more about this model
Quick Summary
The 2016 BMW 3 Series is a mildly updated version of last year's model that features a new top-of-the-line engine, revised styling, additional options and eventually a plug-in hybrid model. The range-topping 340i is now faster and more refined than ever, while the rest of the lineup benefits from an improved suspension and updated features.
What Is It?
The 2016 BMW 3 Series is a compact luxury sport sedan that has defined the segment for decades now. For 2016, the 3 Series has received a light freshening that includes mild styling updates, new options and a more powerful engine for the range-topping model now dubbed the 340i.
The rest of the engine options in the four-cylinder 320i, 328i and diesel 328d are unchanged. All models come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission and offer all-wheel drive as an option. A six-speed manual transmission is available on all models except the 328d. All these updates apply only to the 3 Series sedan and sport wagon, as the 3 Series GT hatchbacks carry over unchanged from last year.
What Body Styles, Trim Levels and Options Are Available?
The BMW 3 Series is available in three body styles (four-door sedan, four-door wagon and four-door hatchback) but only the sedans and wagons have been updated for 2016. The base 320i model offers a wide range of stand-alone options, while the 328i, 328d and 340i models now come standard with what was previously referred to as the Sport Line trim. This includes upgrades like high-gloss black exterior trim, a unique gauge cluster and sport seats.
The upper-level models also offer a Luxury Line trim and a revised M Sport trim package that includes a sport suspension to go with a unique body kit and steering wheel. A new Track Handling package is also new. It bundles adjustable steering, adaptive dampers, upgraded brakes and unique 18-inch wheels.
Another notable new feature is a full LED headlight package. It's standard on the 340i and optional on all other models. There's also a further option to upgrade to adaptive LED lights that follow the curves of the road.
How Does It Drive?
The new 3.0-liter six-cylinder provides the 340i with a potent punch. It now produces 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque. That's an extra 20 hp and 30 additional lb-ft of torque. With the added power, BMW says the 340i is good for a 0-60-mph sprint of only 4.8 seconds. That's incredibly fast for any car, let alone a comfortable luxury sedan. Add all-wheel drive and the number drops to just 4.6 seconds.
Curiously, the 340i doesn't always feel that fast, mainly because the car is so civilized. Despite its quietness, the engine issues a pleasantly sporting beat when worked hard and is always smooth, if not as turbinelike as the BMW sixes of the past. It's quick in every gear, not least because peak torque is produced at an exceptionally low 1,380 rpm, making light work of overtaking maneuvers.
Shifts from the eight-speed are superb in the default Comfort mode. There are three additional modes to choose from: Eco Pro, Sport and Sport+. In Sport, a subtle and deliberately introduced jolt occurs with each shift, to intensify the car's sporting demeanor.
These various modes also alter the sensitivity of the accelerator, the speed of the gearshifts and the feel of the adaptive suspension (if so equipped). In Comfort mode the 340i has an excellent ride that's supple, controlled and unobtrusive. It's considerably firmer in Sport, however, to the point that your passengers may grow weary of the ride over undulating roads. But from the driver seat, it feels keenly tied to the road.
The 2016 3 Series' steering system benefits from more rigid mountings intended to introduce more precision and a feeling of stronger connection to the road below. It's generally effective, as the car feels more secure at speed on the interstate and more precise when taking curves, too. The steering's weight increases in the Sport mode, but feels slightly loose on center.
None of these minor quibbles get in the way of enjoying this car, whose character is reminiscent of BMW's better sporting sedans from the past. It's inspiringly quick, satisfyingly agile and makes cultured sounds, while feeling reassuringly secure and civilized. An excellent driving position, easily mastered controls and a decent view out make these dynamic assets that bit easier to exploit, besides providing the ingredients for a fine long-distance car.
How Does It Rate in Terms of Interior Comfort?
The 3 Series was already big enough to accommodate average-size adults front and rear. Nothing has changed in that regard. Up front there's plenty of room, and the driver-focused design gives it the feel of a car that's easy to drive. It's also very comfortable, with supportive seats and a wide range of adjustment for both the seat and the steering wheel.
