Buying advice for a used BMW 3-series (F30/F31): problems, reliability and offers

With the introduction of the sixth generation BMW 3 Series, the straight-six was definitely on its way out. From now on, four-cylinder turbos ruled. That was a thorn in the side of many fans of the brand. Three years later it turned out that things could be worse and BMW presented the new 318i, with a ‘six-cylinder’. Consider the number BMW’s 318i on Marktplaats.nl The three-burner Dreier became very popular. Is it recommended too? Mmmm…

How do you like the BMW 3 series (F30/F31)?

In the first Auto Review of 2012, then colleague Gijs Gilis was introduced to the massively expanded 3-series. He drove a 320d, with a 184 hp diesel engine behind the kidney. Gijs was impressed with the new BMW: “The 3 Series drives very pleasantly and gives you a lot of confidence as a driver. There is now more space in the back seat than in the previous generation.

The automatic transmission also impresses him: “Our test model has (…) an eight-speed automatic transmission with a ZF clutch, which gives the concept of smoothness a whole new meaning.” Gijs is unenthusiastic about the design: “The side view looks a little strange, with the convex hood and the sloping front.”

Here’s how popular the 3 Series was between 2012 and 2019

From 2012 to 2019, around 37,000 Dutch people chose the new 3 series. In 2013, the model had a peak year with around 9,200 sales transactions. If we look at that year, we see that the success was mainly due to the 320 EDE, an economical diesel that qualified for an additional tax rate.

Sales fell in the following years, although there was a small recovery in 2016 to more than 5,300 units. Once again, this had a tax background: the 330e plug-in hybrid costs less in additional tax than most other mid-size cars.

BMW F30/F31 versions

Traditionally, this BMW 3 series was also available as a sedan (F30), Touring (F31), and in 2013 the five-door GT (F34). Its extended wheelbase and large tailgate made this a practical alternative to a sedan. However, sales figures remained modest. The coupé and convertible versions were now known as the 4-row, as was the Gran Coupé.

In terms of engines, the choice was between three-, four- and six-cylinder petrol engines, as well as the four-cylinder 330e plug-in hybrid and the ‘standard’ Active Hybrid. Oddly enough, those hybrids weren’t available as a Touring. Diesel drivers can choose from four four-cylinder and two six-cylinder engines. Most engines could be paired with four-wheel drive, and an eight-speed automatic transmission was available on nearly all versions.

Facelift BMW 3-series 2015

With the 2015 facelift, the BMW 316i was replaced by the three-cylinder 318i and the 328i became the 330i, with 252 instead of 245 hp. 326 hp 340i in turn replaced the 335i (316 hp). Another important guest was the plug-in hybrid 330e (252 hp). Cosmetic changes were limited to reinforced bumpers and lighting units.

Before the facelift, the equipment variants were still called Business, Executive and Executive, after which you could choose from Business Edition and Sport Edition, with or without many option packages. Make a list in advance of the things you want and start searching, otherwise you will quickly lose the overview. Sports seats with an extendable seat are highly recommended.

Problems BMW 3 series F30/F31

In general, the BMW 3 Series of this generation is considered reliable. According to the latest statistics from Consumers Association The BMW F30/F32 receives an 8.3 for reliability from its owners.

However, it is important to check the maintenance history. After all, it is a model that arouses a lot of desire to buy, even among people who do not have enough budget to maintain their car. This also includes an oil change interval of 20,000 km. Although the factory considers every 30,000 kilometers to be sufficient.

“According to experts, the six-cylinder BMW 340i is the most reliable engine in the F30.”

Fuel consumption and timing chain BMW 316i and 320i

The most notorious engine problem occurs with the 1.6-liter turbo engine in the 316i and 320i (up to 2015). This four-cylinder engine, developed together with PSA, was very thirsty for oil. He also sometimes struggled with defective needles and internal contamination of the intake tract. The latter is recognized by the blocking engine.

Worse are the stretched timing chains. What? do you hear the sound of shuddering in the cold? Diagnosis should be made quickly, because driving with a stretched chain can cause serious engine damage.

Problems with the three-cylinder engine BMW 318i

The replacement of the four-cylinder 1.6 THP with the same power (136 hp) three-cylinder 1.5-liter in 2015 did not mean that the problems are over. 1.5 sometimes suffers from a defective vibration damper of the crankshaft pulley. This also stops the alternator and water pump, which you’ll see at first by turning on the current charging light. Overheating is lurking here – and therefore also leaking head gasket.

A 320i (from 2015) with a properly running engine can suffer from faulty ignition coils. In addition, the 320i, like the 328i and 335i, occasionally suffers from oil leaks through the oil filter housing. According to experts, the six-cylinder 340i is the most reliable engine of the F30.

Transmission diesel engine N47

Until mid-2015, four-cylinder diesel engines (engine number N47) also had structural and distribution problems. This is known as a vibrating sound. If you ignore this, you run the risk of the timing chain jumping or breaking.

Ultimately, this can lead to engine damage that threatens total economic loss. As with almost every diesel engine, the EGR valve is also a precaution. If it is closed, the engine goes into emergency mode.

Noise 3-series xDrive

Other things to watch out for in the 3-series (F30/F31) are noise from the transfer case on the xDrive versions and leaks from the panoramic roof. Until 2016, the alarm system did not work frequently, which prevented the car from starting. You need a code to reset the system, so check before you buy if the code is included with the car. Minor complaints include creaking seat frames and a non-functioning seat belt sensor on the passenger seat.

Offers and prices of used BMW 3-series

On Marktplaats.nl we find about 1400 Dreiers of this generation, where Tourings are a little for many. The economical and cheapest option is a The three-cylinder BMW 318i, which you can make yours from 13 to 14 large. A used BMW 320i it is more fun and the starting prices are lower, which is because this version of the engine has been on the delivery plan since 2012. If you buy a 320i that is less than ten years old and less than 150,000 kilometers on the odometer, expect asking prices from around 18,000 euros. If we apply the same parameters to the (four-cylinder) 330i, you will quickly lose 24,000 euros.

The six cylinder series 3 is expensive to buy

Prefer the six-cylinder BMW F30/F31? Then you have to go to Marktplaats.nl choose from one of dozens of BMW 335i or 340i and withdraw about 30,000 euros from your piggy bank. If you often drive short distances, the 330e could be an attractive choice. With this plug-in hybrid you can drive about 25 kilometers on electricity and if you plug it in reliably, you can save a lot of gasoline costs. Prices start at 19,000 euros. You can find a clean diesel 3-series with less than one and a half tons on the odometer from around 14,000 euros.