BMW 3 Series trim comparison
2024 BMW 3 Series 330i vs M3 Competition xDrive
The 3 Series 330i starts at $44,500 while the M3 Competition xDrive is $84,300. That $39,800 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The M3 Competition xDrive gets the 3.0L I6 Turbo and AWD, so the $39,800 is buying a different driving experience, not just nicer trim.
Choose the 330i if the 2.0L I4 Turbo with RWD already covers the way you drive. Move to the M3 Competition xDrive only when the 3.0L I6 Turbo and AWD combo is the reason you are shopping higher, because that is the real hardware split here.
Think about this as a monthly tradeoff, not just a sticker gap. The M3 Competition xDrive adds about $700/month on a typical 60-month loan, or around $42,000 more overall with interest. The payment only makes sense if that different powertrain matters to the way you actually drive, tow, or live with the vehicle.
Lock one trim, change the other side, and move through exact pair pages without resetting back to the full lineup every time.
Who notices the difference
The higher trim starts to make more sense when you are specifically shopping for the stronger powertrain, not just more trim content.
When both feel the same
Same platform and drivetrain options on both trims.
The upgrade math
You are paying $39,800 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $6,633 per change.
Key Differences at a Glance
This is the fast read: price, power, efficiency, and the feature flips most likely to change the answer.
Every Difference, Side by Side
This is the full read behind the quick decision signals above: the complete hardware, comfort, and equipment story. 7 specification differences, 0 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | 330i | M3 Competition xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $44,500 | $84,300 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 503 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 16 |
| Highway MPG | 34 | 22 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 18 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,536 lbs | 3,990 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 112.5" |
| Length | 185.9" | 189.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 74.3" |
| Height | 56.8" | 56.5" |
| Warranty | ||
| Bumper-to-Bumper | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Powertrain | 4yr/50k | 4yr/50k |
| Corrosion | 12yr/unlimited | 12yr/unlimited |
| Roadside Assistance | 4yr/unlimited | 4yr/unlimited |
Data sources: licensed third-party automotive data, EPA fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and official manufacturer materials. Values marked est. are estimated.
2024 BMW 3 Series 330i vs M3 Competition xDrive Questions Shoppers Ask
Use this page for the direct trim answer, then zoom back out to the BMW 3 Series lineup, the BMW brand hub, the Compact Cars, the how to pick a trim guide, or our mid-trim value research when you need the bigger shopping path behind this one matchup.
How much more does the 2024 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive cost than the 330i?
The M3 Competition xDrive starts at $84,300 compared to $44,500 for the 330i. That is a $39,800 difference, or approximately $700/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 BMW 3 Series 330i and M3 Competition xDrive have the same engine?
No. The 330i uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo (255 hp, 295 lb-ft), while the M3 Competition xDrive has the 3.0L I6 Turbo (503 hp, 479 lb-ft). That is 248 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Does the 2024 3 Series 330i come with AWD?
No. The 330i comes standard with RWD while the M3 Competition xDrive has AWD. This affects traction, fuel economy, and curb weight.
What warranty does the 2024 BMW 3 Series come with?
All 2024 BMW 3 Series trims, including both the 330i and M3 Competition xDrive, come with BMW's standard warranty: 4yr/50k bumper-to-bumper and 4yr/50k powertrain coverage. Warranty does not vary by trim level.
Is the 2024 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive worth $39,800 more than the 330i?
The M3 Competition xDrive changes both the engine and drivetrain for $39,800 more. That is a hardware upgrade, not just a feature bump.
Which 2024 BMW 3 Series trim gets better fuel economy, the 330i or the M3 Competition xDrive?
The 330i is the more efficient of the two at 29 combined MPG, versus 18 for the other trim. That matters most if you are balancing running costs against the extra power, drivetrain, or comfort equipment tied to the pricier trim.
The Full Story Behind This Price Gap
Use the direct answer above for this exact matchup, then use these guides to understand whether you are really looking at a feature step-up, a package shuffle, or the point where the lineup starts changing in a meaningful way.
Breaking Down the $39,800 Gap
The 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive costs $39,800 more than the 330i. Whether that is worth it depends on how much you value the 3.0L I6 Turbo engine (+248 hp) and AWD. Power and comfort matter differently to different buyers. Weigh them against your priorities.
How the 330i and M3 Competition xDrive Feel Different
Moving from the 330i to the M3 Competition xDrive means a different engine entirely. That means 248 more horsepower and 184 more lb-ft of torque. That extra power shows up most clearly once you are out of town and asking more of the drivetrain. The cost of that extra capability is roughly 11 fewer combined MPG. The M3 Competition xDrive has AWD while the 330i has RWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 3 Series 330i gets 11 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $885 per year or $4,425 over five years of ownership.
The Short Version
$39,800 more for the 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive gets you 6 real differences. At $700/month more, the question is whether those specific changes are things you will use regularly.
Trim-Matched Accessories
These add-ons are split by trim intent so the recommendations follow the actual use case, not just the same repeated product block.
BMW 3 Series 330i
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the 330i best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
BMW 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the M3 Competition xDrive when you want the accessories to match the nicer cabin, broader utility, or more premium use case.
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Specifications shown combine licensed third-party automotive data with official manufacturer, EPA, and NHTSA source material for the 2024 model year. Actual pricing, features, and availability may vary by region and dealer. Always confirm details with an authorized dealer before making a purchase decision. TrimAtlas is not affiliated with BMW or any dealership.
Page updated 2026-03-18. Verify equipment, pricing, and regional availability with the manufacturer or dealer.