DecodedCars2021 BMW 3 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2021 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 3-Series 330e 4dr Sedan, 3-Series 330i Xdrive 4dr Sedan, 3-Series M340i Xdrive 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline, Plug-in Hybrid
- MPG (best)
- 30 combined · 26 city / 36 hwy
- Length
- 185.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,494–3,902 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 26 similar 2021 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2021 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with a 2.0L 4-cyl turbo engine, including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 112-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,902 lb (3-Series 330e 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (26 city / 36 highway), 9% better than the 2021 compact car average of 27.5 MPG, for an estimated $2,750 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2021
- New plug-in hybrid version
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2020; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2020 3 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Series 330e 4dr Sedan | 185.4 in | 72 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,902 lb | 52/48 |
| 3-Series 330i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 185.4 in | 72 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,494 lb | 52/48 |
| 3-Series M340i Xdrive 4dr Sedan | 185.4 in | 72 in | 56.7 in | 112.2 in | 62.2 / 63 in | 3,825 lb | 52/48 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 26 / 36 / 30 | +9% | $2,750 | 298 |
| 330e Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 25 / 33 / 28 | +2% | $2,950 | 160 |
| 330i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 / 34 / 28 | +2% | $2,950 | 313 |
| 330e xDrive Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 30 / 25 | -9% | $3,300 | 192 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2021 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.2% |
| 2021 BMW 3 Series 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 5★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.2% |
Similar 2021 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 BMW 3 Series (this car) | 30 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2021 BMW 5 Series | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Lexus IS | 25 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2021 Audi A4 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2021 Tesla Model 3 | 353 mi | ★★★★★ | 22 |
| 2021 Audi A6 | 26 MPG | ★★★★★ | 12 |
| 2021 Audi A5 | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2021 BMW 3 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2021 BMW 3 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 3 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2021 BMW 3 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2021 BMW 3 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 3 Series | 30 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 3 Series | 35 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →