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EnginePart report

2016 BMW 320I Engine Problems

Complaints
7about this part
Share
28%of 25 total for the year
Median mileage
150,000miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 7 complaints about the engine of the 2016 BMW 320I, 28% of the 25 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 150,000 miles. 2 a fire, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“The contact owned a 2016 BMW 320i. The contact stated that after driving approximately 28 miles, arriving at her residence to park the vehicle in the garage, and noticed a burning odor. Upon inspection, a fire was coming from underneath the hood. The contact, lacking a fire extinguisher, attempted to use flour to extinguish the fire. However, upon returning, the fire was larger and made a loud noise as it expanded, before quickly reducing in size. The contact called the fire department and began removing items from the vehicle. …”

NHTSA complaint #11683254, filed 2025-08, 95,000 miles

“The contact owned a 2016 BMW 320i. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, it caught on fire. The vehicle was unoccupied. The contact stated that while walking into the house that she noticed the fuel odor. The contact stated that after entering the residence, the contact walked back out and noticed the vehicle was on fire. The contact noticed the fire coming from the engine hood. The fire department was called. The fire department extinguished the fire. The vehicle and the items in the vehicle were consumed in the fire. …”

NHTSA complaint #11693785, filed 2025-10, 160,000 miles

“When starting a cold engine, a “plume of blue smoke” can be seen emitting from the exhaust tailpipe for approximately 10-20 seconds. There is no engine malfunction light illuminated (no” turbocharger boost faults are stored) and no drivability issues are detected.”

NHTSA complaint #11494195, filed 2022-11

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2018524%
2017333%
2016728%
20151132%
20141223%
2013222%

Other parts of the 2016 BMW 320I

Brakes
7 complaints
Air bags
5 complaints
Body and structure
5 complaints
Engine cooling
3 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
3 complaints
Electrical system
2 complaints
Fuel system
2 complaints
Exterior lighting
1 complaints
Other or unknown
1 complaints
Seat belts
1 complaints
Seats
1 complaints
Steering
1 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2016 BMW 320I

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology