Compare the2023 BMW 3 Series SedanVS 2022 Acura ILX

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Environmental Friendliness
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
Passenger Space
Cargo Capacity
Servicing Ease
Ergonomics
Economic Advantages
Recommendations

Safety

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The 3 Series Sedan’s pre-crash front seatbelts will tighten automatically in the event the vehicle detects an impending crash, improving protection against injury significantly. The ILX doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

The BMW 3 Series Sedan has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags helps prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The ILX doesn’t offer knee airbags.

The 3 Series Sedan has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The ILX doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 3 Series Sedan M340i offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The ILX doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The 3 Series Sedan offers all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in ice and snow. The ILX doesn’t offer all-wheel drive.

The 3 Series Sedan M340i offers an optional Surround View to allow the driver to see objects all around the vehicle on a screen. The ILX only offers a rear monitor.

The 3 Series Sedan’s driver alert monitor detects an inattentive driver then sounds a warning and suggests a break. According to the NHTSA, drivers who fall asleep cause about 100,000 crashes and 1500 deaths a year. The ILX doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the ILX have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems and rear cross-path warning.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does 35 MPH front crash tests on new vehicles. In this test, results indicate that the BMW 3 Series Sedan is safer than the Acura ILX:

	3 Series Sedan	ILX
OVERALL STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	145	227
Neck Injury Risk	23%	26%
Neck Stress	207 lbs.	257 lbs.
Neck Compression	32 lbs.	56 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	4 Stars
Neck Injury Risk	33%	40%
Leg Forces (l/r)	200/338 lbs.	768/623 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration does side impact tests on new vehicles. In this test, which crashes the vehicle into a flat barrier at 38.5 MPH and into a post at 20 MPH, results indicate that the BMW 3 Series Sedan is safer than the Acura ILX:

	3 Series Sedan	ILX
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	107	234
Chest Movement	.8 inches	.9 inches
Hip Force	252 lbs.	487 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	305	324
Spine Acceleration	47 G’s	64 G’s
Hip Force	532 lbs.	699 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
HIC	270	299
Spine Acceleration	39 G’s	56 G’s
Hip Force	544 lbs.	945 lbs.

New test not comparable to pre-2011 test results. More stars = Better. Lower test results = Better.

Instrumented handling tests conducted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and analysis of its dimensions indicate that the 3 Series Sedan, with its five-star roll-over rating, is 1.5% less likely to roll over than the ILX, which received a four-star rating.

For its top level performance in IIHS driver and passenger-side small overlap frontal, moderate overlap frontal, side impact, roof strength and head restraint tests, its standard vehicle-to-vehicle front crash prevention system, its standard vehicle-to-pedestrian front crash prevention system, and its available headlight’s “Good” rating, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety grants the 3 Series Sedan the rating of “Top Safety Pick” for 2022, a rating granted to only 155 vehicles tested by the IIHS. The ILX last would have qualified as a “Top Safety Pick” in 2017.

Warranty

The 3 Series Sedan’s corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the ILX’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 3 Series Sedan for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Acura doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the ILX.

There are over 30 percent more BMW dealers than there are Acura dealers, which makes it easier should you ever need service under the 3 Series Sedan’s warranty.

Reliability

The battery on the 3 Series Sedan is in the trunk, which protects it from hot underhood temperatures that can degrade battery life. By keeping the 3 Series Sedan’s battery 20 to 30 degrees cooler, its life is increased by years. The ILX’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in initial quality. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Acura is rated below average.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW above average in long-term dependability. With 5 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, Acura is rated below average.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Acura vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 16 places higher in reliability than Acura.

