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2016 BMW M3 problems

The most common problem on the 2016 BMW M3 is engine and cooling. It has fewer complaints than a typical M3 model year.

Fewer complaintsAmong the best years of this model
Year score
88/100
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
3
Service bulletins
190
Worst area
Engine
Fuel economy
19-20mpg

The worst 2016 BMW M3 problems

Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.

  • Engine
    3
  • Body
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Problems by type

Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.

  • Engine
    3
  • Body
    1
  • Suspension
    1
  • Transmission
    1

Recalls 3

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported October 11, 2018 · 2,661 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.
Risk
A loss of vehicle propulsion can increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 18V713000 · Recall details

Structure: frame and membersReported September 9, 2016 · 196 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.
Risk
Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 16V653000 · Recall details

Power train: driveline: driveshaftReported November 23, 2015 · 42 vehicles affected
What is wrong
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.
Risk
If the slip-joint fails, there would be a loss of power to the rear axle and therefore the vehicle would stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy
BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1‑800‑525‑7417.

Recall number 15V782000 · Recall details

See all 3 recalls for the 2016 BMW M3

Technical service bulletins for the 2016 BMW M3 190

Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.

See all 190 bulletins for the 2016 BMW M3

2016 BMW M3 fuel economy

Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.

EngineDriveCityHighwayCombined
3.0L 6‑cylRWD1724-2619-20

What 2016 BMW M3 owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 19, 2019 · Engine · 20,000 miles · CO

There's a known issue with 2015+ bmw f80 m3 s55 engine. The issue is the crank hub spinning out and damaging the car. It leaves the vehicle in a dangerous state when driving on the road and to others near by. This issue happens to stock vehicles and modded ones. If the crank hub spins while the car is moving, it can leave the car in a dangerous state with no power. Links about it: https://www.youtube.com/results... Specific video that explains the crank hub issue with this model of a car: https://youtu.be/sjr3zhegs_u?t=160 this issue has personally happened on my m3. I was coasting down a hill towards a green stoplight, and a drivetrain malfunction error popped up on my screen. I immediately pushed in the clutch, and within 1 second my engine turned off. My car was left with no power, the engine would not restart. I got the car home by towing it, then using a winch to get it in my garage. I used my obd2 reader to read the dtc's and all the codes that came up were directly related to the crank hub spinning. It was dangerous because I was approaching a busy intersection. I had to push my car out of the intersection. I was not injured, I did not crash, and I did not lose control. Although if I was going at a higher rate of speed, it would be easy to lose control from this issue.

Filed Dec 18, 2019 · Engine · 20,000 miles · CO

There's a known issue with 2015+ bmw f80 m3 s55 engine. The issue is the crank hub spinning out and damaging the car. It leaves the vehicle in a dangerous state when driving on the road and to others near by. This issue happens to stock vehicles and modded ones. If the crank hub spins while the car is moving, it can leave the car in a dangerous state with no power. Links about it: https://www.youtube.com/results... Specific video that explains the crank hub issue with this model of a car: https://youtu.be/sjr3zhegs_u?t=160

Filed Dec 18, 2019 · Engine · 28,000 miles · AZ

The crankhub on these cars are ticking time bombs and is likely to fail just outside of warranty forcing huge repair bills. In some cases, a "lucky" few just need to be retimed and only require 18 hours of labor. However, others have not been so lucky and have required an all-new engine. This is an issue bmw is fully aware of but has not taken responsbility for their insufficient engineering.

Filed Jul 15, 2019 · Body, Suspension · 48,234 miles · FL

Keep hearing a knocking sound on driver side when going over bumps. Feeling vibration under car under accelerating and breaking. Carbon fiber roof laminate peeling off.

Filed Jun 5, 2018 · 3,000 miles · CA

I've taken my vehicle in to the service dealer multiple times since I've purchased the car back in nov. 2016. I noticed a clunking and jolting sensation from my rear axle which I knew was not normal. The dealer after diagnosing the issue told me it is normal and there isn't an issue at all. Upon further research online and personal frustration knowing I'm paying for a new car which doesn't feel new at all, I found the attached recall notice. My car has a production date of may 20, 2016 which falls in between the timeline mentioned in the attached recall memo which will require a replacement of the rear differential. Also, searching online on the bmw m3 forums, many other owners of this similar vehicle have such an issue and I am worried this might also pose a safety threat to me. For these reasons, I am submitting this form here.

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Questions about the 2016 BMW M3

Is the 2016 BMW M3 reliable?

Owners have filed 5 complaints about the 2016 BMW M3, fewer than a typical M3 model year.

What is the 2016 BMW M3 year score?

The 2016 BMW M3 scores 88 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the BMW M3: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.

What is the most common problem with the 2016 BMW M3?

Engine and cooling, with 3 complaints. Next is body (1).

How many recalls does the 2016 BMW M3 have?

3 recalls, covering power train and structure.

What gas mileage does the 2016 BMW M3 get?

Official estimates for the 2016 BMW M3 range from 19 to 20 mpg combined. The most efficient version (3.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 24-26 highway.

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