Likes
- Engaging (and expected) BMW driving experience.
- Offers great value for money on the used market.
- LCI updated models feature near current levels of tech and equipment.
- Still offers everything a 3 Series should.
Used BMW 3 Series (F30) review
2012 - 2019
Dislikes
- Pre-LCI updated cars offer a vast range of mechanical and reliability concerns.
- Post-LCI updated cars also are far from perfect when it comes to reliability.
- Expensive parts, repair and maintenance costs.
- Depreciation can and often does hit hard.
Stuff you should know
The 2012 to 2019 BMW 3 Series across three body types, the F30 sedan, F31 wagon (or touring as BMW calls it), and controversial F34 Gran Turismo 5-door lift back
This was also the first generation that saw the Coupe and Convertible body styles separate from the 3 Series moniker to become the 4 Series. Much of what we’ll be covering in this cheat sheet will also relate to the 4 Series.
In terms of engines and models for the Aussie variants, all the engines are turbocharged and all are rear-wheel drive however, depending on body style and model year, you will be presented with a have a choice of two different 4-cylinder diesel engines in three states of tune, a 3-cylinder petrol, four different 4-cylinder petrol engines in five different states of tune, two inline sixers with their own outputs, 4 and 6 cylinder hybrids and a partridge in a pear tree.
These are then available, (again depending on the body style and model year) with 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic transmission although the majority on the used market will be automatics.
Then there is something of a model year debacle because what features and equipment a 3 Series features will vary thanks to updates in 2013, 2014 and most substantially, the mid-cycle or LCI update in 2016.
This LCI update was a substantial with a host of mechanical changes, equipment updates along with the expected subtle facelift.
You’ll also have a choice of Line Packages or trim specs such as Sport Line, Luxury Line, Modern Line, High Line, M Sport, Touring Individual, which all feature different features and accessories.
Then you have optional extras which we elaborate on within the tech specs below.
What goes wrong
Exterior:
Some owners have complained that the paint chips and marks far too easily and a quality respray is very expensive.
Certain alloy wheels can suffer from excess corrosion in more humid climates.
Some tail lights have been known to come loose due to a broken plastic clip or bracket, you can either have a go at fixing this yourself, as apparently it’s not too hard, or replace the whole light fixture although BMW parts can be expensive.
There is a seal in the boot that can be damaged easily, allowing water to leak inside.
The Air Conditioning Condenser is easily susceptible to damage and if it’s damaged, the air conditioning can and most likely will stop working. Also it’s a BMW so again, genuine parts won’t be cheap.
Hybrid models have a common problem with the charging control unit or the KLE unit.
The bonnet release cable has been known to fail, which makes opening the bonnet very difficult and the horn on some cars can fail completely.
Interior:
There are reports that the instrument display can show random error messages such as “Service Engine Soon” or even reports of the engine going into a limp home mode when “Drivetrain Malfunction” message appears on the instrument cluster, however, when the car is inspected, there seems to be nothing wrong.
Some owners have complained that mainly between 60 and 80km/h, the steering can vibrate or knock, this might just be a wheel balance issue but some owners have stated it’s a steering system fault.
The Infotainment Systems can show black screens or they can freeze and Parking Assistant System failures are a known issue. In some cases this can be fixed with a software update however in more serious instances the entire system may need replacing.
Also, if the Parking Assistant Cameras show a black or blank screen, this can be down to a faulty wiring harness or the connectors on the harness being exposed to water.
Also in regards to the infotainment systems, some owners have complained that the Bluetooth Connectivity can fail to connect or drop out.
The front door seals are sometimes not fitted correctly and this results in excessive wind noise at freeway speeds around the A pillar.
On some early examples, the seat frames are known to corrode and then squeak, plus on all models, owners have reported false readings from the passenger seat sensor, showing the seatbelt reminder when there is nobody sitting in the seat.
Mechanically:
To keep production costs down, many manufacturers, in this case BMW and all F30 3 Series engines are now made to be modular. Meaning many components, like pistons, rods and timing chains and so much more are
Exterior:
Some owners have complained that the paint chips and marks far too easily and a quality respray is very expensive.
Certain alloy wheels can suffer from excess corrosion in more humid climates.
