Used 2021 BMW 3 Series for Sale nearRaleigh, NC

Compare 2021 BMW 3 Series Trims in Raleigh, NC

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 $19,399
• 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.

Missing data displayed as "—".

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: $26,998 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 143 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 stepping up to a more expensive trim. It's a great value for winter driving.

• Avg. market price: $19,399 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 101 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 the pick for shoppers who want a blend of luxury and efficiency without sacrificing performance. It's a solid choice for eco-conscious drivers.

• Avg. market price: $26,012 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 72 city / 80 hwy
• Inventory: 22 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. It's perfect for driving enthusiasts.

• Avg. market price: $38,250 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 23 city / 32 hwy
• Inventory: 27 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. It's ideal for those who prioritize both speed and control.

• Avg. market price: $26,012 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 22 city / 31 hwy
• Inventory: 40 listings
• View M340i xDrive AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 330i RWD

With 143 active listings, the 330i RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 330i RWD listings

Best Budget Option — 330i xDrive AWD

At $19,399 avg market price — below the lineup median of $26,012 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 330i xDrive AWD listings

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

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

Browse 330e Hybrid Plug-in RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 24, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 BMW 3 Series cost?

Prices have softened 10.59% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,533 listings available, which gives you a solid pool to compare prices and equipment.

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, and luxurious interior, and they also call out the fuel economy and trunk space. In use-case terms, that makes this a strong fit if you want a luxury sedan that still feels engaging and practical for everyday driving.

The main trade-offs are that the car is described as more comfort- and convenience-focused than earlier BMW 3 Series models, and advanced safety features are not standard. Even so, the market still shows 33.1% good or great deals, which suggests there are worthwhile opportunities if you shop carefully.

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 repeated praise for its dependable handling, powerful performance, and overall satisfaction. The review summary also highlights the car’s fuel economy and trunk space, which suggests it works well as a long-term daily driver rather than just a weekend toy.

BMW’s test-drive notes reinforce that impression by describing the car as solid and well-built, with a chassis that feels composed on the highway and confident on twisty roads. The 330e plug-in hybrid also adds an efficiency-minded option, and BMW includes four years of roadside assistance with the standard warranty.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that the car’s premium features and options can make maintenance and repairs more expensive if prior care was inconsistent.

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

At 73.5% 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’re considering a car with optional driver-assistance or infotainment equipment. Pay close attention to condition, because the 3 Series can vary a lot depending on trim and options, and some of the most desirable features were not standard.

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 cabin 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 combines that engine with 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 both 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.
• 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 most affordable path into the lineup and the best-value choice for most shoppers. You get the core 3 Series experience, strong fuel economy, and the standard tech setup, but you’ll want to budget for options if you care about the richer cabin or more advanced driver assistance.
• 330e: This is the pick if you want plug-in hybrid efficiency and can plug in regularly. It adds electric driving capability and strong MPGe figures, but it only gets CarPlay rather than both smartphone platforms, and its hybrid power delivery can feel less polished under hard acceleration.
• M340i: This is the performance choice, with the turbo inline-six and the quickest acceleration in the lineup. It suits you best if you want the most power and don’t mind paying more for it.

For safety equipment, remember that advanced driver-assistance features are not standard, so you should look closely at whether a given car has the package you want.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you have room to shop selectively without waiting forever for a deal.

• Deal availability: 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,533 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.59% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $25,375, 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 $25,430 sits slightly below last year's $28,443.

That decline suggests the market has already adjusted downward, which can help you buy at a more favorable entry point today. For a future seller, it also means you should expect resale value to depend heavily on condition, mileage, and equipment rather than on broad market appreciation.

Well-equipped cars with desirable options should hold up better than stripped examples, especially if they have clean history and strong maintenance records. The 3 Series still has broad appeal because it combines luxury, performance, and efficiency in a familiar package.

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. 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 important caveat is that advanced safety features are not standard, and the optional Active Driving Assistant Professional system 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:

• 33.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.59% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• BMW adds the 330e plug-in hybrid to the lineup this year.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $24,093, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,430 average.
• It emphasizes driving enjoyment and daily comfort.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,402, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,430 average.
• Every 3 Series gets Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation with navigation.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, satisfaction, and available inventory, the 2021 is the smart default. If you’re especially price-sensitive, the 2020 is the cheaper route into the same general formula, while the 2022 makes sense if you want the newer standard tech setup and don’t mind paying more.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 22, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.