2021 BMW M3 Review
Price Range: $61,998 - $69,000
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Price & Payment
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Average price: $68,672
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Price
Pros
- Explosive acceleration
- Athletic handling, with lots of available driver-set adjustments
- Respectably sized back seat and trunk
Cons
- Mediocre steering feel saps some fun from the driving experience
- Excessive wind noise
- Front-end styling is hard to love
What's new
- Redesigned for 2021
- Revised turbo six-cylinder engine makes up to 503 horsepower
- Enhanced traction control system
- Based on the seventh 3 Series generation introduced for 2019
Overview
The BMW M3 has always been a hero car. It began with the original 1986 M3 that BMW built to satisfy the production-car homologation rules of a German race car series. Enthusiast buyers loved it, and have ever since. Flash-forward some 35 years and we've arrived at the redesigned 2021 BMW M3. Based on the latest 3 Series sedan that came out for 2019, this new M3 fits the more recent M3 theme: It's a practical daily driver with plenty of performance capability to support recreational track use.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
13 listings
- $62,995great price$6,558 below market
- 45,302 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use
- 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG
- Route 1 Hyundai (183 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Monmouth Junction, NJ
Elevate your driving experience with this exceptional 2021 BMW M3 Competition. Boasting a powerful 3.0L I6 Turbocharged engine delivering an exhilarat...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBS33AY01MFL17070
Stock: HPL17070
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-02-2026 - $69,000fair price$55 above market
- 13,642 miles
- No accidents, 2 owners, personal use only
- 16 City / 23 Hwy MPG, Manual
- Koons Tysons Chevy GMC (16 mi away)
- Back-up camera
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Keyless Entry/Start
Close
Located in Vienna, VA
**** FINANCING AVAILABLE **** FROZEN PORTIMAO BLUE **** EXECUTIVE PACKAGE **** BLACK EXTENDED MERINO LEATHER **** 19/20" M DUAL-SPOKE BICOLOR 82 WHEEL...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
19 Combined MPG (16 City/23 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WBS53AY00MFL60789
Stock: KTGP210690
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 02-18-2026
Powering the standard M3 is a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. This new engine is similar to the previous M3's engine but has been given a thorough overhaul. It produces 473 horsepower, which is a bump of 48 hp over the previous model. Stepping up to the M3 Competition increases output to 503 hp. BMW puts the 0-60 mph time for the standard M3 at 4.1 seconds — likely a few ticks slower if you opt for the manual — and 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds for the Competition.
Put your foot in it and the M3 becomes ridiculously rapid. Big speeds just ambush you. Any significant right-ankle extension has you riding ahead on a colossal wave of torque. There's heroic grip when going around turns too. Unfortunately, the steering doesn't provide as much feel for the road as we'd expect from a performance car like this.
And yet this new M3 is a major upgrade over the old one. It's outrageously fast, yet it also inspires confidence when approaching its limits and gives you plenty of sedan-based practicality. But competition is tight in this class. The Audi RS 5 Sportback and Mercedes-AMG C 63 are similarly capable, and Cadillac is back in the small performance sedan business with its CT4-V Blackwing. The M3 easily holds its own here, but you should also take a few test drives to see which high-performance four-door suits you best.
2021 BMW M3 trim level differences
The 2021 BMW M3 is available in two trim levels: the base M3 and the M3 Competition. Both use a new twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder. It produces 473 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque in the standard model and 503 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque in the M3 Competition. Currently, all M3s are rear-wheel-drive. Starting in 2022, BMW will offer all-wheel drive for the first time in the M3. A six-speed manual transmission is standard in the sedan. An eight-speed automatic is optional on the standard model and the only available transmission on the Competition. Feature highlights include: Compare the 2021 BMW M3 trim levels in-depth.
Which M3 trim does Edmunds recommend?
If you still prefer your cars with manual transmissions, the base M3 is the only way to go. For everyone else, we suggest opting for the M3 Competition. It's only available with an automatic transmission, but it gets a bump in power and a wider array of options than the standard car for a relatively small jump in price. Either way, we suggest opting for the M3's Executive package.

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Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$241/mo for M3 Base
M3 Base
vs
$153/mo
Avg. Midsize Car
Reliability
The 2021 BMW M3 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 3 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 2.5 out of 5, ranks it #57 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
2.5 out of 5 stars2.5/5Average
#57 out of 68 among Luxury Midsize Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$824/yr
vs. $607/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Frequency
1.87x/yr
vs. 1.36x/yr
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
Severity
22.4%
vs. 10.5%
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
for Average Luxury Midsize Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
3 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 21V554000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 21537
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
- Defect Consequence:
- During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).
- Recall Number:
- 21V298000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 12
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M3, and 330e xDrive vehicles. The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.
- Defect Consequence:
- An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckle assembly connection and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin June 21, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
- Recall Number:
- 21V062000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 893
- Defect Description:
- BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.
- Defect Consequence:
- A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
- Corrective Action:
- BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 5, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 12 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
BMW M3 Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(100%)
4(0%)
3(0%)
2(0%)
1(0%)
Most Helpful Owner Review
Trending topics
Let your right foot be your guide
5 out of 5 starsJason Proos, 05/02/2021
2021 BMW M3 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M)
See it in person before concluding you don’t like the front end.
The S58 engine is incredible. An all-time great according to a major car magazine.
2021 BMW M3 video
2021 BMW M3 Review | Driving the M3 Competition Luxury Sport Sedan | Price, HP, Interior & More
In this video, Carlos Lago brings you a full review of the new 2021 BMW M3 Competition. The BMW M3 has long been seen as an icon in the automotive industry for its engaging driving dynamics across generations. And now BMW has redesigned and brought back its popular luxury sport sedan for 2021.
2021 M3 Features & Specs
Base
| Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $69,900 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $241/month |
| Seating | 5 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.0 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | rear wheel drive |
| Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Our experts like the M3 models:
- Active Driving Assistant
- Bundles a number of driver assistance features, including a blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert.
- Parking Assistant Plus
- Steers the vehicle into a parallel or perpendicular parking spot with minimal driver interaction.
- Extended Traffic Jam Assistant
- Drives and steers the vehicle at low speeds while on the highway to reduce the tedium of driving in traffic.
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