Some tail lights have been known to come loose due to a broken plastic clip or bracket, you can either have a go at fixing this yourself, as apparently it’s not too hard, or replace the whole light fixture although BMW parts can be expensive.
There is a seal in the boot that can be damaged easily, allowing water to leak inside.
The Air Conditioning Condenser is easily susceptible to damage and if it’s damaged, the air conditioning can and most likely will stop working. Also it’s a BMW so again, genuine parts won’t be cheap.
Hybrid models have a common problem with the charging control unit or the KLE unit.
The bonnet release cable has been known to fail, which makes opening the bonnet very difficult and the horn on some cars can fail completely.
Interior:
There are reports that the instrument display can show random error messages such as “Service Engine Soon” or even reports of the engine going into a limp home mode when “Drivetrain Malfunction” message appears on the instrument cluster, however, when the car is inspected, there seems to be nothing wrong.
Some owners have complained that mainly between 60 and 80km/h, the steering can vibrate or knock, this might just be a wheel balance issue but some owners have stated it’s a steering system fault.
The Infotainment Systems can show black screens or they can freeze and Parking Assistant System failures are a known issue. In some cases this can be fixed with a software update however in more serious instances the entire system may need replacing.
Also, if the Parking Assistant Cameras show a black or blank screen, this can be down to a faulty wiring harness or the connectors on the harness being exposed to water.
Also in regards to the infotainment systems, some owners have complained that the Bluetooth Connectivity can fail to connect or drop out.
The front door seals are sometimes not fitted correctly and this results in excessive wind noise at freeway speeds around the A pillar.
On some early examples, the seat frames are known to corrode and then squeak, plus on all models, owners have reported false readings from the passenger seat sensor, showing the seatbelt reminder when there is nobody sitting in the seat.
Mechanically:
To keep production costs down, many manufacturers, in this case BMW and all F30 3 Series engines are now made to be modular. Meaning many components, like pistons, rods and timing chains and so much more are all shared by multiple engines across entire model ranges.
This is great for production costs but it also means they share their common problems too.
One of the most common and serious issues for the petrol powered engines in the F30 3 Series is of timing chains. It is a well known issue in the earlier pre-LCI updated examples however, later versions are beginning to see issues and it should be noted, in these post-LCI updated 3 Series engine, the timing chain is located at the back of the engine so it’s a much larger and more expensive repair.
Valve cover and oil filter housing oil leaks are common for both pre and post LCI engines and typical for BMW, they have complicated cooling systems (all made of plastic) and generally that’s a weak point too.
The turbos on post LCI updated 3 Series are somewhat less problematic than previous pre-LCI models although much of the inlet system is plastic so it will likely cause issues as it ages.
In terms of the diesel engines, surprise surprise, they also have timing chain issues plus harmonic balancer failures are common in the earlier models.
The diesel engines also have oil leak issues and as they age, the same cooling system complications as their petrol counterparts.
However, in addition to similar issues as the petrol engines, the dials are known to have injector seal issues, DPF and EGR complications however, this has become very common in many of modern day diesel engines and is far from exclusive for BMW.
With so many different engine variants and all of them having some known issues, in all honesty we can’t really recommend any single engine across the range as ‘the one to get’.
They’re not all bad, they just all have known issues, and as we always strongly recommend, change the oil and service it regularly in all BMWs!!
The BMW recommended extended service intervals are a huge contributor to the premature failure and overall lack of reliability with these engines. Change the oil at least every 10,000km (or 6000 miles if you swing that way) otherwise it could be argued that extended service intervals and long-life oils can kill engines and make perfectly good cars worthless.
Recalls:
- 29 January 2021 – BMW’s 3, 5, 7 SERIES, X5, and MINI COUNTRYMAN models, consisting of 62 units, were affected by potential malfunctions in fully charged high-voltage batteries due to the entry of foreign bodies or particles into the battery cells.
- 24 October 2013 – 3,155 units of 2012 – 2013 BMW 1,3,5 Series, X1,3, and Z4 models were affected by a defect where the vacuum pump could fail due to lack of lubrication, leading to reduced effectiveness of the brake assistance function.
Exterior:
Some owners have complained that the paint chips and marks far too easily and a quality respray is very expensive.
