2016 Bmw M235i Safety Report

2016 BMW M235I shows low complaint volume but lacks crash ratings and has recurring issues with transmissions, brake lights, and spontaneous sunroof shattering.

8Complaints
0Recalls
65/100Reliability Score
Most reported components: Power Train (1)Electrical System,Service Brakes (1)Electrical System,Exterior Lighting (1)Seat Belts (1)Fuel System, Gasoline (1)Unknown Or Other (1)Exterior Lighting (1)Visibility/Wiper (1)

AI Safety Analysis for the 2016 Bmw M235i

The 2016 BMW M235I exhibits a relatively low number of NHTSA complaints, with only 8 total complaints, and no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths. This suggests a generally robust safety record in terms of severe incidents. However, the vehicle lacks formal NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), which means its performance in standardized crash scenarios is not publicly assessed by NHTSA. This absence of ratings makes it difficult to fully evaluate its passive safety performance compared to vehicles with full ratings. Despite the low complaint volume, several recurring issues are noted. The POWER TRAIN component, specifically the transmission, has been cited for a 'leaky case' issue, which one complaint suggests is a 'KNOWN problem'. Electrical system issues, particularly related to exterior lighting and brake light failures, appear in multiple complaints. One complaint explicitly mentions that 'BMW 2 series cars from about 2015-2018 have faulty wiring and brake light assemblies' and that BMW 'extended the warranty for one year' for this 'design flaw'. This indicates a recognized defect by the manufacturer. Another notable pattern involves spontaneous sunroof shattering, with two separate complaints detailing unprovoked 'explosions' of the sunroof while driving, raining glass onto the occupants. This is a serious safety concern, even if infrequent. Other issues include a slow-retracting driver-side seatbelt, a cracked fuel tank leading to a fuel odor, and low-contrast instrument panel visibility. The absence of any recalls for the 2016 BMW M235I means that none of these reported issues have been deemed significant enough by the manufacturer or NHTSA to warrant a widespread corrective action.

Reliability Score

The 2016 Bmw M235i receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.

Known Issues for the 2016 Bmw M235i

The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2016 Bmw M235i:

IssueSeverityFrequencyTypical Mileage
Transmission Case Leak
Transmission fluid leak 'thru the wall of the case' reported, described as a 'KNOWN problem' by a dealer.		 High Occasional unknown miles
Brake Light Failure Due To Faulty Wiring
Faulty wiring and brake light assemblies, with BMW reportedly extending warranty for this 'design flaw'.		 Medium Common unknown miles
Spontaneous Sunroof Shattering
Sunroof 'exploded' or 'shattered spontaneously' while driving, raining glass onto occupants.		 High Rare unknown miles
Driver Side Seatbelt Slow To Retract
Seatbelt is slow to retract, gets twisted, and can become non-functional.		 Medium Rare unknown miles
Cracked Fuel Tank
Odor of fuel present due to a cracked fuel tank requiring replacement.		 High Rare unknown miles
Low Contrast Instrument Panel
Speedometer and tachometer have low contrast, making them nearly invisible when instrument lighting is off.		 Low Rare unknown miles

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2016 Bmw M235i:

Power Train 12% of complaints

One complaint specifically mentions a transmission case leak, described as a 'KNOWN problem'.

Electrical System,Exterior Lighting 25% of complaints

Two complaints detail brake light failures due to faulty wiring, with BMW reportedly acknowledging a design flaw.

Unknown Or Other 25% of complaints

Two complaints describe spontaneous sunroof shattering while driving.

Seat Belts 12% of complaints

One complaint about a driver-side seatbelt being slow to retract and getting twisted.

Fuel System, Gasoline 12% of complaints

One complaint regarding a cracked fuel tank causing a fuel odor.

Visibility/Wiper 12% of complaints

One complaint about low contrast on the instrument panel, affecting visibility of gauges.

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2016 Bmw M235i

Is the 2016 BMW M235I safe?

Based on NHTSA data, the 2016 BMW M235I has a very low complaint count (8 total) with no reported crashes, fires, injuries, or deaths, suggesting a good record for severe incidents. However, it lacks formal NHTSA crash test ratings, making a full safety assessment difficult. Recurring issues include transmission leaks, brake light failures, and spontaneous sunroof shattering.

What are common problems for the 2016 BMW M235I?

The most reported issues for the 2016 BMW M235I, based on NHTSA complaints, include power train problems like transmission leaks, electrical system issues leading to brake light failures (which BMW reportedly acknowledged as a design flaw), and spontaneous shattering of the sunroof. Other issues include slow-retracting seatbelts and cracked fuel tanks.

Are there any recalls for the 2016 BMW M235I?

No, there are no recalls listed by NHTSA for the 2016 BMW M235I.

How does the 2016 BMW M235I perform in crash tests?

The 2016 BMW M235I has not received any formal NHTSA crash test ratings (Overall, Frontal, Side, Rollover are all N/A), so its performance in these standardized tests is not publicly available.

Is the transmission a known issue for the 2016 BMW M235I?

Yes, one NHTSA complaint specifically mentions a transmission leak 'thru the wall of the case' and states that a BMW dealer indicated it is a 'KNOWN problem with the transmission'.

Buyer Advice

Our recommendation: Given the low complaint volume but absence of crash test ratings and recurring issues like transmission leaks, brake light failures, and sunroof shattering, prospective buyers should prioritize a thorough pre-purchase inspection, especially checking the transmission, electrical system, and sunroof mechanism.

NHTSA Data Summary for 2016 Bmw M235i

This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2016 Bmw M235i. The data includes 8 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 0 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.

All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.

Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.