<p>Building Information Modeling (BIM) has been widely investigated as a digital framework for improving coordination, sustainability performance, and lifecycle decision-making in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) sector. However, existing research remains fragmented across application domains and clear distinctions between established outcomes and unresolved challenges particularly for existing buildings, infrastructure projects, and smart construction are often lacking. This systematic review aimed to critically synthesize empirical and review-based evidence on BIM applications, benefits, and barriers, while explicitly identifying persistent research gaps that limit large-scale and long-term adoption. A systematic literature review was conducted following PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in Web of Science, Scopus, ScienceDirect, and IEEE Xplore, yielding 955 records. After title/abstract screening, full-text assessment, and eligibility checks, 14 studies met the inclusion criteria (7 reviews and 7 case studies). Exclusions were primarily due to irrelevance to BIM implementation outcomes, lack of methodological rigor, or non-construction focus. Study quality was appraised using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) tool, and risk of bias was evaluated across five domains. The evidence confirmed that BIM adoption is well established in new construction projects but remains limited in existing and heritage buildings, where challenges vary by data availability, building age, and absence of as-built digital models. Transportation infrastructure applications mainly roads, bridges, and highways demonstrated growing adoption but are constrained by interoperability and the lack of neutral data exchange standards. Sustainability-oriented BIM research is expanding, including the proposed “BIM Green Triangle” framework, yet empirical validation remains scarce. Integration of BIM with smart building technologies and IoT is largely conceptual, with few studies reporting measurable operational outcomes. Across regions, recurring barriers include high implementation costs, limited practical expertise, organizational resistance, weak regulatory mandates, and software incompatibility. Despite these challenges, case studies report substantial performance gains, including reductions in construction time (up to 50%) and costs (up to 52%), as well as improved collaboration and lifecycle management. This study revealed that while the benefits of BIM in enhancing efficiency, coordination, and sustainability are well supported in new construction, its application in existing buildings, infrastructure standardization, and smart operation remains underdeveloped. Future research should move beyond conceptual discussions toward empirical validation, focusing on interoperable standards, BIM–IoT integration, lifecycle assessment coupling, and context-specific adoption strategies. Policymakers and industry stakeholders play a critical role in translating BIM’s proven technical potential into consistent and scalable practice.</p> Graphical abstract <p></p>