Used 2016 BMW M3 for SaleNationwide

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 four-door body with seating for five and a roomy 16.9-cubic-foot trunk, and its twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six delivers strong performance with broad torque that makes the power easier to use in normal driving.

BMW also gives you a useful mix of hardware: a six-speed manual is standard, and a seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual is available if you want quicker shifting. The tradeoff is that this is an expensive car to buy, maintain, and fix, and the steering feel drew criticism from some enthusiasts.

If you value driving engagement and still need rear seats and trunk space, the M3 fits that brief well. Market-wise, 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals, which gives you some room to shop selectively.

Is the 2016 BMW M3 reliable?

The 2016 BMW M3 is best understood as a performance car where condition and maintenance history matter a great deal. The overview emphasizes its strong performance, usable torque, and everyday practicality, but it also makes clear that ownership costs can be high.

That means reliability for a used buyer is less about expecting low-cost ownership and more about finding a well-kept example with documented care. For long-term ownership, your risk rises quickly if the car has been neglected or poorly maintained.

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

At 52.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection. Focus on overall condition, maintenance records, and signs of deferred upkeep, since this is an expensive car to buy, maintain, and fix.

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 carefully and still find some value if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 119 listings available.
• Clean inventory: 52.1% 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:

• Choose the 2016 if:
  • 31.1% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
  • At 52.1% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

The bottom line: The 2016 is a good fit if you want the M3’s blend of performance and practicality and you’re willing to be selective about condition. If you’re more price-sensitive, a nearby model year may give you a different mix of availability and equipment, but you should still prioritize maintenance history and overall condition over small year-to-year differences.

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 3, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.