2016 BMW M3
Common problems & what to know before you buy
Before you message the seller, know the documented failure patterns, repair cost exposure, and risk level for the 2016 BMW M3.
What to watch for on the 2016 BMW M3
Crank Hub Spin
The S55's crank hub bolt can loosen, allowing the hub to spin relative to the crankshaft. This shifts cam timing and can lead to bent valves or piston contact.
S55 Carbon Buildup
Direct injection causes carbon deposits on intake valves, restricting airflow. Requires walnut blasting every 40,000-60,000 miles.
3 more known problems on the 2016 M3
Your guide shows all of them and which apply to the exact car, and what to ask the seller.
2016 BMW M3 price ranges
Competition Package cars command a $3,000-5,000 premium. Manual adds $2,000-4,000.
Recalls on the 2016 BMW M3
Power train: driveshaft
The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.
Structure: frame and members
During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being…
Power train: driveshaft
The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease.
Source: NHTSA
What 5 owners reported
Source: NHTSA
2016 BMW M3 at a glance
- Trims
- BaseCompetition
- Engine
- 3.0L 6-Cylinder Turbo
- Transmission
- Manual 6-spd, DCT 7-spd
- Drivetrain
- RWD
- Fuel
- Gasoline
- Body style
- Sedan
BMW M3 (F80) Buyer's Guide
S55 Engine Problems and Ownership
The F80 M3 switched from the E9X's naturally aspirated V8 to a twin-turbo inline-six — the S55. It's lighter, torquier, and more efficient than its predecessor, but the turbocharged platform introduced new failure points that every buyer needs to understand.
What changed: The F80 is only available as a sedan, while the M4 took over as the coupe and convertible. All F80s use the 3.0L twin-turbo S55 I6 with either a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT. The Competition Package (ZCP), introduced in 2016, added 19 hp, adaptive dampers, and a revised exhaust.
What to look for: Service records are everything on this car. A well-maintained F80 with documented oil changes (every 5,000-7,500 miles) and preventative crank-hub work is a solid buy. A neglected one with no records and 60,000+ miles is a gamble. Always get a pre-purchase inspection at a BMW specialist.
Pricing note: The market has softened for higher-mileage examples but low-mileage Competition Package cars still command a premium. Manual transmission cars are becoming harder to find and typically cost $2,000-4,000 more than DCT equivalents.
About the F80
The 2015-2020 BMW M3, known internally as the F80 generation, marked a significant shift for the model by replacing its naturally aspirated V8 with a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six engine. This change brought substantially increased torque and improved fuel efficiency while maintaining the car’s high-revving character. The F80 M3 was offered exclusively as a four-door sedan, distinguishing it from the two-door M4 coupe and convertible that shared its powertrain and platform.
Transmission choices included a standard six-speed manual gearbox for enthusiasts who prioritize driver engagement, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic (DCT) for those seeking quicker shifts and everyday convenience. All models were rear-wheel drive with no all-wheel-drive option available in this generation. A higher-performance CS trim was introduced later in the production run, featuring increased power, lighter components, and chassis tuning focused on track capability.
As a used buy, the F80 M3 suits buyers who want a practical four-door sports sedan with strong performance and modern technology, but who prefer a more analog driving experience compared to contemporary competitors. Its reputation is strong for both daily driving and track use, though the turbocharged engine and complex cooling systems demand attentive maintenance. This generation represents a pivotal point in M3 history, blending modern forced induction with the traditional rear-drive formula.
In-depth generation guide
We've written a detailed buyer's guide covering this generation's known issues, engine variants, and what to inspect.
BMW M3/M4 (F80/F82) Buyer's Guide: S55 Engine Problems and Reliability (2015-2020)→Other BMW M3 years
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Frequently asked questions
Is crank hub failure inevitable on the F80 M3?
No, but estimated failure rate is 5-10% on stock cars and 20-30%+ on tuned cars. Many owners install a crank hub capture or pinned hub as preventative maintenance.
Should I buy a tuned F80 M3?
Be cautious — a tuned S55 makes 500-600 hp but increases crank hub risk. Verify the crank hub has been addressed. A stock car with records is the safer choice.
What should I check on a test drive?
Cold-start for misfires or rough idle. Drive and check for coolant smells (charge air cooler). Check for oil seepage around the valve cover. A PPI at a BMW specialist is mandatory.
Squeezed is a buyer guide based on public data and industry patterns, not a mechanical inspection. Always get a professional pre-purchase inspection before you buy.