The 2024 BMW 3 Series helped create the template for compact luxury sport sedans and remains a class leader today. It expertly combines power, vigorous handling, a comfortable ride and advanced technology into a compelling package. A sizable trunk and impressive fuel economy make the 3 Series as practical as it is entertaining
Is the 2024 BMW 3 Series a Good Car?
Yes, the 2024 BMW 3 Series is a great car. Swift acceleration, precise and playful handling and a relaxed, comfortable ride are just a few attributes contributing to the 3 Series’ longevity and success. Downsides are few, though there is a learning curve for some of the infotainment and touch-screen features.
Should I Buy the 2024 BMW 3 Series?
For a luxury small car, the 3 Series is a well-rounded package that’s hard to beat. Still, there are alternatives that some drivers may prefer. Compelling candidates include the luxe, modern Audi A4 and the opulent, high-tech Mercedes-Benz C-Class. While the Genesis G70 is a relative newcomer to the segment, it has quickly established itself as a superb luxury value. Acura, Alfa Romeo, Lexus, Infiniti and Volvo also offer compelling compact small luxury sedans.
2023 vs. 2024 BMW 3 Series: What’s the Difference?
The 2024 BMW 3 Series carries over unchanged from the previous model year.
Here are the key changes for the BMW 3 Series over the last few years:
- 2024: no notable changes
- 2023: refreshed exterior design; upgraded dashboard tech; wireless device charging reintroduced
- 2022: digital instrument cluster added to standard features list; all-wheel drive made optional in M3; several features discontinued
- 2021: M3 and plug-in-hybrid 330e models reintroduced; Android Auto became standard
- 2020: navigation and Apple CarPlay became standard; M340i trim introduced; Sports Wagon and Gran Turismo body styles discontinued
How Much Is a 2024 BMW 3 Series?
The 2024 BMW 3 Series starts at $44,500 for the 330i base model, which features a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine and rear-wheel drive. The M340i (base MSRP: $57,600) comes at a lofty premium, but it also offers lofty performance with a 382-horsepower six-cylinder engine, handling upgrades and more standard and optional features. Adding all-wheel drive to either model adds $2,000 to the starting price.
Which Is the Best BMW 3 Series to Buy?
Unless maximum performance is a priority, the 330i makes the most sense for most buyers. It’s quick, comfortable, athletic and comes with standard features like a massive touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, navigation and forward automatic emergency braking. Some buyers may also prefer the 330i’s high-quality synthetic leather upholstery to the real deal, though genuine leather is available. You can also add options to your heart’s content and still remain under the M340i’s higher price.
2024 3 Series Interior Quality
The 2024 3 Series’ interior design looks and feels a little plain – relative to its rivals, anyway. But the understatement works thanks to the cabin’s dominant feature: a 14.9-inch widescreen infotainment display that blends seamlessly with a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster behind the steering wheel. While not the most opulent, the BMW’s cabin is still solid. Material and build quality are top-notch, dash and panels are made from pliable, soft-touch plastics, and the standard synthetic leather upholstery feels smooth and supple
2024 3 Series Infotainment, Bluetooth and Navigation
A 14.9-inch touch screen and 12.3-inch digital gauge display dominate the 3 Series’ dashboard. The array looks impressive and gives the illusion of a single widescreen glass panel. Most audio and infotainment controls, even temperature controls, are adjusted via the touch screen, which takes some getting used to for drivers accustomed to physical controls.
On the plus side, there’s still a dial-and-button array on the center console for most media, smartphone and navigation functions, as well as buttons on the steering wheel. The infotainment system also has an effective voice-recognition system, which lets you use verbal commands to input navigation instructions, adjust the cabin temperature and cue up music or podcasts.
Standard infotainment features: 14.9-inch touch screen, a 10-speaker stereo, Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, navigation, Bluetooth, two USB ports and voice recognition
Available infotainment features: wireless device charging and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo
Additional standard features: a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, multizone automatic climate control, a moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a universal garage door opener
Other available features: remote start, proximity keyless entry and ambient interior lighting
How Many People Does the 2024 3 Series Seat?
The 3 Series seats five people. The front seats are supportive and comfortable, and there’s plenty of head- and legroom. The rear row is fairly spacious for a small sedan and can accommodate two adults in relative comfort. Even the rear middle seat is roomy enough for short trips with a third adult. Driver visibility is particularly good out of the front, sides and rear of the 3 Series.
2024 3 Series and Child Car Seats
There are two complete sets of LATCH connectors for the 3 Series’ rear outboard seats and a tether anchor for the rear middle seat. This LATCH system is easy to use.
2024 3 Series Engine
The 330i comes with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine rated at 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. It delivers a solid dose of low-end punch and provides a satisfying blend of throttle response and efficiency. The four-cylinder pairs with a smooth-shifting eight-speed transmission, making for a setup that allows this Bimmer to cut loose when the road opens. BMW claims the 330i can go from zero to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds (with all-wheel drive), but it still remains fuel-thrifty in most daily driving.
