BMW 3 Series

Name: 2016 BMW 3 Series
Brand: BMW

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: 27 mpg

Owner Reported MPG:

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

RECALL ALERT: There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability Details

Owner Satisfaction Details

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Road Test

The BMW 3 Series is an excellent car that boasts high quality, attention to detail, and a long list of high-tech features. Sure, it's a bit less engaging to drive than it used to be, with less tactile steering. But the car is agile, steady, and well balanced -- even when pushed hard. And it still delivers a very satisfying and balanced overall driving experience.

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car

100

0 - 100

BMW 3 Series

vs. Similar Cars

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Owner Reports

Owner Satisfaction Owner Satisfaction

2000

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2005

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2010

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2016

2017

2018

2019

2020

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2025

Driving Experience

Comfort

Value

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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BMW vs. Other New Car Brands

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Crash Tests

IIHS Front Moderate Overlap

Good

IIHS Front Small Overlap, Driver

Marginal

IIHS Side Crash

Good

NHTSA Overall Crash

NHTSA Overall Frontal-Crash

NHTSA Overall Side-Crash

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2016 Luxury small cars Ratings

2016 BMW 3 Series

$7,475 - $16,150

EPA MPG 27 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Acura ILX

$10,600 - $11,700

EPA MPG 29 mpg

Road test

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2016 Acura TLX

$12,275 - $14,700

EPA MPG 28 mpg

Road test

Reliability

Owner Satisfaction

2016 Audi A3

$8,000 - $17,600

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2016 Audi A4

$8,000 - $10,225

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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2016 Buick Regal

$5,875 - $12,950

EPA MPG 24 mpg

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$3,450 - $8,225

EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2016 Cadillac ATS

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EPA MPG 25 mpg

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2016 Cadillac ELR

$10,475

EPA MPG 44 mpg

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2016 Infiniti Q50

$7,325 - $13,300

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2016 Lexus CT 200h

$12,525

EPA MPG 42 mpg

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$14,725 - $18,850

EPA MPG 22 mpg

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2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class

$9,075 - $23,000

EPA MPG 27 mpg

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2016 Mercedes-Benz CLA

$9,100 - $13,900

EPA MPG 30 mpg

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2016 Mini Cooper Clubman

$6,125 - $7,400

EPA MPG 28 mpg

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$6,950 - $13,700

EPA MPG 29 mpg

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Features & Specs

wagon

4-door hatchback

sedan

2 front, 3 rear

AWD, Rear

2-liter 4 plugin hybrid (248 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (240 hp)
2-liter 4 turbodiesel (180 hp)
2-liter 4 turbo (180 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (425 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (300 hp)
3-liter 6 turbo (320 hp)

7-speed sequential
8-speed automatic
6-speed manual

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In most cases, automotive warranties are based on the vehicle identification number (VIN), and the warranty will be valid regardless of ownership. The dealership can tell you exactly how much warranty is left.

Read more about extended warranties

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Model History

2019-Present

Current Generation

The redesigned 3 Series sedan brings new infotainment tech, standard advanced safety features, improved handling, and better fuel economy. The 330i is fitted with a punchy 2.0-liter, turbo four-cylinder engine paired with a smooth and responsive eight-speed automatic transmission. All-wheel drive is available. Handling is nimble, but the ride is firm. Seat comfort and fit and finish are first rate. The iDrive infotainment system is logical to use once mastered. Forward collision warning and city-speed automatic emergency braking with pedestrian and cyclist detection are standard. All-speed AEB, BSW, ACC, and LCA are optional. The M340i, powered by a 3.0-liter turbo six-cylinder, and the 330e plug-in hybrid arrived in 2020. The infotainment system was updated in 2023 with a larger, curved display and touchscreen-based climate controls. 2024 was the last year for the plug-in hybrid version. A 2025 refresh brought styling changes, further infotainment updates, and revised suspension tuning.

2012-2018

2012 Redesign Year

The 2012 redesign is a bit larger, softer and a little less fun than previous versions. BMW even offers hybrid and diesel versions for those who want frugality with their fun. Within this generation, we think the best bet is a 328i with the Premium package. We'd also get the backup camera, which is included in the Driver Assistance package. If it snows where you live, you'll want xDrive all-wheel drive and the Cold Weather package. Dyed in the wool driving enthusiasts might prefer to keep things simple, going with a 320i with the manual transmission and the Sports package. This adds sports suspension and seats, along with the choice of summer or all-season performance tires. Throw in heated seats and the folding rear seat, skip leather and a moonroof. For 2017, BMW introduced new four-cylinder engines, changing the 328i to the 330i, and cars with navigation get the latest (and somewhat simplified) version of the iDrive infotainment system.

2006-2011

2006 Redesign Year

The 3 Series is almost universally considered the benchmark sports sedan. Offered with rear- or all-wheel drive, the model delivers pinpoint handling and a snug, but impeccably finished interior. Over the years it has been offered with a wide variety of four-, six-, and even V8 engines, as well as in sedan, convertible, and wagon formats. Regardless of the version you choose, the compliant ride, punchy engine and fun-to-drive formula remain. While this version of the 3 Series BMW offers more interior room than the previous version, responsive steering and handling make it as nimble as some sports cars. Track-monster M3 versions tilt the needle all the way toward sportiness.

1999-2005

1999 Redesign Year

The 3 Series is the car that defines a sports sedan, with rear- or all-wheel drive. The model delivers pinpoint handling and a snug, but impeccably finished interior. Over the years it has been offered with a wide variety of four-, six-, and even V8 engines, as well as in sedan, convertible, and wagon formats. Regardless of the version you choose, the compliant ride, punchy engine and fun-to-drive formula remain. While this version of the 3 Series BMW offers more interior room than the previous version, responsive steering and handling make it as nimble as some sports cars. Track-monster M3 versions tilt the needle all the way toward sportiness.