Car Buyer's Guide

Overview

The BMW 3 Series is a five-seat compact executive sedan for drivers who want a petrol-powered, rear-wheel-drive BMW with the established G20 mix of handling and everyday practicality. This G20 LCI 2 generation launches in 2025, and the Malaysian range starts with the 184 hp 320i Sport at RM267,800.

3 Series in 2026 — what's new

For 2026, the 2025-launched G20 LCI 2 remains the current 3 Series, with 320i Sport, 330i M Sport and 330Li M Sport choices. BMW Malaysia’s 2026 price list raises 3 Series pricing by RM9,000 with extended warranty. The range keeps petrol power, rear-wheel drive and automatic transmissions. Outputs run from 184 hp in the 320i to 258 hp in the 330i.

Variants (3)

RM267,800–RM323,800 · est. from RM2,735/mo

Which variant to buy

Most buyers should start with the RM267,800 320i Sport. Its petrol, rear-wheel-drive and automatic layout mirrors the dearer cars, while its RM49,000 saving against the 330i is substantial. Pay RM316,800 for the 330i M Sport if 258 hp matters to you; it has 74 hp more than the 320i. The RM323,800 330Li M Sport costs RM7,000 more than the 330i but lists 255 hp, so check its equipment list carefully before spending extra.

Previous model years (3)

Shopping the previous generation? 3 Series G20 LCI (2023–2025) →

Colours

across the range — availability varies by variant

  • Alpine White Metallic
  • Arctic Race Blue Metallic
  • Black Sapphire Metallic
  • Fire Red Metallic
  • M Brooklyn Grey Metallic
  • M Carbon Black Metallic

BMW 3 Series buyer's guides & reviews

Verdict

The G20 formula remains persuasive: it combines handling and performance with the practicality expected of a compact executive sedan. Rear-wheel drive runs through every variant, and the 330i’s 258 hp is the range’s peak output. The LCI interior is less user-friendly than before. Entry-level 3 Series pricing sits above the Tesla Model 3, Dongfeng 007 and BYD Seal, while remaining below the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and BMW i4.

Buying a new 3 Series? Sell your old car for a better price, get paid in 24 hours

BMW 3 Series sales in Malaysia

826 registered so far in 2026 — Malaysia's #69 best-selling model this year. 102 were registered in Aug 2026, the latest month on record.

Sep 2025: 69 Oct 2025: 154 Nov 2025: 155 Dec 2025: 204 204 Jan 2026: 149 Feb 2026: 98 Mar 2026: 131 Apr 2026: 120 May 2026: 69 Jun 2026: 62 Jul 2026: 95 Aug 2026: 102 Sep 2025 Aug 2026 Full 3 Series sales data, month by month →

BMW 3 Series resale value

What a used 3 Series holds of its price, by registration year: the trade-guide value insurers and dealers reference, and the price the market typically asks.

A three-year-old 3 Series holds about 59% of its original value — weaker than the market average of 62%. The slower the line falls, the better it holds its value.
0% 50% 100% 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Age (years)
BMW 3 Series Market average
Year Trade guide Typical asking Dealer sold Holds
2026 RM316,800 100%
2025 RM269,300 RM256,800 (5) 82%
2024 RM231,600 RM225,400 (26) 74%
2023 RM183,300 RM176,344 (28) 59%
2022 RM167,100 RM132,400 (46) 48%
2021 RM143,500 RM118,000 (73) RM147,800 44%
2020 RM109,900 RM115,300 (58) RM124,000 44%
2019 RM73,300 RM58,800 (69) RM132,100 22%
2018 RM55,200 RM47,800 (52) 18%
2017 RM56,400 RM49,000 (79) 19%

Trade-guide and market listing data, West Malaysia. Actual prices vary with condition, mileage and variant; "holds" compares against that year's new price.

Generations

Rivals to consider

same class, similar money

BMW 3 Series FAQ

How much is the BMW 3 Series in Malaysia?

The BMW 3 Series costs from RM267,800 for the 320i Sport. The 330i M Sport is RM316,800, while the 330Li M Sport is RM323,800.

Which BMW 3 Series variant should I buy?

Choose the 320i Sport for the lowest price and 184 hp. Step up to the 330i M Sport if you want 258 hp; it costs RM49,000 more. Check the 330Li’s equipment before paying its RM7,000 premium over the 330i.

Which BMW 3 Series is the most powerful?

The 330i M Sport is the most powerful current variant, with 258 hp from its 1,998 cc petrol engine. The 330Li M Sport has 255 hp, while the 320i Sport makes 184 hp.

Is the BMW 3 Series rear-wheel drive?

Yes. The 320i Sport, 330i M Sport and 330Li M Sport all use rear-wheel drive, a petrol engine and an automatic transmission. Each is a five-seat sedan.

Latest BMW 3 Series news