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Independent review & score by Carivo
| Engine | 3.0L 6-Cylinder |
|---|---|
| Transmission | Automatic (AM-S7) |
| Drivetrain | Rear-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel Type | Premium |
| City / Hwy MPG | 17 / 24 MPG |
| Combined MPG | 19 MPG |
| Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $4,300 |
| CO₂ Emissions | 459 g/mi |
| Seating Capacity | 5 passengers |
| Body Style | Sports |
| Base Price | $58,444–$76,444 |
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
With an overall Carivo score of 7.5/10, the 2016 BMW M3 earns a Recommended rating among the sportss we've scored. Its strongest dimension is Performance at 9.1/10, while Value at 6.5/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. We rate reliability at 6.5/10 — below the segment average in our scoring. Budget for potentially higher maintenance costs and check the recall record below before buying. On safety it earns 7.4/10: respectable, if not class-leading — several competitors bundle more driver-assist tech as standard. Check your trim's official ratings at nhtsa.gov.
The 9.1/10 performance score reflects a chassis and powertrain that punch above the segment norm — this is a sports you choose partly for the drive itself. Technology scores 8.2/10 — one of the stronger tech packages in the segment. Expect a responsive infotainment system, broad smartphone integration, and a solid suite of driver-assistance features.
Priced from $58,444–$76,444, 12 MPG, seating 5, the BMW M3 sits in the premium tier of the sports category. The value score of 6.5/10 is a red flag — comparable alternatives offer meaningfully more for the same outlay. Shop the segment before deciding. At 10 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Bottom line: Think of the 2016 BMW M3 as the dependable pick rather than the exciting one. Its softer scores in reliability and value are the only real asterisks. Shoppers who value predictability over headlines will be well served.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
The 2016 BMW M3 ranks #204 of 316 sportss in the Carivo database — better than 36% of the segment. Its 7.5/10 overall score is 0.2 points below the segment average of 7.7/10. Its $58,444 starting price is about 27% above the segment's median of $46,090.
Rankings are recalculated as new vehicles and scores are added. See the full Sports ranking →
Across the M3 model years we've scored, the 2016 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
| Year | Score | Starting price (MSRP when new) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 8.0/10 | $79,207 | Read review → |
| 2025 | 8.0/10 | $79,207 | Read review → |
| 2024 | 7.8/10 | $76,900 | Read review → |
| 2023 | 7.9/10 | $74,593 | Read review → |
| 2022 | 7.7/10 | $72,286 | Read review → |
| 2021 | 7.8/10 | $69,979 | Read review → |
| 2020 | 7.6/10 | $67,672 | Read review → |
| 2019 | 7.5/10 | $65,365 | Read review → |
| 2018 | 7.6/10 | $63,058 | Read review → |
| 2017 | 7.5/10 | $60,751 | Read review → |
| 2016 (this review) | 7.5/10 | $58,444 | |
| 2015 | 7.4/10 | $56,137 | Read review → |
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
| Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 11/10/2018 · 18V713000 | 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 resulting in a loss of propulsion. |
|---|---|
| Structure / Frame and members 09/09/2016 · 16V653000 | 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 prior service action, the rear… |
| Power train / Driveline / Driveshaft 23/11/2015 · 15V782000 | BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles… |
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
We rate the 2016 BMW M3's reliability 6.5/10 — below the segment average, so budget for higher maintenance. It has 3 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
3 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
It scores 7.5/10 overall, ranking #204 of 316 sportss in our database (better than 36% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
The 2016 BMW M3 starts at $58,444 and ranges up to $76,444 across trims (MSRP when new). At 12 MPG, expect roughly $4,375/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Explore the full lineup of BMW models scored by Carivo — ranked by overall score across reliability, safety, value, performance, and technology.