Engine

The 330i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 54 more horsepower (255 vs. 201) and 114 lbs.-ft. more torque (294 vs. 180) than the ILX’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder. The M340i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid produces 181 more horsepower (382 vs. 201) and 188 lbs.-ft. more torque (368 vs. 180) than the ILX’s 2.4 DOHC 4-cylinder.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW 3 Series Sedan is faster than the Acura ILX:

	330i	M340i	ILX
Zero to 60 MPH	5.1 sec	3.8 sec	6.6 sec
Zero to 100 MPH	13.8 sec	9.4 sec	17.2 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.5 sec	4.7 sec	7 sec
Quarter Mile	13.8 sec	12.3 sec	15.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	100 MPH	114 MPH	94 MPH
Top Speed	155 MPH	n/a	133 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the 330i RWD gets better fuel mileage than the ILX (25 city/34 hwy vs. 24 city/34 hwy).

Regenerative brakes improve the 3 Series Sedan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The ILX doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In heavy traffic or at stoplights the 3 Series Sedan’s engine automatically turns off when the vehicle is stopped, saving fuel and reducing pollution. The engine is automatically restarted when the driver gets ready to move again. If the conditions warrant or the driver wishes, the system can be manually disabled at any time for the duration of a trip. The ILX doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The 3 Series Sedan has 2.4 gallons more fuel capacity than the ILX (15.6 vs. 13.2 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

Environmental Friendliness

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the BMW 3 Series Sedan higher (5 to 7 out of 10) than the Acura ILX (3). This means the 3 Series Sedan produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the ILX every 15,000 miles.

Transmission

The 3 Series Sedan’s launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The ILX doesn’t offer launch control.

Brakes and Stopping

For better stopping power the 3 Series Sedan’s brake rotors are larger than those on the ILX:

	330i	M340i	ILX
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.7 inches	12.3 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.6 inches	11.1 inches

The 3 Series Sedan’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the ILX are solid, not vented.

The 3 Series Sedan stops much shorter than the ILX:

	3 Series Sedan	ILX
70 to 0 MPH	151 feet	184 feet	Car and Driver

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the 3 Series Sedan has larger standard tires than the ILX (225/45R18 vs. 215/45R17).

The 3 Series Sedan’s optional 255/35R19 rear tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the ILX A-SPEC’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 330i has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the ILX. The 3 Series Sedan’s optional 19-inch wheels are larger than the 18-inch wheels on the ILX A-SPEC.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires available on the 3 Series Sedan can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. The ILX doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

The 3 Series Sedan offers an optional space-saver spare tire so you can replace a flat tire and drive to have the flat repaired or replaced. A spare tire isn’t available on the ILX; it requires you to depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

Suspension and Handling

The 3 Series Sedan offers an optional driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The ILX’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 3 Series Sedan’s wheelbase is 7.1 inches longer than on the ILX (112.2 inches vs. 105.1 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 3 Series Sedan is 2.9 inches wider in the front and 2.1 inches wider in the rear than the track on the ILX.

The 3 Series Sedan’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.3% to 48.7%) than the ILX’s (63% to 37%). This gives the 3 Series Sedan more stable handling and braking.

The 330i handles at .99 G’s, while the ILX A-SPEC pulls only .83 G’s of cornering force in a Car and Driver skidpad test.

Chassis

The front grille of the 3 Series Sedan uses electronically controlled shutters to close off airflow and reduce drag when less engine cooling is needed. This helps improve highway fuel economy. The ILX doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

Passenger Space

The 3 Series Sedan has .7 inches more front headroom, .4 inches more front shoulder room, 1.7 inches more rear headroom, 1.2 inches more rear legroom and 1 inch more rear shoulder room than the ILX.

Cargo Capacity

The 3 Series Sedan has a larger trunk than the ILX (13 vs. 12.4 cubic feet).

A low lift-over trunk design makes loading and unloading the 3 Series Sedan easier. The 3 Series Sedan’s trunk lift-over height is 26.7 inches, while the ILX’s liftover is 28.7 inches.

To allow full utilization of available cargo room, the 3 Series Sedan’s trunk lid uses concealed beam hinges that don’t intrude into the trunk. The ILX’s useful trunk space is reduced by its intrusive beam hinge.

Pulling a handle automatically lowers the 3 Series Sedan’s rear seats, to make changing between passengers and cargo easier. The ILX doesn’t offer automatic folding seats.

