BMW 3 Series trim comparison
2024 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive vs M3 CS
The 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive starts at $84,300 while the M3 CS is $118,700. That $34,400 gap buys 3 meaningful differences.
Same engine, same drivetrain, same fuel economy. The $34,400 gap is pure equipment.
The M3 Competition xDrive is the cleaner stopping point if keeping roughly $606/month in your budget matters. The M3 CS earns the extra money only if you want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $606/month more over 60 months, or roughly $36,360 extra all-in once interest is included. At this end of the market, the payment change usually matters less than whether the added equipment actually changes daily use.
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 want the nicer equipment factory-installed and under warranty.
When both feel the same
The M3 Competition xDrive and M3 CS are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed automatic transmission and identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $34,400 for 2 measurable differences, which works out to about $17,200 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. 3 specification differences, 4 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | M3 Competition xDrive | M3 CS |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $84,300 | $118,700 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 503 hp | 543 hp |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 16 | 15 |
| Highway MPG | 22 | 22 |
| Combined MPG | 18 | 18 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,990 lbs | 3,915 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.5" | 112.5" |
| Length | 189.1" | 188.8" |
| Width | 74.3" | 75.5" |
| Height | 56.5" | 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 M3 Competition xDrive 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 M3 Competition xDrive?
The M3 CS starts at $118,700 compared to $84,300 for the M3 Competition xDrive. That is a $34,400 difference, or approximately $606/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive and M3 CS have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.0L I6 Turbo producing 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Do the 2024 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive and M3 CS have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with AWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
What warranty does the 2024 BMW 3 Series come with?
All 2024 BMW 3 Series trims, including both the M3 Competition xDrive 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.
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 $34,400 More?
Same engine, drivetrain, fuel economy, $34,400 more. The 3 Series M3 CS adds minor equipment upgrades over the M3 Competition xDrive, but the core driving experience is identical.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
The M3 CS adds 40 horsepower. Noticeable during highway driving, less so in stop-and-go.
What Both Trims Share
The 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive and M3 CS share the same engine, drivetrain, transmission, and fuel economy. The $34,400 difference comes down to 2 feature and equipment changes, not mechanical differences.
Bottom Line
The 3 Series M3 CS costs $34,400 more than the M3 Competition xDrive (about $606/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 2 meaningful changes at $17,200 per change. Whether that trade-off is worth it depends on which features matter to your daily driving.
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 M3 Competition xDrive
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the M3 Competition xDrive 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.
As an Amazon Associate, TrimAtlas earns from qualifying purchases.
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.