BMW 3 SERIES (2016)
Running costs, common problems, and reliability data based on 48,559 real MOT tests in 2024.
MOT Pass Rate
90%
Total Tests (2024)
48,559
Avg Mileage
80,506 mi
Est. Annual Cost
£1,527
Is the 2016 BMW 3 SERIES reliable?
Excellent reliability. Very few MOT failures. That's 8 points above the national average of 82%.
At 8 years old, 90% of BMW 3 SERIESs from 2016 passed their MOT first time in 2024. That's based on 48,559 tests across the UK. The average mileage at this age is 80,506 miles.
How does the 2016 BMW 3 SERIES compare?
Mileage Analysis
The average 2016 BMW 3 SERIES has 80,506 miles on the clock, which is above the expected 59,200 miles for a 8-year-old car. Higher-mileage cars often have more motorway miles, which is generally less harmful than stop-start urban driving.
Best year to buy a BMW 3 SERIES?
The most reliable year is the 2021 model with a 93% MOT pass rate, while the 2000 model has the lowest at 77%. The 2016 sits between the two at 90%.
How much does a 2016 BMW 3 SERIES cost to run?
Based on 7,400 miles/year (UK average), current fuel prices, and repair likelihood from MOT pass rate data. Insurance not included.
BMW 3 SERIES by Year
| Year | Pass Rate | Tests | Avg Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 93% | 908 | 28,473 mi |
| 2020 | 91% | 7,526 | 41,101 mi |
| 2019 | 91% | 27,338 | 48,949 mi |
| 2018 | 91% | 19,475 | 56,573 mi |
| 2017 | 90% | 8,077 | 67,957 mi |
| 2016 | 90% | 48,559 | 80,506 mi |
| 2015 | 88% | 61,659 | 89,425 mi |
| 2014 | 87% | 63,059 | 101,192 mi |
| 2013 | 85% | 71,326 | 106,062 mi |
| 2012 | 82% | 68,955 | 111,893 mi |
| 2011 | 81% | 57,568 | 119,984 mi |
| 2010 | 80% | 52,791 | 122,709 mi |
| 2009 | 80% | 49,275 | 121,100 mi |
| 2008 | 80% | 48,705 | 125,171 mi |
| 2007 | 80% | 55,686 | 130,265 mi |
| 2006 | 80% | 40,353 | 136,490 mi |
| 2005 | 78% | 24,924 | 133,038 mi |
| 2004 | 78% | 18,555 | 124,569 mi |
| 2003 | 78% | 19,201 | 122,025 mi |
| 2002 | 79% | 14,796 | 121,727 mi |
| 2001 | 77% | 9,406 | 117,601 mi |
| 2000 | 77% | 4,799 | 114,997 mi |
| 1999 | 78% | 7,815 | 113,190 mi |
| 1998 | 79% | 6,287 | 122,358 mi |
| 1997 | 79% | 4,853 | 120,261 mi |
| 1996 | 82% | 3,215 | 116,915 mi |
| 1995 | 80% | 2,059 | 114,256 mi |
| 1994 | 78% | 1,263 | 115,103 mi |
| 1993 | 82% | 1,173 | 110,323 mi |
| 1992 | 84% | 1,309 | 110,038 mi |
| 1991 | 82% | 1,861 | 119,331 mi |
| 1990 | 84% | 3,316 | 122,194 mi |
Checking a specific BMW 3 SERIES?
Enter the reg plate to see its individual MOT history, mileage verification, and predicted costs.
About the 2016 BMW 3 SERIES
The 2016 BMW 3 SERIES is a premium with a 1499cc petrol engine. 48,559 of these vehicles were MOT tested in 2024, making it one of the most commonly tested cars on UK roads. Among all cars from 2016, the average MOT pass rate is 85%, and this model beats that benchmark.
With an average of 80,506 miles at 8 years old, BMW 3 SERIES owners cover more miles than the average driver.
2016 BMW 3 SERIES Fuel Costs
The 1499cc petrol engine offers a reasonable balance between performance and economy. Expect around 42 mpg in mixed driving, which works out to roughly £1,137 per year at current petrol prices of 142p per litre (based on 7,400 miles per year).
What does it cost to own a 2016 BMW 3 SERIES?
Total estimated annual running cost is £1,527 (£127/month), broken down as £1137 fuel, £135 road tax, £55 MOT, and £200 predicted repairs. The low repair estimate reflects the excellent 90% pass rate. These cars rarely fail their MOT, so unexpected bills are less likely.
BMW 3 SERIES Reliability Trend
Newer BMW 3 SERIESs show better MOT pass rates than older ones, with an average improvement of 6 percentage points.
Buying a Used 2016 BMW 3 SERIES
At 8 years old, this is a solid used buy if you find one with good service history. Depreciation has levelled off, so you won't lose much more value. Focus on condition over mileage. If you're flexible on year, the 2021 model has the highest pass rate at 93%. With 48,559 MOT tests in our data, there's strong statistical confidence in these figures.
Alternatives to the 2016 BMW 3 SERIES
The BMW 3 SERIES is actually the most reliable option among similar petrol premiums from this era. Here are comparable petrol cars with similar engines:
- VAUXHALL CORSA (2015) 78% pass rate (-12%) from 160,438 tests
- FORD FOCUS (2014) 80% pass rate (-10%) from 131,119 tests
- NISSAN QASHQAI (2017) 86% pass rate (-4%) from 100,176 tests
- VOLKSWAGEN POLO (2015) 82% pass rate (-8%) from 94,129 tests