Lincoln MKZ vs. BMW 3 Series
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Lincoln MKZ 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 Lincoln MKZ and the BMW 3 Series.
When we compare the Lincoln MKZ's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the Lincoln MKZ has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, reliability, interior volume and overall quality score. The BMW 3 Series has the advantage in the areas of fuel efficiency, resale value and base engine power. Based on this comparison of the Lincoln MKZ's and the BMW 3 Series's specifications and ratings, the Lincoln MKZ is a better car than the BMW 3 Series.
Pricing: A used 2020 Lincoln MKZ ranges from $20,943 to $32,439 while a used 2020 BMW 3 Series is priced between $22,456 to $43,479.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Lincoln MKZ loses 51 percent of its value and the BMW 3 Series loses 50.1 percent of its value. This means the BMW 3 Series retains 0.9 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Lincoln MKZ.
Quality Rating: The iSeeCars Overall Quality rating for the Lincoln MKZ is 8.6 out of 10 while the BMW 3 Series' quality rating is 8.6 out of 10. This results in the Lincoln MKZ being ranked 7 out of 24 Best Luxury Midsize Cars and the BMW 3 Series being ranked 15 out of 36 Best Luxury Small Cars.
Reliability Rating: iSeeCars’ Reliability Rating for the Lincoln MKZ is 8.5 out of 10. For the BMW 3 Series the reliability rating is 8.4 out of 10. This gives the Lincoln MKZ a slight advantage in reliability compared to the BMW 3 Series.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Lincoln MKZ’s base engine makes 245 horsepower, and the BMW 3 Series base engine makes 255 horsepower. The MKZ is rated to deliver an average of 24 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 512 miles. The 3 Series is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 562 miles. This gives the BMW 3 Series the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Lincoln MKZ. The MKZ uses regular unleaded, and the 3 Series uses premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Lincoln MKZ, a midsize car, 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 3 Series, a compact car, has the advantage in the areas of front head room and rear head room.
Safety Ratings: When comparing crash test ratings from NHTSA, both the Lincoln MKZ and the BMW 3 Series have the same average safety rating of 5 out of 5 Stars.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$36,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$63,037
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$25,370 - $130,000
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$40,750
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$41,892
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$25,900 - $53,950
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$26,652
Price Range:
$20,943 - $32,439
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$44,278
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
$23,996 - $77,843
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
100
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
52,116
# Good or Great Deals:
30
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$29,816
Price Range:
$22,456 - $43,479
Category Avg Price:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$32,136
Category Avg Price Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
$22,644 - $45,083
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
370
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
62,764
# Good or Great Deals:
87
Lincoln MKZ Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.5 / 10
Retained Value:
7.3 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
BMW 3 Series Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.6 / 10
Reliability:
8.4 / 10
Retained Value:
7.4 / 10
Safety:
10.0 / 10
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Lincoln MKZ
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
9
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
7.2
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
4 - 10.6
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
25.9%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for BMW 3 Series
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
6.4
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
4.1 - 10.4
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
12.5%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.4
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
3
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Midsize Cars)
0.6 - 32.7
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
27.1
Typical Category Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
3.2
Category Range for Recalls:
(Luxury Compact Cars)
0.9 - 27.1
Lincoln MKZ Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
1 out of / 1Ranking
2 out of / 24Ranking
7 out of / 24Ranking
7 out of / 24Ranking
12 out of / 24Ranking
13 out of / 24Ranking
15 out of / 24BMW 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
Sedan
Available Body Styles
Sedan
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Lincoln MKZ Trim Levels
Reserve, Standard
BMW 3 Series Trim Levels
330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
6 years / 70000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
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):
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
5 out of 5 Stars
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
4 out of 5 Stars
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:
245 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
275 foot-lbs @ 3000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
255 hp @ 5000 rpm
Torque:
295 foot-lbs @ 1550 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.071 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):
20 / 31 / 24
Range (city/hwy):
330 / 512 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Regular Unleaded
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):
26 / 36 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
406 / 562 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Standard
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
Standard
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Standard
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
Available
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Available
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Adaptive Cruise Control:
Available
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
Standard
Bench Seats:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Heated Seats
Available
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Leather Upholstery:
Standard
Paddle Shifters:
Standard
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power outlet:
Standard
Satellite radio:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Wifi:
Available
Automatic Parking:
Available
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
Available
Massage Seats:
N/A
Navigation System:
Standard
Power Lift Gate:
Available
Sunroof/Moonroof:
Standard
Air Suspension:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Internet Radio:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Roof Rack:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
Available
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 Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.9 inches
Front Leg Room:
44.3 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
57.7 inches
Rear Head Room:
36.6 inches
Rear Leg Room:
37 inches
Rear Shoulder Room:
55.3 inches
Cargo Space:
15.4 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
96.5 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:
13 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
94.0 cubic feet
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3739 lbs
Width:
83.3 inches
Height:
58.2 inches
Length:
194.1 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
3589 lbs
Width:
81.4 inches
Height:
56.8 inches
Length:
185.7 inches
Wheelbase:
112.2 inches
Ground Clearance:
5.7 inches
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 8.0 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy with painted accents
Tire Size:
P245/45R18
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
18.0 x 7.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
225/45R18
Exterior Colors
Black
Infinite Black
Blue
Empire Blue Tinted Clearcoat
Brown
Iced Mocha Premium Colorant
Gray
Magnetic Gray
Red
Magma Red Clearcoat / Red Carpet Tinted Clearcoat
Silver
Silver Radiance Clearcoat
White
Ceramic Pearl Tri-Coat / White Platinum Tri-Coat
Orange
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Black Sapphire Metallic / Jet Black
Blue
Blue Ridge Mountain Metallic / Mediterranean Blue Metallic / Portimao Blue Metallic
Brown
Vermont Bronze Metallic
Gray
Mineral Grey Metallic
Red
Melbourne Red Metallic
Silver
Glacier Silver Metallic
White
Alpine White / Mineral White Metallic
Orange
Sunset Orange Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Ebony
Brown
Cappucino
Beige
Not available
Gray
Not available
Interior Colors
Black
Black / Black w/ Blue Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Contrast Stitching / Black w/ Decor Stitching
Brown
Cognac w/ Contrast Stitching / Mocha w/ Contrast Stitching
Beige
Canberra Beige / Canberra Beige/Black w/ Contrast Stitching
Gray
Oyster w/ Decor Stitching
