How much does the 2021 BMW M3 cost?

Prices have softened 4.16% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 100 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $67,290.66, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 a good car?

It’s a strong choice if you want a high-performance sedan that still works as a daily driver, though it asks you to accept some compromises. It earns a 3.67/5 user rating and a 6.67/10 expert rating.

The standout strength is Performance at 10/10.

The M3 pairs 473 horsepower from its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a cabin that the overview describes as well-appointed and packed with advanced technology. The expert review also emphasizes that it feels like a legitimate sports car despite having four doors, a usable back seat, and a trunk, which makes it appealing if you want speed without giving up all practicality.

The trade-offs are clear: the ride is firm, the fuel economy is poor, and cargo space is limited. That means you should think of it as a performance-first sedan rather than a comfort-first luxury car.

With 32.0% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 reliable?

The overview and expert review both frame the M3 as a serious performance machine, and the expert notes that it rewards smooth, measured driving. Its twin-turbo inline-six, adaptive suspension, and cooling-focused engineering suggest a car built for hard use, but also one that can be demanding if it has been driven aggressively.

The expert review also points to strong drivability and precise responses, which are good signs for a well-kept example. The performance writeup emphasizes that the car is engineered to handle engine, oil, turbocharger, and brake cooling, and that the transmission and chassis systems are designed for repeated high-output use.

For used buyers, the main long-term risk is that a car this capable may have been driven hard, so maintenance history and condition matter more than mileage alone.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 86% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should still check the history report carefully, because a clean listing percentage does not replace a proper records review. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on signs of hard use, uneven wear, and any evidence of deferred maintenance. Pay close attention to the suspension, brakes, tires, and interior condition, since this model’s performance focus can hide expensive wear.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base car includes the core performance hardware, but the Competition model adds more power and an automatic transmission. The base setup is the one to scrutinize if you want the manual, while the Competition is the one to compare if you want the quicker, more automatic-focused version.
• Powertrain: The standard car uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 473 horsepower and a six-speed manual, while the Competition version raises output to 503 horsepower and uses an eight-speed automatic. The expert review also notes rear-wheel drive and a top speed increase in the Competition model.
• Safety package: Standard equipment includes 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 limited to the Competition model and adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, extended traffic jam assistance, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and emergency stop assistance.
• Infotainment: The M3 uses iDrive 7.0 with a touchscreen and voice recognition, plus Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system is quick to respond, and the expert review says the voice controls work especially well.
• Fuel efficiency: The overview says combined fuel economy drops by 7 mpg versus the M340i, and the expert review says the M3 returns 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:

• Base trim: Choose this if you want the manual transmission and the standard M3 experience. It gives you the core performance hardware, but you do give up the automatic transmission and the Competition-specific power bump.
• Premium/top trim: The M3 Competition is the better pick if you want the quickest version and the most complete daily-driving setup. It adds 30 horsepower, an automatic transmission, and access to the available driver-assistance package.

The safety-package note to keep in mind is that the Driving Assistance Professional Package is only available on the Competition model.

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

This is a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop carefully without expecting a fire-sale environment.

• Deal availability: 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 100 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.16% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 86.0% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $67,290.66, 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 $68,224 sits slightly below last year's $71,185.

That price movement suggests the market has cooled a bit, which can help you buy more confidently now. If you plan to sell later, the M3’s strong enthusiast appeal should help support demand, but resale will still depend heavily on condition, mileage, and maintenance records.

Because this is a performance sedan with a premium price tag, well-kept examples should hold up better than neglected ones. If you buy carefully and keep service documentation, you improve your odds of getting a stronger return when it’s time to move on.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 safe?

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 an SOS button and automatic collision notification.

The Driving Assistance Professional Package is available only on the Competition model, and it adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, extended traffic jam assistance, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and emergency stop assistance.

BMW says neither NHTSA nor IIHS has tested the sedan, so you should lean more heavily on the standard driver aids and the availability of the upgraded assistance package when comparing used examples.

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:

• 32.0% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 86% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 4.16% compared with last year.
• The expert review highlights a car that feels like a true driver’s machine, with standout performance and a usable sedan body.

The bottom line: If you want the M3 experience now, the 2021 model year gives you strong performance, decent inventory, and a softer price than a year ago. If you’re especially price-sensitive, keep shopping for the cleanest example in the lower end of the range; if you want the best blend of performance and usability, the 2021 is the one to target.

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