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Used 2021 BMW M3 Sedan Trims Comparison

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:

M3 Coupe
Comes loaded with:

  • 18-inch front and 19-inch rear wheels with performance tires
  • Adjustable drive modes
  • M Sport rear differential for improved traction
  • Adaptive suspension dampers (adjust to improve ride comfort and handling)
  • LED headlights
  • Keyless entry with push-button start
  • Leather upholstery
  • Power-adjustable, heated front sport seats
  • Automatic climate control
  • Harman Kardon audio system
  • Navigation system
  • Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone integration with wireless connectivity
  • Parking sensors

The M3 also comes with:

  • Forward collision warning with pedestrian detection (alerts you of a possible collision with the car in front)
  • Automatic emergency braking (warns if a front impact is imminent and applies the brakes if you don't respond in time)
  • Lane departure warning (alerts you if the vehicle begins to drift out of its lane)
  • Blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is in your blind spot during a lane change or while in reverse)

A handful of options are available on the M3. Notable picks include:

  • Executive package
    • Head-up display (displays important information in your sight line onto the windshield)
    • Adaptive LED headlights (swivel as you turn the steering wheel for better illumination in curves)
    • Wireless charging pad
    • Wi-Fi hotspot
    • Heated steering wheel
    • Power trunklid
  • Sunroof (removes lightweight carbon-fiber roof)
  • Ventilated front seats
  • Carbon-fiber bucket front seats
  • Carbon-ceramic brakes
  • M Drive Professional package (includes Track mode as well as other performance displays and settings)

Competition
Standard features on the M3 Competition mirror those on the standard car. Besides a bump in power, the M3 Competition includes:

  • 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheels with performance tires
  • Gloss black exterior trim including spoiler and exhaust tips
  • Different seat belts

Additionally, the M3 Competition is available with one extra package:

  • Driving Assistance Professional package
    • Adaptive cruise control (adjusts speed to maintain a constant distance between the vehicle and the car in front)
    • Lane keeping assist (steers the M3 back into its lane if it begins to drift over the lane marker)
    • Front and rear cross-traffic alert (warns you if a vehicle is about to cross your vehicle's path)

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.

Compare trims side-by-side

Comparing average pricing near
Enterprise, AL
Vehicle
M3 Base
M3 Competition
Vehicle
Base
3.0L 6cyl Turbo 6M
See all M3 Base for sale
Competition
3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A
See all M3 Competition for sale
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Section Title

Features

Features

Bluetooth
standard
standard
Navigation
standard
standard
Satellite radio
standard
standard
Keyless Ignition
standard
standard
Cruise control
standard
standard
Adaptive cruise control
Not Available
optional
Parking assistance
standard
standard
Upholstery
premium leather
premium leather
Heated seats
standard
standard
Cooled/Ventilated seats
optional
optional
Folding rear seats
standard
standard
Sunroof
optional
optional
Section Title

Specifications

Specifications

Drivetrain
rear wheel drive
rear wheel drive
Engine power
473 hp @ 6,250 rpm
503 hp @ 6,250 rpm
Engine torque
406 lb-ft @ 2,650 rpm
479 lb-ft @ 2,750 rpm
Engine displacement
3.0 l
3.0 l
Engine configuration
inline 6
inline 6
Transmission
6-speed manual
8-speed automatic
Tire size
275/40R18 (FRONT) 285/35R19 (REAR)
275/35R19 (FRONT) 285/30R20 (REAR)
Wheel size
18 X 9.5-in (Front) 19 X 10.5-in (Rear)
19 X 9.5-in (Front) 20 X 10.5-in (Rear)
Wheel type
painted alloy wheels
painted alloy wheels
Run flat tires
Not available
Not available
Section Title

Fuel economy

Fuel economy

City/Hwy/Combined MPG
16 / 23 / 19 MPG
16 / 23 / 19 MPG
City/Hwy/Combined MPGe
Not applicable
Not applicable
Fuel Capacity
15.6 gal.
15.6 gal.
Driving Range (city/hwy)
250 / 359 miles
250 / 359 miles
Fuel Type
premium unleaded (required)
premium unleaded (required)
Section Title

Dimensions

Dimensions

Turning circle
40.0 ft.
40.0 ft.
Curb weight
3,840 lb.
3,890 lb.
Ground Clearance
4.7 in.
4.7 in.
Overall Width with Mirrors
81.4 in.
81.4 in.
Overall Width without Mirrors
74.3 in.
74.3 in.
Height
56.4 in.
56.4 in.
Length
189.1 in.
189.1 in.
Wheelbase
112.5 in.
112.5 in.
Seating Capacity
Cargo Space
13.0 cu. ft.
13.0 cu. ft.
Front Head Room
40.6 in.
40.6 in.
Front Leg Room
41.6 in.
41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room
56.0 in.
56.0 in.
Rear Head Room
37.8 in.
37.8 in.
Rear Leg Room
35.6 in.
35.6 in.
Rear Shoulder Room
54.6 in.
54.6 in.
Section Title

5-Year Ownership Costs

5-Year Ownership Costs

True Cost to Own®
$82,667
$84,392
Average Cost Per Mile
$1.1
$1.13
Depreciation
$20,719
$22,439
Financing
$9,695
$10,294
Taxes & Fees
$3,452
$3,657
Fuel
$15,499
$15,499
Insurance
$8,818
$8,818
Maintenance
$16,223
$15,424
Repairs
$8,261
$8,261
Section Title

Colors

Colors

Interior
Black Full Merino, premium leather
Kyalami Orange/Black Full Merino, premium leather
Silverstone/Black Full Merino, premium leather
Kyalami Orange/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Yas Marina Blue/Black Extended Merino w/Yellow Accent, premium leather
Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Yas Marina Blue/Black Full Merino w/Yellow Accent, premium leather
Silverstone/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Black Full Merino, premium leather
Kyalami Orange/Black Full Merino, premium leather
Silverstone/Black Full Merino, premium leather
Kyalami Orange/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Yas Marina Blue/Black Extended Merino w/Yellow Accent, premium leather
Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Yas Marina Blue/Black Full Merino w/Yellow Accent, premium leather
Silverstone/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
Exterior
Toronto Red Metallic
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic
Black Sapphire Metallic
(Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Portimao Blue Metallic
Oxide Grey Metallic
Alpine White
Frozen Brilliant White Metallic
Brooklyn Grey Metallic
Isle of Man Green Metallic
Sao Paulo Yellow
Toronto Red Metallic
Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic
Black Sapphire Metallic
(Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
Portimao Blue Metallic
Oxide Grey Metallic
Alpine White
Frozen Brilliant White Metallic
Brooklyn Grey Metallic
Isle of Man Green Metallic
Sao Paulo Yellow