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.
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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.
Buyer’s Guide for the BMW 3 Series F30 Generation (2012–2018)
The history of the BMW 3 Series is unmatched. From the E21 of the 1970s to the G20 of today, spanning seven generations, it has a legendary fusion of athleticism, style, and livability. In fact, a record-breaking 22 times in a row, Car & Driver has chosen the 3 Series to its annual 10Best list (from 1992 to 2014). It makes sense that it is BMW’s best-selling model, representing approximately a third of the company’s global sales.
Despite some significant differences from earlier generations (which we’ll examine below), the sixth generation, known as F30 for sedans and F31 for wagons (or “Touring” in BMW parlance), carries the 3 Series legacy fairly well. The F30 generation has also become relatively reasonable now that the majority are at least five years old, with top-notch examples going for as little as $15,000.
Therefore, an F30 generation 3 Series should unquestionably be on your list if you’re searching for a wonderful used car that excels at practically everything, from commutes to road trips to backroad adventures. We’ll provide you all the information you need to locate and purchase the ideal one for you in this buyer’s guide.
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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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.
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.
Is A 328i A F30 A BMW?
The entry-level 328i and the upscale 335i were the two models of the F30 that were first available (in the US). The former has a brand-new 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder engine (codenamed N20), which is BMW’s first four-cylinder engine offered in the 3 Series in nearly 20 years (in the US). If you think that is a downgrade from the fantastic 3.0 liter inline six (N52) in the E90, you should know that the N20 produces a remarkable 240 horsepower and 255 lb-ft of torque in 328i trim. That is much higher than the previous six, particularly when considering torque, which has increased by approximately 30%. With fuel economy of 23 mpg in the city and 34 mpg on the highway, the N20 outperforms the E90 generation, which only managed 18 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the highway.
For those who insist on an inline six to power their 3 Series, the top-of-the-line 335i retains the 3.0 liter turbocharged inline six (N55), which generates the same 300 horsepower and 300 lb-ft of twist. That enables sprints to 60 mph in under five seconds, comparable to the previous E90 335i. At 20 mpg city and 30 mpg highway, fuel efficiency remains essentially unchanged from the previous version’s 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway ratings.
The fantastic 6-speed manual transmission that BMW offers with both the 328i and the 335i works well with either the four- or six-cylinder engine. Because the current generation (G20) is automatic only, it is noteworthy that the F30 generation would be the final 3 Series to have a manual option (in the US).
Even while we prefer manual transmissions, we must agree that the optional 8-speed automatic transmission from German provider ZF is a wonderful gearbox in and of itself, with quick and easy shifts. It makes deciding between a manual and an automatic difficult, even for enthusiasts.
a BMW 335i an F30?
For the 2012 model year, the BMW 335i made its début as an F30 3 Series version. The 335i was available as the F30 Sedan, F31 Wagon, and G…
For the 2012 model year, the BMW 335i made its début as an F30 3 Series version. The N55B30M0 engine from BMW was used in the 335i, which came in Sedan (F30), Wagon (F31), and Gran Turismo (F34) body types. A 6 gear manual or 8 speed automatic transmission was used to drive the rear wheels of this turbocharged 3.0L inline six engine, which produced 302hp. The F30 BMW 335i was manufactured until 2015, when the F30 BMW 340i took its place.
A 2014 BMW 335i Sedan sold for $30,000 on April 19, 2022, making it the most expensive sale ever.
A: On February 14, 2022, a 2014 BMW 335i Sedan sold for $17,000, according to records.
Which BMW model has an F30 engine?
BMW F30 Motors Both late E90 335i cars and 335i variants for the F30 generation use the N55. 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 are 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.