Compare the2024 BMW 3 Series SedanVS 2024 Toyota Camry

Safety
Warranty
Reliability
Engine
Fuel Economy and Range
Transmission
Brakes and Stopping
Tires and Wheels
Suspension and Handling
Chassis
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 Camry doesn’t offer pre-crash pretensioners.

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 Camry doesn’t offer a driver alert monitor.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the Camry have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee 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, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, rearview cameras, available all wheel drive, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, around view monitors 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 Toyota Camry:

	3 Series Sedan	Camry
	Driver
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Neck Stress	207 lbs.	262 lbs.
Leg Forces (l/r)	201/230 lbs.	432/527 lbs.
	Passenger
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	252	335
Chest Compression	.6 inches	.7 inches
Leg Forces (l/r)	200/338 lbs.	266/310 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 Toyota Camry:

	3 Series Sedan	Camry
	Front Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
HIC	107	134
Hip Force	252 lbs.	296 lbs.
	Rear Seat
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Spine Acceleration	47 G’s	48 G’s
Hip Force	532 lbs.	752 lbs.
	Into Pole
STARS	5 Stars	5 Stars
Max Damage Depth	13 inches	14 inches
Hip Force	544 lbs.	622 lbs.

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

Warranty

The 3 Series Sedan comes with a full 4-year/50,000-mile basic warranty, which covers the entire car and includes 24-hour roadside assistance. The Camry’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty expires 1 year or 14,000 miles sooner.

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

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 3 Series Sedan for 1 year and 11000 miles longer than Toyota pays for maintenance for the Camry (3/36,000 vs. 2/25000).

Reliability

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the 3 Series Sedan has a standard 720-amp battery. The Camry’s 600-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

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 Camry’s battery is in the hot engine compartment.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 3 Series Sedan’s reliability 18 points higher than the Camry.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Toyota vehicles. With 2 fewer problems per 100 vehicles, JD Power ranks BMW higher than Toyota.

Engine

The 3 Series Sedan has more powerful engines than the Camry:

	Horsepower	Torque
330i 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	255 HP	295 lbs.-ft.
M340i 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder hybrid	382 HP	369 lbs.-ft.
Camry AWD 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	202 HP	182 lbs.-ft.
Camry 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	203 HP	184 lbs.-ft.
Camry XSE AWD 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	205 HP	185 lbs.-ft.
Camry XSE 2.5 DOHC 4-cylinder	206 HP	186 lbs.-ft.
Camry 3.5 DOHC V6	301 HP	267 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Car and Driver the BMW 3 Series Sedan is faster than the Toyota Camry:

	330i	M340i	Camry AWD	Camry
Zero to 60 MPH	5.1 sec	3.7 sec	7.6 sec	7.9 sec
5 to 60 MPH Rolling Start	6.5 sec	4.5 sec	8.1 sec	8.2 sec
Passing 30 to 50 MPH	3.2 sec	n/a	3.7 sec	4.3 sec
Passing 50 to 70 MPH	3.9 sec	n/a	5.1 sec	6 sec
Quarter Mile	13.8 sec	12.2 sec	15.8 sec	16.2 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	100 MPH	112 MPH	90 MPH	90 MPH
Top Speed	155 MPH	150 MPH	135 MPH	133 MPH

Fuel Economy and Range

On the EPA test cycle the 3 Series Sedan gets better mileage than the Camry:

			MPG
3 Series Sedan
	RWD	2.0 turbo 4-cyl.	25 city/34 hwy
		3.0 turbo 6-cyl. Hybrid	23 city/31 hwy
Camry
	FWD	Camry XLE 3.5 DOHC V6	22 city/33 hwy
		Camry XSE 3.5 DOHC V6	22 city/32 hwy
		TRD 3.5 DOHC V6	22 city/31 hwy

Regenerative brakes improve the 3 Series Sedan’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Camry 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 Camry doesn’t offer an automatic engine start/stop system.

The 3 Series Sedan has 1.2 gallons more fuel capacity than the Camry AWD’s standard fuel tank (15.6 vs. 14.4 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

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 Camry 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 Camry:

	330i	M340i	Camry	Camry TRD
Front Rotors	13 inches	13.7 inches	12 inches	12.9 inches
Rear Rotors	13 inches	13.6 inches	11.06 inches	11.06 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 Camry are solid, not vented.

