2021 BMW M
The Verdict
Worst problem area
Engine
Engine leads by volume: 7 of 19 complaints (37%) mention it.
Complaints filed fell from 59 in 2020 to 19 in 2021.
Data last changed . Sources: NHTSA complaints and recalls, EPA fuel economy data. Methodology
Cost, Fuel Economy & Complaint History
| Category | 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | vs. 2021 Subcompact Cars |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fuel cost ($) | 3,250–4,850 | 3,100–4,850 | 3,000–4,850 | 4,100–4,550 | 4,100–4,550 | |
| Combined MPG | 16–24 | 16–25 | 16–26 | 17–19 | 17–19 | |
| City / Highway MPG | 14–21 / 20–30 | 13–22 / 20–30 | 13–23 / 20–32 | 15–16 / 21–23 | 15–16 / 21–24 | |
| CO₂ tailpipe (g/mi) | 367–553 | 353–570 | 333–570 | 470–523 | 461–522 | |
| Complaints filed | 8 | 59 | 19 | 13 | 3 | |
| Recalls issued | 9 | 15 | 11 | 2 | 3 | |
| Crash-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
| Fire-involved complaints | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | |
| Injuries reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Deaths reported | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
| Configurations compared | 15 | 23 | 14 | 6 | 9 |
Not compared: this database has no vehicle sales or registration figures, so a raw count mostly reflects how many were sold, not how safe the vehicle is.
Common questions
How many recalls does the 2021 BMW M have?
11 NHTSA recall campaigns as of Sep 16, 2026. Check your VIN with NHTSA to see whether one applies to your car.
What is the most common complaint about the 2021 BMW M?
Engine: 7 of 19 NHTSA complaints (37%) mention it.
What gas mileage does the 2021 BMW M get?
EPA rates it 16–26 MPG combined.
How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 BMW M?
EPA estimates $3,000–$4,850 a year in fuel costs, using EPA's assumptions.
Similar Vehicles
EPA-Rated Configurations (26)
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 1 | Automatic (S8) | 12 | 6.6L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Large Cars | 13 mpg (low) | 20 mpg (low) | 16 mpg (low) | $4,850 (high) | 570 g/mi (high) |
| Configuration 2 | Automatic (S8) | 4 | 2.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | $3,000 (low) | 335 g/mi |
| Configuration 3 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 366 g/mi |
| Configuration 4 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 410 g/mi |
| Configuration 5 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 366 g/mi |
| Configuration 6 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 366 g/mi |
| Configuration 7 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 19 mpg | 27 mpg | 21 mpg | $3,700 | 410 g/mi |
| Configuration 8 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 21 mpg | 30 mpg | 24 mpg | $3,250 | 366 g/mi |
| Configuration 9 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 18 mpg | 24 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 440 g/mi |
| Configuration 10 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 25 mpg | 20 mpg | $3,900 | 439 g/mi |
| Configuration 13 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 23 mpg (high) | 32 mpg (high) | 26 mpg (high) | $3,000 (low) | 333 g/mi (low) |
Show 15 more configurations
| Configuration | Transmission | Cylinders | Displacement | Drivetrain | Fuel Type | Vehicle Class | City | Highway | Combined | Annual Fuel Cost | CO₂ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Configuration 11 | Automatic (AM-S7) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 472 g/mi |
| Configuration 12 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 520 g/mi |
| Configuration 14 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 22 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | $3,100 | 346 g/mi |
| Configuration 15 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 520 g/mi |
| Configuration 16 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 520 g/mi |
| Configuration 17 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 520 g/mi |
| Configuration 18 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 520 g/mi |
| Configuration 19 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 22 mpg | 31 mpg | 25 mpg | $3,100 | 346 g/mi |
| Configuration 20 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 453 g/mi |
| Configuration 21 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Midsize Cars | 17 mpg | 24 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 453 g/mi |
| Configuration 22 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 472 g/mi |
| Configuration 23 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 470 g/mi |
| Configuration 24 | Manual 6-spd | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 472 g/mi |
| Configuration 25 | Automatic (S8) | 6 | 3.0L | Rear-Wheel Drive | Premium | Compact Cars | 16 mpg | 23 mpg | 19 mpg | $4,100 | 470 g/mi |
| Configuration 26 | Automatic (S8) | 8 | 4.4L | All-Wheel Drive | Premium | Subcompact Cars | 15 mpg | 21 mpg | 17 mpg | $4,550 | 520 g/mi |
Complaints by Category
| Category | Complaints | Crash-Involved | Fire-Involved | Injuries | Deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Transmission & Drivetrain | 5 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel System | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brakes | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension, Wheels & Tires | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Airbags & Restraints | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Driver Assistance & Speed Control | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Body, Seats & Latches | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility & Lighting | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Other | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint that names more than one category is counted in each, so the rows can add up to more than the total number of complaints.
