Back in 2016, BMW gave its 3 Series vehicles a facelift that included features like a brand-new engine in the six-cylinder 3 Series sedan, an updated handling package, tweaks to the interior, and more. The company also introduced the 330e plug-in hybrid, which replaced the ActiveHybrid 3.

Choosing the right model year for a used car can be as important as choosing the vehicle itself, particularly if you have your eye on specific features. If you’re comparing the 2015 and 2016 3 Series vehicles from BMW, for example, you might notice some big differences! So how much did BMW actually change when they gave their 3 Series a facelift in 2016—and are these new features worth it?

Here to answer all of your questions is

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, the trusted

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. We’ll discuss what’s new in the 2016 3 Series as well as how those changes affected pricing so you can be sure that you’re making the right choice when you buy your new used car.

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Was the 2016 BMW 3 Series redesigned?

The short answer? It depends on which model you purchase.

The 2016 3 Series includes five different trims: the 320i, 328i, 328d, 340i, and 330e. Depending on which one you choose, your vehicle might be changed quite a lot, or barely at all compared to earlier models.

The brand-new features available in the 2016 3 Series include:

A new six-cylinder engine in the updated 340i sedan model

The 330e, a new hybrid car to replace the ActiveHybrid3

Minor exterior styling updates

Interior trim updates

Minor alterations to the suspension and steering, which are intended to improve performance

A new Dynamic Handling package, which may include things like adaptive suspension, roll control, or active steering systems

As you can see, the hatchback and wagon models were only altered slightly, with some tweaks to the styling and suspension. The sedan, however, received an entirely new engine, and the hybrid was completely replaced by a new hybrid vehicle! These two cars changed a lot when compared with previous model years.

2016 BMW 3 Series vs. 2015 BMW 3 Series: What changed?

Let’s dive into some of the biggest changes from the 2015 to the 2016 model year.

An updated engine

Prior to 2016, the sedan model of the BMW 3 Series was called the

BMW 335i

. Following the 2016 facelift, this vehicle became the

BMW 340i

and received a new engine capable of a higher output.

The 340i’s turbocharged 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine is capable of producing 320 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque and has a fuel economy of 26 MPG combined. Compare this to the 2015 335i’s 3.0-liter six-cylinder engine, which is capable of producing 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of torque and gets 25 MPG combined. That’s definitely an improvement!

A new hybrid vehicle

When BMW released the 2016 3 Series, the company also introduced a new hybrid vehicle: the

BMW 330e

. This hybrid model replaced the

ActiveHybrid 3

, BMW’s previous hybrid model. This new hybrid model was less expensive than the 2015 hybrid option with an original starting MSRP of $44,700.

MORE: The best BMW hybrids

Styling updates

There are three available body styles in the 2015 BMW 3 Series: hatchback, sedan, and wagon. These body styles are still available in the 2016 3 Series, but they have been slightly tweaked. If you look closely, you’ll see changes to the taillights and front grill on the 2016 models and there are also LED headlights available on certain models.

The interior style was also updated for the 2016 3 Series, although the changes were very slight. Changes included different material options, more chrome, and gloss-black trim, all designed to make the interior of the 3 Series look sleek and luxurious.

Pricing

Let’s compare the pricing between the 2016 and 2015 3 Series lineups:

Model	Starting MSRP (original)	Average used price (in 2022)
2015 320i	$33,500	$12,489
2016 320i	$34,000	$13,950
2015 328i	$38,300	$13,978
2016 328i	$39,000	$14,925
2015 328d	$39,000	$15,464
2016 328d	$39,850	$17,867
2015 335i	$45,000	$18,006
2016 340i	$47,000	$23,927
2015 ActiveHybrid 3	$50,150	$13,484
2016 330e	$44,700	$14,647

As you can see, the 2016 models were almost all more expensive than their 2015 counterparts, with the notable exception of a more affordable hybrid model.

MORE: Are BMWs expensive to maintain?

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Should you buy the 2016 BMW 3 Series?

With great ratings in customer satisfaction, the 2016 BMW 3 Series certainly comes highly recommended. But are any of these vehicles actually for you? Let’s take a look at some of the pros and cons of this BMW model year.

Pro: A comfortable, spacious interior

BMW is renowned for its stylish, comfortable interiors, and the 2016 3 Series vehicles are no exception. Minor interior updates kept the inside of these cars looking just as stylish and luxurious as the exterior.

Con: Less driving power than other model years

Since BMW put a lot of energy into interior design, some drivers were disappointed that the 2016 3 Series had less driving power than they had anticipated. This was only true of some trim levels, of course, but it is something to watch out for.

Pro: Great handling

Some of the updates to the 2016 3 Series were intended to improve handling and customers say that this effort was a huge success.

Con: It’s not as fun to drive

Despite the improved handling, some drivers reported that the 2016 3 Series models weren’t as fun to drive as their 2015 counterparts.

Pro: Lots of great safety features

BMW’s iDrive system is very user-friendly and offers a lot of options in terms of safety features. The 3 Series also received great safety and collision test reviews, meaning you’ll be well protected in the event that you get into an accident.

Con: Some of those safety features are reserved for higher trim levels

If you want your vehicle to be as safe as possible, however, you’ll have to pay a higher price for your vehicle. Features you can get via an upgrade include:

Heads-up display

Lane-departure warning

Blind-spot monitoring cameras

Adaptive cruise control

Navigation

Exterior view cameras for the rear, side, and top of your car

MORE:

BMW tune-up cost

Saving on BMW insurance

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