2016 BMW 3 Series Consumer Reviews
Review Summary
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
Let's start with the cons: the navigation system is the biggest disappointment. The map is long outdated, even the BMW dealership where I purchased the car from has the wrong address. The map doesn't show the names of all the roads, only the major streets are shown, even if zoomed in. The system is very slow. However, BMW is releasing a new system this November 2012; unfortunately, I purchased my car before the announcement. The other con is the automatic stop-start system to save gas. Good feature on paper, but in practice, the car wakes up violently. It doesn't feel up to par with BMW quality. Finally, the controls are fairly complicated: the fog lights doesn't turn on automatically, neither does the wipers. The settings doesn't stay at the last user setting, instead everything defaults: like the driving dynamics defaulting to Comfort, the Auto-Stop-Start defaulting to on, etc. This becomes very annoying as you need to press a bunch of buttons before driving out. Now the pros: Driving in sport mode is incredibly fun, enough said. The car has incredible acceleration. The interior design is absolutely beautiful, not too many buttons as everything is integrated. Quality is nice. Everything else is expected from the BMW line.
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Critical Review
What every you do no not buy a convertible BMW. The engineers for BMW stated it is normal for them to leak water and they don't disclose this information before you purchase the vehicle. Very poorly made vehicle.
2016 3 Series Reviews
Showing 8 of 199 reviews.
Reliable when maintained
Check timing chain guide rails
I bought this car when it was 5 years old and had 17k miles. So far, with approximately 9 years and 100k miles that I have driven, I have had to do only tires, brakes, scheduled fluid replacements and two minor repairs (brake lights and a stretched front door cable). This is not the horror show I was expecting. I am watching the feared timing chain guide rails ( the reported weakness of this engine). So far no rattle. I have ignored the BMW oil change schedule which is a 10,000 mile interval. I have changed the oil every 5k since I purchased it, and I believe that is why my timing chain is still working. This has turned out to be the most reliable car I have ever owned (I am 62).
Powerful Engine, Chassis Balance
Auto Start-Stop, Spongey OEM front suspension and sway bars.
I have a 1 of 1,489 ActiveHybrid3’s sold in the US. Mine came with the shadowline trim and is an original M-Sport. After 134,000 flawless miles I have nothing but praise for this 340 horsepower partial hybrid. Only needed maintenance on these cars is the plastic charge pipe and sometimes a Fuel tank vent valve. Otherwise, it has been unproblematic for spans of 10-20,000 miles at a time where I have done nothing to it.
I have owned this model since May 2019; and it has been the most enjoyable driving experience I have ever had (I've been driving for 45 years). The handling and transmission are second to none in my opinion. Great car for long road trips. Comfortable; but I'd change the front seats if I could to something a little higher. I understand the ground clearance is low due to the "performance" aspect of the car; but it's the only thing I'd change to make it perfect, apart from the addition of Android Auto. My next car will be an SUV I feel. Easier to get in and out of. I love having the "old school" hard tactile buttons and knobs for everything. I don't want so many things embedded in an infotainment touch screen. I prefer the gear shifter to be a proper shifter and not a push button or a stub. The newer models of today have eliminated all that I enjoy in the interior controls. Sure, BMWs are expensive to maintain and/or repair; but when they're running smoothly it's worth it! Even the horn is so much "meatier" than other cars! I probably won't buy another 3 series in my lifetime; but I'll be reluctant to give this one up! Another thing I like it that it was assembled in South Africa, and the transmission was built in Eastern Europe. I would still recommend anyone thinking about buying a 3 series to do it. Reviews everywhere back me up in my opinion!
Handles well, dependable, good gas mileage, comfortable, stops on a dime. Once you drive a BMW you don't want anything else.
bought this car new and its been perfect (64000 miles) can not tell the interior has been used ( dakota leather)
I’ve had my BMW 328i for almost 11 years now, and it still brings a smile to my face when I drive it on fun roads! I’ve had no major maintenance needs outside of regular oil and tire changes for the 55k miles I’ve put on the car till date. The two minor nits with the car - the inside door handle materials have started to become a bit worn out and mushy, especially in the California summer heat. And the navigation isn’t the best. I should have bought the package that let me connect my phone’s map app to the console dashboard. These are small issues, and there are dozens of other awesome features and things I love about the car. If you’re looking for a Driver’s Car, look no further!
Fun enjoyable car during spring a summer, heated sterring wheel for winter
prone to leaking but with any droptop, keep well maintained as if it was your own baby
Car has been fun to drive, and loveee the drop top feature! But it has been having alot of problems lately drop top misaligned and mechanics messed up, 10k+ fixed , now senors going off for seatbelts, water intrusion on my windshield wiper relay havent got that fixed they inspected it and do not know where it came from! If youre rich you should own this car
Generally good vehicle
Collision repairs expensive.
I've been really pleased with my 2014 BMW 3 with XDrive. It has 108,000 miles and has been very reliable. It performs well and is fun to drive. Gas mileage is only slightly (~1 mpg) less than when I bought it. The car handles well in snow and bad weather. Even the tires lasted 80,000 miles before I had to replace them. It has not needed any maintenance except for preventive and scheduled maintenance. I have had a couple of animal collisions (a nutria and a fox), and the repairs are expensive compared to a Toyota. Independent garages can do most of the work, cost less, and are competitive, but I couldn't find one that could deal with the head unit. That repair, fortunately only a software reload, I had to do at the dealer.
