BMW 3 Series F30: Features, Advantages and Disadvantages

Introduction: Continuation of the Legend

BMW cars have always been immensely popular and cherished by car enthusiasts around the world. Over many years, BMW has developed a recognizable image that now works for the brand day and night. The BMW 3 Series is one of the most popular representatives of the Bavarian automaker's model range. After the E90 body, which somewhat frightened brand fans with some of its features, the F30 series restored the status quo, returning the trademark driver-oriented central console.

In this article, we will look at the features of the BMW 3 Series F30, its advantages and disadvantages, and also provide recommendations for potential owners. Choosing with your heart is always pleasant, but reason suggests that before buying, a future owner should at least roughly understand what awaits them on this journey.

Engine Range: Variety and Features

Gasoline Engines of Pre-facelift Versions

N13B16 (1.6 L)

The initial N13B16 engine with a capacity of 1.6 liters from the infamous "Prince" series has already appeared in Mini and a number of Peugeot-Citroën models. The F30 received the most modernized version, but this did not save it from characteristic problems.

The first malfunctions can appear as early as 80,000 km. Ignition coils often fail, and if they are not replaced immediately, the engine control unit may fail. Wear of the rubber parts of the diaphragm valve for crankcase gas ventilation leads to unstable engine operation at idle and increased oil consumption. Problems also arise with the turbocharger's electromagnetic valve — its worn gasket leads to loss of power.

After 100,000 km, the problems become more serious. The timing chain stretches and begins to damage the tensioners, and wear products clog the oil pickup screen. Chain replacement is best done preventively. The electric valve of the oil pump also rarely serves more than 100,000 km, and its failure can lead to critical consequences for the engine.

With high mileage, the "Prince" series engine requires constant attention and maintenance. The camshaft phaser couplings become clogged with contaminants and stop working properly, the high-pressure fuel pump wears out, the injectors and electric pumps of the cooling system fail. The lubrication system is prone to contamination, and the valves to the formation of deposits. Add to this local overheating of the cylinder head, which can lead to cracks.

N20B20 (2.0 L)

The more common two-liter N20B20 engine is better than the "Prince," but has similar construction principles and some common problems. This engine can produce both 184 hp and 245 hp in the 328i modification. The less forced version usually lasts longer.

The cylinder block is made of aluminum without sleeves, which is replaced by an iron-containing coating. Its resource is approximately 250,000 km, but the engine can last longer with careful handling. This engine fears chip tuning and sports driving the most, as the crankshaft bearings operate at the limit of their capabilities.

On cars manufactured before 2014, the internal partition of the oil filter housing often cracked, after which the oil mixed with antifreeze. Therefore, regularly check the contents of the expansion tank.

The high-pressure fuel pump, injectors, electric pump, and oil pump valve are also not distinguished by high reliability. Approximately after 120,000 km, problems may begin with the fuel system and lubrication system. The timing chain and oil pump drive, which is driven by the same chain as the balance shafts, wear out quickly. If a timely replacement is not performed, scoring on the bearings, camshafts, and their beds is possible.

Diesel Engines of Pre-facelift Versions

N47D20 (2.0 L)

According to many experts, the N47D20 turbodiesel is considered the optimal engine for the BMW F30. Its power is the same 184 hp as its gasoline counterpart, but there are fewer problems with it. However, it is also difficult to call it ideal.

Weak crankshaft bearings relate it to the gasoline version, as well as flaws in the valve timing mechanism. After 100,000 km, the timing chain will have to be changed in any case, and preferably not only with the tensioners but also with the sprockets, as the latter may not withstand a second term.

When using quality fuel and refueling at trusted gas stations, you can delay the wear of the high-pressure fuel pump, but it is unlikely to last more than 200,000 km. Approximately after 120,000 km, the variable intake manifold system may fail, and its fragments may get into the cylinders. Overheating is also fatal for the 320d version, as cracks may appear in the block between the cylinders.

N55B30 (3.0 L)

The three-liter six-cylinder N55B30 gasoline engine is rarely found in the secondary market, although in terms of reliability and resource, this engine surpasses all previous options.

