2016 BMW 328d xDrive

The 2016 BMW 328d xDrive is a popular diesel-powered variant of the F30 3-Series, known for its fuel efficiency and respectable performance. It’s powered by a 2.0-liter inline-4 turbodiesel engine producing 180 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque. The standard transmission is an 8-speed automatic. Other engine options available for the 2016 3-Series included various gasoline inline-4 and inline-6 options (320i, 328i, 340i). Common praises for the 328d involve its fuel economy and smooth ride, whereas common complaints revolve around potential diesel-specific maintenance costs, some reliability concerns, and the overall cost of ownership associated with a luxury vehicle.

Engine

2.0L Turbodiesel (N47)

• Timing Chain Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive engine noise (rattling, especially on cold start), potential for catastrophic engine damage if the chain snaps.
  • Solution: Replace the timing chain, guides, and tensioner.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• EGR Cooler Leaks/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant loss, white smoke from the exhaust, engine overheating, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace the EGR cooler.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) Clogging
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, check engine light, frequent regeneration cycles, potential for DPF damage.
  • Solution: Forced regeneration (if possible), DPF cleaning, or DPF replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (forced regeneration) - $2,000+ (DPF replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, reduced fuel economy, black smoke from the exhaust, check engine light.
  • Solution: Replace faulty fuel injector(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000+ (per injector)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP45)

• Mechatronic Sleeve Leak
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission fluid leak, difficulty shifting, slipping, jerky shifts.
  • Solution: Replace the mechatronic sleeve and fluid.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, erratic shifting behavior, transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Valve body replacement or rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Front Control Arm Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noise from the front suspension, especially over bumps, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the control arm bushings or the entire control arm.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear Subframe Bushing Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Rear end feels loose or unstable, clunking or rattling noises from the rear suspension, especially over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace the rear subframe bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• iDrive System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, slow response, connectivity problems, error messages.
  • Solution: Software update, module replacement (rare).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500 (software update) / $500 - $1,500+ (module replacement, if necessary)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting, electrical system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Identify and repair parasitic drain (common culprits include comfort access system, faulty modules).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ (depending on the source of the drain)
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door won’t lock or unlock with the key fob or interior button, may make a buzzing noise.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Cracked Dashboard
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing on the dashboard surface, especially in warmer climates.
  • Solution: Dashboard replacement or repair.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 BMW 328d xDrive offers a blend of fuel efficiency and performance. However, potential owners should be aware of the common issues, particularly those related to the diesel engine (timing chain, EGR cooler, DPF) and the automatic transmission (sleeve leaks, valve body issues). These repairs can be costly, making thorough pre-purchase inspections and maintenance history checks crucial. The suspension components and other issues can also accumulate over time.