2016 BMW 3 Series
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Engine is the leading concern among 93 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 10th highest complaint count among 21 3 Series model years with reports.
Of the 2016 reports, 12 involved a crash and 3 involved a fire. 11 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
No safety recalls on file.
Representative owner complaints
93 reports, newest first.
Service brakes, Aug 6, 2025
Car started to have low coolant when i would replace it instantly and i took it to a shop and they told me it has a recall.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2025
I have been waiting since October 2024 to get a remedy available to fix the recall on this vehicle. Dealership won’t even look at the car since the remedy is unavailable but this is a dangerous issue to have and know about without a fix anywhere in the foreseeable future.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, May 12, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was smoke coming front the A/C vents. The contact stated that a passenger who was occupying the front passenger's side seat and became aware of the abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine, Apr 30, 2025
i have previously reported this issue, confirmation #11656013. However, after diagnostic with a Certified BMW Service Center, i wish to follow up and add additional details. My 2016 BMW 320 XI is experiencing an issue with the Turbo Oil Feed Line. This is a known issue, reported under SI B11 11 16 on the NHTSA.gov website. i have been told that my specific vehicle / VIN is not included as part of this coverage under the Extended Warranty. However, since my car, N20 Engine is experiencing this specific issue, i am requesting my car be considered to be effected and that it should be included in this extended warranty. i have attached a copy of the Diagnostic / Inspection of my vehicle, dated 4/29/2025
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 22, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle after the vehicle had not been driven for a while, there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil feed line to the turbocharger was leaking. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to BMW Warranty Extension: SI B11 11 16; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Apr 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available .
Other or unspecified, Apr 14, 2025
A recall was issued by BMW in August 2024. As of today, April 14, 2025, there is still no remedy issued by BMW to repair this issue. BMW states that the issue with the Water Pump Electrical Connector can cause a short circuit and engine fire.
Power train, Electrical system, Engine, Apr 6, 2025, crash
Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunction” warning, forcing me to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily clear the issue. Additionally, there appears to be a leak causing fluid to drip onto the belt and other components, further compromising the vehicle’s functionality and safety. My belt slips because of the leak and it has been severely deteriorated because of even after replacing it. The dealership has consistently advised me to repair this issue at my expense, quoting costs exceeding the value of the car. Only recently did I learn about the recall addressing this defect. The dealership has failed to provide timely solutions, leaving me without a drivable vehicle. Safety Concerns: These persistent issues pose serious safety risks. The drivetrain malfunction and overheating increase the likelihood of sudden breakdowns while driving, endangering myself and other road users. Pulling off unexpectedly also creates hazardous situations on highways or busy roads. Request for Action: I request that BMW resolve this recall promptly. If repairs cannot be completed within a reasonable timeframe, I demand compensation for my inability to use the vehicle, including reimbursement for expenses incurred during this period. Alternatively, BMW should provide me with a rental vehicle or replace my car with another comparable model free of defects. Failure to do so will prompt me to seek legal arbitration to recover damages and ensure accountability. Contact Information: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 25, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Mar 17, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact found information regarding Technical Service Bulletin: SIB 11116 (Engine and Engine Cooling released in July 2017). The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer linked the failure to the Technical Service Bulletin; however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Mar 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Steering, Jan 15, 2025
Received recall notice 5 months ago from BMW. Why is it taking so long for them to address this issue?
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 30, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Nov 12, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle started decelerating unintendedly, with the message “Engine Hot – Stop Driving” was displayed. The contact pulled over to the side of the highway and waited for an hour for the engine to cool down, before restarting the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. There were no fault codes retrieved, and the contact was referred to the local dealer for assistance. The dealer diagnosed the vehicle but found no cause for the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact linked the failure to the recall. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 133,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 28, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Structure, Oct 24, 2024
While replacing the battery, the battery well was rusty. If allowed to continue I have no doubt the very heavy battery will fall through to the ground causing an accident and very hazardous materials will spill on the roadway (acids and lead from a ruptured battery).
