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The 2016 X3 is less reliable than other cars from the same model year.
The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2016 BMW X3 owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.
Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.
"Engine Control Module replaced"
Anonymous, NY (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)"Thermostat failure, control arm seals"
Anonymous, AZ (2016 BMW X3 sDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Replaced alternator & battery"
Anonymous A., WI (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Oil leak"
Anonymous, VA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)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.
"Right rear spring snapped in half while I was driving on the highway. Mechanic said it was due to faulty materials for that type of spring. Had to replace both rear springs and shocks. I didn't know the spring was snapped for a few months so the rear tires had uneven wear. (I heard it snap when I was driving on the highway, but didn't know the cause of the noise at that time.)"
Anonymous, MA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Right rear spring broke. Caused intermittent noise especially with bumps or road dips. Replaced both rear springs and while things were apart replaced the rear shocks due to age (not performance)."
Anonymous A., NH (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)"Noisy rear wheel and axle. Unknown Cause. Repaired at a service garage."
Anonymous, TN (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.
"Sensor stop working. Purchased an after market replacement as a new part was terribly expensive."
Anonymous, IL (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Calipers caused the front brakes to lock up. Had to replace calipers and rotors as both were totally destroyed with the lock up. Several thousand dollars later the problem was resolved."
Anonymous, IL (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Replaced brake fluid per manufacturer recommendation."
Anonymous A., MA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.
""Three out of four injectors have failed (not all at the same time). BMW ultimately did issue an extended warranty in 2022, but we are still trying to collect our out-of-pocket for our expenses to replace first injector failure which occurred in 2020. BMW appears to have outsourced this function (managing warranty claims) and I can only say that their customer service is amateurish - nobody answers the phone and if you email or hard copy mail documentation, there is no acknowledgement of receipt.""
Anonymous, WA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)""Turbo pipe split, cost several thousand dollars to replace.""
Anonymous A., FL (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)"Same issue certainly a diesel engine issue"
Anonymous, WA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.
"BMW lied when they told us the differential fluid was good for life. At 90,000 miles, the rear differential started to fail and we put on a used one with 75,000 miles on it. BMW has since stated that the fluid should be changed at 100,000 miles. The manufacturer of the transmission, Aisen, recommends every 60,000 miles for a fluid change."
Anonymous A., IL (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)"Oil leaks. Seals needed to be replaced."
Anonymous, WA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)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.
"nothing"
Anonymous A., OR (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.
"Trim came off on passenger door frame interior"
Anonymous A., OR (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.
"Valve cover leaking"
Anonymous, MN (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.
""An aftermarket unit cost $2000, a BMW unit was $5000.""
Anonymous A., FL (2016 BMW X3 xDrive35i 3.0-L 6 Cyl turbo)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.
"Amazingly the original AGM battery lasted almost 9 years. It tested a bit low so I had it replaced."
Anonymous A., MA (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28i 2.0-L 4 Cyl turbo)Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.
Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.
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.
Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.
AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.
Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.
Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.
"Engine light frequently coming on with the dealerships inability to determine why"
Anonymous, NH (2016 BMW X3 xDrive28d 2.0-L 4 Cyl diesel)