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2016 BMW M3Problems, recalls & complaints

NHTSA has logged 5 owner complaints about the 2016 BMW M3, most often about the engine. It is covered by 3 safety recalls, and for recall 18V-713 the manufacturer reports only 93% of affected cars repaired.

2016 BMW M3
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CarFlaw IndexNot enough dataHigher is better (0–100)
Safety recalls3Lowest repair rate 93%Owner complaints50 with a crash, fire or injuryTypical failure mileage20kEngine, median miles

Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through December 19, 2019. Updated daily. Photo: Calreyn88, CC BY 4.0.

Complaints by system

Where the 2016 BMW M3 has problems

5 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.

Box size = number of complaints naming that system. Darker = larger share. One complaint can name more than one system.
Complaints by system
SystemComplaintsCrash, fire or injury
Engine30
Power train10
Structure10
Suspension10

Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.

3 recalls

2016 BMW M3 recalls and how many were fixed

Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

97%repaired · 2018 Q1

Structure: frame and members

Recall 16V-653 · Sep 9, 2016 · 196 vehicles · 190 repaired

Risk. Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

98%repaired · 2017 Q2

Driveline: driveshaft

Recall 15V-782 · Nov 23, 2015 · 42 vehicles · 41 repaired

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.

Problem, fix and repair progress →

Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with BMW.

Best & worst years

2016 vs. every other M3 year

Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the M3 median. How we score

'88'89'90'91'92'93'94'95'96'97'98'99'00'01'02'03'04'05'06'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15'16'17'18'21'22'23'25
  • Avoid
  • Caution
  • Solid
  • Best
  • Not rated
NHTSA crash tests

2016 BMW M3 safety ratings

2016 BMW M3 4 DR RWD in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.

  • Stability control: Standard
  • Forward collision warning: No
  • Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words

What M3 owners report

Recent engine complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.

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. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS TO STOCK VEHICLES AND MODDED ONES. IF THE CRANK HUB SPINS WHILE THE CAR IS…
Complaint 11290215 · Dec 19, 2019 · 20,000 miles
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. THIS ISSUE HAPPENS TO STOCK VEHICLES AND MODDED ONES. IF THE CRANK HUB SPINS WHILE THE CAR IS…
Complaint 11289964 · Dec 18, 2019 · 20,000 miles
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…
Complaint 11289880 · Dec 18, 2019 · 28,000 miles

Own a 2016 M3?

Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.