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Oct 1, 2024
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Fuel/propulsion system, Apr 22, 2024
(1) Failed component: High Pressure Fuel Pump (2) The vehicle complete shut down without warning leaving the driver stranded on the road. (3) The problem has been assessed and confirmed. (4) The vehicle has been inspected by a certified BMW mechanic. (5) There was no warning prior to failure. Description: While driving at approximately 30 mph, the vehicle shut down. I was told by a certified BMW mechanic that the high pressure fuel pump imploded, sending metal chards through the fuel injection line thereby disabling the vehicle entirely. I inquired as to whether or not a recall had been issued and BMW told me it had not been issued for my vehicle. I have since learned that a recall was issued due to this exact problem but my VIN was not included in the recall, even though it is the year make and model associated with this very problem. The breakdown/disintegration of the equipment sending metal chard throughout the fuel line disabled and ruined the entire fuel system and its components with repairs costs estimated at $15,285. My car is within the ten year warranty but outside of the 120,000 miles. This is for the 328D xdrive wagon.
Service brakes, Jan 30, 2024
Brake line bracket failed. It appears that the bracket is made out of plastic and is a common failure for BMWs. The failure causes the line to rattle against the lower body and eventually break. The bracket is in a place very difficult to access. BMW wants to charge 1000$ while the part cost in under 10$
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Nov 11, 2023
car stops while driving, battery also draws while not in use. which is very dangerous. Already filed report with dealer ship for car. We will be having an another baby this winter and it is getting to the point where It can be very dangerous for my family. We got it checked but since it’s a manufacturer issue is what they said. Since this car doesn’t have any recalls dealer doesn’t want to do anything. We noticed that many other cars of same year have the same problem.
Engine, Nov 1, 2023
In July 2023, my 2016 BMW 328i sedan with N26 engine began emitting a large plume of smoke for 15-30 seconds from the exhaust after a cold startup. I identified the following recalls which described the same situation as mine (SI B11 11 16 and SI B11 17 16) but was informed by the local BMW dealership my VIN was ineligible for both. In early October 2023, I brought my car to a local repair shop, where the mechanic confirmed the issue to be the oil feed line and replaced it with part # 11-42-8-678-840, removing original part # 11-42-8-626-652. The aforementioned recalls specify the smoke from the exhaust is caused by faulty oil feed lines or carbonization of the turbocharger sealing ring, both of which may be resolved by installing part # 11-42-8-678-840 that includes a check valve to prevent this issue moving forward. While my car was experiencing the same problem and required the same part # to resolve, it was classified as ineligible due to the very limited scope of the recalls, namely the production and model years of eligible cars (2011-2013). While my car was manufactured in January of 2016, it still received an inadequate oil feed line that did not contain the check valve. This is problematic as no recall was issued for my car thereafter once BMW identified this issue as early as October of 2016. I have since spoken with the parts manager at my local dealership as well as a case manager with BMW of North America and was informed no further assistance could be provided. I feel my car should have been included in a recall to replace the oil feed line was it did not receive one with a check valve upon production.
Power train, Service brakes, Oct 11, 2023
The clip holding the emergency brake line is made out of plastic and mine broke (which I found out is common with these cars). When this happens, it rubs on the driveshaft which can wear through and sever the emergency brake line. This is a very dangerous situation and easily be avoided if BMW used a metal part vs. the current, plastic flimsy one.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 10, 2023, fire
The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later the front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, a bystander who attempted to extinguish the flames was treated by EMS at the scene for headaches and smoke inhalation. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2023
Drive train malfunction. Throws itself in to neutral while driving. Lost the power to accelerate so had to coast to the shoulder.. Turned the car off and restarted it. Took to automotive shop via extended warranty suggested and I paid to have the pressure fuel piece. This same piece, apparently has a recall on the 2015 but not my year. Very upset. While out of town the same thing happened again. With a passenger. Very scary my car lost power and almost caused an accident.