BMWX42016Overview/bmw/x4/2016/base/

2016 BMW X4

Factory specifications, fluid capacities, torque values, EPA fuel economy and the federal safety record for the 2016 X4.

Body PASSENGER CARTransmission Automatic (S8)

The 2016 BMW X4 is classified as a passenger car and is equipped with an Automatic (S8) transmission, carrying an EPA rating of 18/25/21 mpg. Reliability records for this model year show 10 owner complaints and 2 recalls, placing it within the early phase of the X4’s 2014–2026 production run. That complaint count sits below the 2020 peak of 14 yet well above the 2024 low of 2, marking the 2016 edition as a moderately represented year in the model’s tracked reliability history.

Model year202520242023202220212020201920182016

Quick specs

Fluid capacities, tune-up values and fuel economy at a glance.

Engine oil capacityRefer to the appropriate Motologic service procedures for drain and refill procedure.OEM · verified
EPA fuel economy18/25/21 mpgEPA · verified

Fitment & sizes

Replacement part sizes and factory part numbers — battery, bulbs, filters and belts.

From the factory this vehicle uses a BCI 94R · 800 CCA 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.

Battery groupBCI 94R · 800 CCAOEM · verified
Tire sizeP245/50R18OEM · verified
Wheel / rim8.0; OPTIONAL: 8.5; FRONT: 8.0, 8.0; REAR: 9.5, 9.5 inOEM · verified

OE service part numbers OEM · verified

Engine oil filter11428683168 alt 11428637820
Engine air filter13717601868 alt 13717571355
Spark plug12120039664 alt 12120037582
Battery61217594976 alt 61217598775
Front wiper blades61612458017
Thermostat11538635689 alt 11537586784
Cabin air filter64119237159 alt 64319312318

Full specifications

Engine, drivetrain, dimensions and economy.

Engine & drivetrain NHTSA vPIC

TransmissionAutomatic (S8)

Dimensions & weight NHTSA vPIC

Overall length183.9 in
Overall width74 in
Overall height63.8 in
Wheelbase110.6 in
Curb weight4129 lb
Track (front / rear)63.8 / 64.2 in
Weight distribution (front / rear)49/51

Ratings & economy EPA / vPIC

EPA city / highway / combined18 / 25 / 21 mpg
DrivetrainAll-Wheel Drive
Recommended fuelPremium Gasoline

Performance & power Independent road tests

0–60 mph, quarter-mile, horsepower and torque from independent road tests.

Independent road tests for the X4 of this era, listed by trim and engine — this page spans more than one engine, so no single horsepower figure is shown.

4.4–6.3 sec0–60 mph (tested)quickest 4.40 sec — 2017 M40i
YearTrim / engine0–60¼ mileHPDrivetrain
2015xDrive35i 3.0L turbo I-65.10 sec13.70 sec300 hpAWD
2015xDrive35i 3.0L Turbo I-65.20 sec13.80 sec300 hpAWD
2015xDrive35i 3.0L Turbo I-65.20 sec13.90 sec300 hpAWD
2015xDrive28i 2.0L Turbo I-45.90 sec14.60 sec240 hpAWD
2015xDrive28i 2.0L Turbo I-46.30 sec15.00 sec240 hpAWD
2017M40i 3.0L Turbo I-64.40 sec13.10 sec355 hpAWD
2017M40i 3.0L Turbo I-64.90 sec13.60 sec355 hpAWD
2017xDrive28i 2.0L Turbo I-46.20 sec14.90 sec240 hpAWD

Service quick specs OEM factory data

Capacities, torques and tune-up values from the factory service manual.

This engine Hypoid axle oil G1 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. Note the cylinder-head bolts finish on a torque angle (torque-to-yield) — they stretch permanently and should be replaced, not reused, during any head service.

Lubricants & capacities

Brake FluidDOT 4
Clutch FluidDOT 4
Differential Gear OilHypoid axle oil G1
Differential Gear Oil Capacity1.5-3.0
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity3.0-3.2
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity2.5-3.2
Manual Transmission FluidBMW MTF-LT-5
Manual Transmission Fluid Capacity2.5-3.0

Engine torques

Intake Manifold to Engine Bolts11
Engine Oil Pan Drain PlugM12 Bolts: 18.0, M22 Bolts: 44.0 ft-lbs

Ignition

Cylinder Firing Order1-3-4-2
Cylinder Firing Order1-5-3-6-2-4
Spark Plug ManufacturerBMW
Spark Plug TypeM14X1.25
Spark Plug Gapnon-adjustable in
Spark Plug Torque20.0 - 24.3 ft-lbs

Battery & A/C

RefrigerantR134a
Oil GroupPAG
Oil Type46
Standard BCI Group Number94R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance800 cca
Standard BCI Group Number95R
Standard BCI Cranking Performance850 cca

