BMW 3 Series 2012-2018 (F30) used buyer's guide: specs, trims and common problems

There are some cheaper family cars on sale, and some have more space inside. But if image, build quality and a little enjoyment matter to you, then the BMW 3 Series is a brilliant all-round choice. This video looks at the F30 generation 3 Series (plus the hot F80 M3) which was sold from 2012-2018.

More Auto Express videos

Follow us

[Autoexpress]

Hi guys, we hope you enjoyed our 3 Series used guide!
We didn't include prices in the video (they'd be wrong to anyone watching in a few years' time) but at the moment in the UK you can expect to pay from £4k for a scruffy, early high-miler, up to roughly £30k for a top spec, low mileage 2018 car.

[Knezicdex]

I wish you focused more on the common problems as we already had the other information before.
This video could have lasted at least 30 minutes and be informative.

[andyrogers]

Driv en a 330i for ten years, almost 300k kms of hard rural open road driving and never missed a beat. An awesome car

[Presso]

Among all 3 series models, F30 is the most handsome design !

[richiebtime]

Check the indicators are working, common fault on this model

[sebastianmisztal]

2017 318d - Did stage 1 4 years ago so 195 BHP and 500nm torque, so far covered miles and touch would not one thing broke down. Just regular maintenance (doing oil every 10K and gearbox oil every 80K). Mind you- suspension lasted 160K ! Till one bushey and couple of covers went. Comfy, fast and 60mpg on average- amazing car

[alighani]

You forgot about the 335d, an awesome combination of performance, economy and value....

[chrisburton]

Had two f30s both company cars. Did 255k miles over 5 years. Never missed a beat. Only had brake discs n pads changed all round on both. Very happy with them. Have a G30 530e now but miss my 3 series.

[kamata]

N47 is famous for timing chain issues. N57 is also affected. There is plenty of info on the net. You should have mentioned that. A lot of people suffered by that. There were even lawsuits against BMW.

[petercavellini]

I ve had an E46 M3, then a 530i M-sport, then I’ve had two 320i, currently running an X2, but the 3-series is a brilliant drive, never short on revs when needed, and handled well, great turn in, and it’s mpg was good not great. (42mpg).

[TheGamingNorwegian]

Ive had my 16" 330e for about a month now and im super happy with it, ridiculously good fuel economy for when i have to use the gas engine as well. 4.9L per 100km is my average on only the gas engine after not having reset the computer for 750km. The B-modular engines are probably the best engines BMW have ever made, way way better than most of the N-engines. IMO if youre getting an F30, try and get a LCI version. B38, B47, B48, B57 and B58 are great engines.

[robforrest]

Love my 2014 F30 320d MSport! No problems yet and only scheduled servicing so very happy!

[wagglycloth]

Just bought an f30 after my reliable p2 s60 wasn’t so reliable anymore.
I absolutely love it.

[romesrepublic]

This is the car i have (Sport Package.) Had it for 7 years. Took it in for maintenance every 5k, oil/filters. Up to 162k i had to replace spark plugs, coils, gas tank, transmission service, and computer. After 162k timing chain/guides, spark plugs, valve cover, tank fuel pump and fuel pump control unit. All in the same month. Set me back about $6k in repairs. Put money aside if you plan on getting one.

[Sircotech]

Currently own a F30 pre-LCI 335I for 5 years with 168, 542 miles. It’s a excellent car to own, if you’re willing to stay on top of it.

[charlesharriganASMF]

so far, I've owned a 2002 e46 that i absolutely loved. it's the car that made me fall in love with BMW. I recently passed that on to my son with 167777 miles on it and its still strong. I have a 2016 f30 that I think is pretty amazing. It's like flying a turbo prop on the ground.

[kennedymark]

On my fourth 3 series now f30 320d xdrive which I’ve had over 5 years and has covered 53k with only brakes needing doing. Yes they can have problems like timing chains etc, but routine maintenance is key. Also worth noting is the lack of standard spec. The saloon doesn’t even have folding seats as standard (until 2017/18) and some models you can’t play music via Bluetooth - only phone calls and the stereos aren’t amazing unless you get one with Harmon Kardon. Still a great economical and reliable car overall. Definitely recommend one, but get one with a decent spec.

[grahamsalmons]

I’m on my 9th 3-series with an M330d touring run out model, and it’s the best by far. Unbelievable fuel consumption (always over 40mpg, sometimes as high as 52mpg) superbly comfortable, great muscular performance (with a growl under load) and it’s an estate. The delicacy of the chassis in the corners is wonderful (especially without the x-drive, which weighs more too). I run it on a winter tyre set for snow and ice and it goes everywhere in the worst conditions like this. The dog can go in the back, but so does more or less anything else. I just take great care when the seats are folded down, the merino leather is delicate and needs looking after. HUD is far from the gimmick I thought it would be. My biggest (and perhaps only) gripe is that the window lifter switch panel rattles terribly on both sides - a common problem - and it spoils what is otherwise a silent and well put together cabin.
My biggest issue is deciding whether hybrid or diesel will be my next choice in the G series.
But for now I’m hanging on to this one. With a one off colour (Ferrari Medio Grigio) it’s the only one of its type in the country and I love the individuality. Fortunately someone else paid for it - I picked it up second hand...

[markleckband]

In America here, but I have experience with the f30/32/33. Also, owned an e90 335i. Okay so first off the f series rides way better. It’s way softer. The e90 was really stiff. (Sport susp) Felt like a big go cart. But, the steering felt like you were running your hands over the pavement - awesome raw driving experience. The f series felt like a more refined, lighter, airier 3 series with a slight glaze over it. The f series definitely improved in terms of reliability.

[deependf]

F30 328i owner for past 3 years, very fun car with tons of aftermarket support! Running full bolt ons and stage 2 BM3 tune, no problems with reliability. Maintnance is crucial