Used 2021 BMW 3 Series for Sale nearColumbia, SC

Compare 2021 BMW 3 Series Trims in Columbia, SC

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 $21,425
• 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 well-rounded luxury sedan without paying for higher trims. It's the most popular choice in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $21,425 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 167 listings — widest selection in the lineup
• View 330i RWD listings

330i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The 330i xDrive AWD is the pick for shoppers who want sporty handling and all-weather capability without stepping up to a performance model.

• Avg. market price: $25,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 89 listings
• View 330i xDrive AWD listings

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

The 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a blend of luxury and efficiency without sacrificing performance.

• Avg. market price: $23,999 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 72 city / 80 hwy
• Inventory: 26 listings
• View 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

M340i RWD — "Who It's For"

The M340i RWD is the pick for shoppers who want a performance-oriented sedan with a powerful engine and luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $22,855 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 32 listings
• View M340i RWD listings

M340i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The M340i xDrive AWD is the pick for shoppers who want high performance and all-weather capability in a luxury sedan.

• Avg. market price: $22,855 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 27 listings
• View M340i xDrive AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 330i RWD

With 167 active listings, the 330i RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 330i RWD listings

Best Budget Option — 330i RWD

At $21,425 avg market price — below the lineup median of $22,855 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 330i RWD listings

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

With an impressive MPG/MPGe of 72 city / 80 hwy, the 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD excels in fuel efficiency.

Browse 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 8, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 BMW 3 Series cost?

Prices have softened 11.64% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,478 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 from owners and a 6.83/10 from experts. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the exceptional handling, powerful performance, luxurious interior, and safety features. Many also like the fuel economy and trunk space, which broadens its appeal beyond just driving enthusiasts.

The trade-offs are that the audio system and mechanical noises drew some criticism, and the expert review notes that the car is competent but not especially exciting in this generation. In practical terms, that means you’re looking at a polished luxury sedan that fits well if you want a comfortable, tech-forward daily driver with sporty roots.

The model’s current shape leans more toward comfort and convenience than earlier 3 Series generations, and that makes it a better fit if you want a premium sedan that’s easy to live with. With 38.1% of listings marked as good or great deals, there’s still room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW 3 Series reliable?

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

The owner feedback points to a car that feels dependable and trouble-free enough to inspire strong loyalty, with praise centered on the car’s solid engineering and the confidence it gives drivers over time. That kind of feedback matters because it suggests the 3 Series is the sort of sedan owners feel they can count on.

The expert review also emphasizes the car’s solid engineering and the chassis’ feeling of solidity, which supports the impression of long-term durability. BMW’s four-year/50,000-mile warranty and four years of roadside assistance also help early ownership.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that luxury-car upkeep can become expensive if the car has been poorly maintained or heavily optioned.

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

At 73.4% 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 the car has been in a collision or has a long option list. Pay close attention to how the powertrain feels under throttle, since the hybrid setup can feel clunky in some situations. It’s also worth checking that the cabin electronics, driver-assistance features, and interior materials all work and wear as expected.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The standard Sport Line trim comes with 18-inch wheels, while the optional M Sport package adds M 19-inch wheels and blue-painted brake calipers. The cabin uses synthetic Sensatec as standard, and leather upholstery is optional, so base cars can feel less upscale than you might 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 combines a less-powerful version of that engine with electric assist for 288 hp and 310 lb-ft, plus limited all-electric range. The M340i uses a turbo inline-six with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft.
• Safety package: 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. A lower-level Driving Assistant Package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert.
• 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 RWD and 28 mpg combined with AWD. The M340i is rated at 26 mpg combined with RWD and 25 mpg combined with AWD. The 330e is rated at 75 MPGe with RWD and 67 MPGe with AWD in electric mode, with 28 mpg combined and 25 mpg combined in hybrid 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 choice if you want the core 3 Series experience at the lowest entry price. It delivers the standard turbocharged four-cylinder, strong fuel economy, and the full rear-wheel-drive or xDrive setup without stepping into the pricier performance or plug-in hybrid territory.
• 330e: Choose this if you want the plug-in hybrid’s electric range and efficiency benefits, along with the extra torque from the hybrid system. It makes the most sense if you can plug in regularly and want a more efficiency-focused luxury sedan.
• M340i: Pick this if you want the strongest performance in the lineup, with the turbo inline-six and the quickest acceleration. It’s the right choice if driving enjoyment matters more than value or efficiency.

The safety package is not standard, so if advanced driver assistance matters to you, look for a car equipped with the Driving Assistant Professional Package.

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

This looks like a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively and still find worthwhile options.

• Deal availability: 38.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,478 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.64% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.4% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,169, 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 $25,169 sits slightly below last year's $28,485.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you as a buyer today but may limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you buy at the right price and keep the car in strong condition, you’ll be better positioned to preserve value.

The 3 Series still has brand appeal, and its strong owner satisfaction helps support demand in the used market. Well-equipped examples with clean histories should remain easier to move than neglected cars with accident records.

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.

BMW’s standard driver-assistance features include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. The Driving Assistant Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated lane centering, stop-and-go functionality, Extended Traffic Jam Assistant, and Active Side Collision Avoidance. A lower-level Driving Assistant Package adds blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert, and a parking-assist package with a 360-degree camera system and automated parking aid is also available.

A key caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you may need to shop carefully if you want a more complete driver-assistance setup.

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:

• 38.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 11.64% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the 330e plug-in hybrid to the lineup.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,778, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,169 average.
• It emphasizes driving enjoyment and comfort.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,502, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,169 average.
• Every 3 Series gets digital instrumentation with navigation.

The bottom line: The 2021 is the best all-around pick if you want the newest version at a softened price, especially because it adds the plug-in hybrid option. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2020 is the better value play, while the 2022 makes sense only if you want the newer equipment and don’t mind paying more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from October 6, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.