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2016 BMW X3

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2016 models.

BMW X3
Pictured: BMW X3 M (G01) FL IAA 2021 1X7A0001. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Body styles
Xdrive28d 4dr SUV, Xdrive28i 4dr SUV, Xdrive35i 4dr SUV
Engines
2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
Horsepower
181–360 hp
Drivetrain
All-Wheel Drive, Rear-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Diesel, Premium Gasoline
MPG (best)
30 combined · 27 city / 33 hwy
Length
183.1 in
Curb weight
4,149–4,231 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 30 MPG combined — 30% better than the average 2016 small SUV (23 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 22 similar 2016 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2016 BMW X3 is a small SUV offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.0L 6-cyl turbo) and all-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive.

It measures about 183 inches long and 74 inches wide on a 111-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,231 lb (Xdrive28d 4dr SUV).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 30 MPG combined (27 city / 33 highway), 30% better than the 2016 small SUV average of 23 MPG, for an estimated $3,200 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the electrical system.

What changed for 2016

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2015 X3 — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2015; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2015 X3 →

Trims, performance & features

Engine181–241 hp2.0L 4-cyl
Engine300 hp3.0L 6-cyl
Engine360 hp4.8L 8-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

xDrive28ixDrive28dxDrive35isDrive28i6-Series

Built in: Greer, South Carolina · Dingolfing, Germany

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2016 X3 configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Xdrive28d 4dr SUV183.1 in74 in66.1 in110.6 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,231 lb50/50
Xdrive28i 4dr SUV183.1 in74 in66.1 in110.6 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,149 lb50/50
Xdrive35i 4dr SUV183.1 in74 in66.1 in110.6 in63.8 / 64.2 in4,231 lb50/50

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
X3 xDrive28d Diesel2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive27 / 33 / 30+30%$3,200345
X3 sDrive 28i2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)Rear-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24-2%$3,400375
X3 xDrive28i2.0L 4-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive21 / 28 / 24+4%$3,400375
X3 xDrive35i3.0L 6-cyl turboAutomatic (S8)All-Wheel Drive19 / 26 / 21-9%$3,900416
7/10EPA fuel economy score (best version)
6/10EPA greenhouse gas score
Spend $4,000Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
23 MPG2016 Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2016 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2016 BMW X3.

Similar 2016 small SUVs

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2016 BMW X3 (this car)30 MPGNot rated5
2016 Porsche Cayenne24 MPGNot rated2
2016 BMW X525 MPGNot rated5
2016 Lexus RX30 MPGNot rated3
2016 Porsche Macan19 MPGNot rated6
2016 Land Rover Discovery22 MPGNot rated0
2016 Audi Q526 MPGNot rated5

Recalls (5)

Electrical System › Wiring › Connectors/Plugs/Receptacles · Aug 13, 2024

NHTSA campaign 24V608000 · 720,796 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Diesel · Nov 19, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V907000 · 50,404 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Fuel System, Diesel › Delivery › Fuel Pump · Jul 29, 2021

NHTSA campaign 21V586000 · 11,216 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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.
Engine And Engine Cooling › Exhaust System › Emission Control › Gas Recirculation Valve (Egr Valve) · Oct 25, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V755000 · 44,368 vehicles

Problem
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.
Risk
The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Fix
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.
Child Seat › Latch Strap · May 23, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V333000 · 188,668 vehicles

Problem
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2011-2017, X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i and X3 xDrive35i, vehicles manufactured July 2, 2010 to April 14, 2016, 2015-2017 X3 xDrive28d vehicles manufactured March 10, 2014 to March 31, 2016, and 2015-2017 x4 xDrive28i, X4 xDrive35i and X4 xDriveM40i vehicles manufactured March3, 2014 to April 15, 2016. The affected vehicles have lower anchor bars for securing child restraint seats that may become damaged when using the European-ISOFIX-type, rigid-style connector, child restraint system.
Risk
Damaged lower anchor bars may increase the child's risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will weld a reinforcing bracket to the lower anchor bars and the vehicle body, free of charge. The recall began on July 13, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2016 BMW X3 is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

82Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
7Involved a crash
3Involved a fire
2Injuries reported
38,924 miTypical mileage at failure
Electrical System23
Engine And Engine Cooling16
Engine13
Unknown Or Other12
Service Brakes10
Power Train9
Fuel System, Diesel6
Seat Belts5
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
22/08: 322/10: 122/11: 123/02: 123/05: 123/08: 223/09: 124/05: 124/09: 224/10: 424/11: 224/12: 425/01: 125/02: 225/03: 325/04: 225/07: 425/08: 225/10: 125/11: 125/12: 126/02: 126/03: 126/07: 222/0823/0223/0924/1025/0125/0425/1026/02max 4

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2016 BMW X3 buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Electrical System — 23 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  3. Engine And Engine Cooling — 16 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  4. Engine — 13 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 38,924 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. 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 X3. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other X3 years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 X329187.4 inNot rated222
2025 X329187.4 in★★★★★938
2024 X325185.4 in★★★★★342
2023 X325185.4 in★★★★★415
2022 X325185.4 in★★★★★784
2021 X327185.4 in★★★★★10113
2020 X327185.4 in★★★★★16110
2019 X326185.4 in★★★★★10171
2018 X325185.4 inNot rated1176
2017 X324183.1 inNot rated692
2015 X330183.1 inNot rated7104
2014 X324183.1 inNot rated683

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or BMW. How we calculate this →