Kicking things up a notch, the M340i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine makes 382 horsepower and 369 pound-feet of torque and shaves the zero-to-60 time down to 4.4 seconds (4.1 seconds with all-wheel drive). The M340i costs substantially more but delivers substantially more performance – not just from under the hood, but also with suspension, steering and braking upgrades.
2024 3 Series Gas Mileage
The 2024 BMW 330i returns 25 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, which is on par with its Mercedes and Audi rivals. Adding all-wheel drive incurs only a minor penalty, with the 330i xDrive rated at 24/33 city/highway. That’s nearly identical to the all-wheel-drive Audi A4 S Line with its higher-output engine option.
The M340i returns up to 23/31 mpg city/highway in both rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations.
2024 3 Series Ride and Handling
The 3 Series provides some of the most lively handling in the class. Finely tuned steering and suspension make the 3 Series quick and responsive, and its compact proportions make it a joy to whip through corners. Better yet, the BMW’s suspension does a masterful job at soaking up most of the big bumps from rough and broken road.
The M340i amplifies the 3 Series’ handling character with a performance-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes and variable-ratio steering, among other sportier additions.
How Fast Is the 2024 3 Series?
According to BMW, the 330i accelerates from zero to 60 mph in 5.6 seconds (5.4 seconds with all-wheel drive) and hits a top speed of up to 155 mph with performance tires. That’s consistent, and even a little underrated, when compared to results from independent testers. BMW says the six-cylinder M340i goes from zero to 60 mph in 4.4 seconds (4.1 with all-wheel drive) and has the same top speed as the 330i. Independent testing has shown the M340i can make the zero-to-60-mph run 0.5 seconds faster than BMW’s estimate.
Is the 2024 3 Series Reliable?
The 2024 BMW 3 Series has a predicted reliability score of 80 out of 100. A J.D. Power predicted reliability score of 91-100 is considered the Best, 81-90 is Great, 70-80 is Average and 0-69 is Fair and considered below average.
2024 3 Series Warranty
BMW covers the 2024 3 Series with a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty.
2024 3 Series Safety FeaturesStandard driver-assistance features:Rearview cameraForward collision warningPedestrian detectionForward automatic emergency brakingAdaptive headlights with automatic high beamsRain-sensing windshield wipersAvailable driver-assistance featuresBlind-spot monitoringLane-departure warningLane-keep assistFront and rear parking sensorsPark assistSurround-view camera systemAdaptive cruise controlHead-up display (shows pertinent driving and navigation information directly on the windshield)Traffic-sign recognitionEvasive-steering assist.
2024 3 Series Dimensions and Weight
The 3 Series is around 15.5 to 15.8 feet long. Its curb weight ranges from 3,536 to 3,951 pounds.
Where Is the 2024 3 Series Built?
BMW builds the 2024 3 Series in Mexico.
2024 BMW 3 Series Model and Trims
The 2024 BMW 3 Series comes in two main trims: 330i and M340i. The main difference between the trims is the powertrain, which is explained in detail below.
BMW also makes the plug-in-hybrid 330e and high-performance M3, which are reviewed separately.
BMW 330i
The base 330i trim (MSRP: $44,500) comes with a 255-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder engine, an eight-speed automatic transmission and rear-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is optional for $2,000.
Standard features include a 14.9-inch touch screen, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a 10-speaker stereo, wireless Apple Car Play, wireless Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, Bluetooth and two USB ports.
Synthetic leather upholstery, power-adjustable front sport seats, driver’s seat memory settings, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, multizone automatic climate control, a moonroof, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, power-folding side mirrors and a universal garage door opener are also standard.
This BMW’s standard driver-assistance features include a rearview camera, forward collision warning, forward automatic emergency braking, automatic high-beam headlights, adaptive headlights and rain-sensing windshield wipers.
Multiple options are available, either as stand-alone features or bundled in packages. Highlights include the Convenience package ($850), which bundles power-adjustable driver’s seat lumbar support, proximity keyless entry and wireless device charging. The Premium package ($2,250) includes the Convenience package’s features along with heated front seats, a heated steering wheel and a head-up display.
The Driving Assistance package ($700) adds blind-spot monitoring, lane-departure warning and front and rear parking sensors. The Driving Assistance Professional package ($1,700) takes that to another level with adaptive cruise control, lane-centering assist, evasive steering assist and partially autonomous driving on designated roadways.
The M Sport package ($2,550) adds high-performance flavor with 19-inch wheels, a sport suspension, a rear spoiler, aerodynamic trim and enhanced exterior styling. An option within an option, the sport suspension can be upgraded to an adaptive suspension for $550.
Other notable options include genuine leather upholstery ($1,500), heated seats ($500), a surround-view camera system with hands-free park assist ($700) and a 16-speaker Harman Kardon surround-sound stereo ($875).
BMW M340i
The M340i starts at $57,600 and boasts a 382-horsepower turbocharged six-cylinder engine. This trim adds to the 330i’s standard features with proximity keyless entry, ambient interior lighting, the M Sport package, a sport differential and upgraded brakes.
The M340i offers most of the same options as the 330i. It’s also available with an exclusive Cooling and High Performance Tire package ($2,400), which adds high-performance tires and upgraded engine cooling capabilities.