DecodedCars2013 BMW 3 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2013 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 320i 4dr Sedan RWD, 328i 4dr Sedan RWD, 328i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 335i 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 230–300 hp
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 28 combined · 25 city / 35 hwy
- Length
- 182.3 in
- Curb weight
- 3,252–3,803 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Strong performanceUp to 300 hp, versus about 236 hp for similar 2013 models.
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- Few owner complaints8 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 31 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 19 similar 2013 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2013 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 3 engines (3.0L 6-cyl turbo, 2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,252 lb (320i 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 28 MPG combined (25 city / 35 highway), 8% better than the 2013 compact car average of 25.9 MPG, for an estimated $2,950 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 8 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.
What changed for 2013
- New hybrid version
Compared with 2012; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2012 3 Series →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Munich, Germany · Rosslyn, South Africa · Regensburg, Germany
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2013 3 Series configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320i 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,252 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,406 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,594 lb | 50/50 |
| 335i 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,572 lb | 52/48 |
| 335i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,710 lb | 52/48 |
| Activehybrid 3 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,803 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ActiveHybrid 3 Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 32 / 28 | +8% | $2,950 | 317 |
| 320i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 35 / 28 | +8% | $2,950 | 324 |
| 320i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 35 / 27 | +4% | $3,050 | 326 |
| 320i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +4% | $3,050 | 332 |
| 328i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 33 / 26 | 0% | $3,150 | 341 |
| 328i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | 0% | $3,150 | 340 |
| 328i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | 0% | $3,150 | 325 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | 0% | $3,150 | 345 |
| 320i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | 0% | $3,150 | 348 |
| 335i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 24 | -7% | $3,400 | 379 |
| 335i Coupe xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | +5% | $3,550 | 375 |
| 335i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -11% | $3,550 | 387 |
| 335i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -11% | $3,550 | 375 |
| 335i Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 335i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 27 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 404 |
| 328i Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 28 / 22 | 0% | $3,750 | 407 |
| 335i Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 415 |
| 335i Coupe xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 420 |
| 335is Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 427 |
| 335i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 27 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 415 |
| 335is Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 427 |
| 328i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 26 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 427 |
| 328i Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 18 / 28 / 21 | -5% | $3,900 | 414 |
| 328i Coupe xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | All-Wheel Drive | 17 / 25 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 442 |
| 328i Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 26 / 20 | -9% | $4,100 | 446 |
| 335is Convertible | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 458 |
| 335is Coupe | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (AM-S7) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 23 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 458 |
| 328i Coupe xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 16 / 25 / 19 | -14% | $4,350 | 461 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2013 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Similar 2013 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 BMW 3 Series (this car) | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Lexus IS | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Audi A4 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2013 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2013 Lexus GS | 31 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2013 Audi A5 | 26 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2013 BMW 3 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2013 BMW 3 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2013 BMW 3 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Electrical System — 3 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 2 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Visibility/Wiper — 1 owner reports. Check all exterior lights, wipers and the windshield for cracks.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 37,500 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2013 BMW 3 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 3 Series | 30 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 3 Series | 35 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →