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2021 BMW

M3

Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo

BMW M3: best and worst years
2021 BMW M3 (photo 1 of 3)

Photo may show a different model year; you're viewing the 2021.

PhotoAlexander-93CC BY-SA 4.0Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Body
Compact CarsEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel DriveEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Transmission
Manual 6-spdEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Powertrain
GasEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel
PremiumEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Engine & performance

Cyl
6EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Aspiration
TurbochargedEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Start-stop system
YesEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Efficiency

MPG Hwy
23 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG City
16 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
MPG Comb
19 mpgEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Fuel $/yr
$4,050EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
CO₂
472 g/miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Eco Score
3/10EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Smog score
5/10
Elec. Range
0 miEPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
SmartWay certified
No

Dimensions & capacity

Length
185 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Width
72 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Height
57 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Wheelbase
112 inNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Curb Weight
3,759 lbNHTSA vPIC, from NHTSA vPIC, last updated 6/4/2026
Pass. Vol
95 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026
Cargo Vol
13 ft³EPA, from EPA, last updated 6/22/2026

Safety NHTSA, model year

Recalls
3
Owner complaints
3

Reported problems NHTSA owner complaints, model year

  • AIR BAGS20%
  • SEAT BELTS20%
  • STEERING20%
  • SUSPENSION20%
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER20%

Source: NHTSA owner complaints, 5 total.

BMW M3: best and worst years

Known issues manufacturer service bulletins, model year

52 service bulletins filed with NHTSA for this model year

  • Jan 8, 2026STRUCTURE:BODYB410725

    While driving on a smooth and/or unevenroad, a “cracking” sound is heard from therear wheel arch area (highlighted in orange) on either the right or left side.

  • Jan 11, 2024ELECTRICAL SYSTEMB611305

    The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few years. This has led to increased demands being placed on the battery. This document covers important information for the dealer on how to handle “discharged battery” complaints.

  • Jan 9, 2024SUSPENSIONB310124

    With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking and orclicking type noise when turning the steering wheel left/right. See attached video V31 01 24. The sound can reoccur when the vehicle is lowered, and the wheels are once again under load. The noise might also be heard for a short time while driving.

  • Jan 5, 2024FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINEB160123

    A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system(NVLD natural vacuum leak detection). For this condition, the following fault is stored in the DME: 190302 - fuel tank ventilation and scavenging air system, micro-leak: leakage more than 0.5mm For: Model vehicles other that the ones listed above, or for EVAP faults related to a “large leak,” after confirming that the fuel filler cap is fitted properly, then, proceed

  • Oct 13, 2023SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULICB340714

    Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop. CAUSE Material-

  • Jun 1, 2023EXTERIOR LIGHTINGB630821

    Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed. The following fault codes are stored during a vehicle test: 80419A - Left high-beam headlight: Short circuit and/or 8041A5 - light outputs: Number of permitted short circuit cycles exceeded

  • Jun 1, 2023EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTSB630321

    Condensation is present on the inner surfaces in one or both taillights (circled).

  • Jun 1, 2023EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUALB120323

    BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023 - 2024 BMW vehicles that were produced between October 26, 2022 and May 8, 2023.

  • and 44 more

Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).

Warranty manufacturer terms, by make

Basic
4 yr / 50k mi
Powertrain
4 yr / 50k mi
Roadside assistance
4 yr
Maintenance
3 yr / 36k mi
EV battery
8 yr / 100k mi

Information is gathered on a best-effort basis from public sources, may be incomplete or out of date, and is not purchasing or financial advice. Verify with the manufacturer or dealer before buying.