It has characteristic features: when using low-quality oil, hydraulic lifters may fail, which leads to misfires in the cylinders. This can only be treated by replacing the hydraulic lifters. In case of increased oil consumption, the first thing to check is the crankcase ventilation valve. If the engine starts to run noisily and vibrate, check the fuel injectors, which usually last from 80 to 100,000 km. In this case, you will have to replace the entire set.

The N55B30 engine is contraindicated for overheating and extreme loads — this can cause all sensors and even the electronic control unit to fail at once. But with regular maintenance and careful operation, this engine can even travel 400,000 km.

Facelifted Modular B-Series Engines

The facelifted modular B-series engines turned out to be significantly more reliable than their predecessors. Even the three-cylinder initial B38B15 engine with a capacity of 1.5 liters has not yet shown itself in a bad light. In design, it is very similar to the two-liter B48B20 unit, which is due to the modular architecture.

Servicing these engines has become more difficult, as the timing has been moved to the flywheel. However, now the balance shafts and oil pump are driven by gears rather than a chain, which means there are no more problems with oil pressure.

By 100,000 km, you will most likely need to replace the oil scraper caps, and you may also observe unstable engine operation at idle due to a defective fuel tank valve.

B47D20 (2.0 L diesel)

According to many experts, the best choice for the BMW F30 is the two-liter B47D20 diesel. The only weak point in its design is the EGR system with an electronic valve, due to which the engine can run unstably, lose power, or even stall. In 2019, as part of a service campaign, the manufacturer even began to replace the entire EGR module in assembly due to the heat exchanger losing its seal.

Transmission: Reliability and Problems

Two main gearboxes were installed on the BMW F30: a six-speed manual and an eight-speed automatic.

Manual Transmission

The six-speed manual gearbox from Getrag is a reliable unit, which, unfortunately, is rarely found in the secondary market. Despite the fact that this gearbox is equipped with a dual-mass flywheel, it lasts at least 150,000 km even with active driving.

Automatic Transmission

The eight-speed ZF automatic is good in all respects if you take proper care of it. However, BMW and ZF (the gearbox manufacturer) have different views on servicing this transmission. While BMW does not consider it necessary to change the ATF fluid in the gearbox, ZF recommends doing it every 60,000 km. The latter opinion is worth heeding.

With proper maintenance and careful operation, this gearbox can travel all 250,000 km. However, under extreme loads, the satellite axles can break out of the gear housing, and the friction discs can wear grooves in the pack housings.

Problems with the automatic can be identified both through diagnostics (by unstable switching times) and during a test drive — jerks, jolts during acceleration, and slippage will hint at this. The wear of the torque converter lock-up clutch linings is also well diagnosed.

Another common problem is the warping of the plastic pan, which can only be treated by replacing it and using sealant.

All-Wheel Drive: Features and Vulnerable Points

The ATC 350 and ATC 450 series transfer cases on xDrive versions are characterized by rather rapid wear. Jerks when connecting all-wheel drive for aggressive drivers can occur before 100,000 km.

This is explained by the fact that the oil pump was excluded from the design, which affected the quality of lubrication. These units are very sensitive to the quality and level of oil, so it's best to change it at least once every 60,000 km.

Under extreme loads, the front driveshaft's splines are often sheared off. And if the universal joint fails, the damaged driveshaft can damage the engine pan, which is located too close.

Rear-Wheel Drive Versions

Rear-wheel drive versions of the BMW F30 are more durable. However, a worn or already replaced elastic coupling of the rear driveshaft can serve as a sign of active exploitation. A differential that's seeping oil can indicate either worn seals or intensive use of the car in a dynamic mode.

Suspension and Steering

For the suspension of the BMW F30, everything is within normal limits, especially the ball joints stand out for their longevity — 150,000 km is a normal mileage for them.

The hydromount of the front arm is an interesting engineering solution, but not for everyone. Lovers of "refined driving" usually change these front arms and install a second ball joint. This makes the suspension a little stiffer, but the handling clearer.

