Used 2021 BMW 3 Series for Sale nearChicago, IL

Compare 2021 BMW 3 Series Trims in Chicago, IL

The 2021 BMW 3 Series offers a range of trims from budget-friendly options to performance-oriented models, catering to various driving preferences.

• Starting at $20,979
• Best MPG/MPGe: 72 city / 80 hwy
• Most Popular: 330i RWD

Trim Overview

Prices updated weekly from CarGurus listings.

Quick Compare Table

Listing prices sourced from CarGurus — updated weekly. OEM specs from manufacturer data.

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Trim Deep Dives

330i RWD — "Who It's For"

The 330i RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a luxury sedan experience without breaking the bank. It's also the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $20,979 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 109 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View 330i RWD listings

330i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The 330i xDrive AWD is ideal for those who want all-wheel drive without a significant price increase. It balances performance and practicality well.

• Avg. market price: $26,422 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 104 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View 330i xDrive AWD listings

330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD — "Who It's For"

The 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD is perfect for eco-conscious buyers seeking a blend of luxury and efficiency. It offers impressive fuel economy.

• Avg. market price: $29,640 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 72 city / 80 hwy
• Inventory: 19 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

330e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD — "Who It's For"

The 330e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD is for those who want hybrid efficiency with the added benefit of all-wheel drive. It's a versatile choice.

• Avg. market price: $29,444 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 64 city / 71 hwy
• Inventory: 7 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 330e xDrive Hybrid Plug-in AWD listings

M340i RWD — "Who It's For"

The M340i RWD is the choice for performance enthusiasts who want a powerful engine without the full M price tag. It delivers a thrilling drive.

• Avg. market price: $37,376 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 28 listings
• View M340i RWD listings

M340i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The M340i xDrive AWD is for drivers seeking a high-performance sedan with all-weather capability. It combines power and traction effectively.

• Avg. market price: $49,801 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 40 listings
• View M340i xDrive AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 330i RWD

With 109 active listings, the 330i RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 330i RWD listings

Best Budget Option — 330i RWD

At $20,979 avg market price — below the lineup median of $29,542 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 330i RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD

The 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD offers exceptional fuel efficiency with 72/80 MPG/MPGe.

Browse 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 12, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 BMW 3 Series cost?

Prices have softened 9.95% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,530 listings available, which gives you a solid amount of inventory to compare.

Is the 2021 BMW 3 Series a good car?

Yes — the 2021 BMW 3 Series earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.83/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the exceptional handling, powerful performance, luxurious interior, fuel economy, and trunk space. That lines up with the overview’s focus on a sporty luxury sedan that still balances comfort and convenience, even if it is less dramatic than earlier versions.

The main trade-offs are that advanced safety features are not standard, and the expert notes describe the car as competent but unremarkable rather than especially engaging. Even so, the model’s broad appeal and strong owner satisfaction make it a compelling used choice, especially if you want a polished luxury sedan with multiple powertrain options.

Only 33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals, so the market rewards careful shopping.

Is the 2021 BMW 3 Series reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

User feedback points to a car that owners feel good about living with over time, with praise for its dependable performance, luxurious interior, and the kind of ownership experience they can count on. The expert test-drive notes also emphasize the sedan’s solid, well-built feel and its ability to stay composed on long trips.

BMW’s warranty coverage includes four years or 50,000 miles, with four years of roadside assistance, which helps early ownership. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that luxury-car upkeep can become expensive if the car was poorly maintained or heavily optioned.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 BMW 3 Series?

At 74.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if you are considering a higher-mileage or heavily optioned car. Pay close attention to bodywork quality, warning lights, tire wear, brake condition, and any signs that the car’s advanced electronics or driver-assist systems were repaired after a collision.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The standard Sport Line trim package comes with 18-inch wheels, while the optional M Sport trim package adds M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers. The interior uses synthetic Sensatec as standard, and leather upholstery is optional, so base cars may feel less upscale than you expect.
• Powertrain: The 330i uses a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with 255 horsepower and 295 pound-feet of torque. The 330e plug-in hybrid adds electric assist for 288 hp and 310 lb-ft, while the M340i uses a turbo inline-six with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft. All versions use an eight-speed automatic, and rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive are available.
• Safety package: Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning are standard. The Driving Assistant Package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated lane centering, stop-and-go capability, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, and Active Side Collision Avoidance. Advanced safety features are not standard.
• Infotainment: The standard system includes an 8.8-inch touchscreen, Bluetooth, and two USB ports. Gasoline models get Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while the 330e only gets CarPlay. Live Cockpit Professional adds a digital instrument cluster and navigation, and a head-up display is available.
• Fuel efficiency: The 330i is rated at 30 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 28 mpg combined with xDrive. The M340i is rated at 26 mpg combined with rear-wheel drive and 25 mpg combined with xDrive. The 330e plug-in hybrid is rated for 23 miles of electric range with rear-wheel drive or 20 miles with xDrive, plus 75 MPGe or 67 MPGe in electric mode.

Which 2021 BMW 3 Series trim should I buy?

The 2021 BMW 3 Series is offered in 3 trim levels: 330i, 330e, M340i.

Here's the short version:

• 330i: This is the best-value trim if you want the core 3 Series experience at the lowest entry price. It gives you the standard turbocharged four-cylinder, the full base infotainment setup, and the same chassis balance that defines the model.
• 330e: Choose this if you want the plug-in hybrid option and the efficiency-minded setup highlighted in the overview. It suits you best if you can plug in regularly and want a more fuel-conscious luxury sedan.
• M340i: This is the performance-focused choice, with the turbo inline-six and the quickest acceleration in the lineup. It makes sense if you want the strongest powertrain and are willing to pay more for it.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so you should pay close attention to whether a given car has the driver-assistance packages you want.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 BMW 3 Series?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you have room to shop carefully without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,530 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.95% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 74.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,396, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 BMW 3 Series's resale value?

The current average of $25,396 sits slightly below last year's $28,201.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy more confidently now. For a future seller, it also means resale value may depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than just the badge alone.

Because the model still has strong owner satisfaction and broad appeal, well-kept examples should remain easier to move than neglected ones. Cars with desirable options and clean history will likely hold up better than stripped or accident-affected listings.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 BMW 3 Series safe?

The 2021 BMW 3 Series got a “Top Safety Pick” award from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), with top “Good” scores in all crash tests.

It earns a 7/10 safety score from our experts.

The standard driver-assistance set includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. If you want more, the Driving Assistant Package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, while the Driving Assistant Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated lane centering, stop-and-go capability, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, and Active Side Collision Avoidance.

One caveat is that headlight scores were mixed, and the optional driver-assist system scored lower than the base system in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention. That makes equipment verification especially important if safety tech matters to you.

Should I buy a 2021 BMW 3 Series or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 33.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 74.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.95% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the 330e plug-in hybrid to the lineup, broadening the range with an efficiency-minded option.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,931, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,396 average.
• It emphasizes driving enjoyment and performance more strongly than comfort.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,536, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,396 average.
• It standardizes Live Cockpit Professional with navigation across the lineup.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, strong owner satisfaction, and a broad trim range, the 2021 is the primary year to target. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value play, while the 2022 makes sense if you want to pay more for a slightly more modern standard equipment set.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 11, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.