Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 M3.
The 2021 BMW M3 is configured with a six-speed manual transmission and carries EPA fuel-economy ratings of 16 mpg city, 23 highway, and 19 combined. Within the model’s 1990–2025 complaint history, this model year records only three owner complaints and three recalls, placing it just above the 1996 low of one complaint and well below the 2006 peak of 216. That position indicates a comparatively uneventful reliability profile, with reported issues falling under the broad “Unknown Or Other” designation rather than any concentrated mechanical area.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 11428092620. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11428092620 |
| Engine air filter | 13718095807 alt 13718095805 |
| Spark plug | 12125A4EF60 |
| Battery | 61217908325 |
| Front wiper blades | 61619478361 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11537586885 |
| Cabin air filter | 64119382885 alt 64119382886 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Manual 6-spd |
| Overall length | 185.4 in |
| Overall width | 72 in |
| Overall height | 56.7 in |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 in |
| Curb weight | 3825 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 62.2 / 63 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 52/48 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 16 / 23 / 19 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 95 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 13 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the M3 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Competition Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.50 sec | 11.60 sec | 503 hp | RWD |
| 2021 | Competition Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.50 sec | 11.60 sec | 503 hp | RWD |
| 2022 | Competition xDrive Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.00 sec | 11.10 sec | 503 hp | AWD |
| 2022 | Competition xDrive Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.40 sec | 11.60 sec | 503 hp | AWD |
| 2022 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.90 sec | 12.20 sec | 473 hp | RWD |
| 2023 | Competition xDrive Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 2.80 sec | 11.00 sec | 503 hp | AWD |
| 2024 | CS Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 2.70 sec | 10.70 sec | 543 hp | AWD |
| 2025 | Competition Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.20 sec | 11.40 sec | 503 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Power Steering Fluid | ATF |
| Cylinder Head Instructions | Only use new bolts. |
| Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs | 14.0 ft-lbs |
| Lug Nuts | 103 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Refrigerant | R1234yf |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46YF |
| 1 | Bolts 1-14 | 37 ft. lbs |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 1,200 mi.
| At 1,200 mi | Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2021 BMW M3 marks the first year of its generation, and the federal data shows a notably low complaint volume—just three complaints—compared to the spikes seen in prior generations, such as the 2006 M3 (216 complaints) or the 2008 M3 (82 complaints). Recalls for the 2021 model total three, aligning with the average for the M3’s recent history but below the peak of nine recalls in 2006. The trend across the generation’s early years (2021–2025) suggests a decline in reported issues, with complaints dropping to one in 2022 and two in 2025, though TSBs remain relatively high, indicating ongoing refinements. The 2021 complaints are evenly spread across vague categories (e.g., "Unknown Or Other," "Steering/Suspension," "Air Bags/Seat Belts"), with no fire or crash-related reports, but the data doesn’t specify root causes. This positions the 2021 M3 as a year with minimal red flags but still early in its reliability curve, where later model years may benefit from incremental fixes. **Takeaway:** The 2021 is a reasonable buy if backed by a thorough pre-purchase inspection and service history, but a 2022 or newer model could offer slightly improved refinement.**
All 3 complaints on record, top 3 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… 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…
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… 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…
Showing 5 of 64 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B410725 | 2026-01-07 | Structure | While driving on a smooth and/or unevenroad, a “cracking” sound is heard from therear… |
| B410725 | 2025-08-20 | Structure | While driving on a smooth and/or uneven road, a “cracking” sound is heard from the rear… |
| B611305 | 2024-01-11 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process… |
| B310124 | 2024-01-09 | Suspension | With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there… |
| B160123 | 2024-01-05 | Fuel System, Gasoline | A vehicle arrives at your center to be diagnosed for a micro-leak in the fuel evaporative… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 16 city / 23 highway / 19 combined mpg.