2021 BMW M3Fuel Economy & MPG Ratings

Gasoline Compact CarsRear-Wheel Drive
City
16
MPG
Highway
23
MPG
Combined
19
MPG

Trim Comparison

Manual 6-spd
Premium
City
16
Hwy
23
Comb
19
Fuel cost: $4,300/yr
Annual Fuel Cost
$4,300

Based on gasoline at $3.67/gal, 15,000 miles/year

5-Year Fuel Savings
$-9,500

vs. average new vehicle

EPA Fuel Economy Score: 3/10
GHG Score: 3/10

Environment

CO₂ Tailpipe Emissions
472 g/mile
Annual Petroleum Consumption
15.7 barrels

Specifications

Engine
3L 6-cyl
Transmission
6-speed Manual
Drivetrain
RWD
Body Style
Sedan
GVWR
Class 1 (≤6,000 lbs)

Source: EPA fuel economy data & NHTSA vPIC. Specifications reflect the most common trim configuration.

Engine & Efficiency Details

Source: EPA fueleconomy.gov

Engine Size
3L, 6-cylinder
Induction Type
Direct Injection
Efficiency Tech
Auto Start-Stop
Fuel Type
Premium Gasoline

Annual Fuel Cost by State

Prices as of week ending May 18, 2026 · Source: EIA

National AvgEPA default
$4.490/gal$3,545/yr
California
$5.957/gal$4,703/yr
Texas
$3.888/gal$3,069/yr
Florida
$4.136/gal$3,265/yr
New York
$4.522/gal$3,570/yr
Ohio
$4.510/gal$3,561/yr
Washington
$5.591/gal$4,414/yr
Colorado
$4.618/gal$3,646/yr
Minnesota
$4.344/gal$3,429/yr
Massachusetts
$4.448/gal$3,512/yr

Calculated at 15,000 miles/year (EPA standard assumption) using 19 MPG combined. Regular gasoline prices. Actual costs vary.

Recall History

Source: NHTSA

No recalls reported for this vehicle.

Owner-Reported Problems3 complaints

Source: NHTSA

NHTSA has received 3 owner complaints for the 2021 BMW M3. Top reported issues include steering, suspension and air bags. The data below is sourced from consumer complaints filed directly with NHTSA.

Problems by System / Component

Steering
1
Suspension
1
Air Bags
1
Seat Belts
1

2021 BMW M3 problems by category: Steering: 1 complaints, Suspension: 1 complaints, Air Bags: 1 complaints, Seat Belts: 1 complaints.

Sample Owner Complaints

Other / UnknownFiled: 04/01/2026ODI#11728419
Sunroof shattered while driving, no impact from outside.
SteeringFiled: 08/02/2025ODI#11678030
Loud clunking and creaking noise from front suspension when driving on uneven or bumpy road surfaces.
Air BagsFiled: 08/28/2024ODI#11611304
Unknown. I was driving home when I get a message stating “passenger restraint system malfunction”

Complaint data is sourced from the NHTSA Complaints Database. Reports are filed by vehicle owners and may not reflect confirmed defects. Last updated via NHTSA API.

Related

BMW M3 MPG History
See how this model's fuel economy changed by year

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