Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 M3.
The 2016 BMW M3 is a passenger car equipped with a seven-speed AM-S7 automatic transmission and rated by the EPA at 17 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined. With only five total owner complaints — the top area being the engine — alongside three recalls, this model year sits well toward the quieter end of the M3's complaint history, which spans 1990 through 2025. It falls far below the 2006 peak of 216 complaints yet does not quite match the single-complaint low set by the 1996 model year, making the 2016 a relatively stable point in the lineage for researchers to consider.
Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.
Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.
From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI NS battery, OE oil filter 11428683168. Each part links to every other vehicle that shares it, so a part you already stock may fit more of your fleet than you'd expect.
| Engine oil filter | 11428683168 alt 11428637821 |
| Engine air filter | 13727843283 alt 13727843284 |
| Spark plug | 12120039634 |
| Battery | 61218047221 |
| Front wiper blades | 61615A43585 |
| Thermostat | 11538632664 alt 11537586885 |
| Cabin air filter | 64116821995 alt 64119237555 |
Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Overall length | 183.9 in |
| Overall width | 74 in |
| Overall height | 56.3 in |
| Wheelbase | 110.6 in |
| Curb weight | 3541 lb |
| Track (front / rear) | 62.2 / 63 in |
| Weight distribution (front / rear) | 52/48 |
| EPA city / highway / combined | 17 / 24 / 19 mpg |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Passenger volume | 96 cu ft |
| Cargo volume | 12 cu ft |
| Recommended fuel | Premium Gasoline |
0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.
Independent road tests for the M3 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.
| Year | Trim / engine | 0–60 | ¼ mile | HP | Drivetrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Competition Package Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.00 sec | 12.20 sec | 444 hp | RWD |
| 2016 | Competition Package Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.30 sec | 12.50 sec | 444 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.80 sec | 12.00 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.80 sec | 12.20 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.80 sec | 12.10 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.90 sec | 12.20 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 3.90 sec | 12.30 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
| 2015 | Sedan 3.0L Twin-Turbo I-6 | 4.00 sec | 12.30 sec | 425 hp | RWD |
Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.
This engine synthetic in the differential, DOT 4 brake fluid. Torque the oil drain plug to M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs. The firing order is 1-5-3-6-2-4.
| Brake Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Clutch Fluid | DOT 4 |
| Differential Gear Oil | synthetic |
| Differential Gear Oil Capacity | 2.1-2.2 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 3.0-3.2 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 2.5-3.2 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid | BMW MTF-LT-5 |
| Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity | 2.5-3.0 |
| Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts | 11 |
| Exhaust Manifold to Cylinder Head Bolts | 9.5 |
| Engine Oil Pan Drain Plug | M12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs |
| Driveshaft Flange to Transmission | M8 Bolts: 33.0, M10: 58.0 ft-lbs |
| Rear Wheel Hub | Install a new nut and torque to 220.0 ft-lbs |
| Cylinder Firing Order | 1-5-3-6-2-4 |
| Spark Plug Manufacturer | BMW |
| Spark Plug Type | M14X1.25 |
| Spark Plug Gap | non-adjustable in |
| Spark Plug Torque | 20.0 - 24.3 ft-lbs |
| Refrigerant | R134a |
| Oil Group | PAG |
| Oil Type | 46 |
| Minimum Pad Thickness | Front: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads |
| Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for Replacement | Stamped on rotor |
Normal service, condensed from the factory interval matrix.
Under the factory schedule, replace the engine oil and filter at 1,200 mi.
| At 1,200 mi | Drive Axle Assembly (drain & refill) · Engine Oil (drain & refill) · Engine Oil Filter (replace) · Intercooler (drain & refill) |
Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.
The 2016 BMW M3 logged 5 complaints, 3 recalls, and 190 technical service bulletins (TSBs), situating it firmly within the generation's mid-cycle refinement phase. Across this platform, TSBs peaked in 2015 at 205 before gradually declining to 162 in 2017 and dropping significantly by 2018, indicating that 2016 benefits from early-production bug fixes while still having robust service documentation. For the 2016 model specifically, the engine accounts for 3 of the 5 total complaints, though the data does not specify the root cause of these issues; notably, there are zero crash or fire complaints on record. Compared to 2015's 4 complaints and 2017's 3 complaints, the 2016 model shows a remarkably stable and low complaint volume relative to the broader generation. Given its position on the downward slope of the generation's TSB trend and its minimal federal complaints, the 2016 M3 is a strong year to buy, provided you verify that the three safety recalls have been properly addressed.
All 5 complaints on record, top 3 components.
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.
Showing 2 of 3 campaigns on record for this vehicle.
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… 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.
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… 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…
Showing 5 of 190 bulletins on record with NHTSA.
| Bulletin | Date | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| B340921 | 2025-01-14 | Service Brakes | A turbine-like noise can be heard from the rear axle while deceleration during the first… |
| B611305 | 2024-01-11 | Electrical System | The electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process… |
| B310124 | 2024-01-09 | Suspension | With the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there… |
| B360121 | 2024-01-08 | Steering | At low outside temperatures (below 40 degrees F) and slow driving speeds (i.e. when… |
| B340714 | 2023-10-13 | Service Brakes, Hydraulic | Functional noises (squealing/honking) when braking shortly before the vehicle comes to a… |
The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.
Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.
Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.
Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.
Refer to the appropriate Motologic service procedures for drain and refill procedure. of Use engine oil meeting BMW specification LL-01 or equivalent., per the factory manual.
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.
EPA figures are 17 city / 24 highway / 19 combined mpg.