2013 BMW 3 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The biggest change for the 2013 BMW 3 Series is a wider sedan lineup, led by the new entry-level 320i and the new ActiveHybrid 3. The rest of the range largely carries over, including the outgoing coupe and convertible for their final U.S. model year.
About the 2013 BMW 3 Series
Mixed-generation year: the sedan range is the sixth-generation F30 in its second model year, while the coupe and convertible are the outgoing E92/E93 in their final U.S. model year before the 2014 4 Series split.
BMW positions the 3 Series as its benchmark compact sport sedan family: a driver-focused luxury car built around balanced handling, strong engines, precise controls, and everyday usability. In 2013, that identity stretches across sedan, coupe, convertible, all-wheel-drive, and hybrid versions, but the common theme is still the classic BMW formula of compact size, near-50/50 balance, clear outward visibility, and a direct connection between driver and car.
The 320i serves as an approachable sport sedan with a 180-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, while the 328i remains the balanced center of the range. The six-cylinder 335i brings stronger performance, and the 335is sharpens the two-door formula with 320 horsepower, a sport exhaust, and a performance-tuned suspension. The 335-hp ActiveHybrid 3 combines a turbocharged six-cylinder engine and electric motor with navigation and an eight-speed automatic transmission.
What changed, by category
2013 BMW 3 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, SULEV, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, SULEV, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Twin Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, SULEV, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, 3.0 Liter / 6-Cyl, SULEV, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Hybrid, Turbo 3.0L |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Sport w/QS2 / Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic / Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic / Manual, 6-Spd | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic / Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 7-Spd w/MM | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Sport w/QS2 / Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic / Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd Steptronic / Auto, 6-Spd Steptronic | Auto, 8-Spd |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD | AWD | RWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Hybrid |
| MPG City | 24 mpg | 17–23 mpg | 18–23 mpg | 17 mpg | 23 mpg | 17–22 mpg | 18–20 mpg | 25 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 36 mpg | 26–34 mpg | 27–33 mpg | 24 mpg | 35 mpg | 25–33 mpg | 27–30 mpg | 33 mpg |
| Horsepower | 230 hp | 300 hp | 320 hp | 230 hp | 300 hp | |||
| Torque | 255 lb-ft | 200–255 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 332 lb-ft | 255 lb-ft | 200–255 lb-ft | 300 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 9–13 cu-ft | 9–13 cu-ft | 9–11 cu-ft | |||||
| Rear Legroom | 32–35.1 in | 32–35.1 in | 32–33.7 in | |||||
| Seats | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 4 | 5 | 4–5 | 4–5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 2 | 4 | 2–4 | 2–4 | 4 |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | ||||||||
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||||||
| Alarm System | ||||||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||||||
| Blindspot Sensors with Auto Brake | ||||||||
| Hill Descent Control | ||||||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||||||
| Park Assist | ||||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||||
| Side View Cameras | ||||||||
| Top View Camera | ||||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||||
| HID Headlights | ||||||||
| Heated Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||||
| Power Folding Exterior Mirrors | ||||||||
| Power Retractable Hard Top | ||||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||||
| Bluetooth | ||||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||||
| USB Ports | ||||||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||||
| Folding Rear Seat | ||||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Rear Seats | ||||||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | ||||||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||||||
| Rear Window Shades | ||||||||
| Wood Interior Trim | ||||||||
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest change to the 2013 BMW 3 Series?
The biggest change is the expanded sedan lineup. BMW added the lower-entry 320i and 320i xDrive, along with the gas-electric ActiveHybrid 3.
Is the 2013 BMW 320i new for this year?
Yes. The 320i and all-wheel-drive 320i xDrive joined the U.S. lineup for 2013, both using a 180-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine.
Is the 2013 ActiveHybrid 3 new for this year?
Yes. The ActiveHybrid 3 debuted in the 3 Series lineup for 2013 with a 335-hp system combining a turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine and an electric motor.
Was the 2013 BMW 3 Series fully redesigned?
No. The newer-generation sedan had already arrived for 2012, so 2013 is mainly a lineup-expansion year rather than a full redesign.
Did BMW still sell a 3 Series coupe and convertible for 2013?
Yes. The older-generation 3 Series coupe and convertible remained for 2013, their final U.S. model year before the two-door models moved to the 4 Series name for 2014.