The 3 Series Sedan stops much shorter than the Camry:

	3 Series Sedan	Camry
70 to 0 MPH	151 feet	176 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	103 feet	125 feet	Motor Trend

Tires and Wheels

For better traction, the 3 Series Sedan has larger standard tires than the Camry (225/45R18 vs. 215/55R17).

The 3 Series Sedan’s standard tires provide better handling because they have a lower 45 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Camry LE’s standard 55 series tires. The 3 Series Sedan’s optional 255/35R19 rear tires have a lower 35 series profile than the Camry XSE/TRD’s 40 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 3 Series Sedan has standard 18-inch wheels. Smaller 17-inch wheels are standard on the Camry LE.

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 Camry doesn’t offer run-flat tires.

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 Camry’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

The 3 Series Sedan has vehicle speed sensitive variable-assist power steering, for low-effort parking, better control at highway speeds and during hard cornering, and a better feel of the road. The Camry doesn’t offer variable-assist power steering.

The 3 Series Sedan’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (51.2% to 48.8%) than the Camry’s (58.2% to 41.8%). This gives the 3 Series Sedan more stable handling and braking.

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

The M340i executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver 2.4 seconds quicker than the Camry SE (25 seconds @ .77 average G’s vs. 27.4 seconds @ .62 average G’s).

Chassis

The 3 Series Sedan is 6.2 inches shorter than the Camry LE/XLE, making the 3 Series Sedan easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

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 Camry doesn’t offer active grille shutters.

As tested by Car and Driver, the interior of the 330i is quieter than the Camry SE AWD:

	3 Series Sedan	Camry
At idle	38 dB	40 dB
Full-Throttle	74 dB	76 dB
70 MPH Cruising	69 dB	70 dB

Cargo Capacity

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. Its intrusive beam hinge reduces the Camry’s useful trunk space.

The 3 Series Sedan’s standard rear seats fold to accommodate long and bulky cargo. The Camry TRD doesn’t offer folding rear seats.

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

With its sedan body style, valet key, locking rear seatbacks and remote trunk release lockout, the 3 Series offers cargo security. The Camry’s non-lockable remote release defeats cargo security.

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 Camry doesn’t offer a power trunk.

Servicing Ease

The engine in the 3 Series Sedan is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Camry. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because there are no rear spark plugs and the accessory belts are in front.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that BMW service is better than Toyota. J.D. Power ranks BMW 7th in service department satisfaction (above the industry average). With a 18% lower rating, Toyota is ranked 20th.

Ergonomics

When two different drivers share the 3 Series Sedan, the memory system makes it convenient for both. Each setting activates different, customized memories for the driver’s seat position, outside mirror angle, climate settings and radio stations. The Camry doesn’t offer a memory system.

The 3 Series Sedan’s power parking brake sets with one touch and releases with one touch or automatically. The Camry’s parking brake has to be released manually.

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 Camry’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed, but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

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 Camry 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 outside mirrors include heating elements to clear off the mirrors for better visibility. Toyota charges extra for heated mirrors on the Camry.

When the 3 Series Sedan is put in reverse, the passenger rearview mirror tilts from its original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirror into its original position. The Camry’s mirror doesn’t automatically adjust for backing.

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 Camry offers an automatic rear view mirror, but its side mirrors don’t dim.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the Camry 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 Camry.

The 3 Series Sedan has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The Camry TRD doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

The 3 Series Sedan has a standard dual zone air conditioning allows the driver and front passenger to choose two completely different temperatures so people with different temperature preferences won’t have to compromise. This makes both the driver and front passenger as comfortable as possible. Dual zone air conditioning is not available on the Camry TRD.

Both the 3 Series Sedan and the Camry 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 Camry 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 has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the center console. Wireless charging costs extra on the Camry and isn’t available on the Camry Nightshade/TRD.

The 3 Series Sedan’s optional Parking Assistant Plus can parallel park or back into a parking spot by itself, starting, stopping and changing direction automatically. The Camry 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 Camry is rated higher at a number “5” rate.

According to The Car Book by Jack Gillis, the 3 Series Sedan is less expensive to operate than the Camry because typical repairs cost much less on the 3 Series Sedan than the Camry, including $208 less for a fuel pump, $302 less for a timing belt/chain and $193 less for a power steering pump.

Recommendations

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

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