BMW i8 vs. BMW M3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW i8 and BMW M3 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 i8 and the BMW M3.
When comparing the BMW i8's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the BMW i8 has the advantage in the area of fuel efficiency. The BMW M3 has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, resale value, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the BMW i8's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the BMW M3 is a better car than the BMW i8.
Pricing: A used 2017 BMW i8 ranges from $49,750 to $69,995 while a used 2017 BMW M3 is priced between $35,713 to $56,994.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW i8 loses 45.6 percent of its value and the BMW M3 loses 42.3 percent of its value. This means the BMW M3 retains 3.3 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW i8.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW i8 is 7.1 out of 10 while the BMW M3's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW i8 being ranked 5 out of 8 Best Hybrid Luxury Sports Cars and the BMW M3 being ranked 16 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the BMW i8 is 6.6 out of 10. For the BMW M3 the reliability rating is 7.5 out of 10. This gives the BMW M3 a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW i8.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW i8’s base engine makes 357 horsepower, and the BMW M3 base engine makes 425 horsepower. The i8 is rated to deliver an average of 28 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 337 miles. The M3 is rated to deliver an average of 20 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 411 miles.This gives the BMW i8 the advantage in fuel efficiency and the BMW M3 the advantage in maximum range. The i8 uses electricity, premium unleaded, and the M3 uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The BMW M3, a compact car, has the advantage of offering more interior volume, reflected in more front head room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW i8, a hybrid sports car, has the advantage in the areas of front shoulder room and front leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$143,400
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
$133,000
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
$99,600 - $156,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$64,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$39,910
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$21,065 - $64,000
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$60,882
Price Range:
$49,750 - $69,995
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
$94,483
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
$60,882 - $128,084
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
4
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
45,040
# Good or Great Deals:
2
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$46,213
Price Range:
$35,713 - $56,994
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$22,554
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$12,380 - $46,213
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
31
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
64,093
# Good or Great Deals:
8
BMW i8 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.1 / 10
Reliability:
6.6 / 10
Retained Value:
7.7 / 10
Safety:
Not available
BMW M3 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.7 / 10
Reliability:
7.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.9 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW i8
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
8
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
N/A
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
N/A
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW M3
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
5.2
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
4.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.7 - 7.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
3.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
4.8
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Hybrid Sports Cars)
3.6 - 28.3
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.7
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.9 - 9
BMW i8 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
1 out of / 8Ranking
2 out of / 20Ranking
3 out of / 28Ranking
3 out of / 20Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
5 out of / 8Ranking
6 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 28Ranking
7 out of / 20Ranking
7 out of / 8Ranking
9 out of / 20Ranking
13 out of / 28Ranking
14 out of / 20Ranking
16 out of / 28Ranking
16 out of / 20Ranking
19 out of / 28Ranking
20 out of / 28BMW M3 Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 2Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
3 out of / 36Ranking
5 out of / 36Ranking
8 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 36Ranking
12 out of / 12Ranking
13 out of / 36Ranking
16 out of / 36Ranking
29 out of / 31Available Body Styles
Coupe
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Plug-In Hybrid
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW i8 Trim Levels
Base
BMW M3 Trim Levels
Base
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:
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:
357 hp @ 5800 rpm
Torque:
420 foot-lbs @ 3700 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.103 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
425 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
406 foot-lbs @ 1850 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.120 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.5 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
3
Transmission:
Automatic
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
28 / 29 / 28
Range (city/hwy):
326 / 337 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Electricity, Premium Unleaded
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):
269 / 411 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
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
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Navigation System:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Power outlet:
Standard
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Bench Seats:
Standard
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Internet Radio:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Backup camera:
N/A
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
38.7 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
32.4 inches
Rear Leg Room:
28.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
49.6 inches
Cargo Space:
4.7 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
81.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.3 inches
Front Leg Room:
42 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.7 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.1 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.1 inches
Cargo Space:
12 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3455 lbs
Width:
87.3 inches
Height:
50.8 inches
Length:
184.9 inches
Wheelbase:
110.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.6 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3540 lbs
Width:
80.2 inches
Height:
56.3 inches
Length:
183.9 inches
Wheelbase:
110.7 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
20.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
215/45R20
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 9.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
255/40R18
Exterior Colors
Gray
Sophisto Grey Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent / Sophisto Grey Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Silver
Ionic Silver Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent
White
Crystal White Pearl Metallic w/ BMW i Frozen Blue Accent / Crystal White Pearl Metallic w/ Frozen Grey Accent
Black
Not available
Blue
Not available
Brown
Not available
Orange
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic
Silver
Champagne Quartz Metallic / Silverstone Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Black
Azurite Black Metallic / Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Tanzanite Blue Metallic / Yas Marina Blue Metallic
Brown
Smoked Topaz Metallic
Orange
Sakhir Orange II Metallic
Yellow
Austin Yellow Metallic
Interior Colors
Brown
Terra Exclusive Dalbergia Brown
Gray
Giga Amido / Mega Carum Spice Grey
White
Giga Ivory White
Beige
Not available
Black
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
Interior Colors
Brown
Amaro Brown / Cohiba Brown/Black / Golden Brown / Nutmeg
Gray
Anthracite/Black / Silverstone
White
Opal White
Beige
Sonoma Beige
Black
Black
Orange
Sakhir Orange/Black
Red
Sakhir Orange/Black
