Top 3 BMW 3 Series trims head to head

By Farzana Chaumoo

A breakdown of BMW's three trim levels available for the 3 Series.

Which one is best?

After deciding on whether to get a petrol or diesel BMW, the next thing to consider is what trim do you want your 3 Series in.

Unfortunately, we leave this one to you, as we can’t say which trim will suit you best but we can point you in the direction of what will likely fit your needs.

If you’re after a reasonably priced BMW with just enough kit to keep you entertained then you may want to give the M Sport Package a miss. You’d benefit more from key options like sat-nav and heated seats than from an aggressive body kit.

If you’re looking for something with a little more spunk than a basic BMW, and also feel like you’re in a supreme version of the range than you should consider the M Sport Package. Keen drivers will also better appreciate the lower sports suspension and bigger alloys on the M Sport as these generate more grip in corners. Just to note, non-M Sport cars are a tad bit more comfortable than their M Sport derivatives.

1.    M SPORT PACKAGE

The three trim choices you have range from the Sport Line, the Luxury Line, and the top trim – the M Sport Package. Personally, I’m an M Sport type of person, so that’s where my pick goes.

The M Sport Package references the brand’s ultimate ‘M’ range and is packed with all the optional equipment. This package costs a significant amount above the base price but still saves you from fitting each option individually. The ultimate question though is, is the M Sport Package for you? Do you need the extra style or are you okay with simply selecting the options you want? Here’s what it has:

Exterior

• M Aerodynamics package with a front apron, side skirts and rear apron with Dark Shadow metallic diffuser insert
• BMW kidney grille featuring seven exclusively designed slats in Black high gloss
• LED fog lights
• 18'' M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 400 M or 18'' M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 441 M in Ferric Grey, 19'' M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 403 M in Bicolour Ferric Grey, gloss-lathed, 19'' M light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 442 M in Bicolour Orbit Grey, gloss-lathed
• M Sport suspension, alternatively Standard suspension or Adaptive M suspension (sports suspension drops the car between 10-20mm)
• BMW Individual high-gloss Shadow Line, or alternatively satin-finished Aluminium
• M logo on the sides
• Exterior mirror caps in body colour
• Tailpipe trim in Chrome high-gloss
• Exclusive Estoril Blue metallic paint finish; other paint finishes also available

Interior

• M door sill finishers
• Sport seats for driver and front passenger in Cloth/Alcantara combination 'Hexagon' Anthracite with Blue highlights and M stitching; additional upholstery options available
• M leather steering wheel with multifunction buttons
• BMW Individual headliner in Anthracite
• Instrument cluster with speedometer and revolution counter featuring red chronoscales and red contrast ring
• Air conditioning and radio control unit with chrome detailing
• Interior trim finishers Aluminium Hexagon with highlight trim finishers Blue matt or Black high-gloss; this highlight trim finisher extends to the doors; additional trims also available
• Shortened gear lever with M logo
• Driving Experience Control with additional SPORT+ mode
• M driver footrest
• Orange or white variable Ambient light
• Car key with blue detailing

2.    LUXURY LINE

The Luxury Line is the “middle-man” trim level. It features several premium quality chrome applications, exclusive leather coverings, fine-wood interior trims and other design highlights that add to the luxurious air. Here’s what makes the Luxury Line unique:

Exterior

• BMW kidney grille featuring eleven exclusively designed slats with Chrome high-gloss fronts
• Front bumper with specific design elements in Chrome high-gloss
• 17'' light alloy wheels Multi-spoke style 414, or alternatively 18'' light alloy wheels Multi-spoke style 416 Bicolour; other wheels also available
• ''Luxury Line'' lettering on the side
• Trim on the side window frames and window recess finishers in Chrome, B-pillar in Black high-gloss
• Bumpers with specific design elements in Chrome high-gloss
• Tailpipe trim in Chrome

Interior

• Door sill finishers in aluminium, with BMW lettering
• Seats in Leather 'Dakota' Saddle Brown with extended trims in Brown and Brown highlights; additional upholstery options available
• Sport leather steering wheel
• Car key with chrome detailing
• Air conditioning and radio control unit with Pearl Chrome detailing
• Chrome surrounds on the air vent in the front
• Interior trim finishers in fine-wood trim 'Fineline' Anthracite with highlight trim finishers Pearl Chrome; this highlight trim finisher extends to the doors; additional trims also available
• Orange or white variable Ambient light
• B-pillar illumination

3.    SPORT LINE

The Sport Line has striking design elements in black high-gloss and various details ensure an even more athletic profile on the car. Here are the highlights on the Sport Line trim:

Exterior

• BMW kidney grille featuring eight exclusively designed slats in Black high-gloss
• Front bumper with specific design elements in an Aluminium look and detailing in Black high-gloss
• 17'' light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 392, or alternatively 18'' light alloy wheels Double-spoke style 397 Bicolour; other wheels also available
• ''Sport Line'' lettering on the side
• Exterior mirror caps in body colour or alternatively in Black high-gloss
• Window guides and B-pillar in Black high-gloss
• Bumpers with specific design elements in Black high-gloss
• Tailpipe trim in Black Chrome

Interior

• Car key with red detailing
• Door sill finishers in aluminium, with BMW lettering
• Sport seats in Cloth 'Corner' Anthracite with Red highlight, or alternatively Leather 'Dakota' Coral Red with Black highlight; additional upholstery options available
• Sport leather steering wheel with red contrast stitching, alternatively available with black stitching
• Instrument cluster with speedometer and revolution counter with chronoscales and unique dial design
• Air conditioning and radio control unit with Pearl Chrome detailing
• Chrome surrounds on the air vent in the front
• Interior trim finishers in Black high-gloss with highlight trim finishers Coral Red matt, or alternatively interior trim finishers Aluminium with lengthwise cutting with highlight trim finisher Pearl Chrome; this highlight trim finisher extends to the doors; additional trims also available
• Orange or white variable Ambient light