BMW 3-Series

BMW 3 Series at a glance

The 3 Series replaced the BMW 02 series in spring 1975 as a two-door saloon and became BMW's best-selling model. It has always kept the same formula: a longitudinal engine, rear-wheel drive as standard and a near 50:50 weight distribution. All-wheel drive has been offered in most generations since the E30 325iX of the mid-1980s, today under the xDrive name. When the F30 was launched, BMW said the 3 Series accounted for about 40% of its sales. The coupé and convertible moved to the separate 4 Series in 2013, and the M3 has been the performance version since the E30.

The F30 era also produced the BMW M3 Competition and the coupé-based BMW M4; the E46 era is remembered for the M3 CSL.

F30 engines, gearboxes and performance

BMW unveiled the F30 saloon in Munich on 14 October 2011; production started on 28 October and deliveries on 11 February 2012. At the 2015 facelift (LCI) the engines were replaced by the modular B-series family. The 318i received a 1.5-litre three-cylinder B38, the 320i and 330i the B48 four-cylinder, and the 340i the B58 six. The B47 diesel replaced the N47.

Most versions had a six-speed manual as standard and the ZF eight-speed automatic as an option, often the more economical choice. The six-cylinder diesels and the hybrids came with the automatic only. Start-stop, brake-energy recovery and the Driving Experience Control switch with Eco Pro, Comfort, Sport and Sport+ modes were standard. Note that the 318i is a petrol car; the diesel equivalent is the 318d.

Dimensions, cabin and boot

Compared with the E90, the F30 is 93 mm longer, with a 50 mm longer wheelbase. BMW quoted a kerb weight up to 40 kg lower and a drag coefficient as low as 0.26. Rear legroom grew by about 15 mm.

The dashboard is angled towards the driver, with an optional 8.8-inch iDrive screen that also shows the reversing camera and the navigation map. Run-flat tyres mean there is no spare wheel, and a hands-free boot opening by foot was optional. Owners praised the seats and criticised tyre noise at low speeds; the centre rear passenger has to straddle a tall transmission tunnel.

Running costs and fuel use

The diesels are the economical choice for long distances. Factory figures quoted at launch give about 5.4 l/100 km for the 318i and 6.4 l/100 km for the 320i in the old NEDC cycle. Real-world use is higher, and the six-cylinder petrol cars use noticeably more. Compare yearly costs for two engines in the fuel cost comparison, or browse all versions in the specifications section.

Trims and equipment

The F30 came in standard trim and as Sport Line, Luxury Line and Modern Line, with M Sport as the sporty top option. Options included adaptive LED headlights, a colour head-up display, Surround View cameras, Night Vision, blind-spot warning, lane departure and lane change warning, collision warning with braking, active cruise control and traffic-sign recognition. The F31 Touring arrived in May 2012, the F34 Gran Turismo in March 2013 and the long-wheelbase F35 for China in July 2012.

Euro NCAP and safety

Euro NCAP tested the F30 in 2012 and gave it five stars: 95% for adult occupants, 84% for children, 78% for pedestrians and 86% for safety assist. The G20 also received five stars in 2019.

Common F30 problems and buying checks

1. Timing chain on N47 diesels and N20 petrols (pre-2015 cars): listen for rattling on a cold start and check that any chain work has been done.
2. Electrics: owners report faults with lights and sensors after heavy rain, and occasional failures of electronic modules.
3. Paint and trim: some owners mention weak paint and creaks from the steering wheel or trim.
4. Service history: use the specified oil and keep to the intervals; the B-series engines after 2015 have a better record.

Rivals: how the 3 Series compares

The 3 Series is usually the sharpest to drive of this group, the C-Class the most comfortable and the A4 the best for all-weather traction. Line them up in the 1cars comparison tool, and see the whole brand in the BMW catalogue.