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 (F34).
The F30 is the first generation of 3 Series that only employ electric power steering and a variety of turbocharged engines (replacing the hydraulic power steering systems used previously). 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).
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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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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.
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 e90 has a considerably sportier feel. The f30, which feels soft even in sport+, cannot compete with its amazing hydraulic rack, tight, weighty steering wheel, and harsh sport suspension. Really, a little too much roll. When driving an e90, you become one with the road; when driving a f30, you are merely a passenger riding above the road.
The BMW F30 328i is dependable.
The BMW 328i has a 3.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, which places it 19th out of 31 luxury midsize automobiles. It has higher than average ownership expenses because the average annual repair expenditures are $773. You might make a few more trips to your local BMW shop than usual because the 328i requires additional repairs on a regular basis.
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.
What does BMW’s F Series mean?
The BMW F series is a line of parallel-twin engine dual sport motorcycles produced by BMW Motorrad in Berlin, Germany. The line, which debuted in 2008, consists of the F650GS, F700GS, F800GS, and F800GSA. The F650GS was superseded by the F700GS in 2012, while the F800GSA, which had a larger front fairing and screen and a 24-litre (5.3 imp gal; 6.3 US gal) fuel tank, was introduced the following year. Both the F800S and the F800GT use belt drives.
Describe G20 and F30.
The G20 appears substantial, but in a positive manner. The former, notably the facelifted F30, appears to be more proportional than the new model. From some perspectives, its front end no longer appears ungainly (nitpicking), and the profile is slightly more imposing as a result of a clearly higher shoulder line.
What does an F30 cost?
Prices for used F30s range from as little as $10,000 for older but well-kept models, like a 2012 328i sedan with under 100,000 miles, to as little as $30,000 for the most recent and in-demand models, like a sub-50,000 mile 330i xDrive wagon or 340i sedan.
We advise aiming for a 2012–2015 328i sedan with roughly 50,000 kilometers if you have $15,000 to invest. A 320i might be available for a little less, but we believe the 328i’s added power and features make them worthwhile. Just make sure the timing chain problem, which was stated above, has been resolved. Or you could get the 328d sedan in diesel form, which typically costs approximately $1000 more than its gasoline-powered equivalent.
There are many more opportunities when you add $5000. You should be able to find a quality 2016 328i sedan with the timing chain fix installed for under $20,000 on the open market. The first couple years of the 335i (2012–2013) are also included with the twenty grand. That’s a heck of a lot of automobile for the money, especially given the excellent performance provided by its 300 horsepower turbo six. At this price, you could even be able to get a 2014 328i wagon, though we should remind you that these were sold in considerably lesser quantities and might be difficult to locate.
For about $25,000, you may get a very nice 335i from 2014–2015 or a like-new 330i or 328d sedan from the final two model years (2017–2018). Additionally, 328i wagons fall into this golden zone, with models from 2014 to 2016 being easily accessible. You won’t find many diesel wagons here, either, as the 328d wagon typically commands a premium of roughly $4000.
You can select any one of them for $30,000, though. Since this is genuinely too much money to spend on a 328i or 328d sedan, we advise choosing a 2017–2018 340i instead. A 330i wagon from one of the final model years (2017–2018) would be the wise choice if you desire a long roof. And if a diesel wagon is your dream car, you should have no trouble finding 328d wagons at this price bracket, but the most luxurious ones would require you to spend up to $35,000.
How does BMW E work?
Although you may have heard a lot of “e” words at your local BMW Service Center, along with potentially some “f” and “s” words, phrases like “e36,” “e60,” and “e28” have specific meanings to BMW mechanics and aficionados. For instance, an e46 is referred to as a 2003 330i. Depending on the look and year of your BMW, these “e” designations are used to define BMW Body style design. Entwicklung, the German term for development or evolution when you link the ‘e’, is abbreviated as “E.”
If you don’t understand any of these terms, the following list should assist you identify the code name for your BMW.
Is G20 superior to F30?
The new interior of the G20 looks considerably more stylish and high-end than the Dakota leather in the F30, which is a vast upgrade. Love the technology in this car. When you drive the G20 instead of the F30 and frequently use the self-drive mode, the G20 feels much more modern.