2016 BMW X3 — Full Specifications
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The 2016 BMW X3 is an SUV offered with 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo). Its most fuel-efficient configuration returns around 36 mpg (UK) / 30 mpg (US EPA) combined, with 25–36 mpg (UK) across all configurations. Owners often keep a BMW X3 workshop manual to hand for servicing and repairs.
Compared with the 2015 BMW X3: Fuel economy is essentially unchanged at around 36 mpg (UK) combined. The engine line-up listed by EPA is unchanged. It carries the same 5★ overall NHTSA rating.
Full Specifications
| Engine (most efficient) | 2L 4-cyl turbo |
|---|---|
| Engine options | 2L 4-cyl turbo · 3L 6-cyl turbo |
| Transmission (most efficient) | Automatic (S8) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Powertrain | Conventional |
| Drive | All-Wheel Drive |
| Body Style | SUV |
| Fuel Economy (UK) | 36 combined / 32 urban / 40 extra-urban mpg |
| Fuel Economy (US EPA) | 30 combined / 27 city / 33 highway mpg |
| CO₂ Emissions | 214 g/km |
| EPA Greenhouse Gas Score | 5 / 10 (10 = lowest emissions) |
| EPA Est. Annual Fuel Cost | $3,200 (15,000 mi/yr, US prices) |
Engine & Transmission Options
EPA lists 4 configurations for the 2016 BMW X3 across 2 engines (2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo). Combined fuel economy ranges from 21 to 30 mpg (US), or 25 to 36 mpg (UK), depending on engine, transmission and drive. The headline figures at the top of this page describe the most fuel-efficient configuration.
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG (UK) | MPG (US) | CO₂ g/km | Fuel cost / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 233 | $3,400 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 36 | 30 (27/33) | 214 | $3,200 |
| 2L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | Rear-Wheel Drive | 29 | 24 (21/28) | 233 | $3,400 |
| 3L 6-cyl turbo | Automatic (S8) | All-Wheel Drive | 25 | 21 (19/26) | 258 | $3,900 |
MPG (US) shows combined, with city/highway in brackets. Highlighted row = the configuration used for the headline figures. Source: US EPA fueleconomy.gov.
Owner Essentials for the 2016 BMW X3
Running Costs: 2016 BMW X3
Covering around 8,000 miles a year in a 2016 BMW X3 at 36 mpg combined, expect roughly 1,010 litres of fuel annually — multiply by your local price per litre for a cost estimate. For US owners, the EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration (15,000 miles, national average prices). Work out exact fuel costs with the fuel cost calculator on 247Calculators.
Convert between MPG and L/100km with the unit converters on 247QuickTools. Not sure what tyre size fits? 247TyreCheck explains tyre sizing.
Planning a road trip? Grab a road trip packing list. Only need this car occasionally? See our buy vs rent comparison.
2016 BMW X3 Safety Ratings (NHTSA)
Recalls & Owner Complaints (NHTSA)
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 BMW X3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (2), Fuel system (2), Child seat (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 24V608000, reported 13 August 2024. Risk: An electrical short increases the risk of a fire.
- Fuel system — campaign 21V907000, reported 19 November 2021. Risk: A melting intake manifold increases the risk of a fire.
- Fuel system — campaign 21V586000, reported 29 July 2021. Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Engine and engine cooling — campaign 18V755000, reported 25 October 2018. Risk: The melting intake manifold can increase the risk of a fire.
Showing the 4 most recent of 5 campaigns.
Owners have filed 82 complaints with NHTSA about the 2016 BMW X3. The most-reported areas are Electrical system (23), Engine and engine cooling (18), Engine (13). Complaints include 7 reported crashes, 3 reported fires, 2 reported injuries. That is close to the median of 85 complaints across the 17 BMW X3 model years in our data.
Used-buyer checklist for the 2016 BMW X3
Based on where NHTSA recalls and owner complaints cluster for this model year, these are the areas worth checking before you buy:
- Engine cooling (2 recall campaigns · 18 owner complaints) — Check coolant level, look for leaks and make sure the temperature stays steady in traffic.
- Electrical system (23 owner complaints) — Test every switch, window, light and warning lamp on a test drive, and ask about battery or alternator replacements.
- Fuel system (2 recall campaigns) — Ask whether any fuel-pump or fuel-system recalls were completed, and watch for hard starting or stalling.
- Engine (13 owner complaints) — Listen for unusual noise on a cold start, check for warning lights and ask for the service records.
Source: US NHTSA recall and consumer-complaint databases, retrieved 6 October 2026. Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects. Check any vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls, and see our guide to checking a used car for recalls.
How It Compares
How does the BMW X3 compare to similar SUVs? For context, SUVs in our database average around 27 mpg (UK) combined — this model's 36 mpg figure is 9 mpg better than that average. Its 214 g/km CO₂ figure is 39 g/km lower than the 253 g/km average for SUVs on this site. This comparison is based on 1824 SUVs in our dataset.
BMW models in our database average about 28 mpg (UK) combined on their most efficient configuration; the 2016 BMW X3's 36 mpg is 8 mpg above that make average. Its 214 g/km CO₂ figure is 26 g/km lower than the 240 g/km BMW average.
Of the 17 BMW X3 model years we cover, the 2016 is the most economical on its best configuration (36 mpg UK combined). See every BMW X3 year side by side.
Last updated: · Data: US EPA (fueleconomy.gov) and NHTSA safety ratings 18 July 2026; NHTSA recalls and complaints 6 October 2026; Wikidata & curated EU catalogue 18 July 2026; European generation and engine data from Wikipedia 7 October 2026
Vehicle data sourced from manufacturer specifications. Always verify with your vehicle handbook or a qualified mechanic. This is a reference tool, not professional advice.
Recommended Accessories for the 2016 BMW X3
Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2016 BMW X3 have?
EPA lists 2 engines for the 2016 BMW X3: 2L 4-cyl turbo, 3L 6-cyl turbo. The most fuel-efficient configuration pairs the 2L 4-cyl turbo with a automatic (s8).
What is the fuel economy of the 2016 BMW X3?
The most efficient configuration returns around 36 mpg (UK) combined, or 30 mpg on the US EPA cycle. Across all configurations the UK combined figure runs from 25 to 36 mpg.
How much does the 2016 BMW X3 cost to fuel per year?
The US EPA estimates about $3,200 a year in fuel for the most efficient configuration, based on 15,000 miles of mixed driving and national average fuel prices. Your own cost will depend on mileage and local prices.
Does the 2016 BMW X3 have a good safety rating?
It holds an overall NHTSA rating of 5 stars, with 5 stars for frontal crash protection.
Does the 2016 BMW X3 have any recalls?
NHTSA lists 5 safety recall campaigns that include the 2016 BMW X3 (as of 6 October 2026). Most affected areas: Engine and engine cooling (2), Fuel system (2), Child seat (1). A campaign often covers several model years or models, so check your own VIN to see whether your car is affected.
What are the most common problems reported for the 2016 BMW X3?
Among the 82 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are Electrical system (23 complaints), Engine and engine cooling (18 complaints), Engine (13 complaints). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects, and raw counts rise with how many cars were sold.
Is the BMW X3's fuel economy good for an SUV?
Yes — it returns around 36 mpg (UK) combined, against a same-body-style average of roughly 27 mpg among the SUVs we track, making it one of the more efficient options in its class.