Certain alloy wheels can suffer from excess corrosion in more humid climates.
Some tail lights have been known to come loose due to a broken plastic clip or bracket, you can either have a go at fixing this yourself, as apparently it’s not too hard, or replace the whole light fixture although BMW parts can be expensive.
There is a seal in the boot that can be damaged easily, allowing water to leak inside.
The Air Conditioning Condenser is easily susceptible to damage and if it’s damaged, the air conditioning can and most likely will stop working. Also it’s a BMW so again, genuine parts won’t be cheap.
Hybrid models have a common problem with the charging control unit or the KLE unit.
The bonnet release cable has been known to fail, which makes opening the bonnet very difficult and the horn on some cars can fail completely.
Interior:
There are reports that the instrument display can show random error messages such as “Service Engine Soon” or even reports of the engine going into a limp home mode when “Drivetrain Malfunction” message appears on the instrument cluster, however, when the car is inspected, there seems to be nothing wrong.
Some owners have complained that mainly between 60 and 80km/h, the steering can vibrate or knock, this might just be a wheel balance issue but some owners have stated it’s a steering system fault.
The Infotainment Systems can show black screens or they can freeze and Parking Assistant System failures are a known issue. In some cases this can be fixed with a software update however in more serious instances the entire system may need replacing.
Also, if the Parking Assistant Cameras show a black or blank screen, this can be down to a faulty wiring harness or the connectors on the harness being exposed to water.
Also in regards to the infotainment systems, some owners have complained that the Bluetooth Connectivity can fail to connect or drop out.
The front door seals are sometimes not fitted correctly and this results in excessive wind noise at freeway speeds around the A pillar.
On some early examples, the seat frames are known to corrode and then squeak, plus on all models, owners have reported false readings from the passenger seat sensor, showing the seatbelt reminder when there is nobody sitting in the seat.
Mechanically:
To keep production costs down, many manufacturers, in this case BMW and all F30 3 Series engines are now made to be modular. Meaning many components, like pistons, rods and timing chains and so much more are all shared by multiple engines across entire model ranges.
This is great for production costs but it also means they share their common problems too.
One of the most common and serious issues for the petrol powered engines in the F30 3 Series is of timing chains. It is a well known issue in the earlier pre-LCI updated examples however, later versions are beginning to see issues and it should be noted, in these post-LCI updated 3 Series engine, the timing chain is located at the back of the engine so it’s a much larger and more expensive repair.
Valve cover and oil filter housing oil leaks are common for both pre and post LCI engines and typical for BMW, they have complicated cooling systems (all made of plastic) and generally that’s a weak point too.
The turbos on post LCI updated 3 Series are somewhat less problematic than previous pre-LCI models although much of the inlet system is plastic so it will likely cause issues as it ages.
In terms of the diesel engines, surprise surprise, they also have timing chain issues plus harmonic balancer failures are common in the earlier models.
The diesel engines also have oil leak issues and as they age, the same cooling system complications as their petrol counterparts.
However, in addition to similar issues as the petrol engines, the dials are known to have injector seal issues, DPF and EGR complications however, this has become very common in many of modern day diesel engines and is far from exclusive for BMW.
With so many different engine variants and all of them having some known issues, in all honesty we can’t really recommend any single engine across the range as ‘the one to get’.
They’re not all bad, they just all have known issues, and as we always strongly recommend, change the oil and service it regularly in all BMWs!!
The BMW recommended extended service intervals are a huge contributor to the premature failure and overall lack of reliability with these engines. Change the oil at least every 10,000km (or 6000 miles if you swing that way) otherwise it could be argued that extended service intervals and long-life oils can kill engines and make perfectly good cars worthless.
Recalls:
- 29 January 2021 – BMW’s 3, 5, 7 SERIES, X5, and MINI COUNTRYMAN models, consisting of 62 units, were affected by potential malfunctions in fully charged high-voltage batteries due to the entry of foreign bodies or particles into the battery cells.
- 24 October 2013 – 3,155 units of 2012 – 2013 BMW 1,3,5 Series, X1,3, and Z4 models were affected by a defect where the vacuum pump could fail due to lack of lubrication, leading to reduced effectiveness of the brake assistance function.
