Archived model-year dossier
2021 BMW 3 Series
The 2021 BMW 3 Series keeps the same seventh-generation sedan, with the biggest change the return of the 330e plug-in hybrid and a new all-wheel-drive 330e xDrive. An 8.8-inch display with navigation, CarPlay and Android Auto is standard, and the manual gearbox is gone. NHTSA lists nine recalls and 33 complaints, led by electrical (15).
Configurations4
Model/option labels4
Combined efficiency25–30 MPG/MPGe
Electric range20–23 mi
Decision answers6
What changed on the 2021 BMW 3 Series
Carvana (opens in a new tab) says the 2021 3 Series remains part of the same seventh-generation sedan with no major redesign, and that the biggest change is the return of the 330e plug-in hybrid joined by a 330e xDrive version with all-wheel drive. Car and Driver (opens in a new tab) praises the 330e's new Xtraboost burst of power, lists an 8.8-inch touchscreen, and says a manual gearbox is no longer available.
Kelley Blue Book (opens in a new tab) lists the standard infotainment with an 8.8-inch display, navigation, and a 205-watt 10-speaker audio system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and puts used 2021 3 Series at $21,800 for the 330e up to $40,700 for the M340i xDrive at a dealer.
Recalls and problems owners report
NHTSA lists nine recall campaigns for the 2021 3 Series. 21V554000 and 21V298000 cover seat belt issues, 21V096000 covers rearview camera software, 20V601000 and 20V490000 cover hybrid traction and 12-volt battery issues, 23V211000 covers seats, 23V584000 covers seat belts, and 25V636000 and 26V056000 cover starter relays and assemblies.
Owners have filed 33 complaints: electrical system with 15, engine with 11, unknown or other with 5, air bags with 4, and power train and forward collision avoidance with 3 each. CarFactBase (opens in a new tab) lists the record, and Consumer Reports (opens in a new tab) keeps a reliability page.
2021 3 Series against the A4, C-Class, IS and G70
EPA rates the 2021 3 Series at 25 to 30 mpg combined and $2,600 to $3,100 a year in fuel. The Audi A4 lists 26 to 28 at $2,750 to $3,000, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class 20 to 27 at $2,850 to $3,900, the Lexus IS 22 to 25 at $3,100 to $3,500, and the Genesis G70 20 to 25 at $3,100 to $3,900. The 3 Series leads the group on efficiency.
Trim-by-trim specifications
The 2021 BMW 3 Series: 6 trims compared.
Kelley Blue Book specifications, one row per trim.
| Trim | Engine | Transmission | Drive | Horsepower | Torque (lb-ft) | 0–60 mph | Top speed | EPA city / hwy / comb | Seats | Basic warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330e | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | RWD | 288 | 258 | 5.6 s | 130 mph | – / – / 28 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| 330i | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | RWD | 255 | 294 | 5.6 s | 130 mph | 26 / 36 / 30 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| 330i xDrive | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | AWD | 255 | 294 | 5.3 s | 130 mph | 25 / 34 / 28 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| 330e xDrive | 2.0-liter 4-cylinder (Hybrid, Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | AWD | 288 | 258 | 5.7 s | 130 mph | – / – / 25 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| M340i | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | RWD | 382 | 368 | 4.4 s | 130 mph | 23 / 32 / 26 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| M340i xDrive | 3.0-liter 6-cylinder (Turbo) | Automatic, 8-Spd Sport w/Sport & Manual Modes | AWD | 382 | 368 | 4.1 s | 130 mph | 22 / 31 / 25 mpg | 5 | 4 yr / 50,000 mi |
| Trim | Curb weight | Length | Height | Wheelbase | Ground clearance | Turning circle | Fuel tank | Front headroom | Front legroom | Tires |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330e | 4,039 lb | 185.7 in | 56.9 in | 112.2 in | 5.8 in | 18.6 ft | 10.6 gal | 38.7 in | 42 in | P225/45R18 |
| 330i | 3,560 lb | 185.7 in | 56.8 in | 112.2 in | 15.6 gal | 38.7 in | 42 in | P225/45R18 | ||
| 330i xDrive | 3,686 lb | 185.7 in | 57 in | 112.2 in | 15.6 gal | 38.7 in | 42 in | P225/45R18 | ||
| 330e xDrive | 4,138 lb | 185.7 in | 56.9 in | 112.2 in | 5.8 in | 19.7 ft | 10.6 gal | 38.7 in | 42 in | P225/45R18 |
| M340i | 3,876 lb | 185.7 in | 56.4 in | 112.2 in | 15.6 gal | 38.7 in | 42 in | P225/45R18 | ||
| M340i xDrive | 3,979 lb | 185.7 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 15.6 gal | 38.7 in | 42 in | P225/45R18 |
Equipment by trim
Which 2021 BMW 3 Series trim has what.
