Used 2021 BMW M3 for Sale nearChicago, IL

How much does the 2021 BMW M3 cost?

Prices have held steady compared to this time last year, signaling a stable and predictable market for this model year.

There are 114 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 a good car?

The 2021 BMW M3 is a compelling choice if you want a luxury performance sedan that can feel composed in daily driving and intensely rewarding when you push it harder. It earns a user rating of 3.7/5 and an expert rating of 6.70/10.

The standout strength is Performance at 10/10.

The M3’s appeal comes from its powerful engine, manual transmission availability, and genuinely fun driving experience, while its redesigned character and track-ready personality make it especially attractive if you care more about engagement than comfort-first commuting. The trade-offs are clear, though: poor ride quality and poor fuel economy make it less relaxed and less efficient than many shoppers will want, and limited cargo space reduces everyday usefulness.

With 38.6% of listings marked as good or great deals, there is still some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 reliable?

The 2021 BMW M3 is built around a high-performance formula, so its long-term appeal depends on how much you value driving excitement versus ownership simplicity. The expert review describes it as a car that rewards smooth, measured driving, and it also notes that the engine, oil, turbocharger, and brake cooling were engineered with performance use in mind.

That same performance focus suggests the car is happiest when it is driven hard in the right conditions, not treated like a low-stress commuter. The review also points to a standard adaptive performance suspension and multiple drive-mode and calibration options, which reinforces how much of the car’s character is tied to its hardware and tuning.

BMW’s performance content also notes that the car can be configured for different powertrain and chassis responses, and the cost-effectiveness commentary makes clear that this is not a value-first ownership proposition. For used buyers, that means long-term risk is less about basic capability and more about the expense and complexity that can come with a highly tuned performance sedan.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 BMW M3?

Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a performance sedan like this can attract harder use than the average used car. A pre-purchase inspection should focus on wear items, signs of aggressive driving, and whether the car’s condition matches its mileage and asking price. Pay close attention to the suspension, brakes, tires, and interior condition, since those areas can reveal how the car was treated.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The M3 Competition adds more power and an automatic transmission, while the standard M3 keeps the six-speed manual and is the better fit if you want the most engaging setup. The base car also gives you the core M3 experience without requiring the higher-priced Competition package.
• Powertrain: The standard M3 uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six with 473 horsepower and a six-speed manual transmission, while the M3 Competition uses the same engine with 503 hp and an eight-speed automatic. The review also notes rear-wheel drive and a top speed increase for the Competition.
• Safety package: BMW’s standard driver aids include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, drowsy driver monitoring, post-crash braking, and BMW Assist eCall. The Driving Assistance Professional Package is only available on the M3 Competition.
• Infotainment: The M3 uses iDrive 7.0 with a touchscreen and voice recognition, and it includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is described as quick to respond and easy to use, and the test car also had a head-up display.
• Fuel efficiency: The review says fuel economy drops by 7 mpg to 19 mpg in combined driving.

Which 2021 BMW M3 trim should I buy?

The 2021 BMW M3 is offered in 2 trim levels: M3 and M3 Competition.

Here's the short version:

• M3: This is the one to buy if you want the purest driver’s-car setup, because it keeps the six-speed manual and the standard rear-drive performance formula. It is the better-value choice if you care most about engagement and want the core M3 experience without paying extra for the automatic-only Competition model.
• M3 Competition: This is the right pick if you want the quickest, most powerful version and prefer an automatic transmission. It adds more horsepower and more torque, and it is also the trim required for the available advanced driver-assistance package.

BMW’s safety-package upgrade is only available on the M3 Competition, which is worth keeping in mind if that feature set matters to you.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 BMW M3?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient and focused.

• Deal availability: 38.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 114 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 78.1% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $67,078, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 BMW M3's resale value?

The current average of $69,331 sits slightly above last year's $68,972.

That small increase suggests the M3 has held its value fairly well over the past year. For a future seller, that points to a market that is stable rather than volatile, which can help if you plan to resell after a relatively short ownership period.

The current pricing also sits close to the model’s year-round range, which suggests buyers are still willing to pay near-market money for clean examples. If you keep mileage reasonable and maintain the car well, you should be in a better position to protect resale value.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 safe?

The 2021 BMW M3 does not have published crash-test ratings from either NHTSA or IIHS.

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

BMW equips the M3 with forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, blind-spot warning, rear cross-traffic warning, drowsy driver monitoring, post-crash braking, and BMW Assist eCall with automatic collision notification and an SOS button. The available Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, extended traffic jam assistance, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and emergency stop assistance, but it is only available on the M3 Competition.

The review also notes that lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assistance performed well in testing, with subtle steering-wheel vibration and effective lane-centering behavior. The main caveat is that the most advanced driver-assistance package is not available on the standard M3.

Should I buy a 2021 BMW M3 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:

• 38.6% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 78.1% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have held steady compared with last year.
• The redesigned M3 is described as a car that feels calm in everyday driving and ferocious when pushed hard, with a manual transmission available and a genuinely fun driving experience.

The bottom line: If you want the redesigned M3’s blend of everyday usability and serious performance, the 2021 model is the right path. If you are more price-sensitive, you may want to compare nearby years and focus on the best-maintained example rather than chasing a specific badge year.

How does the 2021 BMW M3 compare to the 2021 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

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