes-Benz C-Class features

Safety

Our experts’ favorite 3 Series safety features:

BMW Assist eCall: Includes an SOS emergency call button and automatic collision notification service to contact help and dispatch responders to the car's location.
Active Driving Assistant: Equips the 3 Series with collision warning and prevention systems.
Active Driving Assistant Pro: Adds numerous semi-automated driver assist and collision avoidance systems to the M340i.

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Side Crash Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating	Rating
Overall	5 / 5
Driver	5 / 5
Passenger	5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings	Rating
Front Seat	5 / 5
Back Seat	5 / 5
Rollover	Rating
Rollover	5 / 5
Dynamic Test Result	No Tip
Risk Of Rollover	9.2%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test	Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original	Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated	Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original	Good
Side Impact Test – Updated	Not Tested
Roof Strength Test	Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint	Good

FAQ

Is the BMW 3 Series a good car?

The Edmunds experts tested the 2023 3 Series both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.8 out of 10. Edmunds’ consumer reviews show that the 2023 3 Series gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 29 reviews) What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that carrying capacity for the 3 Series ranges from 13.2 to 16.9 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a BMW 3 Series. Learn more

What's new in the 2023 BMW 3 Series?

According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2023 BMW 3 Series:

Updated exterior styling
Digital instrument panel and larger touchscreen now share a single curved housing
Fewer buttons, with more functions moved to the touchscreen
BMW's Intelligent Personal Assistant gains new functionality
Part of the seventh 3 Series generation introduced for 2019

Learn more

Is the BMW 3 Series reliable?

To determine whether the BMW 3 Series is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 3 Series. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 3 Series's 5-star average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more

Is the 2023 BMW 3 Series a good car?

There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2023 BMW 3 Series is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2023 3 Series and gave it a 7.8 out of 10. Our consumer reviews show that the 2023 3 Series gets an average rating of 5 stars out of 5 (based on 29 reviews). Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2023 3 Series is a good car for you. Learn more

How much should I pay for a 2023 BMW 3 Series?

The least-expensive 2023 BMW 3 Series is the 2023 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $43,800.

Other versions include:

330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $43,800
330e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $44,900
330i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) which starts at $45,800
330e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A) which starts at $46,900
M340i 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $56,400
M340i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo gas/electric mild hybrid 8A) which starts at $58,400

Learn more

What are the different models of BMW 3 Series?

If you're interested in the BMW 3 Series, the next question is, which 3 Series model is right for you? 3 Series variants include 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), 330e 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A), 330i xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and 330e xDrive 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric plug-in hybrid 8A). For a full list of 3 Series models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more

2023 BMW 3 Series

Pricing

2023 BMW 3 Series Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2023 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.90 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds Expert Rating

Performance

Comfort

Interior

Save as much as $9,861 with Edmunds Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $9,861 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the M340i xDrive trim.

Edmunds suggests you pay

Technology

Storage

Fuel Economy

Value

Wildcard

Which 3 Series does Edmunds recommend?

BMW 3 Series Reviews

Owner Reviews

Most Helpful Owner Reviews

Smooth, quiet, sporty, and efficient

Great car but maybe not for all

The best compact sport sedan

Best non-M BMW.

Helpful shopping links

2023 BMW 3 Series Features & Specs

Compare the BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series vs. Audi A4

BMW 3 Series vs. Genesis GV70

BMW 3 Series vs. Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Safety

Our experts’ favorite 3 Series safety features:

NHTSA Overall Rating 5 out of 5 stars

IIHS Rating

2023 BMW 3 Series First Impressions

What is the 3 Series?

Edmunds says

FAQ

Is the BMW 3 Series a good car?

What's new in the 2023 BMW 3 Series?

Is the BMW 3 Series reliable?

Is the 2023 BMW 3 Series a good car?

How much should I pay for a 2023 BMW 3 Series?

What are the different models of BMW 3 Series?

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2023 BMW 3 Series 330i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.90 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Save as much as $9,861 with Edmunds ^{Click on the trim you’re interested in to see what Edmunds suggests you should pay to get a good deal. Savings vary by trim; $9,861 refers to estimated savings off of MSRP for the M340i xDrive trim.}