If you’re looking for a new 3 Series, the best and worst part can be the number of choices you have when speccing your new car. BMW has dozens of options and packs, and alongside this, you have a choice of different trim levels, each with a different style for your 3 Series. So how do you know which trim level is best?
We’ve broken down each 3 Series trim level here to take you through the features, the pros & cons, and most importantly, the cost. Depending on your 3 Series model, you might have access to different trim levels, so we’ve covered the entire 3 Series range.
Let’s get started!
What are trim levels?
First, let’s cover what BMW calls its trim levels. These are design packages with different types of styling choices combined to create the 3 Series you want. Some trim levels will be more premium and include changes like larger wheels and different materials, to help your 3 Series stand out.
What are the different trim levels on the BMW 3 Series?
There are four trim levels available across the 3 Series range. Trim levels vary across models, so some trim levels will only be available on a couple of 3 Series versions. A summary of the different trims available is below:
| Trim Level | 330i | 330e | M340i |
| Sport | Y | Y | |
| M Sport | Y | Y | |
| M Performance | Y | ||
| Shadowline | Y |
To find out what features are available on each trim level, we’ve got a summary of each trim below:
Sport Trim
Sport trim is the entry-level option on the current 330i and 330e models. The main features of this trim level are the silver 18-inch wheels with a double-spoke design. Another exterior feature of the Sport trim are the body color bumpers at the front and rear of the 3 Series.
Like most manufacturers, BMW downgrades its entry-level model to upsell the M Sport pack, but you still get plenty of standard features on the Sport trim. Every current 3 Series has a new curved infotainment display, a reversing camera, a moonroof, and LED headlights.
Inside your 3 Series, the standard ‘sport’ seats are comfortable enough, and you still have the choice of various interior trim options. One feature we don’t like is the steering wheel – it looks too ‘chunky’, and the option in the M Sport trim is a major improvement.
Overall the Sport trim has enough for most owners, with an impressive infotainment setup. If you want your 3 Series to look more aggressive, you’ll probably want the M Sport options though.
M Sport Trim
A step up from the standard Sport trim, the M Sport options improve both the exterior and interior of your BMW with some noticeable changes. The most obvious differences are the new alloy wheels. Now 19 inches, you get a choice of six different designs (a couple of the options cost extra). These upgraded wheels result in a less comfortable ride, but they make a huge difference to the look of your 3 Series.
Along with the new wheels, you get gloss black finishes on your front and rear bumpers and a more muscular design. Combined with the new wheels, we think these changes are worth the M Sport price tag alone, but BMW has thrown in a few interior upgrades too.
Alongside a new steering wheel, you also have more interior trim options in the M Sport version. You have the option of two extra aluminum trims, with our favorite of these new options also including ambient lighting on the dash. It’s a minor change, but it helps to further set your 3 series apart from the standard Sport trim.
All these improvements are on top of the standard features we covered in the Sport trim, so you might wonder what the downside is. As with any options pack, it’s the price, and the M Sport trim isn’t cheap – it currently costs:
- 330i – $3,100
- 330e – $2,550
If you want your 3 Series to stand out, for our money, it’s worth adding the M Sport pack. BMW doesn’t release the figures for trim choices, but we’d expect M Sport to be the most popular option.
M Performance Trim
Moving away from the 330i and 330e models, the M340i starts out with M Performance trim. As this is the performance model of the current 3 Series (with 370 bhp), BMW has given this model a few extra features with its own trim level.
The M Performance trim includes a few similarities with M Sport – mainly the black front and rear bumpers, with a slightly different design. The BMW kidney grilles have been changed, though, from a ‘vertical line’ design on the M Sport to a honeycomb style on the M340i. This is one of our favorite upgrades and goes well with the other exterior changes. On the M340i exterior, you also get unique wing mirrors in black and tinted windows.
The alloy wheels get an upgrade on the M Performance model too. You can choose between 18 or 19 inch wheels on the M340i, with a handful of unique designs. Surprisingly the 18-inch alloy design is one of our favorites, although the most popular option will probably be the 19-inch jet-black design. You also get blue brake calipers on the M Performance trim, replacing the black calipers on the 330i and 330e.
Inside the M Performance trim, there’s very little to separate the design from the M Sport interior. You get the same choice of upholstery and trim options and the same seats. The tinted windows on the M340i are a welcome addition, but generally, it doesn’t feel that different from an M Sport 330i.
The appeal of the M340i isn’t down to the M Performance trim – you’re buying an M340i because of the performance. Having said that, the exterior upgrades go a long way to making this car look like it’s carrying 370 bhp. BMWs designers have done well here – you can’t mistake this model for a standard 3 Series.
Shadowline Trim
If you want the make your M340i stand out even more from every other 3 Series, you need the Shadowline trim. This is only available on M340i models and isn’t a major trim level like M Sport, but it has some noticeable changes.
The Shadowline trim is focused on the exterior of your M340i and includes a variety of small changes. One of the most noticeable differences against an M Performance model is the Shadowline trim, changing the chrome accents on the front kidney grille to black. There’s also a black line added to your rear trunk lip, and although these changes make your M340i more unique, we’d have liked to see black side skirts too.
Alongside the black trim, you also get red brake calipers to replace the blue calipers from the M Performance model. It’s a small feature, and most won’t notice the difference, but it’ll be obvious to BMW experts that you’ve got the top spec.
Finally, the front headlights are darker than the standard model – this has no impact on the lighting effect, but it helps to make the front look even more imposing, and it’s a surprisingly effective detail.
Price-wise, the Shadowline trim is an additional $850. These are purely visual upgrades, so it feels like a lot of money, but if you really want to make your M340i the best it can be, this is an option you need to add.
What are the best packs and options to choose for your 3 Series?
If you’re buying a 3 Series, once you’ve chosen your trim level, the next decision will be which options and packs you want to add. We’ve covered all the major packages and options below, so check out the below articles to find out more about everything you’ll need to know:
BMW Dynamic Handling Package Explained
Which BMW Models Have Ambient Lighting?
Comparing The BMW 3 Series vs The 5 Series
