Used 2021 BMW 3 Series for Sale near Iowa

Compare 2021 BMW 3 Series Trims

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 $23,081
• 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 the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $23,081 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 1,737 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 all-wheel drive capability without a significant price increase.

• Avg. market price: $25,328 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 839 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 excellent fuel efficiency without sacrificing luxury features.

• Avg. market price: $23,283 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 72 city / 80 hwy
• Inventory: 181 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 the pick for shoppers who want a sporty hybrid with all-wheel drive for better handling.

• Avg. market price: $25,812 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 64 city / 71 hwy
• Inventory: 42 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 pick for shoppers who want a powerful performance sedan without going for the top-tier model.

• Avg. market price: $35,584 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 201 listings
• View M340i RWD listings

M340i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The M340i xDrive AWD is the pick for shoppers who want a high-performance sedan with all-wheel drive for enhanced traction.

• Avg. market price: $42,829 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 178 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View M340i xDrive AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 330i RWD

With 1,737 active listings, the 330i RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 330i RWD listings

Best Budget Option — 330i RWD

At $23,081 avg market price — below the lineup median of $25,570 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 330i RWD listings

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

With an impressive 72/80 MPG/MPGe, the 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD is the most fuel-efficient option.

Browse 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 2, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 BMW 3 Series cost?

Prices have softened 9.83% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,539 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare trims and equipment.

If you find a listing below $25,495.36, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

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, and safety features. They also frequently mention fuel economy and trunk space, which makes the car feel well-rounded for daily use.

The main trade-offs are that the audio system drew some criticism and mechanical noises bothered a few owners. BMW’s own summary also frames this generation as more comfort- and convenience-focused than earlier versions, so you should expect a more polished sedan than a raw sports sedan.

For you, that means the 3 Series makes the most sense if you want a luxury sedan that blends everyday usability with strong driving character. It also has 34.0% good or great deals in the market, which helps the value case.

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, with praise for its long-term appeal, strong performance, and safety features. That kind of feedback suggests you can count on it to deliver the ownership experience buyers expect from a premium sedan.

BMW’s test-drive notes also emphasize solid engineering and a chassis that feels composed and confidence-inspiring, which supports the impression of durability. The plug-in hybrid version adds complexity, so used buyers should pay close attention to charging habits, service records, and how the car has been maintained over time.

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

At 74.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was repaired properly. Then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has higher mileage, unusual tire wear, or signs of uneven panel gaps. Focus on condition and equipment level, because the 3 Series can vary a lot depending on how it was optioned.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The standard Sport Line trim package comes with 18-inch wheels, while the optional M Sport 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, with rear-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive available.
• Safety package: Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning are standard. 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, while the M340i is rated at 26 mpg combined. The 330e plug-in hybrid is rated at 75 MPGe in electric mode with rear-wheel drive and 67 MPGe with xDrive, plus 23 miles of electric range with RWD or 20 miles with AWD.

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 gives you the 2.0-liter turbo four, strong fuel economy, and the standard infotainment setup, while still leaving room to add the options that matter most to you.
• 330e: Choose this if you want plug-in hybrid efficiency and the ability to drive on electric power for short trips. It adds 288 hp and 310 lb-ft, but you should only buy it if you can plug in regularly.
• M340i: Pick this if you want the quickest and most powerful version, with the turbo inline-six and the most performance-focused character in the lineup.

The standard safety setup is limited, so if driver assistance matters to you, look closely at the available packages before you buy.

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: 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,539 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.83% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 74.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,495.36, 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 $25,482 sits slightly below last year's $28,259.

That price movement suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable point in the cycle. If you plan to sell later, the current softness means your future resale will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment.

Well-kept examples with desirable options should hold up better than stripped or heavily used cars. Strong owner satisfaction also helps support demand when it is time to resell.

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 driver-assistance setup is split between standard equipment and optional packages. Standard 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 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, and a parking-assist package with a 360-degree camera system and automated parking aid is also available.

One caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, so you need to check the equipment list carefully if those systems matter to you. The optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system also scored lower than the base system in vehicle-to-pedestrian front-crash prevention.

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:

• 34.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 74.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.83% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• BMW says the 2021 adds the 330e plug-in hybrid to the lineup.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,961, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,482 average.
• It emphasizes engaging driving with comfort and a powerful engine.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,422, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,482 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 of these three at a softer price than the 2022. If you are especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the value alternative, while the 2022 makes sense only if you want the newer equipment and do not mind paying more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.