BMW 3-Series (G20)
Model Years Produced: 2020 to Current
Summary
The 3-Series is perhaps BMW’s most well-known car. Though it’s still in the “compact” segment, it’s not particularly compact these days compared to its origins. Fortunately, BMW’s engineers are skilled enough to mask the extra weight with excellent chassis and suspension tuning, and the designers haven’t yet succumbed to the company’s need to make the car ugly – at least on the non-M3 variants.
While there are many variants of the G20 3-Series available, the M340i is the best “normal” version, and the M3 Competition turns everything up to 11.
Primary Criticisms
Major
- M3 has a face that only a mother could love
Minor
- Steering feel is lackluster
- Options will send the sticker tag soaring well beyond the base price
Warranty
Information is as of 2023 model year
New
- Limited: 4 years/50,000 miles
- Powertrain: 4 years/50,000 miles
- Corrosion (Perforation Only): 12 years/unlimited miles
- Emissions: 8 years/80,000 miles
- Roadside Assistance: 4 years/unlimited miles
- Loaner Vehicle: Yes
- Trip Interruption: Up to $1000 per incident
- Complimentary Maintenance: 3 years/36,000 miles
Certified Pre-Owned
- Repair Deductible: $50 per visit
- Limited: 1 year/unlimited miles from CPO purchase date or 5 years/unlimited miles from original in-service date (whichever occurs later)
- Roadside Assistance: 6 years/unlimited miles from original in-service date
- Loaner Vehicle: Yes
- Trip Interruption: Up to $1000 per incident
M340i
It’s more of a somewhat-sporty luxury car than a true sports sedan, but if you’re looking for something comfortable that can still provide some fun on command, it’s not a bad choice by any means. One notable callout is that the “B58” engine has the assistance of an 11hp electric motor courtesy of an integrated starter-generator, making the M340i officially a mild hybrid (or MHEV).
Reviews
Specifications
- Body Style(s): Sedan
- Engine: BMW B58B30O1 – 3.0L I-6 turbocharged MHEV
- Horsepower: 382 hp
- Torque: 369 lb-ft
- Transmission: ZF 8HP51 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: RWD w/ standard electronic limited-slip differential
- Curb Weight: 3834 lbs
- Power-to-Weight: 199.3 hp/ton
- Cargo Capacity: 13.2 cu ft
- Fuel Economy: 26 comb / 23 city / 31 hwy
- Starting Price: $56400 (M340i) / $58400 (M340i xDrive)
M3 Competition
The G82 M3 and its sibling, the G82 M4, are arguably the best compact sports cars that BMW has produced since the iconic E46 M3. The “S58” engine feels like a rocket engine strapped to the roof, and when combined with the optional xDrive AWD system, the speed and grip that these cars are able to unleash is mindblowing.
The base M3 is not available with an automatic transmission, so those wanting an automatic will have to step up to the M3 Competition – which itself is not available with a manual. The Competition increases power from 473 to 503hp and also steps up the wheel size an inch to 19s in front and 20s in back, but otherwise is identical to the regular M3.
Reviews
Specifications
- Body Style(s): Sedan
- Engine: BMW S58B30T0 – 3.0L I-6 twin-turbocharged
- Horsepower: 503 hp
- Torque: 479 lb-ft
- Transmission: ZF 8HP51 8-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: RWD or AWD, both w/ standard electronic limited-slip differential
- Curb Weight: 3890 lbs
- Power-to-Weight: 258.6 hp/ton
- Cargo Capacity: 13.0 cu ft
- Fuel Economy: 19 comb / 16 city / 23 hwy
- Starting Price: $78600 (M3 Competition) / $82600 (M3 Competition xDrive)