The steering rack is also good and lasts a long time. However, the electric power steering unit may one day fall off due to the aluminum screws of the mounting bracket — there was even a recall campaign about this. However, it's not particularly difficult to unscrew three screws and replace them with steel ones.

Body and Exterior

The body of the BMW F30 is well protected against corrosion, as even the roof is protected with a zinc coating. However, there are some features that are worth paying attention to.

The falling sections of the taillights from the trunk lid are a problem with the flimsy plastic fastener. The rear lights installed in the body fog up heavily. In 2017, BMW even released a modernized seal that can be installed on older cars as well.

Chrome exterior elements tend to peel off after several years of operation. The decorative coating on the wheel rims can also come off in pieces. Therefore, when choosing, it's better to give preference to a car with optional black decor.

Interior and Comfort

The interior in the F30 is of higher quality than in the previous E90 model, unless we're talking about artificial leather (SensaTec) upholstery. This material may crack, especially with intensive use.

The waterproofing of the doors is based on butyl sealant, which can dry out over time, and then water can enter the interior. Problems with the operation of door locks arise approximately in the fifth year of the car's life — the doors simply stop closing properly, and it's not always possible to adjust the mechanisms. In this case, the locks usually have to be replaced.

Electronics and Multimedia

The electronics of the BMW F30 are quite complex, and it's better not to try to repair them yourself. The most noticeable and unpleasant problem is the sudden "loss" of the key by the car, which, paired with the "start-stop" system, can lead to an unpleasant situation on the road. Therefore, many owners simply disable this function. This problem is usually treated by reflashing or replacing the key or control unit.

The multimedia system sometimes randomly restarts and often loses paired devices. However, in general, the iDrive system is considered one of the best on the market in terms of ease of use and functionality.

Recommendations When Choosing a BMW F30 in the Secondary Market

1. Carefully check the service history. Regular maintenance is the key to BMW's longevity. If possible, try to choose cars that have been serviced by official dealers or specialized service centers.
2. Pay attention to the condition of the engine. Check its operation at idle and under load. Listen for extraneous sounds, pay attention to the smokiness of the exhaust and the smoothness of operation.
3. Conduct diagnostics. Computer diagnostics will reveal many hidden problems, especially with electronics and control systems.
4. Check the transmission. Pay special attention to the eight-speed ZF automatic — its repair can be very costly. Pay attention to the smoothness of gear shifts and the absence of jerks during acceleration.
5. Inspect the body and interior. Check for signs of repair, the condition of the paintwork, the functioning of electrical equipment, and the condition of the interior.
6. Choose facelifted versions if possible. They received more reliable B-series engines and a number of other improvements.
7. Pay attention to the equipment. Some options can significantly improve comfort and safety, for example, adaptive headlights, advanced driver assistance systems, high-quality audio system.

Optimal Engine Choice

If you are choosing a pre-facelift version of the F30 (before 2015):

• Best choice: diesel N47D20 (320d) or gasoline N55B30 (335i), if you are ready to put up with higher fuel consumption
• Most common option: gasoline N20B20 (320i or 328i)
• Least recommended: gasoline N13B16 (316i)

If you are choosing a facelifted version of the F30 (after 2015):

• Best choice: diesel B47D20 (320d) or gasoline B48B20 (320i or 330i)
• Acceptable option: three-cylinder B38B15 (318i)

Conclusion

The BMW 3 Series F30 is a car that provides driving pleasure and has a prestigious image. However, like any complex technical product, it has its own features and potential problems that need to be considered when buying.

Touching a legend is worth a lot, and sometimes you can afford it. Another question is whether it's worth touching it many times — that's for you to decide. In the case of BMW, you will constantly invest in the car, otherwise it will quickly lose its best qualities.

The facelifted versions of the F30 with B-series engines are noticeably more reliable than their predecessors, so if your budget allows, it's better to pay attention to them. Regardless of the chosen version, regular maintenance and careful operation are the key to a long and happy life with a BMW.

Remember that the main thing is to make the right choice. Choose a car taking into account all factors: condition, history, equipment, and your financial capabilities. And then the BMW F30 will delight you with its dynamics, handling, and comfort for many years.

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