BMW 2 Series vs. BMW 3 Series
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW 2 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 2 Series and the BMW 3 Series.
In comparing the BMW 2 Series's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the BMW 2 Series has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing and reliability. The BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of resale value, interior volume and base engine power. The BMW 2 Series and BMW 3 Series have the same overall quality score. Based on this comparison of the BMW 2 Series's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the BMW 3 Series is a better car than the BMW 2 Series.
Pricing: For a new model, the BMW 2 Series's price is between $41,725 and $56,375, with the BMW 3 Series priced between $51,029 and $70,446.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW 2 Series loses 53.2 percent of its value and the BMW 3 Series loses 51.4 percent of its value. This means the BMW 3 Series retains 1.8 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW 2 Series.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW 2 Series and BMW 3 Series is 7.7 out of 10. With both vehicles earning the same number they are extremely competitive in their vehicle segment. BMW 2 Series is ranked 10 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars and BMW 3 Series is ranked 15 out of 36, with their respective reliability, retained value, and safety ratings used to break the tie, in that order.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW 2 Series is 7.8 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 7.3 out of 10. This gives the BMW 2 Series a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW 2 Series’s base engine makes 241 horsepower, and the BMW 3 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower.
Passenger Space Comparison: While both models are compact cars, the BMW 3 Series has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front shoulder room, front leg room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW 2 Series has the advantage in the area of front head room.
Safety Ratings: The BMW 3 Series has an average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars based on NHTSA's crash test ratings.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
41725 - 56375
Starting MSRP:
39600
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48679
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33400 - 78400
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
51029 - 70446
Starting MSRP:
47500
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48679
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33400 - 78400
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
44192
Price Range:
37417 - 47675
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
53319
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
44192 - 62446
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
Price Range:
-
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
53319
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
44192 - 62446
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
# Good or Great Deals:
BMW 2 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.8 / 10
Retained Value:
7.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.3 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
8.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 2 Series
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.7
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
9.5 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 3 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.0
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
9.5 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.027
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
Typical Category Recalls:
N/A
Category Range for Recalls:
N/A
BMW 2 Series Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
4 out of / 32Ranking
7 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
21 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 36BMW 3 Series Rankings
Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
10 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 36Ranking
11 out of / 32Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
15 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 32Ranking
19 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Ranking
20 out of / 36Available Body Styles
Coupe, Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW 2 Series Trim Levels
Not yet available
BMW 3 Series Trim Levels
330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i 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):
5 out of 5 Stars
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
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
241 hp @ 4500 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1500 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 4700 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1600 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.070 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
FWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
Not yet available
Range (city/hwy):
Not yet available
Recommended Fuel Type:
Not yet available
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Available
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.4 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.5 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.3 inches
Rear Leg Room:
34.4 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
53.1 inches
Cargo Space:
15.2 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
91.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
16.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3395 lbs
Width:
81.5 inches
Height:
56.9 inches
Length:
179.2 inches
Wheelbase:
105.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.7 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3644 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
185.9 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.6 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue II Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic / Storm Bay Metallic
Purple
Thundernight Metallic
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
White
Alpine White
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Arctic Race Blue Metallic / Frozen Portimao Blue II Metallic / Frozen Tanzanite Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey II Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Purple
Not available
Red
Vegas Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Sititching
Brown
Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Red/Black
Beige
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching
Brown
Cognac / Mocha
Gray
Oyster
Red
Tacora Red
Beige
Canberra Beige