Recalls (11)
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT · Campaign 26V525000 · Aug 13, 2026
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2022-2026 840i, 840i xDrive, 2021-2023 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, and 2024-2026 750e xDrive vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the rear differential may become damaged, possibly resulting in a loss of power to the rear wheels or a vehicle rollaway.
Consequence: An unexpected loss of drive power can increase the risk of a crash. In addition, a damaged driveshaft can result in a vehicle rollaway if the parking brake is not applied, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the connection between the driveshaft and rear axle differential, and apply adhesive or replace the driveshaft and rear axle differential, as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 2, 2026. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involved in this recall will become searchable on NHTSA.gov beginning October 2, 2026.
SEAT BELTS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE · Campaign 23V584000 · Aug 17, 2023
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2022 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, 2022 430i Coupe, 2021-2022 430i, M440i Convertible, and 2020-2022 228i xDrive Gran Coupe vehicles. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
Consequence: An audible chime that does not properly alert the driver to fasten their seat belt increases the risk of injury in a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the receiver audio module software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed October 12, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
SEATS · Campaign 23V211000 · Mar 30, 2023
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i xDrive, 2020-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, 2021 X3 xDrive30e, X4 xDrive30i, and X4M vehicles. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
Consequence: An improperly welded seat frame may not properly restrain the occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat frame and back rest, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 22, 2023. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
SEAT BELTS · Campaign 21V554000 · Jul 22, 2021
Defect: 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."
Consequence: 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).
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY · Campaign 21V298000 · Apr 28, 2021
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA; BACK OVER PREVENTION:SOFTWARE · Campaign 21V096000 · Feb 19, 2021
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2019-2021 X3 sDrive30i, X3 xDrive30i, X3 M40i, X3M, X4 xDrive30i, X4 M40i, M550i, X4M, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X5 xDrive50i, X5M, X5 M50i, X7 xDrive40i, X7 xDrive50i, X7 M50i, Alpina XB7, 330i, 330i xDrive, M340i, M340i xDrive, and 8 Series Coupe, Convertible and Grand Coupe, 840i, 840i xDrive, M850i xDrive, M8, 2020-2021 530e, 530e xDrive, 330e, 330e xDrive, 745Le, 745Le xDrive, X5 xDrive45e, X3 xDrive30e, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, X6 xDrive50i, X6 M50i, X6M, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 740i, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, M760i Drive, M760Li xDrive, 750Li xDrive Alpina, Alpina B7 xDrive, and 2021 4 Series Coupe 430i, 430i xDrive, M440i xDrive vehicles. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the missing or reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the rearview camera software and update it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS; VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY · Campaign 21V091000 · Feb 19, 2021
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 228i, 228i xDrive, and M235i xDrive vehicles. If the driver initiates an automatic closure of the sunroof, and the vehicle key status is changed to "off" or "lock," the sunroof may continue to close. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 118, "Power-operated Window Systems."
Consequence: If the sunroof continues to close after the vehicle is shut off, it may increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the sunroof electronic coding software, free of charge. The recall began April 16, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC; SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC · Campaign 21V062000 · Feb 10, 2021
Defect: 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.
Consequence: 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY · Campaign 20V761000 · Dec 10, 2020
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2021 M340i xDrive, M440i xDrive Coupe, 530i, 530i xDrive, 540i, 540i xDrive, 740Li, 740Li xDrive, 840i Gran Coupe, 840i xDrive Gran Coupe, X5 sDrive40i, X5 xDrive40i, X6 sDrive40i, X6 xDrive40i, and X7 xDrive40i vehicles. The connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator may not have been assembled properly, which can cause increased electrical resistance at the connections.
Consequence: Increased electrical resistance can increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the connection between the 48-Volt battery and the starter-generator assembly, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin April 12, 2021. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM · Campaign 20V666000 · Oct 29, 2020
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 M2 Coupe and 2020 M4 Coupe vehicles. Fuel injectors may have been installed without a damping component which is used to reduce vibration. If a damping component is not present, vibration will increase at the connection between the fuel line and the fuel rail, which over time, can result in damage at the connection.
Consequence: A damaged connection between the fuel line and the fuel rail could lead to a fuel leak and, in the presence of an ignition source, increase the risk of a fire.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the fuel injectors and if a damping component is missing, the injectors and the fuel rail will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began December 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Show 1 earlier campaign
BACK OVER PREVENTION: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA · Campaign 20V598000 · Sep 30, 2020
Defect: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2020-2021 X3 sDrive 30i, X3 xDrive 30i, X3M 40i, X3 xDrive 30e, X4 xDrive 30i, X4M 40i, 530i, 540i, 540i xDrive, M550i xDrive, M5, 550e, 550e xDrive, and 550e iPerformance vehicles. A small portion of the rearview image may be slightly obscured. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."
Consequence: If the driver relies on only the rearview camera image, the reduced rearview image view can increase the risk of a crash or injury.
Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and, if necessary, program the rearview camera with updated software. The recall began November 18, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.