🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

BMW

Model:

3 Series

Body Style:

Sedan

Year:

2016

Chassis Code:

F30

Engine Codes Common:

B48, N20 (depending on specific trim)

👋 Introduction

Segment:

Compact Executive Sedan

Brand Perception:

Known for sporty handling, premium interior, and advanced technology.

Key Competitors:

Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Lexus IS, Infiniti Q50, Cadillac ATS, Acura TLX.

Driving Dynamics:

Rear-wheel drive bias, near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, engaging driving experience.

Technology:

iDrive infotainment system, optional advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS).

Interior:

Premium materials, driver-focused cockpit, high-quality fit and finish.

📋 Manual Details

Overall Coverage:

Comprehensive owner's information for the 2016 BMW 3 Series Sedan.

Primary Focus:

Operation, features, maintenance, and safety of the vehicle.

Estimated Pages:

400-600 (typical for a modern BMW owner's manual)

Type:

Owner's Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Powertrain:

Engine operation, cooling system, fuel system, exhaust system.

Drivetrain:

Transmission operation (automatic/manual), xDrive all-wheel drive system (if equipped).

Chassis:

Braking system (ABS, DSC), steering system, suspension system.

Electrical:

Lighting, instrument cluster, warning indicators, battery, fuses, comfort electronics.

Infotainment:

iDrive system, navigation, audio, Bluetooth connectivity, climate control.

Safety Features:

Airbags, seat belts, child seat anchors (ISOFIX), tire pressure monitoring, dynamic stability control.

Operation:

Starting and operating the vehicle, using controls and features.

Maintenance:

Checking fluid levels, tire pressure, changing wiper blades, bulb replacement.

Troubleshooting:

Understanding warning lights and messages, basic troubleshooting steps.

Emergency:

Procedure in case of breakdown, tire change, using spare tire/repair kit.

Depth:

Designed for the owner; focuses on safe operation and routine maintenance, not in-depth mechanical repair.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Portable Document Format (PDF)

Searchability:

Typically text-searchable for efficient information retrieval.

Printability:

High resolution, suitable for printing by the end-user.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Family Common:

BMW TwinPower Turbo (Inline-4 & Inline-6)

320I Engine:

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (B48)

320I Horsepower:

180 hp @ 5,000-6,000 rpm

320I Torque:

200 lb-ft @ 1,250-4,000 rpm

328I Engine:

2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4 (N20/B48 depending on production date)

328I Horsepower:

240 hp @ 5,000-6,500 rpm

328I Torque:

255 lb-ft @ 1,250-4,800 rpm

335I Engine:

3.0L Turbocharged Inline-6 (N55)

335I Horsepower:

300 hp @ 5,800-6,000 rpm

335I Torque:

300 lb-ft @ 1,300-5,000 rpm

Injection Type:

Direct Injection (High Pressure)

Fuel Type:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher recommended)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

8-speed Steptronic Automatic Transmission

Transmission Type Optional:

6-speed Manual Transmission (available on select models)

Transmission Features:

Sport mode, manual shifting capability via paddle shifters or selector lever, launch control (on some models).

Drivetrain Options:

Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD), xDrive All-Wheel Drive (AWD).

📐 Dimensions

Length:

182.2 inches (4628 mm)

Width:

70.1 inches (1780 mm)

Height:

56.3 inches (1430 mm)

Wheelbase:

108.7 inches (2760 mm)

Trunk Volume:

15.2 cubic feet (430 liters)

Curb Weight Base:

3,461 lbs (1570 kg) for 320i

🛡️ Safety Features

NHTSA Overall Rating:

5-Star (for 2016 3 Series Sedan, generally)

IIHS Top Safety Pick:

Typically a Top Safety Pick or Top Safety Pick+ for this generation, depending on specific equipment.

Stability Control:

Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) with Traction Control

Braking Assist:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Brake Assist

Driver Assistance Options:

Adaptive Cruise Control, Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Detection, Forward Collision Warning, Parking Assistant.

Airbags:

Frontal, side-impact, and curtain airbags.

Seat Belts:

3-point inertia-reel with pre-tensioners and force limiters.

Child Restraints:

ISOFIX (LATCH) lower anchor points for rear seats.

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

BMW iDrive (typically NBT or related generation)

Display Size:

6.5-inch or 8.8-inch central display (option dependent)

Control Interface:

iDrive Controller knob, steering wheel buttons, voice command, optional touchscreen.

Adas Packages:

Driving Assistance Package, Driving Assistance Plus Package (optional, depending on market/build).

Bluetooth:

Standard Bluetooth audio streaming and hands-free calling.

Usb Aux:

Standard USB/AUX input for audio playback and device charging.

Bmw Connecteddrive:

Optional services for enhanced connectivity, navigation features, and remote services via smartphone app.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, or as indicated by the Condition Based Service (CBS) system.

Major Service Recommendations:

Spark plug replacement typically around 60,000 miles. Brake fluid flush every 2 years. Coolant flush per CBS. Air filter and cabin filter as needed or indicated.

Engine Oil Specification:

BMW Longlife-01 (LL-01) or Longlife-04 (LL-04) synthetic oil, viscosity grade typically 0W-30 or 5W-30 depending on climate and engine.

Coolant Specification:

BMW Blue (G48) Antifreeze/Coolant Concentrate, mixed 50/50 with distilled water.

Transmission Fluid:

Specific ZF Lifeguard fluid for the 8-speed automatic, not user-serviceable in most cases; fluid and filter replacement recommended at higher mileage (~100,000 miles) or if experiencing issues.

Common Issues 320I 328I:

Turbocharger issues (oil leaks, wastegate rattle on N20), PCV valve failures, oil filter housing gasket leaks, water pump failures.

Common Issues 335I:

Water pump failure (electric), ignition coil and spark plug issues, turbocharger wastegate issues, VANOS solenoid problems.

Tire Sizes Common:

225/50R17, 225/45R18 (front), 255/40R18 (rear) depending on trim and options.

Wheel Bolt Pattern:

5x120

📚 Vehicle History

Brand Legacy:

BMW, established in 1916, is renowned for its luxury vehicles, performance engineering, and driving pleasure ('The Ultimate Driving Machine').

3 Series Legacy:

The 3 Series is BMW's best-selling model line and a benchmark in the compact executive sedan segment since its introduction in 1975. It has consistently evolved to balance sportiness with practicality.

F30 Generation:

The F30 generation (introduced in 2012) marked a significant shift with increased dimensions, more fuel-efficient turbocharged engines, and advanced technology, while retaining core BMW driving dynamics.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily produced in Munich, Germany; Spartanburg, South Carolina, USA; and other BMW global facilities.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Segment Awards:

The 3 Series has historically won numerous awards for performance, luxury, and value in the compact executive sedan class from publications like Car and Driver, MotorTrend, and Edmunds.

Consumer Reports Reliability:

Reliability ratings can vary for specific model years and powertrains; always check the latest Consumer Reports data for the most accurate assessment.

Emissions Standards:

Meets current EPA and CARB emissions standards for its model year.