The BMW F30 (sedan version), BMW F31 (wagon version, marketed as “Touring,” and BMW F34 (fastback version, marketed as “Gran Turismo”) compact executive automobiles make up the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series. The F30 generation, which includes the F30/F31/F34 models, was created between October 2011 and 2019 and is frequently referred to as the F30.
The coupe and convertible variants were separated to form the new BMW 4 Series moniker for the sixth generation. Additionally, BMW debuted a unique hatchback variant under the 3 Series moniker known as the 3 Series Gran Turismo.
The F30 is the first generation of 3 Series that only employ electric power steering and a variety of turbocharged engines. In addition, the F30 was the 3 Series’ first three-cylinder engine since its 2015 makeover. In 2016, a brand-new plug-in hybrid F30 model was also released. In China, a long-wheelbase sedan with the model number F35 was offered for sale.
The S55 twin-turbocharged straight-six engine powers the M3 variant (marked F80), which debuted in 2014.
The G20 model of the BMW 3 Series, which replaces the F30, was introduced in March 2019. However, the F34 fastback variant remained in production until the beginning of 2020. Later, in June 2021, it was replaced by the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupe (G26).
In This Article...
What distinguishes the BMW F30 from the F31 or F34?
BMW employs various model codes for each body style within a single series. Three models made up the sixth generation 3 Series for the majority of the world: the F30, F31, and F34.
The four-door, basic sedan is referred to as an F30. The F31 wagon, also known as the 3 Series Touring, and the F34 3 Series Gran Turismo, a five-door hatchback with a sloping, coupe-style fastback, are built on the same chassis.
All three BMW 3 Series vehicles share numerous features, including a wide range of engine choices, thus a BMW 328i can refer to both a family-friendly wagon and a sporty sedan. However, some versions, like the BMW 330e plug-in hybrid, are only available in the standard sedan package.
The various models are frequently compared to one another because of the fundamental commonalities between them. For instance, the F31 and F34 are also the subject of discussion on popular BMW F30 forums like Bimmerfest and Bimmerpost.
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These are the model names that BMW uses internally. Your automobile has an F30 body. The most recent 3 Series sport wagon is the F31. You may see how the E, F, and G classifications are applied by viewing the whole list of forums at Bimmerfest. Each BMW basic body design typically lasts seven years before being replaced by a brand-new body design. Knowing your body designation is helpful when ordering components or chatting about the car with other enthusiasts.
Reliability and Performance of the Ultimate BMW F30 Buyer’s Guide
The 2011–2019 production period for the F30, F31, and F34 models of BMW. Due to their age and the introduction of the next generation 3 series, vintage versions are now reasonably priced. The F30 is a huge success and an all-around enjoyable, sporty chassis, like most 3 series. Notably, the F30 model of the 3 Series was the first to abandon coupes and adopt the 4 Series moniker. In this post, we’ll look at the many F30 models and their driving dynamics, dependability, and performance.
BMW F30 Buyers’ Guide
This Buyer’s Guide offers all the information you need about one of the most well-liked BMW platforms, whether you’re just beginning your study or you’ve recently purchased a 3-series BMW F30.
The F30, a 6-generation 3-series built from 2012 to 2018, came in sedan, wagon, and lift-back GT body styles. Despite sharing the majority of the F30 powertrains and options, the 3-series coupe, convertible, and Gran Coupe all evolved into the 4-series. The F30 was sold in the US with both AWD and RWD 4- and 6-cylinder gasoline and 4-cylinder diesel engines. The F30’s gearbox options were a ZF 8-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual. New models, engines, choices, interior and exterior trims, and other improvements were made to the F30 in 2016. The M3 received the internal designation F80 and came equipped with a twin-turbocharged straight-six paired to either a 7-speed DCT or 6-speed manual transmission due to how drastically different it was from the non-M model.
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Valvetronic fault codes on F30 BMWs: causes and solutions
The F30 generation of the BMW 3 Series attracted a lot of BMW owners due to the models’ turbocharged engines and electronic power steering, which enhanced the driving experience for BMW. The complete BMW 3 Series, which is the subject of the fault code causes and cures below, is frequently referred to as the F30 BMW, a sedan.
But after putting your automobile through thousands of kilometers on the road, some problems, as with any car, may appear. If you notice a difference in the way your car operates, you can pull out the OBD sensor to see what error code corresponds to the problem your car might be having. But what do all of these codes actually mean? We’ll examine the most frequent error codes, their causes, and how to resolve them below.
What does F30 on a BMW mean?
Let’s begin with the fundamentals. BMW’s naming practices can be a little perplexing with so many titles that seem similar, such as BMW 3 Series, BMW 320i, and BMW F30. F30 is the one you’re probably least likely to hear out of the three. Instead of using the term “F30,” people typically refer to their vehicles as BMW 325i or 335i.
When you break something down, you can see how it functions. The BMW 3 Series is a line of small executive vehicles that sits below the larger 5 Series. Since it began to be produced in 1975, the 3 Series has undergone numerous iterations.
BMW’s internal model code for the sixth-generation 3 Series sedan, which was built between 2011 and 2019, is F30. With this model code, it can be distinguished from 3 Series cars from earlier BMW generations, such as the E90, E46, and E36.
What F30-model BMWs are there?
The first of the sixth generation 3 Series cars to go on sale was the F30 sedan, which made its premiere at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show in March 2012. The 328i and 335i were early models, and the 330i and 340i were later models (following LCI). In March 2012, the 320i, 318d, and 316d models were introduced to the F30 lineup. In the fall of 2012, the 316i and 320i EfficientDynamics Editions were added.
Since the E36 318i of the late 1990s, the introduction of the four-cylinder variants in the US was the first time a 3 Series was offered with a four-cylinder petrol engine. In the summer of 2012, the 328i xDrive and 335i xDrive went on sale.
F32 BMW: What does it mean?
The compact executive automobiles BMW F32 (coupe version), BMW F33 (convertible version), and BMW F36 (five-door liftback variant, marketed as “Gran Coupe”) make up the first generation of the BMW 4 Series. From 2014 until 2020, the F32/F33/F36, which is frequently referred to as the F32, were produced.
The E92/E93 coupe/convertible versions of the fifth-generation 3 Series lineup were replaced by the F32. The F32 is produced alongside the F30 3 Series and has several features in common with it. The F32/F33/F36 are powered by turbocharged petrol and diesel engines with 3 cylinders (petrol only), 4 cylinders, and 6 cylinders, just like the F30 3 Series line.
Early in 2014, the F82/F83 M4 versions with strong performance were released. They are propelled by an S55 straight-six turbocharged engine.
Which BMW model has an F30 engine?
BMW F30 Engines The N55 is used in late E90 335i cars as well as 335i models from the F30 generation. BMW converted to the modular B58 engine in 2016 and gave it the 340i moniker. The N20 and B48 four-cylinder engines followed a similar pattern. While the 330i receives the modular B48 engine, the 328i versions are powered by the N20.
What distinguishes the BMW E90 from the F30?
The N-series engines were utilized throughout the whole E90. Although the induction varies per model, they are all 3.0L inline-6 cylinder engines. The 328i was the last model in the US of the 3-series to have a naturally aspirated engine. All F30s have turbocharged engines, some with 2.0L inline-4 and some with 3.0L inline-6 cylinders.
The N52 found in the 325i and 328i E90 will be the most dependable engine installed in the E90 and F30 in both variants. Despite its displacement, it is naturally aspirated and produces a rather low amount of power. Though it’s not outdated, it may be directly linked to the M50-based series of engines that BMW started using in the middle of the 1980s. The induction system on the higher output variants received a variable-length intake manifold, while the cylinder head used variable valve lift and variable valve timing.
The most tuner-friendly engine in the group is the N54 found in the pre-LCI 335i and the 335is E90. Iron cylinder liners and dual turbochargers provide it strength in stock condition, enabling it to handle a substantial boost pressure increase without requiring significant changes. Tuners may extract 500 horsepower from them by adding certain common bolt-on components. The N55 is an extremely similar engine, although it only has one turbocharger rather than two. The N55 engine is more dependable due to its updated design and less mechanical complexity from the N54 advancement. It can generate the same amount of power, too, but the N54 still outperforms it in terms of pure tuneability. Wastegate rattles, malfunctioning high-pressure fuel pumps, and fuel injector problems are frequent problems with the N54. Due to their direct fuel injection, the N54 and N55 will both experience carbon buildup in the intake system.
Although the N20/26 that powers the F30 328i is a superb automobile, it isn’t the most dependable BMW ever produced. The N20/26 is a torquey four-cylinder thanks to a twin-scroll turbocharger, even without their problems. In conjunction with that turbocharger, the direct fuel injection produces a performance that is both fuel-efficient and powerful enough to propel you into your seat. However, some of its problems are quite serious. The timing chain assembly is the biggest unspoken issue. BMW inserted plastic guides that are known to start cracking after 60,000 kilometers. The fractured guides can result in a catastrophic failure when coupled with a stretched chain. They also experience the N54/55’s fuel system problems and leaks in the oil filter housing gasket. Any N20/26 purchase must come with a set of service records.
A variety of transmissions sit in front of these engines. The F30’s ZF 8HP transmission is undoubtedly the best one on the market. It shifts quickly, has minimal issues, and is capable of handling the added power from a N54 with bolt-ons. The ZF six-speed manual in the 335i is your best option if you need to row on your own. Although not excessively so, it can handle more power than stock and gives the driver a lot of feedback. Traffic isn’t the end of the world, and the clutch pedal isn’t too heavy either. Nowadays, the older 6HP automatic found in E90s is a very antiquated gearbox. It functions as intended and performs best in a stock car.
How durable is the BMW F30?
When properly maintained and driven cautiously, the BMW 3 Series can endure between 200,000 and 250,000 miles. It will last roughly 13 to 17 years if you drive 15,000 miles per year before needing pricey and uneconomical maintenance. In some cases, the 3 Series can travel up to 300,000 kilometers.