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2016
New 2026
Used 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001 2000

BMW 3 Series

EPA MPG: 27 mpg
RECALL ALERT:
There are 5 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.
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Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2016 3 Series is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.

The 2016 BMW 3 Series has been recalled 5 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot
See all 2016 Potential Trouble Spots

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 BMW 3 Series owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

"Caster is out of alignment, and it is not an alignment adjustment. It is fixed by replacing parts. The dealer does not know what to do."

Anonymous A., VA (2016 BMW 3 Series 328d xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)
Bushings

"Had to replace front control arm bushings"

Anonymous, VA (2016 BMW 3 Series 340i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Shocks or struts

"Had to replace the front struts/shocks"

Anonymous A., TX (2016 BMW 3 Series 328i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Tie rods

""About a month ago, I started feeling it in the suspension while driving. My appointment to have them replaced is this coming Monday.""

Anonymous, WI (2016 BMW 3 Series 320i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Load more

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Other/unsure

"After a hard rain storm, the water went through the seal on the sunroof. The drain hose on the driver front side of the air roof separated in the roof column and drained water into the floor on the driver side. Had to have BMW dealer dry out the car and repair the drain line from the sunroof down to the bottom of the car."

Anonymous, NY (2016 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Moon Roof activation failed;front and rear window washer feature failed no fluid is ejected"

Anonymous A., GA (2016 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

"Battery cost $450 to replace."

Anonymous, VA (2016 BMW 3 Series 328d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Fuel injection system

"Alarm and rough running engine"

Anonymous, DE (2016 BMW 3 Series 340i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)
Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"Engine warning light came on"

Anonymous, AZ (2016 BMW 3 Series 328i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Was not blowing cold air. The ac was over pressurized."

Anonymous, MA (2016 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)
Other climate system problem

"I believe my air-conditioning system is working properly and does not need repair. However, it is not cold enough in the summer. I believe that to be a design flaw."

Anonymous A., VA (2016 BMW 3 Series 328d xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Differential

"Front differential failure. It was replaced under a service contract."

Anonymous, IL (2016 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

What Owners Say

In-dash navigation system (GPS)

""The GPS map quit working. It does not show the street map or accept any requests for directions. BMW dealer quoted $3,000 for a replacement unit.""

Anonymous, FL (2016 BMW 3 Series 320i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

What Owners Say

Thermostat

"Electronic thermostat failed. Very expensive to replace!"

Anonymous, VA (2016 BMW 3 Series 335i xDrive 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

What Owners Say

Cylinder head

"injection values needed to be replaced"

Anonymous, NJ (2016 BMW 3 Series 328d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"belt showing abnormal wear"

Anonymous, AZ (2016 BMW 3 Series 328i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

2016 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

BMW vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

See How Other Brands Stack up
Reliability History
* Redesign year
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02
03
04
05
06*
07
08
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10
11
12*
13
14
15
16
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19*
20
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24
25
Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.

Learn more about car Reliability.

Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Aug 13, 2024
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
What should you do:
Dealers will inspect and replace the water pump and plug connector as necessary, and install a protective shield, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on March 28, 2025. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 24V608000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 720796
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Nov 19, 2021
A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon, 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV, and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV diesel vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. The EGR cooler may leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel engine soot, which could result in smoldering particles and a melting intake manifold.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the EGR cooler and inspect the intake manifold, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. This recall includes all vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755. Vehicles previously recalled under 18V-755 will need to have the new remedy performed for this recall. An interim owner notification letter was mailed on January 18, 2022. The remedy is expected to be available in June 2022. Owner notification letters were mailed on July 6, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V907000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 50404
Hide Recall Details
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
Jul 29, 2021
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2018 328d, 328d xDrive, X5 xDrive35d, 2014-2016 535d, 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, and 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles. The high-pressure fuel pump may fail.
What should you do:
Dealers will replace the high-pressure fuel pump, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 14, 2022. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 21V586000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 11216
Hide Recall Details
POWER TRAIN
Mar 26, 2020
A loss of power to the rear wheels can affect vehicle control, increasing the risk of a crash. Additionally, when the vehicle is parked after a loss of power to the rear wheels and the parking brake is not engaged, unintended rollaway can occur, increasing the risk of a crash or injury.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2016 328d xDrive sedans and 2013-2015 328d xDrive station wagon vehicles. The constant-velocity joint which transfers power between the transfer case and the rear drive shaft, may become damaged, possibly resulting in loss of power to the rear wheels.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the constant-velocity joint and inspect the transfer case, replacing it if necessary, free of charge. The recall began May 22, 2020. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V185000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 8536
Hide Recall Details
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Oct 25, 2018
The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Read Recall Details
Summary:
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2013-2018 BMW 328d and 328d xDrive, 2014-2018 328d Sports Wagon and 328d xDrive Sports Wagon, 2014-2016 535d and 535d xDrive, 2015 740Ld xDrive, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d SAV and 2014-2017 X5 xDrive35d SAV vehicles equipped with an Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) module with an integrated cooler. If the EGR cooler leaks internally, the coolant can mix with diesel engine soot. The high EGR temperatures may result in these particles possibly smoldering and melting the intake manifold.
What should you do:
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and replace the EGR cooler as necessary. If a leak has already occurred, the engine intake manifold will also be replaced. These repairs will be made free of charge. The recall began May 13, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
For more information:
Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18V755000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 44368
Hide Recall Details
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