BMWM340i2021Overview/bmw/m340i/2021/base/

2021 BMW M340i

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2021 M340i.

Transmission Automatic (S8)

The 2021 BMW M340i runs an automatic (S8) transmission, requires 6.8 quarts of 0W-20 engine oil, and carries EPA ratings of 23/32/26 mpg. Within the 2019–2022 complaint window, this model year accumulated 11 owner complaints—far below the 2020 peak of 49 and nearer the 2022 low of 6—with engine-related issues cited as the top complaint area and six recalls issued. That placement situates the 2021 model in a comparatively moderate phase of the run, distanced from the highest complaint volume though still subject to the recall activity and engine-focused feedback that define its reliability record.

Model year2026202520242023202220212020

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacity6.8 qtOEM · verified
Engine oil type0W-20OEM · verified
Lug nut torque103 ft-lbsOEM · verified
EPA fuel economy23/32/26 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses OE oil filter 11428583896. 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.

Tail / brake / turnLAMPOEM · verified
Tire size225/45R18/XL 95HOEM · verified
Wheel / rim7.5, Optional: 8; Front: 7.5, Rear: 8; Front: 8, Rear: 8.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter11428583896 alt 11428583897
Engine air filter13718635102
Spark plug12122455258
Battery61216806755 alt 61217555719
Front wiper blades61619478361
Thermostat11539494425 alt 11539494424
Cabin air filter64119382885 alt 64119382886

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S8)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length185.4 in
Overall width72 in
Overall height56.7 in
Wheelbase112.2 in
Curb weight3825 lb
Track (front / rear)62.2 / 63 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)52/48

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined23 / 32 / 26 mpg
DrivetrainRear-Wheel Drive
Passenger volume94 cu ft
Cargo volume13 cu ft
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the M340i of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

3.7–4.4 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 3.70 sec — 2023 xDrive Sedan
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2020Sedan 3.0L Turbo I-63.80 sec12.30 sec382 hpRWD
2020Sedan 3.0L Turbo I-63.80 sec12.30 sec382 hpRWD
2020Sedan 3.0L Turbo I-64.20 sec12.70 sec382 hpRWD
2023xDrive Sedan 3.0L Turbo I-6 + Elec3.70 sec12.20 sec382 hpAWD
2023xDrive Sedan 3.0L Turbo I-6 + Elec3.80 sec12.30 sec382 hpAWD
2025Sedan (Shadowline Pack) 3.0L Turbo I-6 + Elec 0.4-kWh4.40 sec12.80 sec386 hpRWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine holds 6.8 qt of 0W-20 engine oil, BMW Hypoid Axle Oil G4 in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque lug nuts to 103 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.

Lubricants & capacities

Automatic Transmission FluidATF3
Automatic Transmission Fluid Capacity9.8 qt
Brake FluidDOT 4
Clutch FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilBMW Hypoid Axle Oil G4
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.05 qt
Engine Oil0W-20
Engine Oil Capacity6.8 qt

Engine torques

Cylinder Head InstructionsOnly use new bolts.
Oil Pump to Cylinder BLock Bolts/Studs168.0 inch lbs. ft-lbs

Chassis torques

Differential Fill PlugFinal Drive: Use new plug: 44.0 ft-lbs
Differential drain PlugFinal Drive: Use new plug ft-lbs
Lug Nuts103 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR1234yf
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46YF

Brakes

Brake Caliper Bolt to Carrier Torque26.0
Brake Caliper Carrier to Hub Bolt TorqueUse new bolts. 81.0 ft-lbs
ABS Sensor Torque6.6
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementFront: 12.99; Rear: 12.99

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 1 stages
1Bolts 1-1422 ft. lbs

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2021 BMW M340i occupies a transitional point in its generation’s reliability trajectory, as reflected in the federal data. Complaints spiked sharply in 2020 (49) before dropping to 11 in 2021, suggesting early build issues were largely addressed, though six recalls—down from 10 in 2020 but still elevated—indicate lingering hardware or software concerns. The 2021 model also saw the first investigation of the generation (related to engine stalling, per the data), while TSBs remained high (183), signaling persistent but fixable gremlins rather than systemic failures. Compared to 2022, which showed further improvement with just six complaints and a single recall, the 2021 sits in a middle ground: better than the problematic 2020 launch but not yet as refined as the following year. Engine-related issues dominate the 2021’s complaints (6 of 11), though no fire or crash incidents were reported. **Takeaway:** The 2021 is a reasonable buy if service history confirms recall/TSB work was completed, but a 2022 would offer greater peace of mind.**

6
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
183
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
11
Owner complaints
0 involved a crash · 0 a fire
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 11 complaints on record, top 6 components.

Engine6
Electrical System,Engine1
Power Train,Electrical System,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Steering,Suspension1
Power Train1
Power Train,Service Brakes1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 6 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

21V554000Seat BeltsReported 21/07/2021

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…

20V761000Electrical System:12V/24V/48V BatteryReported 09/12/2020

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… 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 183 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
B0103252025-04-15StructureThe Radiator Grilles Lower Active Air Flap Assembly limited warranty for defects in…
B7202252025-04-09Electrical SystemThe Supplemental Restraint Systems (SRS) Front Passenger’s Seat Occupancy Capacitive…
B6113052024-01-11Electrical SystemThe electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process…
B3407142023-10-13Service Brakes, HydraulicFunctional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a…
B2403232023-08-01Engine And Engine Cooling?A software error may cause an unwanted pressure pulsation in the transmission during a…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific M340i. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2021 M340i take?

6.8 qt of BMW LongLife LL-14FE+ or LL-17FE+ 0W-20, per the factory manual.

Does the 2021 M340i have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 6 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the M340i get?

EPA figures are 23 city / 32 highway / 26 combined mpg.