BMW 3 Series trim comparison
2026 BMW 3 Series M340i vs M3 Competition
The 3 Series M340i starts at $62,300 while the M3 Competition is $83,500. That $21,200 gap buys 6 meaningful differences.
This trim jump changes the engine from 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo to 3.0L I6 Turbo. Everything else is secondary to whether that powertrain difference matters for how you drive.
If you would notice the 3.0L I6 Turbo every week, the M3 Competition makes sense. If not, the M340i is the cleaner stop because this jump matters for the powertrain first and the trim badge second.
The cleanest way to feel this upgrade is through the payment: about $373/month more over 60 months, or roughly $22,380 extra all-in once interest is included. If that different powertrain is not part of your real use case, the cheaper trim keeps more money in your pocket without changing the core experience you need.
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
The M340i and M3 Competition are mechanically identical where it counts: the same 8-speed shiftable automatic transmission.
The upgrade math
You are paying $21,200 for 5 measurable differences, which works out to about $4,240 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 2026. Confirm details with an authorized dealer before purchasing.
| Spec | M340i | M3 Competition |
|---|---|---|
| Pricing | ||
| MSRP | $62,300 | $83,500 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine | 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo | 3.0L I6 Turbo |
| Horsepower | 386 hp | 503 hp |
| Torque | 398 lb-ft | 479 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed shiftable automatic | 8-speed shiftable automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD |
| Fuel Economy | ||
| City MPG | 27 | 16 |
| Highway MPG | 33 | 23 |
| Combined MPG | 29 | 19 |
| Fuel Tank | 15.6 gal | 15.6 gal |
| Annual Fuel Cost (EPA) | $2,000/yr | No published data |
| Dimensions | ||
| Curb Weight | 3,896 lbs | 3,891 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 112.2" | 112.5" |
| Length | 185.9" | 189.1" |
| Width | 71.9" | 74.3" |
| Height | 56.4" | 56.6" |
| Safety | ||
| NHTSA Overall | 5/5 stars | 5/5 stars |
| 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.
2026 BMW 3 Series M340i vs M3 Competition 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 2026 3 Series M3 Competition cost than the M340i?
The M3 Competition starts at $83,500 compared to $62,300 for the M340i. That is a $21,200 difference, or approximately $373/month more on a 60-month loan.
Do the 2026 BMW 3 Series M340i and M3 Competition have the same engine?
No. The M340i uses a 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo (386 hp, 398 lb-ft), while the M3 Competition has the 3.0L I6 Turbo (503 hp, 479 lb-ft). That is 117 more horsepower. Both pair with the same 8-speed shiftable automatic.
Do the 2026 3 Series M340i and M3 Competition have the same drivetrain?
Yes. Both come with RWD as standard. The differences between these trims are in features and equipment, not drivetrain.
Is the 2026 3 Series M340i or M3 Competition safer?
Both share the same BMW 3 Series platform with an overall 5-star NHTSA safety rating. Safety ratings are model-level and identical across trims. The trim choice affects comfort and features, not crash protection.
What warranty does the 2026 BMW 3 Series come with?
All 2026 BMW 3 Series trims, including both the M340i and M3 Competition, 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 2026 BMW 3 Series M3 Competition worth $21,200 more than the M340i?
The $21,200 buys the 3.0L I6 Turbo. If that powertrain matters for how you drive, yes. If not, the M340i does the same job for less.
Which 2026 BMW 3 Series trim gets better fuel economy, the M340i or the M3 Competition?
The M340i is the more efficient of the two at 29 combined MPG, versus 19 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 Worth $21,200 More?
At $21,200 more, the 3 Series M3 Competition adds the 3.0L I6 Turbo engine (+117 hp). This is a situational call. If those features are on your must-have list, the upgrade makes sense. If not, the M340i delivers the same core 3 Series experience for less.
The Differences You'll Notice Most
Engine changes between these trims: the M340i has the 3.0L I6 mild-hybrid Turbo, the M3 Competition the 3.0L I6 Turbo. That means 117 more horsepower and 81 more lb-ft of torque. You will notice it most when merging, passing, or climbing at speed. In return, expect about 10 fewer combined MPG.
Fuel Economy Comparison
The 3 Series M340i gets 10 more combined MPG. At $3.50/gallon and 12,000 miles/year, that saves roughly $763 per year or $3,815 over five years of ownership.
Bottom Line
The 3 Series M3 Competition costs $21,200 more than the M340i (about $373/month more on a 60-month loan). That buys 5 meaningful changes at $4,240 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 M340i
Value-trim add-onsThese picks fit the M340i best when the goal is covering the daily-use gaps without paying up to the next trim.
BMW 3 Series M3 Competition
Step-up trim add-onsThese picks suit the M3 Competition 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 2026 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.