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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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.
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.
What is wrong with the F30 3 Series, then?
I see three primary problems:
felt steering. Even though this has been discussed frequently, it essentially offers no feedback. The automobile doesn’t become more responsive when in sport mode; it merely becomes heavier.
build caliber. You can immediately tell the change when moving from the interior of an E9X to an F30. It’s obvious that BMW designed the car with the base model (the 320i) in mind, and some of the inside decoration just isn’t up to the car’s $60,000 asking price when new.
Trustworthiness of the 335. Actually, this requires a separate bullet list. With less than 60,000 miles on it, I’ve had to repair the oil filter housing, oil pan gasket, front pinion seal, oil filter cover, drive pulley, and drive belt since I’ve owned the car. Additionally, the automobile has been towed twice due to a damaged radiator hose and defective ignition coil. I wish the car had been fixed for its new owner.
Ride quality is a bonus. The tight suspension and low-profile run-flat tires on this vehicle make it the worst-riding BMW I’ve ever owned, including the M3. However, despite its rigidity, body roll is still a problem. Every pothole I struck would send a huge BOOM straight down my spine, through the steering rack, through my hands. It aches. Rims that are bent frequently occur. The 328 and the 335 are both at fault.
Why is there no SYNC button for the climate control? This is a tiny OCD issue, but it irritates me regularly. What else was BMW saved? 3 cents per automobile? This feature is missing from the only BMW I’ve ever driven, and I can’t stand it.
access to comfort comes last. Why can’t I install it on the F30’s rear door handles since it’s so useful? The person who specified the option sheet can’t be a parent.
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.
Which BMW model has an F30 engine?
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.
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.
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.
Is a 330i an F30?
From 2015 until 2018, this BMW 3 Series 330i was manufactured. It belongs to the F30/F31/F34/F80 generation of the 3 Series. After it succeeded the 2007 BMW 330i, the 2019 BMW 330i took its place. It’s a midsize car with four doors and a front engine that seats five people. This 330i’s turbocharged 2 Liter 16v Inline 4 gasoline engine (BMW B48B20) propels it to 62 mph in 5.9 seconds and a top speed of 155 mph with 249 horsepower. With a 15.9 gallon gasoline tank and a curb weight of 3406 pounds, it averages 38.6 mpg and has a range of 611 miles between fuel fill-ups. It has a choice of an 8 gear automatic transmission or a 6 speed manual transmission. 17 cubic feet of luggage room and a 1102 lb payload limit are available. Most recent update was on January 8, 2019.
What kind of engine is in the F30 320i?
The BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i’s engine type is unknown. A 1997 cm3 (121.9 cu in) inline-4 petrol engine with 121.9 cu in of displacement powers the BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i.
A 2012 BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i has how many horsepower (hp). 184 PS, 181 horsepower, and 135 kW are available from the 2012 BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i.
What is the weight of a BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i? The 1490 Kg (3285 lbs) BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i weighs.
How fast can a BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i go? The top speed of the BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i is 235 km/h (146 mph).
Are the all-wheel drives (AWD) on the BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i? It is not all wheel drive in the BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320i (AWD). Rear wheel drive is used (RWD).
What kind of engine is in an F30 320d?
The BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320d Aut’s engine type is what. A 1995 cm3 (121.7 cu in) inline-4 diesel engine powers the BMW F30 3 Series Sedan 320d Aut.
Is the BMW 3 Series a high-end vehicle?
The BMW 3 Series is a respectable luxury compact car, yes. Performance, which is still its main selling point, is characterized by assured handling and quick acceleration. The M3, the top model in the series, is designed to be track-ready while the base model has excellent fuel efficiency.
My BMW is what brand?
How can I find out which BMW model I own? My car will be sold, I think. But before I can do so, I need to know the model in order to calculate its value.
In less than two minutes, find out if your auto insurance is being overcharged.
There are several ways to determine what model of BMW you own. Where to check is here.
The name of the manufacturer and the make and model of your car should be imprinted on the outside of your car. Verify by the trunk or the back panel.
You should consult your owner’s handbook. The make and model are typically indicated on the manual’s cover or in the first few pages.
The VIN: The four to eight numbers of this 17-digit code represent your specific BMW model series.
Look inside the driver’s door’s frame or jamb to find your VIN. As an alternative, you might locate it where the dashboard meets the windshield on the driver’s side.
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