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 blend of performance and luxury, with options ranging from budget-friendly to all-weather capability.

• Starting at $18,750
• Best MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 36 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 paying for all-wheel drive. It's the most popular trim in the lineup.

• Avg. market price: $18,750 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 26 city / 36 hwy
• Inventory: 18 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 330i RWD listings

330i xDrive AWD — "Who It's For"

The 330i xDrive AWD is the pick for shoppers who want all-weather capability without stepping up to a higher trim. It's ideal for those needing extra traction.

• Avg. market price: $21,832 (updated weekly)
• MPG/MPGe: 25 city / 34 hwy
• Inventory: 8 listings — lower availability; may limit negotiating room
• View 330i xDrive AWD listings

Trim Recommendations

Most Popular — 330i RWD

With 18 active listings, the 330i RWD is the clear volume leader in the lineup.

Browse 330i RWD listings

Best Budget Option — 330i RWD

At $18,750 avg market price — below the lineup median of $20,291 — it's the most accessible entry point.

Browse 330i RWD listings

Best for Fuel Economy — 330i RWD

The 330i RWD leads the lineup with 26/36 MPG/MPGe, making it the most fuel-efficient option.

Browse 330i RWD listings

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 5, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.

How much does the 2021 BMW 3 Series cost?

Prices have softened 9.86% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 1,444 listings available, which suggests you have 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 6.8/10 expert rating. The standout strength is Technology at 9/10.

Owners consistently praise the handling, powerful performance, luxurious interior, and safety features. Fuel economy and trunk space also come up as positives, which helps this sedan fit both daily commuting and longer trips.

The trade-offs are that advanced safety features are not standard, and some drivers found the audio system and mechanical noises disappointing. In practical terms, this is a premium daily driver that leans into comfort and tech more than pure sportiness.

The model’s current-generation setup and broad appeal make it a strong fit if you want a luxury sedan with modern features and a familiar BMW driving feel. Good and great deals account for 34.8% of listings, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW 3 Series reliable?

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

Owners describe the car as reliable, dependable, and trouble-free, with several comments pointing to confidence in long-term ownership. The expert test-drive notes also emphasize the car’s solid engineering and the sense of durability that comes through in everyday driving.

BMW includes four years of free roadside assistance, which adds a little ownership reassurance. For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that premium-car upkeep and optional equipment can make repairs and maintenance more expensive if the car has been neglected.

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

At 69.5% 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 the car has had prior bodywork or multiple owners. Pay close attention to how the transmission, infotainment, and driver-assist features operate, since premium features can be costly to sort out later.

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 can feel less upscale than you might expect.
• Powertrain: The base 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 steps up to a turbo inline-six with 382 hp and 369 lb-ft.
• Safety package: Forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning are standard. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keep assist, automated lane centering, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and parking-assist features are available through packages, so base cars leave some important driver aids off the standard list.
• 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 26 mpg city and 36 mpg highway with rear-wheel drive. The 330e plug-in hybrid is rated at 75 MPGe in electric mode, with 23 miles of electric range for rear-wheel-drive versions and 20 miles for AWD versions.

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 without stretching into higher-priced versions. It delivers the standard turbocharged four-cylinder, strong fuel economy, and the same basic luxury-sedan formula that defines the lineup.
• 330e: Choose this if you want the plug-in hybrid setup and are likely to charge regularly. It adds electric driving capability and strong combined output, but the expert notes say it can feel less satisfying when you lean on the powertrain.
• M340i: Pick this if you want the most performance in the lineup. Its turbo inline-six and quicker acceleration make it the enthusiast choice, though it sits at the top of the range.

Advanced safety features are not standard, so you may want to look for a car equipped with the relevant driver-assist packages.

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

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

• Deal availability: 34.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 1,444 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.86% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 69.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $24,839, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 BMW 3 Series' resale value?

The current average of $25,039 sits slightly below last year's $27,777.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled, which can help you buy more affordably now but may also limit upside if you plan to resell soon. If you’re thinking about future value, the softer pricing means condition, mileage, and equipment will matter even more when it’s time to sell.

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 features are forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, and lane-departure warning. BMW’s 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 key 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. That makes it worth checking exactly which safety package a used example has before you buy.

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:

• 34.8% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 69.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 9.86% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• The 2021 adds the 330e plug-in hybrid, expanding the lineup with an efficiency-focused option.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $23,170, the 2020 costs less than the current year's $25,039 average.
• It emphasizes driving enjoyment and strong performance.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $28,037, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $25,039 average.
• Every 3 Series gets Live Cockpit Professional digital instrumentation with navigation.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price, features, and current-market availability, the 2021 is the primary path to consider. If you’re more price-sensitive, the 2020 can save money while keeping the core BMW driving character.

How does the 2021 BMW 3 Series compare to the 2021 Audi A4?

Read our full side-by-side expert comparison here.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.