How much does the 2021 BMW M3 cost?

Prices have softened 2.84% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 105 listings available, which gives you a modest amount of inventory to compare.

If you find a listing below $67,286.76, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 a good car?

The 2021 BMW M3 is a strong fit if you want a high-performance sedan that still works as a daily driver, and its 3.67/5 user rating and 6.67/10 expert rating show a car that is compelling but not universally easy to live with.

The standout strength is Performance at 10/10.

The M3’s twin-turbo inline-six, adaptive performance suspension, and multiple drive modes give you serious speed and flexibility, while the four-door layout and usable back seat keep it practical enough for everyday use. The trade-offs are clear: the ride is firm, fuel economy is poor, and cargo space is limited.

With 33.3% of listings marked as good or great deals, you have some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 reliable?

The 2021 BMW M3 is built around a performance-first formula, so reliability for you will depend heavily on how hard the car was driven and how well it was maintained.

BMW’s performance hardware is engineered with extensive cooling for the engine, oil, turbocharger, and brakes, which supports durability under demanding use. The car also includes a post-crash braking system and a drowsy driver monitoring system, and the lane-keeping assistance is described as exceptionally effective.

For used buyers, the biggest long-term ownership risk is that a car this capable may have seen aggressive driving, so condition and maintenance history matter more than mileage alone.

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

Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.

You should start with a history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially on a car that may have been driven hard. Focus on tire wear, brake condition, suspension feel, and signs of cosmetic or mechanical abuse. If the car has performance upgrades or track-oriented options, make sure they match your intended use.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base car gives you the core M3 experience, but the Competition version adds more power and an automatic transmission. The base setup is more driver-focused, while the Competition is the easier choice if you want quicker acceleration and less effort in traffic.
• Powertrain: You get a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with a six-speed manual in the standard car, while the Competition uses the same engine with more output and an eight-speed automatic. Efficiency is not a strength, and the car is tuned for performance first.
• Safety package: BMW’s driver-aid suite 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 only available on the Competition and adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, traffic jam assistance, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and emergency stop assistance.
• Infotainment: You get iDrive 7.0 with a responsive display, voice recognition, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and available gesture controls. The head-up display is large and information-rich, but it can be hard to see if you wear polarized sunglasses.
• Fuel efficiency: The base M3 returns 19 mpg in combined driving, and the model is described as having poor fuel economy overall.

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: The standard M3 is the one to choose if you want the manual transmission and a more traditional enthusiast setup. It gives you the core performance experience, but you give up the extra power and automatic transmission that come with the Competition.
• Premium/top trim: The M3 Competition is the better pick if you want the quickest version and the easiest daily-driving experience. It adds more horsepower, more torque, and the eight-speed automatic, and it is the only trim that can get the more advanced driver-assistance package.

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

This is a moderate buyer’s market, so you can shop selectively without expecting huge discounts everywhere.

• Deal availability: 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 105 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.84% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 83.8% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $67,286.76, 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 $69,091 sits slightly below last year's $71,109.

That price movement suggests the market has eased a bit, which can help you if you’re buying now but may trim what you can expect later as a seller. Because the M3 sits in a performance niche, resale will depend heavily on condition, mileage, and how original the car remains. If you keep the car clean, documented, and unmodified, you’ll be in a better position when it’s time to sell.

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 automatic collision notification and an SOS button.

The Driving Assistance Professional Package is available only on the Competition and adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, extended traffic jam assistance, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and emergency stop assistance. The lane-departure warning vibration and lane-keeping assistance are both described positively.

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:

• 33.3% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Accident-free inventory is solid at 83.8% — always verify the vehicle history report.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 2.84% compared with last year.
• Anyone who tells you BMW doesn’t make authentic driver’s cars anymore hasn’t ripped down a favorite back road or circled a race track in the redesigned 2021 BMW M3.

The bottom line: If you want the sharpest blend of performance and everyday usability, the 2021 M3 is the year to target. If your priority is stretching your budget, you may want to compare nearby model years and focus on the best-maintained example rather than chasing the newest badge.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from July 31, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.