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Used 2018 BMW M3 Sedan Trims Comparison

Trim level differences

The BMW M3 is a four-door, five-passenger high-performance car that's based on the company's 3 Series. Its sedan layout gives it practicality for daily use, while its sporting hardware upgrades make it more exciting to drive. The few options packages available can increase performance further and add more comfort features.

Under the hood is a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-six engine (425 horsepower, 406 pound-feet of torque) that sends its power to the rear wheels through either a six-speed manual transmission or a seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic.

Standard equipment highlights include adaptive suspension dampers, LED headlights, 18-inch wheels, power and heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, keyless ignition and entry, auto-dimming mirrors, BMW iDrive infotainment interface (with a 8.8-inch display screen), a navigation system and a Harman Kardon sound system.

The Competition package sharpens the M3's responses by boosting engine output to 444 hp and further tuning the suspension and differential. It also includes lightweight 20-inch forged wheels.

The Driving Assistance package is where you'll find advanced safety features. This package includes lane departure warning, forward collision warning (with pedestrian detection) and low-speed automatic emergency braking. It also adds a feature that displays the posted speed limit in the gauge cluster.

The Executive package adds more convenience-based extras such as adaptive headlights with auto high beams, heating for the steering wheel and rear seats, a head-up display, side- and top-view parking cameras, and an automated parking system.

Stand-alone options include carbon-ceramic brake rotors, a nonadaptive suspension, a sunroof, blind-spot monitoring, wireless device charging and Apple CarPlay phone integration. Owners seeking more thrill should consider the M Driver's package, which is essentially one day of high-performance driving education.

Which M3 trim does Edmunds recommend?

The 2018 BMW M3 comes in one trim level and offers just a few options. As such, your biggest choice is between the standard six-speed manual transmission or the optional seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic. The M3's faster with the latter but more engaging with the former. The Competition package gives the M3 sharper handling and a more entertaining experience — not to mention some of the coolest-looking wheels currently on a new vehicle — so that's a worthy option. The M Driver's package is also worth it, just for the day of high-performance driver training.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Midlothian, VA
Vehicle
M3 Base
Vehicle
Hide similarities
Section Title

Features

Bluetooth
standard
Navigation
standard
Satellite radio
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
Cruise control
standard
Adaptive cruise control
Not available
Parking assistance
optional
Upholstery
leather/cloth
Heated seats
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
Not available
Folding rear seats
standard
Sunroof
optional
Section Title

Specifications

Country of final assembly
Germany
Drivetrain
rear wheel drive
Engine power
425 hp @ 5,500 rpm
Engine torque
406 lb-ft @ 1,850 rpm
Engine displacement
3.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 6
Transmission
6-speed manual
Tire size
255/40R18 (FRONT) 275/40R18 (REAR)
Wheel size
18 X 9.0-in (Front) 18 X 10.0-in (Rear)
Wheel type
painted alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
17 / 25 / 20 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
15.8 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
269 / 395 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (required)
Section Title

Dimensions

Turning circle
40.0 ft.
Curb weight
3,575 lb.
Ground Clearance
4.7 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
80.2 in.
Overall Width without Mirrors
73.9 in.
Height
56.1 in.
Length
184.6 in.
Wheelbase
110.7 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
12.0 cu. ft.
Cargo Space, Rear Seat Down or Removed
Front Head Room
40.3 in.
Front Leg Room
42.0 in.
Front Shoulder Room
55.1 in.
Rear Head Room
37.7 in.
Rear Leg Room
35.1 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
55.1 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
Not Available
Average Cost Per Mile
Not Available
Depreciation
Not Available
Financing
Not Available
Taxes & Fees
Not Available
Fuel
Not Available
Insurance
Not Available
Maintenance
Not Available
Repairs
Not Available
Section Title

Colors

Interior
Black Full Merino, premium leather
Sonoma Beige Full Merino, premium leather
Sonoma Beige Extended Merino, premium leather
Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Amaro Brown Extended Merino (Individual), premium leather
Sakhir Orange/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Silverstone Extended Merino, premium leather
Silverstone Full Merino, premium leather
Combination Carbonstructure Anthracite/Black, leather/cloth
Golden Brown Extended Merino (Individual), premium leather
Sakhir Orange/Black Full Merino, premium leather
Opal White Extended Merino (Individual), premium leather
Cohiba Brown/Black Extended Merino (Individual), premium leather
Nutmeg Extended Merino (Individual), premium leather
Exterior
Smoked Topaz Metallic
Black Sapphire Metallic
Mineral Grey Metallic
Azurite Black Metallic
Silverstone Metallic
Champagne Quartz Metallic
Austin Yellow Metallic
Tanzanite Blue Metallic
Mineral White Metallic
Yas Marina Blue Metallic
Alpine White
Sakhir Orange II Metallic