MotorDeets

2021 BMW M3: Recalls, Problems & MPG

Here are the deets on the 2021 BMW M3: 3 recalls, 3 owner complaints and up to 19 mpg combined.

3vehicle recalls
3owner complaints
0mention a crash
19best combined mpg
2021 BMW M3
Photo: Calreyn88 · CC0 · Wikimedia Commons. Representative photo of this generation; trim may differ.

Recalls

3 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.

Brakes (hydraulic), Brakes (hydraulic) Vehicle recall #21V062000 · 2021 · 893 vehicles

What's wrong: 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.

Why it matters: A loss of ABS and a reduction in braking assistance can increase the risk of a crash.

The fix: Bmw will notify owners, and dealers will replace the integrated brake system, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on May 25, 2021.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V298000 · 2021 · 12 vehicles

What's wrong: The bolt securing the seat belt assembly to the frame was not tightened to specification.

Why it matters: An improperly installed seat belt assembly May not restrain an occupant as expected, increasing the risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

Seat belts Vehicle recall #21V554000 · 2021 · 21,537 vehicles

What's wrong: 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."

Why it matters: During a crash, a seat belt retractor that does not function as intended increases the risk of injury.

The fix: 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.

Most-reported problems

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 0 mention a fire, 0 injuries and 0 deaths were reported.

Seat belts1
Airbags1
Steering1
Suspension1
Other / unknown1

What owners describe

The 2021 BMW M3 has 3 owner complaints, ranking #21 of 33 M3 model years for complaints (well below the 13 average). Neighboring years: 2022 (1 complaints, 0 recalls).

Engines & fuel economy (EPA)

EngineTransmissionDriveCityHwyComb.Fuel
3.0 L 6-cyl turboManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive162319Premium

Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.

Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2021 BMW M3.

eManualOnline Download (PDF), keep forever

Closest thing to the factory manual for most years. Pay once, keep it.

Most $25–$78, one-time
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Mitchell 1 DIY Online access, factory-level data

Pro-shop repair procedures, wiring diagrams and TSBs for your exact car.

From $19.99/mo · $39.99/yr
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ALLDATAdiy Online access, factory OEM info

OEM procedures, specs and recall/TSB info, the same source many shops use.

From $19.99/mo · $59.99/yr
Check 2021 BMW M3 manual
Haynes Print book or AllAccess online

Step-by-step photos written from a real teardown. Great for first-timers.

Books ~$30–$40 · AllAccess $34.99/mo
Check 2021 BMW M3 manual

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FAQ

Does the 2021 BMW M3 have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 vehicle recalls for the 2021 BMW M3. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What are the most common 2021 BMW M3 problems?

Owners have filed 3 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are seat belts (1), airbags (1), steering (1).

What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW M3 get?

EPA ratings run up to 19 mpg combined (3.0 L, Manual 6-spd), across 1 engine and transmission combos.

Where can I get a 2021 BMW M3 repair manual?

eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.

Other M3 years

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