Std is standard, Opt is optional, a dash means Kelley Blue Book lists it as not available.
| Equipment | 330e | 330i | 330i xDrive | 330e xDrive | M340i | M340i xDrive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Safety | ||||||
| Anti-theft alarm | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Blind-spot alert | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Child door locks | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Child-seat anchors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Forward collision warning | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rearview camera | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Surround-view camera | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Rear parking sensors | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Electronic stability control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Traction control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Technology | ||||||
| Bluetooth audio streaming | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Bluetooth | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Hands-free calling | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Built-in internet access | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Navigation system | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Premium audio system | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Real-time traffic information | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Satellite radio | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Apple CarPlay or Android Auto | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Steering-wheel audio controls | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Emergency and security services | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Comfort | ||||||
| Heated front seats | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated rear seats | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated steering wheel | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Heated mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power front seats for driver and passenger | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power driver's seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Leather seats | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Leather-wrapped steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Cup holders | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Folding rear seat | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Exterior and convenience | ||||||
| Alloy wheels | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Fog lights | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | – | – |
| Power-folding mirrors | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Power liftgate or trunk | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt |
| Power windows | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Remote keyless entry | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
| Remote engine start | – | Opt | Opt | – | Opt | Opt |
| Proximity keyless entry | Opt | Opt | Opt | Opt | Std | Std |
| Cruise control | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Integrated garage-door opener | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rear-window defroster | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
| Rain-sensing wipers | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std | Std |
Complete certification table
4 configuration records.
| EPA ID / label | Engine / technology | Drive / transmission | Fuel | City | Hwy | Combined | Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42569330e | 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEVPlug-in Hybrid | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium and Electricity | 25 | 33 | 28 | 23 mi |
| 42570330e xDrive | 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEVPlug-in Hybrid | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium and Electricity | 22 | 30 | 25 | 20 mi |
| 43038330i | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | Rear-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 26 | 36 | 30 | N/A |
| 43039330i xDrive | 2L 4-cyl SIDIConventional | All-Wheel DriveAutomatic (S8) | Premium | 25 | 34 | 28 | N/A |
Model-specific answer center
6 answers for this exact family-year.
Q01What changed on the 2021 BMW 3 Series versus the 2020 BMW 3 Series?
Model year
Against the 2020 BMW 3 Series: Model/option labels added: 330e, 330e xDrive. Engine descriptions added: 2L 4-cyl SIDI; PHEV. Fuel types added: Premium and Electricity. Certification records went from 2 to 4. Midpoint combined efficiency moved from 29.0 to 27.5 MPG/MPGe. An electric-range figure appears for the first time (22 miles at the midpoint).
Source: FuelEconomy.gov certification records for both model years
Q02How much is the destination charge on the 2021 BMW 3 Series?
Pricing
Kelley Blue Book's review of the 2021 BMW 3 Series puts the destination charge, the fee for delivering the vehicle from the factory to the dealer, at $995. It is added to the base price. Source: Kelley Blue Book review of the 2021 BMW 3 Series, read 2026-09-21.
Source: Kelley Blue Book
Q03How quickly does the 2021 BMW 3 Series accelerate from 0 to 60 mph?
Performance
The 2021 BMW 3 Series's 0-60 mph time is 4.1 seconds on the M340i xDrive up to 5.7 seconds on the 330e xDrive, across 6 trims. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q04How do the 2021 BMW 3 Series trims differ from one another?
Trims
The 330i has 255 hp against 288 over the 330e. The 330i xDrive has AWD instead of RWD over the 330i. The 330e xDrive has 288 hp against 255 over the 330i xDrive. The M340i has 382 hp against 288 and RWD instead of AWD and proximity keyless entry and remote keyless entry as standard equipment over the 330e xDrive. The M340i xDrive has AWD instead of RWD over the M340i.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q05What is the 2021 BMW 3 Series's top speed?
Performance
The 2021 BMW 3 Series's top speed is 130 mph on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Q06What size wheels does the 2021 BMW 3 Series have?
Wheels and tires
The 2021 BMW 3 Series's wheel diameter is 18 inches on every trim. Source: Kelley Blue Book specifications. The 2020 model year has the same figure.
Source: Kelley Blue Book vehicle specifications
Live NHTSA evidence
Current federal safety records for 2021 BMW 3 Series.
Exact-vehicle evidence desk
Check the exact vehicle, not just the model name.
Recalls, build data and service applicability are determined at VIN level, not by model name.
01 · NHTSASafety ratings, recalls, complaints and manufacturer communicationsExact model-year search → (opens in a new tab)02 · NHTSACheck open safety recalls by 17-character VINOfficial VIN remedy status → (opens in a new tab)03 · vPICDecode manufacturer-submitted vehicle attributesInternal VIN tool →04 · EPAQuery another year, make, model and option1984–current browser →
FuelEconomy.gov data source (opens in a new tab) · Methodology
Other model years
Compare the BMW 3 Series across model years.
Ownership desk
Problems and maintenance decisions worth checking next.
Warning lightsCheck-engine light: steady versus flashingDepends →Warning lightsTire-pressure light flashing, then staying onSoon →Engine and coolingEngine overheats at idle but cools while movingStop driving →Engine and coolingCoolant level keeps dropping with no obvious puddleSoon →Brakes, tires and steeringBrakes squeak: when it is normal and when it is notDepends →Brakes, tires and steeringPower-steering warning and suddenly heavy steeringStop driving →