BMW 3 Series trim comparison
2024 BMW 3 Series M3 vs M3 Competition xDrive
The 3 Series M3 starts at $76,000 while the M3 Competition xDrive is $84,300. That $8,300 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
The M3 Competition xDrive adds AWD instead of RWD. If you deal with winter roads or need traction off-pavement, that could be worth $8,300 by itself. If not, the M3 saves you the money.
The M3 is the cleaner fit if RWD already covers the job. The M3 Competition xDrive only earns the extra money when AWD is the reason you are shopping up.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $146/month more over 60 months, or roughly $8,760 extra all-in once interest is included. The real question is whether AWD changes your day-to-day use enough to justify paying above RWD.
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 extra traction matters for your weather, roads, or weekend use.
When both feel the same
The M3 and M3 Competition xDrive are mechanically identical where it counts: the same identical wheelbase and body dimensions.
The upgrade math
You are paying $8,300 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $1,660 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. 6 specification differences, 1 shared.
Full Specification Comparison
Specifications reflect available data as of early 2024. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | M3 | M3 Competition xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $76,000 | $84,300 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 473 hp | 503 hp |
| Torque | 406 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | AWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 16 | 16 |
| Highway MPG | 23 | 22 |
| Combined MPG | 19 | 18 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,840 lbs | 3,990 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.5" | 112.5" |
| Length | 189.1" | 189.1" |
| Width | 74.3" | 74.3" |
| Height | 56.4" | 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 M3 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 M3?
The M3 Competition xDrive starts at $84,300 compared to $76,000 for the M3. That is a $8,300 difference, or approximately $146/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2024 BMW 3 Series M3 and M3 Competition xDrive have the same engine?
Yes. Both use the 3.0L I6 Turbo producing 473 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque. The engine hardware does not change between these trims, so the real differences are in equipment and feature content.
Does the 2024 3 Series M3 come with AWD?
No. The M3 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 M3 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 $8,300 more than the M3?
The $8,300 adds AWD. Worth it if you need the traction. Not worth it if you drive on dry roads year-round.
Which 2024 BMW 3 Series trim gets better fuel economy, the M3 or the M3 Competition xDrive?
The M3 is the more efficient of the two at 19 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 Competition xDrive Worth $8,300 More?
Spending $8,300 more on the 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive buys horsepower, torque, and AWD. These are the kind of differences you notice every time you drive.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
The M3 Competition xDrive adds 30 horsepower. Noticeable during highway driving, less so in stop-and-go. 73 more lb-ft for the M3 Competition xDrive. A noticeable difference in low-end acceleration. The M3 Competition xDrive has AWD while the M3 has RWD. This affects traction, weight, and fuel economy.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 3 Series M3 gets 1 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $122 per year or $610 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
The 3 Series M3 Competition xDrive costs $8,300 more than the M3 (about $146/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $1,660 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
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the M3 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.