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

If you find a listing below $67,308.76, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 a good car?

It is a strong choice if you want a performance sedan that still works as a practical daily driver. 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’s twin-turbo inline-six, rear-seat usability, and four-door layout make it appealing if you want speed without giving up everyday utility. The trade-offs are clear, though: the ride quality is firm, fuel economy is poor, and cargo space is limited.

With 32.4% 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 high-performance formula, and that means you should expect a more demanding ownership experience than you would from a mainstream sedan. Its performance hardware is extensive, and the expert assessment emphasizes that it is best enjoyed when driven with care and respect.

The performance notes also point to a car that rewards smooth inputs and can feel abrupt if you push it hard without finesse. That kind of behavior is part of the M3’s character, but it also means the car is less forgiving than a typical used sedan.

BMW’s maintenance coverage can help early ownership costs, and the first scheduled maintenance visit is on the house. For a used buyer, the long-term risk is that hard use and deferred maintenance can quickly turn a great car into an expensive one.

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 average. Prioritize a pre-purchase inspection that focuses on wear items, signs of abuse, and evidence of skipped maintenance. Pay close attention to the condition of the brakes, tires, suspension, and interior trim, since those areas can reveal how the car was driven.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The base car includes a six-speed manual transmission and a more stripped-back setup, while the Competition version adds the automatic transmission and more performance-focused equipment.
• Powertrain: The standard model uses a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six with 473 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque; the Competition version raises output to 503 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque.
• Safety package: The standard driver-aid set 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 available only on the Competition model.
• Infotainment: You get iDrive 7.0, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a large head-up display; gesture controls are included but can be inconsistent.
• Fuel efficiency: The base M3 returns 19 mpg in combined driving, and the expert review notes that fuel economy drops by 7 mpg versus the M340i.

Which 2021 BMW M3 trim should I buy?

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

Here's the short version:

• Base trim: The standard M3 gives you the manual transmission and the core performance experience, but it skips the automatic and the Competition-only driver-assistance package.
• Premium/top trim: The M3 Competition is the better fit if you want the stronger output, the eight-speed automatic, and the most complete everyday usability for this model year.

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 market, so you can shop patiently without expecting every listing to be a bargain.

• Deal availability: 32.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 105 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 $67,308.76, 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 $70,485 sits slightly below last year's $70,582.

That small decline suggests the market has been fairly stable, which is helpful if you plan to sell later. You are not looking at a steep depreciation swing here, so a well-kept example should remain relatively easy to price against the market.

For a future seller, condition will matter a lot more than timing alone. A clean history, strong maintenance records, and a well-preserved interior should help your car stand out in a market that is already fairly steady.

Is the 2021 BMW M3 safe?

BMW equips the M3 with a primary collection of driver aids that include forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, a blind-spot warning system, and rear cross-traffic warning. Additionally, the M3 has a drowsy driver monitoring system, a post-crash braking system, and BMW Assist eCall with an SOS button and automatic collision notification.

The available Driving Assistance Professional Package adds adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go capability, extended traffic jam assistance for use on limited-access highways, lane-centering assistance, evasive steering assistance, and emergency stop assistance. That package is only available on the Competition model, so base-trim shoppers do not get that upgrade path.

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

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:

• 32.4% 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 expert review highlights a car that delivers exceptional performance while still working as a practical four-door sedan.

The bottom line: If you want the sharpest blend of performance and everyday usability, the 2021 is the right place to focus. If you are more price-sensitive, you can still shop the market carefully and target the lower end of the range without rushing into the first clean example you see.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from August 14, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.