The 3 Series Sedan’s standard folding rear seats are split to accommodate bulky cargo. The ILX’s standard single piece folding rear seat is not as flexible; long cargo and a passenger can’t share the rear seat.

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier, especially for short adults, the 3 Series Sedan offers an optional power trunk, which opens and closes automatically by pressing a button, or optionally by just kicking your foot under the back bumper, completely leaving your hands free. The ILX doesn’t offer a power trunk.

Servicing Ease

The 3 Series Sedan uses gas struts to support the hood for easier service access. The ILX uses a prop rod to support its heavy hood. It takes two hands to open the hood and set the prop rod, the prop rod gets in the way during maintenance and service, and the prop rod could be knocked out, causing the heavy hood to fall on the person maintaining or servicing the car.

The engine in the 3 Series Sedan is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the ILX. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

Ergonomics

The 3 Series Sedan offers an optional heads-up display that projects speed, warning and navigation instruction readouts in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The ILX doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The 3 Series Sedan’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The ILX has a lever-type parking brake that has to be strenuously raised to engage properly. It has to be lifted up more and a button depressed to release it.

The power windows standard on both the 3 Series Sedan and the ILX have locks to prevent small children from operating them. When the lock on the 3 Series Sedan is engaged the driver can still operate all of the windows, for instance to close one opened by a child. The ILX prevents the driver from operating the other windows just as it does the other passengers.

The 3 Series Sedan’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The ILX’s rear power window switches have to be held the entire time to open or close them fully.

The 3 Series Sedan’s rain-sensitive wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically based on the amount of rainfall on the windshield. This allows the driver to concentrate on driving without constantly adjusting the wipers. The ILX’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) conducts detailed tests on headlights for their range both straight ahead and in curves and to be certain they don’t exceed acceptable amounts of glare to oncoming drivers. The 3 Series Sedan’s available headlights were rated “Good” by the IIHS, while the ILX’s headlights are rated “Poor.”

While driving with high beams on, sensitive light sensors standard on the 3 Series Sedan detect other vehicles which could be blinded and automatically switch to low beams. The ILX doesn’t offer automatic dimming high beams.

To help drivers avoid possible obstacles, the 3 Series Sedan has standard cornering lights to illuminate around corners when the turn signals are activated. The ILX doesn’t offer cornering lights. The 3 Series Sedan also offers optional adaptive headlights to illuminate around corners automatically by reading vehicle speed and steering wheel angle.

The 3 Series Sedan’s standard rear and side view mirrors have an automatic dimming feature. These mirrors can be set to automatically darken quickly when headlights shine on them, keeping following vehicles from blinding or distracting the driver. The ILX offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the ILX offer available heated front seats. The 3 Series Sedan also offers optional heated rear seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the ILX.

On extremely cold winter days, the 3 Series Sedan’s optional heated steering wheel provides comfort, allowing the driver to steer safely and comfortably before the car heater warms up. The ILX doesn’t offer a heated steering wheel.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the ILX offer rear vents. For greater rear passenger comfort, the 3 Series Sedan has standard rear air conditioning vents to keep rear occupants cool in summer or warm in winter. The ILX doesn’t offer rear air conditioning vents, only heat vents.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the BMW 3 Series offers an optional wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. The ILX doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The 3 Series Sedan M340i’s optional Automatic Parking Assistant can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The ILX doesn’t offer an automated parking system.

Economic Advantages

Insurance will cost less for the 3 Series Sedan owner. The Car Book by Jack Gillis rates the 3 Series Sedan with a number “3” insurance rate while the ILX is rated higher at a number “10” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the 3 Series Sedan is less expensive to operate than the ILX because typical repairs cost much less on the 3 Series Sedan than the ILX, including $269 less for a fuel pump and $9 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

Consumer Reports® recommends the BMW 3 Series Sedan, based on reliability, safety and performance.

The BMW 3 Series outsold the Acura ILX by over three to one during the 2021 model year.