Car Buyer's Guide

Overview

The BMW 3 Series is BMW’s compact executive sedan, in G20 LCI 2 form since 2025. It suits drivers who want a rear-wheel-drive petrol saloon with five seats and a choice of 184 hp, 255 hp or 258 hp. Prices start at RM267,800. The 330Li adds a longer-wheelbase alternative.

3 Series in 2026 — what's new

The 3 Series carries into 2026 without a newly announced model-year hardware update. The current G20 LCI 2 range follows the 2025 second update, which adds a flat-bottomed steering wheel and new technology. BMW Malaysia’s 2026 price revision raises 3 Series prices by RM9,000. The petrol, rear-wheel-drive line-up remains the 320i Sport, 330i M Sport and longer-wheelbase 330Li M Sport. A separate i3 is the new electric 3 Series, not a replacement within this petrol range.

Variants (3)

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

Which variant to buy

Most buyers should choose the RM267,800 320i Sport. Its 184 hp is enough for an entry point into the 3 Series range without the substantial jump to the 330i. The RM49,000 step to the RM316,800 330i M Sport buys 258 hp instead of 184 hp, while retaining the 1,998 cc petrol engine, rear-wheel drive, automatic transmission and five seats. Choose it if stronger performance is the priority. The RM323,800 330Li M Sport has 255 hp and a 110 mm longer wheelbase than standard 3 Series models; pay its RM7,000 premium over the 330i for rear-seat space.

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 3 Series remains an accomplished all-round compact executive sedan, carrying a long-running balance of size, handling, performance, practicality and styling. Rear-wheel drive is shared across all three Malaysian petrol variants, and the 330i supplies 258 hp. The weak point is the facelifted interior, which is less user-friendly than before. Buyers also need to accept that the 3 Series starts above the RM149,000 Tesla Model 3, though below the RM292,888 Mercedes-Benz C-Class.

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

BMW 3 Series sales in Malaysia

629 registered so far in 2026 — Malaysia's #68 best-selling model this year.

204 Jul 2025 Jun 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 60% of its original value — weaker than the market average of 64%. 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 RM272,000 RM188,900 (12) 60%
2024 RM233,900 RM187,400 (8) 61%
2023 RM185,100 RM177,400 (46) 60%
2022 RM168,700 RM143,800 (30) 52%
2021 RM144,900 RM119,228 (79) RM148,900 44%
2020 RM110,950 RM115,000 (73) 44%
2019 RM74,750 RM58,800 (65) RM132,100 22%
2018 RM56,900 RM47,939 (64) 19%
2017 RM58,100 RM50,344 (94) 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 costs RM316,800, while the long-wheelbase 330Li M Sport costs RM323,800.

Which BMW 3 Series variant should I buy?

Choose the 320i Sport for the lowest entry price and 184 hp. Step up to the 330i M Sport if 258 hp matters. The 330Li M Sport is for buyers who prioritise its 110 mm longer wheelbase and rear-seat space.

What is the difference between the 330i and 330Li?

The 330i M Sport has 258 hp, while the 330Li M Sport has 255 hp and a 110 mm longer wheelbase. The 330Li costs RM7,000 more and is the rear-seat-focused choice.

Is there an electric BMW 3 Series?

Yes. The 2026 BMW i3 is the NA0 electric 3 Series. It has up to 469 PS, a claimed 900 km WLTP range and 400 kW DC fast charging.

Latest BMW 3 Series news

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