The straight-6 issues a pleasing beat when revved, and in Sport mode you'll hear some entertaining commotion from the exhaust when decelerating. None of it is overbearing or objectionable. In Comfort mode, which the car always defaults to, the 340i's sporting potential remains well hidden.
What Are Its Closest Competitors?
An all-new Audi A4 is on the way, but the current model is still worth considering. It offers strong performance, a sharply styled cabin and a similar range of features.
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class sports high-tech safety features, a luxurious interior and a finely engineered demeanor. On the downside it's a bit expensive, and the infotainment system's touchpad is a fiddly thing to use.
Why Should You Consider This Car?
You want a true sport sedan that's as fun to drive on a mountain road as it is comfortable on the way to work. Or maybe you like the idea of a sport wagon that's as fast as some sports cars. Either way, the 3 Series in any form is still one of the top cars in the class.
Why Should You Think Twice About This Car?
Getting what you want on lesser models requires you to pay careful attention to the options sheet.
Edmunds attended a manufacturer-sponsored event, to which selected members of the press were invited, to facilitate this report.
Used 2016 BMW 3 Series listings and inventory:
Shop Edmunds' used car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million pre-owned vehicles to find a cheap used and certified pre-owned (CPO) 2016 BMW 3 Seriess for sale near Ashburn VA. There are currently 1,230 used and CPO 2016 3 Seriess listed for sale in your area, with list prices as low as 19,793 and mileage as low as 0. Simply research the type of used car, SUV, or truck you're interested in and then select a vehicle from our massive database to find cheap pre-owned vehicles for sale near you. Once you have identified a used vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the used 2016 BMW 3 Series. Then select Edmunds' special offers, perks, deals, and incentives to contact the dealer of your choice and save up to 3,800 on a used or CPO 2016 3 Series available from one of 2,630 dealerships in your area.
What's a good price on a used 2016 BMW 3 Series ?
Save up to $304 on one of 31 used 2016 BMW 3 Seriess for sale at dealerships within 25 miles of Ashburn, Virginia with prices as low as $19793 as of Apr 26, 2018, based on data from 18 dealers and 171 consumer-driven dealer ratings ranging from 3 to 5 out of 5 stars.
Price comparisons for used 2016 BMW 3 Series trim styles:
The used 2016 BMW 3 Series 328i SULEV is priced around $23878 with average odometer reading of 27679 miles.
The used 2016 BMW 3 Series 328i xDrive SULEV is priced around $25361 with average odometer reading of 32391 miles.
The used 2016 BMW 3 Series 320i xDrive is priced around $21949 with average odometer reading of 32580 miles.
The used 2016 BMW 3 Series 320i is priced around $23795 with average odometer reading of 19652 miles.
Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on used cars, trucks, and SUVs near Ashburn, Virginia. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars. Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them.
What options are available on the 2016 BMW 3 Series?
Available BMW 3 Series 2016 Submodel Types: Convertible, Coupe, Sedan, Hybrid, Diesel, Hatchback, Wagon
Available BMW 3 Series 2016 Trims: 328i xDrive, 328i, 330i xDrive, 335i xDrive, 335i, 325i, 328xi, 330i, 330i xDrive SULEV, 325xi, 330Ci, 340i xDrive, 325Ci, 328i SULEV, 328i xDrive SULEV, 340i, 330i SULEV, 330xi, 335xi, 335d, 330e iPerformance, 323i, 335is, 320i xDrive, 320i, 323Ci, 328d, 318i, 318ti, 328Ci, 328d xDrive, ActiveHybrid 3
