BMW M2 vs. BMW M3
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the BMW M2 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 M2 and the BMW M3.
When comparing the BMW M2's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the BMW M2 has the advantage in the areas of new vehicle base pricing, typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and resale value. The BMW M3 has the advantage in the areas of reliability, interior volume, overall quality score and base engine power. The BMW M2 and BMW M3 have the same fuel efficiency. Based on this comparison of the BMW M2's and the BMW M3's specifications and ratings, the BMW M3 is a better car than the BMW M2.
Pricing: A used 2024 BMW M2 ranges from $63,371 to $74,900 while a used 2024 BMW M3 is priced between $78,841 to $140,275. For a new model, the BMW M2's price is between $65,541 and $78,476, with the BMW M3 priced between $82,655 and $124,162.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the BMW M2 loses 38.4 percent of its value and the BMW M3 loses 42.3 percent of its value. This means the BMW M2 retains 3.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the BMW M3.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the BMW M2 is 7.5 out of 10 while the BMW M3's quality rating is 7.7 out of 10. This results in the BMW M2 being ranked 24 out of 41 Best 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 M2 is 6.8 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 M2.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the BMW M2’s base engine makes 453 horsepower, and the BMW M3 base engine makes 473 horsepower. Both the M2 and the M3 are rated to deliver an average of 19 miles per gallon, with highway ranges of 329 and 359 miles respectively. Both models use 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, front shoulder room, rear head room, rear shoulder room, rear leg room, and cargo space. The BMW M2, a sports car, has the advantage in the area of front leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$65,541 - $78,476
Starting MSRP:
$63,200
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$102,671
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$46,440 - $273,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
$82,655 - $124,162
Starting MSRP:
$76,000
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$48,375
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$31,800 - $79,900
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$68,273
Price Range:
$63,371 - $74,900
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$126,819
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
$63,681 - $273,789
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
60
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
3,077
# Good or Great Deals:
12
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$100,522
Price Range:
$78,841 - $140,275
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$52,490
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$35,163 - $100,522
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
58
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
5,293
# Good or Great Deals:
15
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$25,022
Depreciation %:
39.6%
Resale Value $:
$38,178
Residual Value %:
60.4%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
30.2%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
8.9% - 50.9%
5-year Depreciation
Depreciation $:
$33,315
Depreciation %:
43.8%
Resale Value $:
$42,685
Residual Value %:
56.2%
Typical Category Depreciation %:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
48.9%
Category Depreciation Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
33.5% - 53.5%
BMW M2 Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
7.5 / 10
Reliability:
6.8 / 10
Retained Value:
8.1 / 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 M2
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
14.7
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
12.9
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
10.1 - 17.2
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.2%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW M3
Avg Life Expectancy (years):
12.2
Typical Category Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
10.6
Category Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
8.1 - 14.3
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
1.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
6.2
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
2.9
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Sports Cars)
0.8 - 13.4
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
5.9
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
2.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
1.2 - 14.6
BMW M2 Rankings
Ranking
4 out of / 41Ranking
5 out of / 7Ranking
6 out of / 41Ranking
6 out of / 7Ranking
8 out of / 41Ranking
8 out of / 32Ranking
11 out of / 41Ranking
24 out of / 41Ranking
25 out of / 41Ranking
26 out of / 41BMW 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
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
BMW M2 Trim Levels
Base
BMW M3 Trim Levels
Base, Competition, Competition xDrive, CS
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
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2024 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
453 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
406 foot-lbs @ 2650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.119 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
473 hp @ 6250 rpm
Torque:
406 foot-lbs @ 2650 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.123 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):
16 / 24 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
219 / 329 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
3 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
6
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD / AWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
16 / 23 / 19
Range (city/hwy):
250 / 359 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
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 outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Wifi:
Available
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
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
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 outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Wifi:
Standard
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
Available
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
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
Rear Seat Reminder:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
39.8 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.8 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
55.9 inches
Rear Head Room:
35 inches
Rear Leg Room:
32.2 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
51.7 inches
Cargo Space:
10 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
88.0 cubic feet
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
40.6 inches
Front Leg Room:
41.6 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
56 inches
Rear Head Room:
37.8 inches
Rear Leg Room:
35.6 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
54.6 inches
Cargo Space:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
95.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3814 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
55.2 inches
Length:
180.3 inches
Wheelbase:
108.1 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.8 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3840 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.4 inches
Length:
189.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.5 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
19.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/35R19
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 9.5 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
275/40R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue II Metallic / Zandvoort Blue
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey Metallic
Red
Toronto Red Metallic
White
Alpine White
Green
Not available
Yellow
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic
Blue
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic / Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Gray
Brooklyn Grey Metallic / Dravit Grey Metallic / Frozen Pure Grey II Metallic / Skyscraper Grey Metallic
Red
Aventurin Red Metallic / Toronto Red Metallic
White
Alpine White / Frozen Brilliant White Metallic
Green
Isle of Man Green Metallic
Yellow
Sao Paulo Yellow
Interior Colors
Black
Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ M Color Highlight
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Orange
Not available
Red
Not available
White
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Brown
Tartufo
Blue
Fjord Blue/Black / Yas Marina Blue/Black w/ Yellow Accent
Gray
Silverstone/Black
Orange
Kyalami Orange/Black
Red
Fiona Red/Black
White
Ivory White
