DecodedCars2023 BMW 3 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2023 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 3-Series 330e 4dr Sedan, 3-Series 330i Xdrive 4dr Sedan, 3-Series M340i Xdrive 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Plug-in Hybrid, Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 29 combined · 25 city / 34 hwy
- Length
- 185.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,494–3,902 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 1 campaign
Pros & cons
What's good
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid and plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 31 similar 2023 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2023 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,902 lb (3-Series 330e 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 29 MPG combined (25 city / 34 highway), 5% better than the 2023 compact car average of 27.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,850 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 1 recall campaign on file.
What changed for 2023
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2022 3 Series — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2022; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2022 3 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Series 330e 4dr Sedan | 185.4 in | 72 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,902 lb | 52/48 |
| 3-Series 330i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 185.4 in | 72 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,494 lb | 52/48 |
| 3-Series M340i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 185.4 in | 72 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,825 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330i Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 29 | +5% | $2,850 | 308 |
| 330i xDrive Sedan | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 24 / 33 / 27 | -2% | $3,050 | 322 |
| 330e Sedan Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 24 / 32 / 27 | -2% | $3,050 | 158 |
| M340i xDrive Sedan Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 32 / 26 | -6% | $3,150 | 339 |
| M340i Sedan Hybrid | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 31 / 26 | -6% | $3,150 | 340 |
| 330e xDrive Sedan Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 26 | -6% | $3,150 | 172 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2023 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2023 BMW 3 Series.
Similar 2023 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 BMW 3 Series (this car) | 29 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2023 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2023 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 1 |
| 2023 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 29 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
Recalls (1)
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Control Module (Tcm/Pcm/Tecm) · Dec 6, 2023
NHTSA campaign 23V821000 · 552 vehicles
- Problem
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2023 Toyota GR Supra, 3 Series Sedan (330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, M3), 5 Series Sedan (530i, 530i xDrive, M5), 4 Series Gran Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 4 Series Convertible (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive), 8 Series Coupe (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Convertible (840i, M850i xDrive, M8), 8 Series Gran Coupe (850i xDrive, M8), X3 SAV (X3 xDrive30i, X3M), X4 SAV (X4 xDrive30i), X5 SAV (X5 xDrive40i, X5 M50i, X5M), X6 SAV (X6 xDrive40i, X6 M50i, X6M), and Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i vehicles. The weld seam of the integrated transmission control unit's cover may not have been manufactured properly, which could allow automatic transmission oil to leak into the transmission control unit.
- Risk
- Transmission oil that leaks into the control unit can lead to a seizure of the transmission gears, causing a sudden loss of drive power and increasing the risk of a crash.
- Fix
- Dealers will replace the transmission mechatronics module and the automatic transmission fluid, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed January 26, 2024. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Not every 2023 BMW 3 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2023 BMW 3 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2023 BMW 3 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 1 recall this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- 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 2023 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 |
| 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 | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 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 →