Sunroof shattered while driving, no impact from outside.
The worst 2021 BMW M3 problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Airbags1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Airbags1
- Seat belts1
- Steering1
- Suspension1
Recalls 3
Seat belts
- What is wrong
- 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."
- Risk
- During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.
- 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).
Recall number 21V554000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: buckle assembly
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- An improperly installed seat belt assembly may not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.
- 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.
Recall number 21V298000 · Recall details
Service brakes, hydraulic: power assist: hydraulic
- What is wrong
- 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.
- Risk
- A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.
- 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.
Recall number 21V062000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2021 BMW M3 64
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- While driving on a smooth and/or unevenroad, a “cracking” sound is heard from therear wheel arch area...
- While driving on a smooth and/or uneven road, a “cracking” sound is heard from the rear wheel arch area...
- The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process over the last few...
- With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there may be a cracking...
- A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP)...
- Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a stop
- BMW AG has issued a Delivery Stop effective June 6, 2023 on certain Model Year 2023
- A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative (EVAP) system...
- Condensation is present on the inner surfaces in one or both taillights (circled).
- Headlight check control (CC) message 128 "High beam headlight failure" is displayed
2021 BMW M3 fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 16 | 23 | 19 |
What 2021 BMW M3 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Loud clunking and creaking noise from front suspension when driving on uneven or bumpy road surfaces.
Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction”
Compare the 2021 BMW M3
Other model years
1995199619971998199920012002200320042005200620082009201020112012201320152016201720182021202220232025
Questions about the 2021 BMW M3
Is the 2021 BMW M3 reliable?
Owners have filed 3 complaints about the 2021 BMW M3, fewer than a typical M3 model year.
What is the 2021 BMW M3 year score?
The 2021 BMW M3 scores 91 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW M3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2021 BMW M3?
Airbags, with 1 complaint. Next is seat belts (1).
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW M3 have?
3 recalls, covering seat belts and service brakes, hydraulic.
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW M3 get?
Official estimates for the 2021 BMW M3 range from 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 16 city and 23 highway.
VIN decoder
See the problems and recalls for an exact car
Buying a used 2021 BMW M3?
Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.
Check its history