36/100
2016Compact CarsPremium

2016 BMW M3

EPA ID: 36725
17
City MPG
20
Combined MPG
20MPG· Average
26
Highway MPG

Fuel Economy Overview

The 2016 BMW M3 achieves an EPA-estimated 20 MPG in combined city and highway driving, with 17 MPG in the city and 26 MPG on the highway. Powered by a 3L 6-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with a manual 6-spd, this compact cars features Rear-Wheel Drive drive.

In terms of environmental impact, the 2016 M3 produces approximately 440 grams of CO2 per mile. This figure is measured under standardized EPA test conditions and represents tailpipe emissions only. For context, the average new vehicle sold in the United States produces approximately 400 grams of CO2 per mile, meaning this M3 has higher-than-average emissions in this regard.

The estimated annual fuel cost for this vehicle is $3,450, based on 15,000 miles of driving per year and current national average fuel prices. Compared to the average new vehicle, you would save $6,500 over a 5-year period. This calculation accounts for differences in fuel consumption efficiency and provides a practical measure of long-term ownership costs attributable to fuel economy.

Energy DNA

Vehicle ClassCompact Cars
Fuel TypePremium
Engine3L 6-cyl
AspirationTurbocharged
TransmissionManual 6-spd
Drive TypeRear-Wheel Drive

Green Scorecard

CO2 Emissions440 g/mi
Start-Stop SystemEquipped
GHG Score4/10
Smog RatingN/A
Est. Annual Cost$3,450
5-Year Cost DeltaSave $6,500

Personalized Commute CalculatorEPA defaults to 55% City / 45% Hwy

55% City45% Highway

Adjust the slider to match your daily driving habits. City driving involves stop-and-go traffic under 45mph, while highway driving represents sustained speeds over 55mph.

Your Real MPG
20.1
Impact vs EPA
$-18
/ year
💨

Aerodynamic Speed Penalty

EPA highway tests average roughly 48 mph. Driving at 75 mph increases aerodynamic drag exponentially. Expect your real-world highway fuel economy to drop by roughly 15-20% at interstate speeds.

5-Year Total Cost of Ownership

Estimated Monthly Cost
$716/mo
Includes estimated depreciation, fuel, insurance, and state fees over 5 years. Does not include loan interest.
15,000 mi
Value Depreciation
Est. value lost over 60 months
$19,600
45.6%
Fuel & Electricity
Based on National Average rates ($3.50/gal)
$13,125
30.5%
Estimated Insurance
Based on vehicle class risk profile
$9,860
22.9%
State Registration Fees
Based on National Average DMV base rates
$400
0.9%
Total 5-Year Cost$42,985

Recall Intelligence

Campaign #18V713000·2019-04-09
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2016-2017 BMW M3 Sedans, 2016-2017 BMW M4 and M4 GTS Coupes and 2017 BMW M4 Convertible vehicles. The connection between the driveshaft and the flange may fail resulting in a loss of propulsion.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: A loss of vehicle propulsion can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify vehicle owners, and dealers will replace the driveshaft, free of charge. The recall began April 9, 2019. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Campaign #16V653000·2016-11-03
critical
Component: STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS

BMW North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2016 BMW M2 Coupe vehicles, 2015-2017 M3 Sedan vehicles and 2015-2016 M4 Coupe and M4 Convertible vehicles. During servicing of the rear differential for a prior service action, the rear sub-frame bolts may have been reused instead of being replaced. Reuse of the existing bolts may cause the bolts to loosen.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: Loose rear sub-frame bolts may adversely affect vehicle handling and control, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will replace the rear sub-frame bolts with new bolts, free of charge. The recall began on November 3, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

Campaign #15V782000·2016-01-14
critical
Component: POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT

BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2015-2016 M3 Sedan vehicles manufactured May 30, 2015, to September 2, 2015, 2016 M4 Coupe vehicles manufactured July 3, 2015, to September 11, 2015, and 2015-2016 M4 Convertible vehicles manufactured May 29, 2015, to August 4, 2015. The affected vehicles have a driveshaft with a slip-joint that may not have been filled with grease. As a result, the slip-joint may fail over time.

Consequence & Remedy

Consequence: If the slip-joint fails, there would be a loss of power to the rear axle and therefore the vehicle would stop moving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the driveshaft, replacing it as necessary, free of charge. The recall began on January 14, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417.

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Looking for comprehensive historical data?

NHTSA FARS (Fatal Crash History) and broader generational safety trends are aggregated at the model level rather than by specific engine configurations. View the complete historical data profile for all BMW M3 configurations.

View Model History

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Fuel Cost Analysis

Annual Fuel Cost$3,450
vs. Avg Vehicle (5 yrs)Save $6,500

Based on 15,000 miles/year and current fuel prices.

Efficiency Breakdown

City17 MPG
Highway26 MPG
Combined20 MPG

Estimated Lifetime Carbon Footprint

(Based on 200,000 miles driven)

88.0 metric tons CO₂
Equivalent To:
🌳 109 tree seedlings grown for 10 yrs
✈️ 7.3 cross-country flights/yr

Data Provenance

Data directly from the EPA National Vehicle and Fuel Emissions Laboratory. The combined rating is a weighted average (55% city, 45% highway). For official figures, visit fueleconomy.gov.