DecodedCars2016 BMW 3 Series
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.
- Class
- Compact Cars
- Body styles
- 320i 4dr Sedan RWD, 320i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 328d Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD, 328i 4dr Sedan RWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Drivetrain
- Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Diesel, Plug-in Hybrid, Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 35 combined · 31 city / 42 hwy
- Length
- 182.3–190.2 in
- Curb weight
- 3,250–3,915 lb
- NHTSA rating
- ★★★★★
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 35 MPG combined — 32% better than the average 2016 compact car (26.6 MPG).
- Plug-in hybrid version availableOffered as a plug-in hybrid as well as gas.
- AWD / 4WD available
- 5-star NHTSA safety ratingTop overall score in federal crash tests.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 25 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2016 BMW 3 Series is a compact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo), including a hybrid version and rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
It measures about 182 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,250 lb (320i 4dr Sedan RWD).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 35 MPG combined (31 city / 42 highway), 32% better than the 2016 compact car average of 26.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,650 a year in fuel.
In NHTSA crash testing it earned the top 5-star overall rating.
There are no recalls or owner complaints on file with NHTSA for this model year.
What changed for 2016
- New plug-in hybrid version
- No hybrid version any more
- Now crash-tested by NHTSA: 5 stars overall
Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 3 Series →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 320i 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,250 lb | 50/50 |
| 320i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,450 lb | 50/50 |
| 328d Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,620 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i 4dr Sedan RWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,360 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i Xdrive 4dr Sedan AWD | 182.3 in | 71.3 in | 56.3 in | 110.6 in | 60.6 / 62.2 in | 3,594 lb | 50/50 |
| 328i Xdrive Gran Turismo | 190.2 in | 72 in | 59.4 in | 115 in | 60.6 / 62.6 in | 3,915 lb | 49/51 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 328d Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 31 / 42 / 35 | +32% | $2,750 | 284 |
| 328d xDrive Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 / 40 / 34 | +28% | $2,800 | 299 |
| 328d xDrive Sports Wagon Diesel | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 30 / 40 / 34 | +24% | $2,800 | 299 |
| 330e Plug-in Hybrid | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 28 / 36 / 31 | +17% | $2,650 | 184 |
| 320i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 35 / 28 | +5% | $2,950 | 323 |
| 320i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 35 / 27 | +2% | $3,050 | 325 |
| 320i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 23 / 34 / 27 | +2% | $3,050 | 335 |
| 328i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 / 35 / 27 | +2% | $3,050 | 330 |
| 328i | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | -2% | $3,150 | 340 |
| 328i xDrive | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | -2% | $3,150 | 340 |
| 328i xDrive Gran Turismo | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | +23% | $3,150 | 340 |
| 328i xDrive Sports Wagon | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 33 / 26 | -5% | $3,150 | 340 |
| 340i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 25 | -6% | $3,300 | 350 |
| 340i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 / 32 / 25 | -6% | $3,300 | 349 |
| 335i xDrive Gran Turismo | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 30 / 23 | +8% | $3,550 | 376 |
| 340i | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 23 | -14% | $3,550 | 386 |
| 340i xDrive | 3.0L 6-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | All-Wheel Drive | 20 / 28 / 23 | -14% | $3,550 | 387 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Driver / passenger | Side | Side pole | Rollover | Rollover risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW 3 Series SW AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series 4 DR AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
| 2016 BMW 3 Series 4 DR RWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 4★ / 5★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | 9.5% |
Similar 2016 compact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 BMW 3 Series (this car) | 35 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz E-Class | 23 MPG | ★★★★★ | 0 |
| 2016 Lexus IS | 26 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A4 | 27 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class | 30 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2016 Audi A3 | 39 MPG | ★★★★★ | 6 |
| 2016 Lexus GS | 31 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2016 BMW 3 Series.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2016 BMW 3 Series is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
No owner complaints for the 2016 BMW 3 Series in NHTSA's database since 2015.
Used 2016 BMW 3 Series buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2016 BMW 3 Series. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other 3 Series years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 3 Series | 31 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2024 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 3 Series | 29 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 1 | 0 |
| 2022 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 3 Series | 30 | 185.4 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 3 Series | 30 | 190.2 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | ★★★★★ | 0 | 0 |
| 2015 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
| 2014 3 Series | 36 | 182.3 in | Not rated | 0 | 0 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →