2016 BMW 3 Series Complaints

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 07/18/2025

Car started to have low coolant when i would replace it instantly and i took it to a shop and they told me it has a recall.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 07/18/2025

I have been waiting since October 2024 to get a remedy available to fix the recall on this vehicle. Dealership won’t even look at the car since the remedy is unavailable but this is a dangerous issue to have and know about without a fix anywhere in the foreseeable future.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 05/12/2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that upon driving and coming to a stop, there was an abnormal burning odor coming from the vehicle, and there was smoke coming front the A/C vents. The contact stated that a passenger who was occupying the front passenger's side seat and became aware of the abnormal burning odor. There was no warning light illuminated. An unknown local dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE — Filed 02/03/2025

i have previously reported this issue, confirmation #11656013. However, after diagnostic with a Certified BMW Service Center, i wish to follow up and add additional details. My 2016 BMW 320 XI is experiencing an issue with the Turbo Oil Feed Line. This is a known issue, reported under SI B11 11 16 on the NHTSA.gov website. i have been told that my specific vehicle / VIN is not included as part of this coverage under the Extended Warranty. However, since my car, N20 Engine is experiencing this specific issue, i am requesting my car be considered to be effected and that it should be included in this extended warranty. i have attached a copy of the Diagnostic / Inspection of my vehicle, dated 4/29/2025

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 12/05/2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle after the vehicle had not been driven for a while, there was blue smoke coming from the exhaust pipes. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local service center, where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine oil feed line to the turbocharger was leaking. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not yet repaired. Upon further investigation, the contact related the failure to BMW Warranty Extension: SI B11 11 16; however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 09/15/2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available .

UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 08/01/2024

A recall was issued by BMW in August 2024. As of today, April 14, 2025, there is still no remedy issued by BMW to repair this issue. BMW states that the issue with the Water Pump Electrical Connector can cause a short circuit and engine fire.

POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 04/12/2023

Vehicle Information: •Year, Make, Model: 2016 BMW 328i GT •VIN: Provide VIN •Mileage: Insert Mileage Description of the Problem: I am experiencing recurring drivetrain malfunctions and overheating issues with my 2016 BMW 328i GT, which is currently under a nationwide recall issued in August 2024. Despite having coolant in the system, the vehicle overheats and displays a “drivetrain malfunction” warning, forcing me to pull off the road and restart the car to temporarily clear the issue. Additionally, there appears to be a leak causing fluid to drip onto the belt and other components, further compromising the vehicle’s functionality and safety. My belt slips because of the leak and it has been severely deteriorated because of even after replacing it. The dealership has consistently advised me to repair this issue at my expense, quoting costs exceeding the value of the car. Only recently did I learn about the recall addressing this defect. The dealership has failed to provide timely solutions, leaving me without a drivable vehicle. Safety Concerns: These persistent issues pose serious safety risks. The drivetrain malfunction and overheating increase the likelihood of sudden breakdowns while driving, endangering myself and other road users. Pulling off unexpectedly also creates hazardous situations on highways or busy roads. Request for Action: I request that BMW resolve this recall promptly. If repairs cannot be completed within a reasonable timeframe, I demand compensation for my inability to use the vehicle, including reimbursement for expenses incurred during this period. Alternatively, BMW should provide me with a rental vehicle or replace my car with another comparable model free of defects. Failure to do so will prompt me to seek legal arbitration to recover damages and ensure accountability. Contact Information: [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/25/2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING — Filed 09/17/2024

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 320I. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, there was white smoke coming from the rear end of the vehicle. The contact found information regarding Technical Service Bulletin: SIB 11116 (Engine and Engine Cooling released in July 2017). The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The dealer linked the failure to the Technical Service Bulletin; however, the vehicle was not covered under the TSB. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The manufacturer referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 119,000.

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM — Filed 03/10/2025

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 10/08/2023

The contact owns a 2016 BMW 328I. The contact stated that after parking and turning the vehicle off, moments later the front end of the vehicle was engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, a bystander who attempted to extinguish the flames was treated by EMS at the scene for headaches and smoke inhalation. A fire report was taken at the scene and the vehicle was towed away. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 180,000.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE — Filed 07/23/2023

known what failed the entire car was on fire= if there was no one near by it could have consumed more cars/buildings it has been inspected by BMW of north america and Geico the car was overheating the night before and had a check engine light. it was taken to the shop immediately and the fire started within less than 24 hours of the initial symptoms occurring.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE — Filed 02/09/2022

I was at a red light while driving my car.When I stepped on the gas once the light turned green the car stalled and started jerking i immediately smelled smoked and seen smoke coming through the cabin..lt made a strange sound from the engine The service engine light came on and said reduced engine power/ drive train malfunction get service immediately.I was able to coast the car to a curb luckily in front of a car shop as soon as i can get out of the car a worker from the shop ran outside yelling your car is on fire! We lift the hood and he had a water hose on the side of the shop he then sprayed the area of the fire and it was put out.I have kept regular routine maintenance on the car no prior signs of car malfunctioning or service engine light on no warning at all this was unexpected.This occurred February 8th 2022 I had the vehicle towed to my local Firestone auto care and they said the ignition coils were melted and something strange happened and to check with bmw because it was too catastrophic for them to fix since then I have had the vehicle at my home parked and after calling bmw they said there were no known recalls at the time…

ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE — Filed 03/22/2021

ON MARCH 22, 2021, I WAS PARKING MY 2016 BMW GRAN TURISMO 328X AT A PARKING GARAGE. II HAD COMPLETED THE INITIAL TURN-IN, WHEN THE CAR FELT LIKE THE ACCELERATOR HAD BEEN PUSHED TO THE FLOOR. THE CAR WENT FROM APPROXIMATELY 5 MILES AN HOUR TO ABOUT 20 MPH IN THE LENGTH OF A PARKING SPOT. THE CAR HIT THE CONCRETE BARRIER HEAD ON, WITH THE SIDE CURTAIN, STEERING WHEEL AND LEG AIR BAGS DEPLOYING. THE CAR WAS FULLY MAINTAINED AND SERVICED BY THE BMW DEALER WITH BRAND NEW TIRES. IT HAD ABOUT 78K MILES ON IT. THE FORWARD COLLISION WARNING DID NOT GO OFF NOR DID THE AUTOMATIC BRAKING OCCUR. I ASKED THE REPAIR FACILITY TO CHECK OUT WHY THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED, BUT WAS TOLD THAT ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND THAT THE CAR WAS TOTALED ANYWAY. I DID NOT PRESS THE ACCELERATOR 'ACCIDENTALLY'. I HAVE HAD HUNDREDS OF HOURS OF DRIVERS TRAINING AND EVASIVE MANUVERING BECAUSE OF MY JOB AND DO NOT MAKE MISTAKES LIKE THAT. I AM GRATEFUL THAT NO ONE OTHER THAN I WAS HURT AND THAT THERE WAS THE CONCRETE BARRIER TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THERE WAS A POLICE REPORT MADE. THE CAR HAS BEEN TOTALED AS THERE WAS MORE THAN 15K DAMAGE. USAA HAS THE CAR.

POWER TRAIN,ENGINE — Filed 08/31/2020

THIS HAPPENED TWO SEPARATE TIMES ABOUT 2 WEEKS APART.. THE CAR WAS STOPPED AT A STOPLIGHT. FOOT ON BRAKE. SUDDENLY ENGINE STARTED REVVING AND CAR LEAPED FORWARD. BRAKE DID NOT STOP IT. THE SECOND TIME, (AUGUST 31, 2020) THE CAR REARED-ENDED THE CAR IN FRONT, POSSIBLY CAUSING INJURY TO THAT DRIVER. NEITHER CAR WAS HARMED.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER — Filed 05/08/2020

I WAS INVOLVED IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT IN A 2016 BMW 320I WITH FRONT AND PASSENGER SIDE IMPACT. IT WAS SO BAD, IT PUSHED BACK MY ENTIRE AXLE, WHEELS, ETC. MY DRIVER SIDE NOR PASSENGER SIDE AIRBAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. I WAS TRAVELING 40 MILES PER HOUR WHEN HIT BY ANOTHER DRIVER WHO WAS TRAVELING DOWNHILL AT OR ABOVE THE SAME SPEED. SOS BUTTON DID NOT WORK EITHER. THIS HAPPENED ON A CITY STREET (INTERSECTION). THE CAR IS A TOTAL LOSS. I HAD TWO MINORS IN THE CAR WITH ME. THE MESSAGE DISPLAYED ON MY DASH, ETC. SAYS SOMETHING ABOUT FAULTY AIRBAGS, ETC. COLLISION EXPERT CONFIRMED SENSORS DEFINITELY SHOULD HAVE MADE FRONT AND SIDE, CURTAIN AIRBAGS DEPLOY. THEY EVEN ANOTHER VEHICLE (SAME MAKE AND YEAR) IN THEIR LOT WITH SAME IMPACT LOCATIONS- THOUGH NOT AS SIGNIFICANT/SERIOUS- SHOWING ALL AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR

STEERING,AIR BAGS — Filed 10/27/2019

I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WITH A HIT AND RUN VEHICLE AND RESULTING IN THE ACCIDENT, MY STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF IN THE PROCESS HITTING ME IN MY PELVIC AREA AND NOW I AM HAVING TROUBLE URINATING AND I HAVE BLEEDING. THE AIR BAGS ALSO BURNED THROUGH MY CLOTHES AND ONTO MY SKIN. I SUFFERED FIRST DEGREE BURNS TO MY ARM, STOMACH AND THIGH.

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE — Filed 11/23/2017

TAKATA RECALL - A SAFETY RECALL HAS NOT YET BEEN ISSUED FOR THIS VEHICLE AND/OR ITS TAKATA AIRBAG SYSTEM. DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED ON A TWO LANE HIGHWAY ATTEMPTING TO TAKE A LEFT HAND TURN WHEN SHE WAS REAR ENDED BY ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH. AFTER IMPACT, HER VEHICLE TRAVELED ACROSS THE YELLOW LINE, ACROSS A SOUTHBOUND LANE AND OFF THE ROADWAY INTO A 4 FOOT DITCH. THE AIRBAG SYSTEM FAILED TO DEPLOY BOTH WHEN STRUCK BY THE OTHER VEHICLE AS WELL AS THE IMPACT WITH THE DITCH. DRIVER WAS INJURED AND TAKEN TO EMERGENCY ROOM. PASSENGER IN HER VEHICLE WAS REMOVED BY THE JAWS OF LIFE AND AIRLIFTED FOR LIFE-THREATENING INJURIES.

SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 06/03/2018

I WAS SLOWING DOWN TO APPROACH AND STOP AT A RED LIGHT ON A STREET (NOT HIGHWAY) AND MY CAR WASN'T BRAKING. IT THEN STOPPED. AFTER IT BRAKED AND I WAS SITTING AT THE RED LIGHT WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE FULLY STOPPED AND STATIONARY FOR APPROXIMATELY 10-20 SECONDS MY CAR ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING AND HIT THE BACK OF THE CAR AHEAD OF ME. THE IMPACT CAUSED A TINY SCRATCH ON THE DRIVERS BUMPER FROM MY LICENSE PLATE. HIS CAR WAS OLD AND HIS BUMPER ALREADY DAMAGED, SO HE WASN'T TOO CONCERNED ABOUT THE SCRATCH. WE PULLED OFF TO A NEARBY PARKING LOT AND HE CHECKED UNDER HIS CAR AND UNDER MY CAR TO MAKE SURE THERE WAS NO DAMAGE OTHER THAN THE SMALL SCRATCH AND WE PARTED WAYS. I CALLED THE MY BMW SERVICE CENTER FIRST THING THE NEXT MORNING AND BROUGHT MY CAR IN. TWO MONTHS PRIOR TO THIS INCIDENT, MY CAR STOPPED WITHOUT WARNING ON A STREET WITH NO TRAFFIC WHEN I WAS TRAVELING AT APPROXIMATELY 20-30 MILES PER HOUR. I ASSUMED THAT SOMETHING SET OFF ONE OF THE SENSORS, BUT THIS IS NOT A STREET WHERE PEOPLE OR ANIMALS WOULD BE CROSSING AND NO ONE WAS IN THE STREET. THEIR CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS IN NJ SENT IN A FIELD REPRESENTATIVE AND INSPECTED THE CAR. AN EXECUTIVE CUSTOMER CARE REPRESENTATIVE FROM BMW'S NJ CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS GOT BACK TO ME YESTERDAY REPORTING THAT THEY COULD NOT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THE CAR AND I CAN PICK IT UP AT ANYTIME. THEY COULD OFFER ME NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS OCCURRENCE AND I AM TERRIFIED TO GET BACK IN THIS CAR. I AM ESTIMATING THE MILEAGE ON MY CAR AS 25,000 MILES AS MY CAR IS STILL AT THE BMW SERVICE CENTER AND NOT IN MY POSSESSION TO CHECK THE EXACT MILEAGE.

AIR BAGS,SEATS — Filed 02/14/2018

MY WIFE AND I WERE IN AN ACCIDENT ON 2/14/2018 IN WHICH WE WERE REAR ENDED AND SHOVED INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. THE AIRBAG ON THE PASSENGER SIDE OF THE DASH DISCHARGED INSIDE THE DASH BUT DID NOT DEPLOY INTO THE CABIN OF THE CAR. WE WERE SITTING STILL IN TRAFFIC WHEN WE WERE REAR ENDED BY A FULL SIZE CHEVROLET PICK UP TRUCK THAT HIT US ABOUT 35-40 MPH. WE WERE BOTH TRANSPORTED TO THE EMERGENCY ROOM AND SHE IS SUFFERING FROM SEVERE BACK AND NECK PAIN, AS WELL AS BRUISING TO HER ARM, SHOULDER, AND BREAST.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL — Filed 01/13/2018

I WAS TURNING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR ACCELERATED OVER THE PARKING BARRIER AND CRASHED INTO A POST.

AIR BAGS — Filed 03/27/2017

IN MARCH 2017, I WAS DRIVING SOUTHBOUND ON THE RIGHT LANE OF A PARKWAY, WHEN A VEHICLE THAT WAS TWO CARS BEHIND ME, ACCELERATES OUT TO THE MIDDLE LANE, HE LOSES CONTROL OF HIS VEHICLE, HIS CAR GOES TO THE LEFT LANE THEN TURNS AROUND ALMOST PERPENDICULAR TO ME, AND COLLIDES INTO MY VEHICLE PUSHING ME OFF ONTO THE EMBANKMENT, CONTINUING TO COLLIDE INTO MY CAR MULTIPLE TIMES, BEFORE HIS CAR GOES UP INTO THE AIR AND LANDS ON THE HOOD, BACKWARDS. I THOUGHT I WAS GOING TO DIE, AND THE MULTIPLE COLLISIONS AGAINST MY VEHICLE SEEMED ENDLESS. WHEN HIS CAR WENT UP IN THE AIR, I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO CRUSH ME. NONE OF THE FRONT AIRBAGS NOR SIDE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED DESPITE THE MULTIPLE COLLISIONS ALL ALONG THE DRIVER SIDE AND THE FRONT END OF VEHICLE. AT THE FIRST STRIKE, MY HEAD WENT FORWARD AND BACK HARD, MULTIPLE TIMES; THROAT CONSTRICTED DIFFICULTY SWALLOWING, IMMEDIATE ONSET OF VISE LIKE HEADACHES FROM FOREHEAD TO ENTIRE HEAD, SPASMS, SEVERE DIZZINESS, NAUSEA, WANTED TO VOMIT BUT IT COULD NOT PASS THROUGH. IMMEDIATE SPASMS IN MY NECK GOING TO MY ENTIRE BACK TIGHTENING IT ALL UP, THROAT WAS TIGHT, HARD TO SWALLOW; CHEST PAIN AND HEAVINESS/PRESSURE, SHORTNESS OF BREATH, ABDOMINAL PAIN, TREMBLING, BOTH SHOULDERS WITH PAIN, LEFT ARM HEAVINESS; LEFT GREATER THAN RIGHT. LEGS FELT LIKE JELLO. I FELT MY ENTIRE NERVOUS SYSTEM WAS JOLTED FROM MY HEAD TO MY FEET,VIBRATING/BUZZING LIKE A SEA CHURNING INSIDE OF ME. AS THE CAR KEPT COLLIDING INTO ME, I WAS YELLING,"I AM GOING TO DIE" OVER AND OVER, SOBBING. INCONSOLABLE. ONCE IT ALL STOPPED, I TRIED TO OPEN MY DRIVER SIDE DOOR, BUT IT WOULD NOT OPEN IT WAS STUCK. I OPENED THE SUN ROOF TO WAVE MY HANDS TO SIGNAL FOR HELP. PEOPLE CAME OVER TO ME, THEY CALLED 911; MY LEGS FELT WEAK, LIKE JELLO. POLICE EXTRICATED ME, I WAS PUT IN AN AMBULANCE WITH A NECK COLLAR. MY CAR WAS DEEMED A TOTAL LOSS. UNDERGOING MEDICAL TREATMENT.

AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS,SERVICE BRAKES — Filed 12/02/2016

I WAS DRIVING IN A 25 MPH ZONE IN A RESIDENTIAL AREA, DRY ROADS DURING DAYLIGHT AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME STOPPED SUDDENLY. I STEPPED ON THE BRAKES, THEY LOCKED AND THE CAR CONTINUED TO SLIDE TOWARDS THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME. I HAD TO QUICKLY TURN THE WHEEL TO THE LEFT TO AVOID HITTING THE CAR HEAD ON. I HIT THE CAR ON THE LEFT SIDE AND DAMAGE TO MY CAR ON THE RIGHT SIDE. *TR

AIR BAGS — Filed 04/20/2016

FRONT OF VEHICLE INVOLVED IN ACCIDENT. MY CAR REAR ENDED A CAR AND DAMAGE WAS ENOUGH TO FRACTURE MY STERNUM AND BREAK 2 RIBS TO ME. AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY AND FRONT END WAS SEVERELY DAMAGED. FRONT IS PUSHED OVER FRONT TIRES AND HOOD FOLDED. I HAVE PHOTOS. VEHICLE WAS SLOWING FOR TRAFFIC AND TURN ON A CITY STREET.