Research · Subcompact Cars · 2 NHTSA variants
2016 BMW 2 SeriesRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 0 safety recalls and 26 owner complaints for the 2016 BMW 2 Series. Most complaints involve electrical system (13) and engine and engine cooling (9). The EPA rates it 22–27 mpg combined.
Combined MPG
22–27mpg
EPA · 11 versions
NHTSA overall
—
Not rated by NCAP
Safety recalls
0campaigns
NHTSA
Owner complaints
26
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$2,850est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
NHTSA campaigns for this model year
0 recalls found in NHTSA data for the 2016 BMW 2 Series as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 10, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
26 complaints filed with NHTSA · May 2016 – Aug 2025
- Electrical system13
- Engine and engine cooling9
- Service brakes3
- Exterior lighting3
- Seat belts3
- Power train2
- Visibility/wiper2
- Wheels1
- Steering1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
13 reports1 fire
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.”
Engine and engine cooling
9 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that upon starting the vehicle, the vehicle jerked back and forth and choked. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact called another local dealer, Century West BMW Service Department (4245 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91602) who confirmed that parts were not yet available. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.”
Service brakes
3 reports
“The contact owns a 2016 BMW 228I. The contact stated that intermittently, while driving at undisclosed speeds and depressing the brake pedal, there was an abnormal odor of smoke. The braking lamp malfunction light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who determined the failure was related to the engine, engine cooling, and electrical system. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 24V608000 (Engine and Engine Cooling, Electrical System); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 10, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
11 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Subcompact Cars
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo · 3.0L 6-cyl turbo
- Transmissions
- Automatic (S8) · Manual 6-spd
- Drive
- Rear-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 228i Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 35 | 27 | $2,850 | 330 |
| 228i Convertible Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,850 | 338 |
| 228i xDrive Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 23 | 34 | 27 | $2,850 | 335 |
| 228i Man 6-spd, 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | $3,000 | 340 |
| 228i xDrive Convertible Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 22 | 33 | 26 | $3,000 | 340 |
| M235i Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | $3,200 | 372 |
| M235i Convertible Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 24 | $3,200 | 372 |
| M235i xDrive Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | $3,350 | 376 |
| M235i xDrive Convertible Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 30 | 23 | $3,350 | 376 |
| M235i Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 27 | 22 | $3,500 | 396 |
| M235i Convertible Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 3.0 L, Turbo · Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 | 26 | 22 | $3,500 | 410 |
- 27mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
- 27mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 26mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
- 24mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
- 23mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
- 22mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 10, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
4 tested variants
NHTSA has not published 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2016 BMW 2 Series as of Nov 10, 2026.
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 10, 2026Vehicle 10499Vehicle 10444Vehicle 10443
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2016 2 Series questions
How many recalls does the 2016 BMW 2 Series have?
0 recalls found in NHTSA data as of Nov 10, 2026.
What are the most common 2016 BMW 2 Series problems?
Owners filed 26 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (13), engine and engine cooling (9), service brakes (3). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2016 BMW 2 Series get?
The EPA rates the 2016 BMW 2 Series at 22–27 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (11 versions rated).
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 10, 2026