Should you buy it?
Buying an F30 3 Series depends on which specific one, and you.
If you’re savvy with a spanner, adore BMWs even when they’re rubbish and have more spare time and money than you know what to do with, sure buy an F30 3 Series, and any of them because no matter how big a pain in the bum it may be, you’ll still sing its praises for the rest of time.
If this is the case, congratulations, you’re a true BMW fan, but for normal humans, it’s a little more complex.
We’d be avoiding any pre LCI updated cars and especially the diesels. Yes there are owners out there that have never had an issue with a pre LCI F30 3 Series, and there are unicorn examples that will be fault free with the right maintenance but the chance of buying a lemon and the potential associated costs are, for us, just too risky so no, do not buy a pre LCI 3 Series.
However, post LCI update 3 Series, and specifically in 330i or 340i form, it’s a cautious yes from us.
Sure it might not have the same bulletproof reliability and impeccable build quality of say a Lexus IS, and it’s still too early to predict mechanical longevity, but on a daily basis, it is simply more enjoyable than much of the competition and there is just something unique about driving a BMW.
Buying an F30 3 Series depends on which specific one, and you.
If you’re savvy with a spanner, adore BMWs even when they’re rubbish and have more spare time and money than you know what to do with, sure buy an F30 3 Series, and any of them because no matter how big a pain in the bum it may be, you’ll still sing its praises for the rest of time.
If this is the case, congratulations, you’re a true BMW fan, but for normal humans, it’s a little more complex.
We’d be avoiding any pre LCI updated cars and especially the diesels. Yes there are owners out there that have never had an issue with a pre LCI F30 3 Series, and there are unicorn examples that will be fault free with the right maintenance but the chance of buying a lemon and the potential associated costs are, for us, just too risky so no, do not buy a pre LCI 3 Series.
However, post LCI update 3 Series, and specifically in 330i or 340i form, it’s a cautious yes from us.
Sure it might not have the same bulletproof reliability and impeccable build quality of say a Lexus IS, and it’s still too early to predict mechanical longevity, but on a daily basis, it is simply more enjoyable than much of the competition and there is just something unique about driving a BMW.
Should you buy it?
Buying an F30 3 Series depends on which specific one, and you.
If you’re savvy with a spanner, adore BMWs even when they’re rubbish and have more spare time and money than you know what to do with, sure buy an F30 3 Series, and any of them because no matter how big a pain in the bum it may be, you’ll still sing its praises for the rest of time.
If this is the case, congratulations, you’re a true BMW fan, but for normal humans, it’s a little more complex.
We’d be avoiding any pre LCI updated cars and especially the diesels. Yes there are owners out there that have never had an issue with a pre LCI F30 3 Series, and there are unicorn examples that will be fault free with the right maintenance but the chance of buying a lemon and the potential associated costs are, for us, just too risky so no, do not buy a pre LCI 3 Series.
However, post LCI update 3 Series, and specifically in 330i or 340i form, it’s a cautious yes from us.
Sure it might not have the same bulletproof reliability and impeccable build quality of say a Lexus IS, and it’s still too early to predict mechanical longevity, but on a daily basis, it is simply more enjoyable than much of the competition and there is just something unique about driving a BMW.
