BMW 3 Series M vs BMW M3
Verdict
At RM388,800 against RM837,800, the BMW 3 Series M is the rational way into a fast all-wheel-drive BMW sedan, with 387 hp, 500 Nm and a 4.4-second 0-100 km/h time. The BMW M3 asks another RM449,000, but it brings 503 hp, 650 Nm and cuts that sprint to 3.5 seconds. For Malaysia, the choice is blunt: same five seats, 480-litre boot, 59-litre tank and 250 km/h top speed, but the BMW M3 is much quicker and larger.
Pick the BMW 3 Series M if you want the lower purchase price, all-wheel drive and the same 480-litre boot without paying BMW M3 money.
Pick the BMW M3 if you want the stronger 503 hp and 650 Nm output, plus the quicker 3.5-second 0-100 km/h time.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series M RM388,800; BMW M3 RM837,800
- Output: BMW 3 Series M 387 hp and 500 Nm; BMW M3 503 hp and 650 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: BMW 3 Series M 4.4 s; BMW M3 3.5 s
- Engine capacity: BMW 3 Series M 2,998 cc; BMW M3 2,993 cc
- Size: BMW 3 Series M 4,714 x 1,827 x 1,440 mm; BMW M3 4,794 x 1,903 x 1,433 mm
- Assembly: BMW 3 Series M CKD; BMW M3 CBU
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 388,800✓ | RM 837,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Assembly | CKD | CBU |
| Powertrain | ||
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Engine | 2,998 cc | 2,993 cc |
| Power | 387 hp | 503 hp✓ |
| Torque | 500 Nm | 650 Nm✓ |
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Driven wheels | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance | ||
| 0–100 km/h | 4.4 s | 3.5 s✓ |
| Top speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Efficiency | ||
| Fuel economy | — | 10.1 L/100km |
| CO₂ | — | 230 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,714 mm | 4,794 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,903 mm |
| Height | 1,440 mm | 1,433 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,857 mm |
| Boot space | 480 L | 480 L |
| Fuel tank | 59 L | 59 L |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 | 6 |
| Auto emergency braking | Yes | Yes |
| Ownership | ||
| Warranty | 2 | 2 |
| Road tax / year | RM 2,125 | RM 2,113✓ |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
3 Series M
- RM449,000 cheaper to buy
- Same 480-litre boot as the BMW M3
- Still quick: 4.4 seconds to 100 km/h
- 116 hp and 150 Nm down on the BMW M3
- 0.9 seconds slower to 100 km/h
- Road tax is RM2,125, slightly higher than the BMW M3
M3
- 503 hp and 650 Nm
- 3.5-second 0-100 km/h time
- Slightly lower RM2,113 annual road tax
- Costs RM449,000 more
- Same 250 km/h top speed as the BMW 3 Series M
- Fuel use is 10.1 L/100 km
3 Series M vs M3 FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series M or BMW M3 better?
The BMW M3 is better for performance, with 503 hp and a 3.5-second 0-100 km/h time. The BMW 3 Series M is better if price matters more, while keeping five seats, all-wheel drive and a 480-litre boot.
What is the price difference?
The BMW M3 costs RM449,000 more: RM837,800 versus RM388,800. The gap buys 116 hp, 150 Nm, a 0.9-second quicker 0-100 km/h time and CBU rather than CKD assembly.
Do they have the same practicality?
Yes for the main numbers. Both are five-seat sedans with a 480-litre boot and a 59-litre fuel tank. The BMW M3 is larger outside at 4,794 mm long and 1,903 mm wide.