BMW F30 (2012–2019) — History, Engines, Weak Points, Fuel Consumption

The BMW F30 is the sixth generation of the 3 Series, sold as the F30 sedan, F31 Touring wagon and F34 Gran Turismo fastback. It was the first 3 Series built exclusively around turbocharged engines and electric power steering, replacing the naturally aspirated options and hydraulic steering of the E90.

History

The F30 was revealed in October 2011, debuted at the Detroit motor show in January 2012, and went on sale that February — succeeding the E90/E91/E92/E93 family. Launch engines were all turbocharged: the 320d and 320d EfficientDynamics, 328i and 335i, followed in March 2012 by the 316d, 318d and 320i.

A 2015 facelift (LCI) brought updated engines across the range, including the 3 Series' first three-cylinder unit. The base 328i's turbo four grew to 240 hp, while the facelifted 320i settled at 180 hp and the 335i was renamed 340i at 320 hp. The 330e plug-in hybrid (248 hp combined) replaced the earlier ActiveHybrid 3.

M3 (F80): the F30-generation M3 sedan ran alongside the F32/F33/F82/F83 M4 coupé/convertible, sharing the S55 twin-turbo straight-six (425 hp, 406 lb-ft) with a 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT.

Production ended in 2019 with the transition to the G20.

Engines

Petrol — 4-cylinder:

• N20 (2012–2015) — 2.0 L turbo four. Known for timing-chain-guide wear and valve-cover gasket leaks.
• B48 (2015+) — replaced the N20 from the LCI onward; widely regarded as one of BMW's more reliable turbo fours, without the N20's chain-guide issue.

Petrol — inline-six:

• N55 — 3.0 L single-turbo six on the 335i (306 hp), renamed 340i (320 hp) post-facelift.

Diesel:

• N47 (2012–2015) — 2.0 L turbo-diesel on the 320d. Early units are documented for timing-chain wear; check maintenance history and listen for cold-start noise on pre-2013 cars.
• B47 (2015+) — replaced the N47; addressed the chain issue and is regarded as one of BMW's most reliable and economical diesel engines.

M3:

• S55 (S55B30) — 3.0 L twin-turbo straight-six, 425 hp / 406 lb-ft, 6-speed manual or 7-speed DCT.

Weak Points

• N20 timing chain guides. Plastic guides degrade over time, producing a high-pitched whine from the front of the engine; BMW offered an extended warranty that has now lapsed on most cars.
• N47 timing chain (pre-2013). Early diesel units can suffer chain wear requiring engine-out work — inspect maintenance records and listen for unusual cold-start noise.
• Valve cover gasket leaks on both N20 and N47 — the gasket hardens with age and starts weeping oil, sometimes producing a burning smell on the exhaust.
• Electric power steering. Some higher-mileage cars report occasional loss of steering assistance; steering feel itself is also a common owner criticism (numb compared to older 3 Series).
• Run-flat tyres and stiff suspension are widely criticized for harsh ride quality — potholes transmit a pronounced jolt through the steering rack.
• Bent alloy wheels are a recurring complaint on the low-profile setup; some markets also report wheel corrosion in humid climates.
• Minor build-quality niggles: easily chipped paint, a boot seal prone to letting water in, a susceptible A/C condenser, and (on early cars) corroding/squeaking seat frames with occasional false passenger-seat-sensor readings.

Fuel Consumption

Owner-reported real-world figures run meaningfully above the official combined-cycle numbers — one aggregation found real diesel consumption around 36% higher than spec, and petrol around 37% higher.

Engine	Model	Consumption, L/100km
N47/B47 (2.0 diesel)	320d	~4.5–6.5 (owner reports; official combined lower)
N20/B48 (2.0 petrol)	320i	~8–9 (town), ~6.5 (motorway)
S55 (M3)	M3 (F80)	~11–13

Owner Feedback

Recurring themes from reviews and enthusiast forums, without quoting specific owners:

The 320d and its B47 successor are consistently praised for real-world economy, with owners reporting long-term averages well ahead of the petrol range. Timing-chain concerns on the pre-facelift N20/N47 engines come up often enough that many buyers steer toward post-2015 B47/B48 cars specifically to avoid them. Ride quality is a frequent point of criticism — the standard run-flats and stiff suspension are described as harsher than earlier 3 Series generations, and steering feel is often called numb by comparison. The M3 (F80) is singled out for the S55's performance, though it's discussed as a distinct ownership proposition from the four-cylinder mainstream range.

Photos

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (public domain).