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Models, pricing & features
Tech specs
ANCAP rating:
5 stars – Tested 2021 (320d)
Body Style:
4-door sedan
5-door wagon (estate) – 318i, 320i, 328i, 330i
5-door liftback (Gran Turismo) – 320d, 320i, 328i, 330i
Engines:
1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (318i) – From 2015
1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (316i) – From 2013
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (318d, 320d)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i, 328i, 330i)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (335i, 340i)
2.0 4-cylinder turbo petrol with electric motor (330e) – From 2015
3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol with synchronous electric motor (ActiveHybrid 3)
Power:
100kW – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (318i) – From 2015
100kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (316i) – From 2013
105kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (318d)
135kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (320d)
135kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i)
180kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (328i)
185kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (330i)
225kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (335i)
240kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (340i)
188kW – 2.0 4-cylinder turbo petrol with electric motor (330e) – From 2015
250kW (Combined) – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol with synchronous electric motor (ActiveHybrid 3)
Torque:
220Nm – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (318i) – From 2015
220Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (316i) – From 2013
320Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (318d)
ANCAP rating:
5 stars – Tested 2021 (320d)
Body Style:
4-door sedan
5-door wagon (estate) – 318i, 320i, 328i, 330i
5-door liftback (Gran Turismo) – 320d, 320i, 328i, 330i
Engines:
1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (318i) – From 2015
1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (316i) – From 2013
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (318d, 320d)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i, 328i, 330i)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (335i, 340i)
2.0 4-cylinder turbo petrol with electric motor (330e) – From 2015
3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol with synchronous electric motor (ActiveHybrid 3)
Power:
100kW – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (318i) – From 2015
100kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (316i) – From 2013
105kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (318d)
135kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (320d)
135kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i)
180kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (328i)
185kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (330i)
225kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (335i)
240kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (340i)
188kW – 2.0 4-cylinder turbo petrol with electric motor (330e) – From 2015
250kW (Combined) – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol with synchronous electric motor (ActiveHybrid 3)
Torque:
220Nm – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (318i) – From 2015
220Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (316i) – From 2013
320Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (318d)
380Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (320d) – Until 2015
400Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (320d) – From 2015
270Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i) – Automatic
290Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i) – Manual
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (328i)
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (330i)
400Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (335i)
450Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (340i)
420Nm – 2.0 4-cylinder turbo petrol with electric motor (330e) – From 2015
210Nm (engine) – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol with synchronous electric motor (ActiveHybrid 3)
Transmission & drivetrains:
6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive (RWD) – No cost option – not available on ActiveHybrid 3 or 330e
8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Fuel Consumption:
4.4-7.2L/100km
Length:
4624mm (sedan & wagon)
4824mm (Gran Turismo)
Width:
1811mm (sedan & wagon)
1828mm (Gran Turismo)
Height:
1429mm (sedan & wagon)
1508mm (Gran Turismo)
Kerb Weight:
1485 – 1595kg
ANCAP rating:
5 stars – Tested 2021 (320d)
Body Style:
4-door sedan
5-door wagon (estate) – 318i, 320i, 328i, 330i
5-door liftback (Gran Turismo) – 320d, 320i, 328i, 330i
Engines:
1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (318i) – From 2015
1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (316i) – From 2013
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (318d, 320d)
2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i, 328i, 330i)
3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (335i, 340i)
2.0 4-cylinder turbo petrol with electric motor (330e) – From 2015
3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol with synchronous electric motor (ActiveHybrid 3)
Power:
100kW – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (318i) – From 2015
100kW – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (316i) – From 2013
105kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (318d)
135kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (320d)
135kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i)
180kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (328i)
185kW – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (330i)
225kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (335i)
240kW – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (340i)
188kW – 2.0 4-cylinder turbo petrol with electric motor (330e) – From 2015
250kW (Combined) – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol with synchronous electric motor (ActiveHybrid 3)
Torque:
220Nm – 1.5 litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol (318i) – From 2015
220Nm – 1.6 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (316i) – From 2013
320Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (318d)
380Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (320d) – Until 2015
400Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo diesel (320d) – From 2015
270Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i) – Automatic
290Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (320i) – Manual
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (328i)
350Nm – 2.0 litre 4-cylinder turbo petrol (330i)
400Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (335i)
450Nm – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol (340i)
420Nm – 2.0 4-cylinder turbo petrol with electric motor (330e) – From 2015
210Nm (engine) – 3.0 litre 6-cylinder turbo petrol with synchronous electric motor (ActiveHybrid 3)
Transmission & drivetrains:
6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive (RWD) – No cost option – not available on ActiveHybrid 3 or 330e
8-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (RWD)
Fuel Consumption:
4.4-7.2L/100km
Length:
4624mm (sedan & wagon)
4824mm (Gran Turismo)
Width:
1811mm (sedan & wagon)
1828mm (Gran Turismo)
Height:
1429mm (sedan & wagon)
1508mm (Gran Turismo)
Kerb Weight:
1485 – 1595kg
Warranty & servicing
Warranty:
3 years/unlimited kms
Servicing:
12 months/10,000kms
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of March 17, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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