Used 2016 BMW M3 for Sale near California

Is the 2016 BMW M3 a good car?

The 2016 BMW M3 is a strong choice if you want a high-performance sedan that still works for everyday use. It pairs a twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder engine with a four-door body, seating for five, and a roomy 16.9-cubic-foot trunk, so you get serious performance without giving up practicality.

BMW’s formula here is focused on driving enjoyment, and this generation keeps that emphasis while adding broad torque that makes the power easier to use in normal driving. A six-speed manual is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual is available if you want a different driving experience. The tradeoff is that this is an expensive car to buy, maintain, and fix, so it makes the most sense if you value the driving experience enough to accept those costs.

With 34.4% of listings priced as good or great deals, you have a moderate amount of market opportunity if you shop carefully.

Is the 2016 BMW M3 reliable?

The 2016 BMW M3 is best understood as a performance car that rewards careful ownership rather than a low-cost, low-maintenance commuter. The overview emphasizes its strong performance, usable torque, and everyday practicality, but it also makes clear that ownership costs are high and that condition and maintenance history matter a great deal.

That means reliability risk is less about the car’s concept and more about how well a specific example has been maintained over time. For used buyers, long-term ownership risk is meaningful if you skip the records and buy on appearance alone.

What should I look for when buying a used 2016 BMW M3?

At 54.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and confirm whether any prior damage was minor or more serious. Then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, with extra attention to maintenance records, signs of hard use, and overall condition. Because this is an expensive car to buy and keep on the road, a clean, well-documented example is worth far more than a cheaper one with uncertain history.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2016 BMW M3?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you are patient and willing to compare examples carefully.

• Deal availability: 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 125 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 54.4% of listings are accident-free.

Should I buy a 2016 BMW M3 or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2016 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

• 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 54.4% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

The bottom line: The 2016 BMW M3 makes the most sense if you want the core M3 experience in a practical sedan package and are willing to pay close attention to condition and maintenance history. If you are more price-sensitive, a different year may give you a better chance of finding the right combination of equipment, condition, and value.

How does the 2016 BMW M3 compare to the 2016 Mercedes-Benz C-Class?

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from November 10, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.