Vehicle photos
Our Review
The BMW M3 has never been a car people buy for practicality, and the 2021 iteration fully embraces that pleasure-first focus. Sporting its usual lineup of traditional features, including four doors, three pedals, and rear-wheel drive – no frills added – the newest M3 is an enthusiast’s dream machine. And although other carmakers have dropped their manual transmissions in favor of automatics, BMW understands that a pure driving experience includes all the tactile inputs of row-your-own gear shifting. This augmentation of classic creature comforts combines with modern technological capabilities to give every impassioned driver something to get excited about. If you're a die-hard BMW enthusiast who has stuck with the traditional manual transmission, the base M3 is the clear choice. However, for those looking to modernize their driving experience, the automatic M3 Competition offers an array of upgraded features, such as more horsepower and additional options, for a surprisingly low-cost increase. No matter which model you select in the end though, we highly recommend investing in the Executive package – it's worth every penny! With unique interior and exterior finishes and top-of-the-line convenience features including voice recognition technology, it'll add another layer of luxury to BMW's most popular sedan. It's clear why so many people flock to this vehicle: when it comes to performance cars, you really can't beat it.
The 2021 BMW M3 is powered by a twin-turbo 3.0-liter engine that produces up to 503 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. It comes standard with a six-speed manual transmission, but an eight-speed automatic is available on the Competition variant. Rear-wheel drive is standard, but all-wheel drive will be available in 2022 on the Competition model as well. Adaptive dampers and adjustable brake pedal feel are offered as optional features on both variants. According to EPA estimates, fuel economy is 16 mpg city/23 mpg highway (real-world testing has not yet been conducted). Its well-honed drivetrain efficiently helps the car achieve its full performance potential. The electronically controlled shock absorbers, designed with countless amount of settings, provide incredibly fast reactivity and can be precisely adjusted according to one's preferences.
Ever since BMW's M division began manufacturing performance cars, they have focused on more than just the powertrain. The 2021 BMW M3 is definitely no exception; it manages to combine a slick straight-six transmission with an agile and expressive chassis. It is both firm and compliant in Comfort mode, giving you the perfect set-up as a daily driver. Dial up Sport or Sport Plus if you really want to unleash the M3s full potential; the limited-slip differential with its 10 levels of traction control allows experienced drivers to customize their vehicle’s performance exactly how they want it. If drifting is your thing then make use of the M Drift Analyzer to record your drifts. The impressive 19 and 20-inch wheels offer plenty of pavement grip while the quick directness of the M3's steering offers a sharp and controllable front-end response.Not only does the M3 proudly showcase its special "M" badging and distinct trim details, but it also meets or exceeds the build quality and materials of the already well-appointed 3-series. To top that off, drivers can enjoy additional aesthetic appeal from carbon fiber and microsuede accents inside. Additionally, when activating one of the M3's sportier drive modes via its chunky steering wheel with prominent red buttons, motorists will enjoy the use of the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with an easier-to-read tachometer for a truly engaging experience. Those opting for comfort on longer trips may appreciate optional lightweight front seats - standard on Competition models - which boast superior support without compromising too much comfortability. The M3 Competition is yet another step up from the base model, with plenty of high-end touches like supple leather seating, lots of laser straight stitching, and more comfort than one might expect – not to mention the back bucket seats can be readily adjusted.
The M3 certainly packs a punch when it comes to its fun and functional infotainment system: it's run through a 12.3-inch touchscreen, offering multiple charging ports and one of the best sound systems around, thanks to the expert hands of Harman/Kardon. BMW has answered our prayers by making Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard after years of requiring an extra fee for these features. Optional features include gesture controls, Wi-Fi (with subscription), and wireless charging.
