BMW 1 Series vs. BMW 3 Series
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 3 Series.
When comparing the BMW 1 Series's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the BMW 1 Series has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency. The BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the area of interior volume. The BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series have the same base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW 1 Series's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the BMW 1 Series is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.
Pricing: A used 2013 BMW 1 Series ranges from $9,276 to $22,611 while a used 2013 BMW 3 Series is priced between $9,978 to $22,996.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the base engine of both the BMW 1 Series and the BMW 3 Series makes 230 horsepower. The 1 Series is rated to deliver an average of 22 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 392 miles. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 419 miles.This gives the BMW 1 Series the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW 3 Series the advantage in maximum range. Both models use gasoline.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW 3 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 1 Series has the advantage in the area of front head room. The BMW 1 Series and BMW 3 Series are comparable in regards to rear head room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$36,900
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
N/A
Category Starting MSRP Range:
N/A
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$47,600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,454
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$23,080 - $47,600
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$15,979
Price Range:
$9,276 - $22,611
Category Avg Price:
N/A
Category Avg Price Range:
N/A
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
59
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
74,527
# Good or Great Deals:
17
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$16,054
Price Range:
$9,978 - $22,996
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$13,255
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$9,715 - $17,980
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
369
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
105,145
# Good or Great Deals:
101
BMW 1 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
Not available
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 1 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 3 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
7.9
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
27.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
4.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1 - 27.1
BMW 1 Series Rankings
Not yet available
BMW 3 Series Rankings
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe
Available Body Styles
Convertible, Coupe, Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline, Hybrid
BMW 1 Series Trim Levels
128i, 135i, 135is
BMW 3 Series Trim Levels
328i, 335i, 335is, 328i xDrive, 335i xDrive, 320i, 320i xDrive
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
200 foot-lbs @ 2750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.064 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
230 hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque:
200 foot-lbs @ 2750 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.061 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
19 / 28 / 22
Range (city/hwy):
266 / 392 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
17 / 26 / 20
Range (city/hwy):
274 / 419 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Gasoline
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Parking Sensors:
Available
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.2 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
54 inches
Rear Head Room:
37 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.3 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
42.2 inches
Cargo Space:
8 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
78.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55 inches
Rear Head Room:
37 inches
Rear Leg Room:
31.9 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49 inches
Cargo Space:
9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
84.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3571 lbs
Width:
75.6 inches
Height:
56.6 inches
Length:
172.2 inches
Wheelbase:
104.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3792 lbs
Width:
78.1 inches
Height:
54.5 inches
Length:
180.6 inches
Wheelbase:
108.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 7.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
205/50R17
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
17.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P225/45R17
Exterior Colors
Beige
Cashmere Silver Metallic
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Carbon Black Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Blue Water Metallic / Deep Sea Blue Metallic / Le Mans Blue Metallic
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic / Space Gray Metallic
Red
Vermilion Red Metallic
Silver
Titanium Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White
Exterior Colors
Beige
Orion Silver Metallic
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Deep Sea Blue Metallic / Le Mans Blue Metallic / Liquid Blue Metallic
Gray
Space Gray Metallic
Red
Crimson Red / Vermilion Red Metallic
Silver
Titanium Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Interior Colors
Beige
Savanna Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Terracotta
Gray
Oyster / Taupe
Red
Coral Red
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Beige
Cream Beige
Black
Black
Brown
Saddle Brown
Gray
Gray/Black
Red
Coral Red/Black
White
Cream Beige / Oyster/Black