Exterior Colors: Titanium Silver Metallic, Space Gray Metallic, Monaco Blue Metallic, Mineral White Metallic, Blue Water Metallic, Mojave Metallic, Estoril Blue, Platinum Bronze Metallic, Liquid Blue Metallic, Orion Silver Metallic, Crimson Red, Montego Blue Metallic, Sparkling Graphite Metallic, Sunset Orange Metallic, Estoril Blue Metallic, Jet Black, Sparkling Bronze Metallic, Arctic Metallic, Deep Sea Blue Metallic, Le Mans Blue Metallic, Mystic Blue Metallic, Orient Blue Metallic, Steel Blue Metallic, Alpine White, Silver Gray Metallic, Imperial Blue Metallic, Platinum Silver Metallic, Black Sapphire Metallic, Deep Green Metallic, Electric Red, Oxford Green Metallic, Tasman Green Metallic, Vermilion Red Metallic, Alpine White III, Bright Red, Fern Green Metallic, Glacier Silver Metallic, Jatoba Brown Metallic, Melbourne Red Metallic, Sonora Metallic, Steel Gray Metallic, Barbera Red Metallic, Dark Blue, Gray Green Metallic, Imola Red, Mediterranean Blue Metallic, Mineral Grey Metallic
Interior Colors: Black SensaTec leatherette, Black Dakota premium leather, Black premium leather, Black SensaTec w/Red Highlight leatherette, Venetian Beige/Black SensaTec leatherette, Beige leatherette, Gray premium leather, Saddle Brown Dakota w/Exclusive Stitching premium leather, Black Dakota leather, Beige premium leather, Saddle Brown/Black premium leather, Chestnut Brown premium leather, Black leatherette, Saddle Brown Dakota premium leather, Venetian Beige/Black Dakota w/Dark Oyster Highlight leather, Cognac Dakota w/Dark Brown Highlight leather, Black, Saddle Brown premium leather, Gray, Black Dakota w/Red Highlight premium leather, Black w/Red Highlight leatherette, Gray leather, Dakota Oyster/Black w/Dark Oyster Accent leather, Natural Brown, Coral Red Dakota w/Black Highlight premium leather, Coral Red/Black premium leather, Cream Beige premium leather, Venetian Beige/Black Dakota leather, Cream Beige leatherette, Gray/Black Dakota premium leather, Saddle Brown Dakota w/Brown Highlight leather, Venetian Beige leatherette, Cognac Dakota w/Dark Brown Highlight and Cognac Lower Dashboard leather, Coral Red/Black Dakota premium leather, Sand, Venetian Beige Dakota premium leather, Veneto Beige Dakota premium leather, Black Dakota w/Dark Oyster Highlight leather, Black Dakota w/Exclusive Stitching premium leather, Black Dakota w/Red Highlight leather, Black suede/cloth, Coral Red Dakota w/Black Highlight leather, Cream Beige Dakota premium leather, Natural Brown leather, Oyster Dakota leather, Oyster premium leather, Oyster/Black Dakota premium leather, Oyster/Black premium leather, Saddle Brown Dakota w/Brown Highlight and Brown Lower Dashboard leather, Tanin Red, Terra leather, Venetian Beige Dakota leather, Venetian Beige Dakota w/Exclusive Stitching premium leather
Popular Features: 2nd Row Bucket Seats, Leather Seats, Apple Carplay/Android Auto, Adaptive Cruise Control, Alarm, Audio and cruise controls on steering wheel, Auto Climate Control, Automatic Emergency Braking, Aux Audio Inputs, Bluetooth, Multi-Zone Climate Control, Post-collision safety system, Power Liftgate/Trunk, Rear Bench Seats, Stability Control, Tire Pressure Warning, Trip Computer, USB Inputs, Power Driver Seat, Electronic Folding Mirrors, Fold Flat Rear Seats, Soft Top, AWD/4WD, Heated seats, Navigation, Sunroof/Moonroof, Back-up camera, Parking sensors, Keyless Entry/Start, Upgraded Headlights, Upgraded Stereo, 360-degree camera, Blind Spot Monitoring, Heads up display, Lane Departure Warning
Engine/Mechanics: 6, 4 cylinders
Transmission: MANUAL, AUTOMATIC, AUTOMATED_MANUAL
Fuel Types: premium unleaded (recommended), premium unleaded (required), regular unleaded, diesel
Drivetrains: all wheel drive, rear wheel drive
Used 2016 BMW 3 Series Overview
The used 2016 BMW 3 Series is offered in the following submodels: Wagon, Sedan, Diesel. Available styles include 328i xDrive SULEV 4dr Sedan AWD (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), 320i 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A), and 328i SULEV 4dr Sedan (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A). Pre-owned 3 Series models are available with a 0-liter gas engine, with output up to 0 hp, depending on engine type. The used 2016 3 Series comes with all wheel drive or rear wheel drive. Available transmissions include: 8-speed shiftable automatic.