Service checks

Pressure Test21.7 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief17-23 psi
Pressure Test21.7 psi
Radiator Cap Pressure Relief17-23 psi

Brakes

Minimum Pad ThicknessFront: 0.145; Rear: 0.145 pads
Vented Rotor Minimum Thickness for ReplacementStamped on rotor

Multi-step torque procedures OEM · verified

Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
3Bolts 1-10 90 degrees90 degrees
445 degrees45 degrees
Cylinder Head — tightening sequence 4 stages

Prep Do not reuse old bolts

122.0 ft. lbs.22 ft. lbs
290 degrees90 degrees
3Bolts 1-10 90 degrees90 degrees
445 degrees45 degrees

Reliability & federal safety record

Owner-reported issues, recalls, investigations and service bulletins on record with NHTSA — an unfiltered look at what owners actually experience.

The 2016 BMW X4 marks a notable inflection point in its generation, with federal complaint data revealing a sharp increase in reported issues—10 complaints, up from zero in 2014—coinciding with the model’s first full year of broader market exposure. This year also saw a rise in recalls (2) and the initiation of a federal investigation, alongside a dramatic spike in technical service bulletins (183), suggesting heightened early reliability scrutiny compared to its 2014 predecessor. While subsequent years (2017–2018) show a temporary dip in complaints, the 2016 model’s elevated TSB count and investigation indicate systemic concerns, particularly in electrical systems and engine-related components, which dominate its complaint profile. Later years (2019 onward) exhibit even higher recall volumes, but the 2016’s combination of early-adoption complaints and unresolved technical advisories places it in a riskier segment of the ownership arc. The absence of fire-related complaints and only one crash report mitigate some concerns, yet the concentration of electrical and engine issues warrants caution. **Takeaway: The 2016 X4 is a higher-risk buy within its generation, with elevated early complaints and unresolved technical advisories—proceed only with a thorough pre-purchase inspection and verified service history.**

2
Open recalls
NHTSA campaigns
183
Service bulletins
Manufacturer communications
1
ODI investigations
Office of Defects Investigation
10
Owner complaints
1 involved a crash · 0 a fire
NHTSA crash-test rating federal NCAP · out of 5 stars
Overall★★★★★
Frontal★★★★★
Side★★★★★
Rollover★★★★
Owner complaints by model year NHTSA · this generation & adjacent

Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component

All 10 complaints on record, top 8 components.

Engine & Engine Cooling,Electrical System2
Electrical System1
Electrical System,Unknown Or Other,Engine1
Suspension1
Service Brakes1
Air Bags1
Power Train,Fuel/Propulsion System1
Engine1

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation complaint database.

Recalls NHTSA · verified

Showing 2 of 2 campaigns on record for this vehicle.

16V333000Child Seat:Latch StrapReported 23/05/2016

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… Remedy: 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…

24V608000Engine And Engine Cooling:Cooling System:PumpReported 13/08/2024

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… Remedy: 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…

Technical service bulletins NHTSA · verified

Showing 5 of 183 bulletins on record with NHTSA.

BulletinDateComponentSummary
B4107222024-04-04StructureWhile driving the vehicle on normal roads at10mph and above, a "cracking" sound from the…
B5108192024-01-16Electrical SystemThe basic conditions for initializing the power windows are not met.
B6113052024-01-11Electrical SystemThe electrical system of BMW vehicles has been subject to an ongoing development process…
B3101242024-01-09SuspensionWith the vehicle is on a lift and the front struts are in the extended position, there…
B5218232023-12-15SeatsA noise can be heard from underneath the seat while the seat is being moved either…

Common OBD-II trouble codes

The most common OBD-II codes for this vehicle's emissions system. These are standardized SAE J2012 definitions, not vehicle-specific fault reports.

P0420
Catalyst system efficiency below threshold — Bank 1
P0300
Random / multiple cylinder misfire detected
P0171
System too lean — Bank 1
P0455
Evaporative emission system leak detected — large leak
P0128
Coolant thermostat below regulating temperature
P0442
Evaporative emission system leak detected — small leak

VIN tools

Decode factory build data for a specific vehicle by VIN.

VIN
Decode a VIN to confirm the transmission and build data for a specific X4. OEM
Build data
Plant, GVWR class, engine and body data for any 17-character VIN.
Recalls
Check open recall campaigns against a specific vehicle by VIN.

Vehicles with shared specs

Find every vehicle that shares this one's battery, bulbs, oil capacity, platform or parts.

Reference guides

Cross-vehicle references for the kinds of data on this page.

Frequently asked

How much oil does the 2016 X4 take?

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.

Does the 2016 X4 have open recalls?

NHTSA lists 2 recall campaign(s) for this model year. Check your specific vehicle by VIN.

What gas mileage does the X4 get?

EPA figures are 18 city / 25 highway / 21 combined mpg.