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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
|---|---|
| Body Style | Sedan |
| Base Price | $40,404–$51,108 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
The 2021 BMW 3 Series is a sedan that earns a Carivo score of 7.8/10 — rated Recommended. Its strongest dimension is Safety at 8.4/10, while Reliability at 6.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 6.9/10 for reliability, this sedan trails its segment. That doesn't rule it out, but go in with eyes open on running costs. Safety lands at 8.4/10 — solid, though some rivals offer more advanced driver-assist features as standard. Confirm official results for your trim at nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Few rivals match it for performance: 8.3/10. Expect handling and power delivery that make this one of the more entertaining sedans to actually drive. On technology it rates 8.3/10: a modern, well-integrated suite that compares favorably with anything at this price point.
Priced from $40,404–$51,108, 27 MPG, seating 5, the BMW 3 Series sits in the mid-market bracket of the sedan segment. At 7.4/10 for value, it delivers fair pricing for what's on offer, though the best alternatives in this price range score slightly higher. At 5 years old, it's worth checking whether a newer generation or refresh has addressed any weaker dimensions — compare it to the current model year before buying.
Verdict: Nothing about the 2021 BMW 3 Series will scare a sensible buyer off. Keep an eye on reliability if those matter to you; otherwise it does what a good sedan should — quietly and competently.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2021 BMW 3 Series ranks #347 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 74% of the segment. Its 7.8/10 overall score is 0.3 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $40,404 starting price is about 46% above the segment's median of $27,664.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sedan ranking →
Smart-money pick: the 2018 BMW 3 Series scores 7.6/10 — within striking distance of the 2021's 7.8 — and starts roughly $4,000 lower. If you don't need the newest model year, that's money better spent on a higher trim or kept in your pocket.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 7.9/10 | $45,732 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $44,400 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.8/10 | $43,068 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.8/10 | $41,736 | Read review → |
| 2021 (this review) | 7.8/10 | $40,404 | |
| 2020 | 7.7/10 | $39,072 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.6/10 | $37,740 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $36,408 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.7/10 | $35,076 | Read review → |
| 2016 | 7.5/10 | $33,744 | Read review → |
| 2015 | 7.5/10 | $32,412 | Read review → |
| 2014 | 7.0/10 | $26,600 | Read review → |
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.