The 2021 BMW M3 offers peace of mind with its roster of standard and optional driver-assistance technology. BMW embedded cutting-edge safety features into the M3 such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane experiencing warning, lane keeping assist, and adaptive cruise control - making sure that you can enjoy all the thrills of performance driving without compromising on safety. To find out more about what makes the BMW M3 a safe option to drive, make sure to check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Key Safety Features Include:
If a BMW is your vehicle of choice, you'll be pleased to learn that the already trustworthy brand provides a thorough warranty and complimentary maintenance coverage. Its limited and powertrain warranties align with rivals such as Audi and Mercedes-AMG, offering coverage for four years or 50,000 miles. What's even more impressive is that it also adds an additional year of complimentary scheduled maintenance than those rivals offer - three years or 36,000 miles to be exact. Although still shorter than what Jaguar provides, BMW still provides superior coverage compared to most luxury car brands in the industry.
Price Comparison
Vehicle Rating
Recalls, Complaints and Safety Issues
Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 2 Series (230i, 230i xDrive, M240i, M240i xDrive), 330e, 330e Xdrive, 4 Series Coupe (430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive) M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, BMW 4 Series Convertible (430i, M440i), BMW X1 sDrive28i, xDrive28i, 2 Series Gran Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i xDrive), M2 Competition Coupe, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, M3, M3 Competition, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper, CooperS, JCW), X2 sDrive28i, X2 xDrive28i, X2 M35i, Z4 sDrive30i, Z4 M40i, MINI Hardtop 2 Door (Cooper SE), MINI Convertible (Cooper, Cooper S, JCW), MINI Clubman (Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW), MINI Countryman (Cooper, Cooper All4, Cooper S, Cooper S All4, JCW All4), Rolls Royce Ghost, MINI Countryman (Cooper S E All4), Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Cullinan, and Toyota Supra vehicles. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts. As such, these assemblies fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."Remedy:
Dealers will inspect the seat belt retractors (including the seat belts) and, if necessary, replace the retractors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on September 3, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417; 1-866-825-1525 (MINI); 1-877-877-3735 (Rolls Royce); and 1-888-270-9371 (Toyota).Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 8 Series Coupe, Grand Coupe and convertible 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8 and 740 Li, 740 Li xDrive, 750 Li xDrive, M760 Li xDrive, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xdrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, and 2019-2021 X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5 M50i, X5M, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, and 2021 M3, M3 Competition, M4 Coupe, M4 Competition Coupe, X5 xDrive45e, 745 Le xDrive. The rotor and shaft within the integrated brake system may not have been welded properly and could separate during a hard braking event, possibly resulting in a loss of the Antilock Brake System (ABS) and braking assistance.Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Issue:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M3, and 330e xDrive vehicles. The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.Remedy:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seat belt buckle assembly connection and, if necessary, replace it, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on June 25, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.Complaint Date:
08/27/2024Vehicle:
2021 BMW M3Number of Injuries:
0Issue:
Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction”Vehicle Specifications
- Toronto Red Metallic
- Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- (Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- Portimao Blue Metallic
- Oxide Grey Metallic
- Alpine White
- Frozen Brilliant White Metallic
- Brooklyn Grey Metallic
- Isle of Man Green Metallic
- Sao Paulo Yellow
- Black Full Merino, premium leather
- Kyalami Orange/Black Full Merino, premium leather
- Silverstone/Black Full Merino, premium leather
- Kyalami Orange/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
- Yas Marina Blue/Black Extended Merino w/Yellow Accent, premium leather
- Black Extended Merino, premium leather
- Yas Marina Blue/Black Full Merino w/Yellow Accent, premium leather
- Silverstone/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
- Toronto Red Metallic
- Frozen Portimao Blue Metallic
- Black Sapphire Metallic
- (Ind) Dravit Grey Metallic
- Tanzanite Blue II Metallic
- Portimao Blue Metallic
- Oxide Grey Metallic
- Alpine White
- Frozen Brilliant White Metallic
- Brooklyn Grey Metallic
- Isle of Man Green Metallic
- Sao Paulo Yellow
- Black Full Merino, premium leather
- Kyalami Orange/Black Full Merino, premium leather
- Silverstone/Black Full Merino, premium leather
- Kyalami Orange/Black Extended Merino, premium leather
- Yas Marina Blue/Black Extended Merino w/Yellow Accent, premium leather
- Black Extended Merino, premium leather
- Yas Marina Blue/Black Full Merino w/Yellow Accent, premium leather
- Silverstone/Black Extended Merino, premium leather