BMW 3 Series trim comparison
2024 BMW 3 Series 330i vs M3 CS
The 3 Series 330i starts at $44,500 while the M3 CS is $118,700. That $74,200 gap buys 7 meaningful differences.
This is a powertrain and drivetrain change. The M3 CS gets the 3.0L I6 Turbo and AWD, so the $74,200 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 CS 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.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $1306/month more over 60 months, or roughly $78,360 extra all-in once interest is included. 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 $74,200 for 6 measurable differences, which works out to about $12,367 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 CS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $44,500 | $118,700 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 2.0L I4 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 255 hp | 543 hp |
| Torque | 295 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 25 | 15 |
| Highway MPG | 34 | 22 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 18 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,536 lbs | 3,915 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 112.5" |
| Length | 185.9" | 188.8" |
| Width | 71.9" | 75.5" |
| Height | 56.8" | 56.6" |
| 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 CS 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 CS cost than the 330i?
The M3 CS starts at $118,700 compared to $44,500 for the 330i. That is a $74,200 difference, or approximately $1306/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 BMW 3 Series 330i and M3 CS have the same engine?
No. The 330i uses a 2.0L I4 Turbo (255 hp, 295 lb-ft), while the M3 CS has the 3.0L I6 Turbo (543 hp, 479 lb-ft). That is 288 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 CS 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 CS, 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 CS worth $74,200 more than the 330i?
The M3 CS changes both the engine and drivetrain for $74,200 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 CS?
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.
Is the 3 Series M3 CS Worth $74,200 More?
The 3 Series M3 CS costs $74,200 more but shares the same most mechanical specs as the 330i. The differences are mostly cosmetic or marginal, so the practical jump is limited.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the 330i has the 2.0L I4 Turbo, the M3 CS the 3.0L I6 Turbo. That means 288 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 CS 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.
Bottom Line
$74,200 more for the 3 Series M3 CS gets you 6 real differences. At $1,306/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 CS
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the M3 CS 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.