Verdict
At RM313,800 versus RM320,800, the RM7,000 gap is small but clear in purpose. The BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport is the quicker, tidier buy on paper: 258 hp and 0-100 km/h in 5.8 seconds. The BMW 3 Series 330Li M Sport stretches the formula with a 2,961 mm wheelbase and 4,823 mm length, but gives up 3 hp and four tenths to 100 km/h. Boot space, fuel tank, road tax, airbags and AEB are identical, so you’re paying mainly for the longer body.
Pick the BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport if you want the sharper numbers and the lower RM313,800 price.
Pick the BMW 3 Series 330Li M Sport if the 110 mm longer wheelbase matters more than the 0.4-second slower sprint.
Key differences
- Price: BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport RM313,800; BMW 3 Series 330Li M Sport RM320,800
- Power and torque: 258 hp/400 Nm; 255 hp/400 Nm
- 0-100 km/h: 5.8 seconds; 6.2 seconds
- Length: 4,709 mm; 4,823 mm
- Wheelbase: 2,851 mm; 2,961 mm
- Boot space and fuel tank: 480 litres/59 litres; 480 litres/59 litres
330i M Sport
- Costs RM7,000 less
- Quicker 5.8-second 0-100 km/h time
- Slightly higher 258 hp output
- Shorter 2,851 mm wheelbase
- Shorter 4,709 mm body
- No boot space advantage
330Li M Sport
- Longer 2,961 mm wheelbase
- Longer 4,823 mm body
- Same 480-litre boot and 59-litre fuel tank
- Costs RM7,000 more
- Slower 6.2-second 0-100 km/h time
- Slightly lower 255 hp output
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM 313,800✓ | RM 320,800 |
| Body type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing | 16-valve DOHC direct injection with twin-scroll turbocharger, variable valve timing |
| Capacity | 1,998 cc | 1,998 cc |
| Horsepower | 258 hp✓ | 255 hp |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline | Inline |
| Timing Type | Chain | Chain |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 82 mm | 82 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.2 | 10.2 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | Steptronic Sport | Steptronic Sport |
| Gears | 8 | 8 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | ZF | ZF |
| Driveline | Rear Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 5.8 seconds✓ | 6.2 seconds |
| Top Speed | 250 km/h | 250 km/h |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,709 mm | 4,823 mm |
| Width | 1,827 mm | 1,827 mm |
| Height | 1,435 mm | 1,441 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,851 mm | 2,961 mm |
| Weight | 1,590 kg | 1,685 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 59 litres | 59 litres |
| Doors | 4 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 480 litres | 480 litres |
| Front Tyre | 225/40R19 | 225/45R18 |
| Rear Tyre | 255/35R19 | 255/45R18 |
| Factory Tyres | Pirelli P Zero | Michelin Pilot Sport 4 ZP |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Chassis | Unibody | Unibody |
| Front Suspension | Double Wishbones | Double Wishbones |
| Rear Suspension | Multi-link | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour Alloys | 18" M Double-spoke style 848 M Bicolour |
| Rear Wheels | 19" Style-996M Bi-colour Alloys | 18" M Double-spoke style 848 M Bicolour |
| Front Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Rear Brakes | Ventilated Disc | Ventilated Disc |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Chassis Notes | — | Comfort Suspension |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) | Yes, with Pedestrian Detection (5 km/h to 80 km/h) |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | All Seats | All Seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant | LED Projectors with High beam Assistant |
| Taillamps | Full LED | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function |
| Rear Seats | 40:20:40 Split-Folding | 40:20:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear AC Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Sunroof | Yes | Panoramic Sliding Glass Roof |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot | 1 Front, 1 Centre Armrest, 1 Rear, 1 Boot |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting | Map Lights & Ambient Lighting |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | Sunroof Shade | Sunroof Shade |
| Audio | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 18-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Sound System | 14.9" BMW Curved Display Live Cockpit Professional, 14-speaker Harman Kardon Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock | Keyless Operation with Proximity Lock/Unlock |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Passive Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop & Go |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Front | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 6 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Parking | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist | Yes, for Parallel and Perpendicular Parking, with Reversing Assist |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Mileage Extended | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 2 years | 2 years |
| Warranty Extended | 5 years | 5 years |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM 379 | RM 379 |
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.
330i M Sport vs 330Li M Sport FAQ
Is the BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport or BMW 3 Series 330Li M Sport better?
The BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport is better for driving numbers and value. The BMW 3 Series 330Li M Sport is better if you specifically want the longer 2,961 mm wheelbase.
What is the price difference?
The BMW 3 Series 330Li M Sport costs RM7,000 more, at RM320,800 versus RM313,800 for the BMW 3 Series 330i M Sport.
Do they have the same engine and practicality figures?
Both use a 1,998 cc petrol engine with 400 Nm, rear-wheel drive and a conventional automatic gearbox. Both also have a 480-litre boot, 59-litre fuel tank, six airbags and AEB.