Models · BMW
BMW 3 Series F30/F31/F34 buying guide
The sixth-generation 3 Series, built from 2012 to 2019 as the F30 saloon, F31 Touring and F34 Gran Turismo. A 2015 facelift swapped most engines for the newer B-series three- and four-cylinder units, which changes what to check more than the trim does.
The versions
- Petrol 2012 to 2015: 316i (1.6 N13), 320i and 328i (2.0 N20), 335i (3.0 six N55, 306PS)
- Petrol 2015 on: 318i (1.5 three-cylinder B38), 320i and 330i (2.0 B48), 340i (3.0 six B58, 326PS)
- Diesel: 316d, 318d, 320d and 325d with the N47 to 2015, then the B47; 330d and 335d with the six-cylinder N57
- F30 saloon, F31 Touring estate and F34 Gran Turismo; rear-wheel drive, with xDrive on some versions
- 6-speed manual or 8-speed ZF automatic; plug-in hybrid versions were also sold but aren't covered here
What to check on a F30 3 Series
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Chain noise on the 2012 to 2015 diesels
What to look for: On a pre-2015 316d, 318d, 320d or 325d, open the bonnet and listen as the engine starts from cold and at idle. Listen at the back of the engine, near the bulkhead, for a metallic rattle as well as at the front.
Why it matters: The N47's timing chain sits at the gearbox end of the engine, and its tensioner can cause a ticking metallic sound, mainly on earlier cars with infrequent servicing. The revised diesel from 2015 suffers less from it. A car with an invoice for chain work, or a quiet engine with a full history, is in a good position.
Chain rattle on the N20 petrols
What to look for: On a 2012 to 2015 320i or 328i, listen at the front of the engine as it starts from cold. A rattle that lasts beyond the first couple of seconds, or returns at idle, is the thing to note. Ask for the oil change record.
Why it matters: All F30 engines use a timing chain, and the N20 is the one most known for chain problems, especially where oil changes have been stretched. It's a known issue with a known fix, and oil changes on schedule in the history are the best sign. The B48 replaced it from 2015.
Differential noise
What to look for: On the drive, listen for a whine or hum from the back of the car that changes as you accelerate and lift off. Ask whether the differential oil has ever been changed.
Why it matters: A noisy differential can point at missed oil changes, and left alone it can lead to more serious damage. A quiet rear end and a record of fresh oil are what you want.
Also in the full guide
- EGR valve and particulate filter on diesels
- Clutch and flywheel on manuals
- Bluetooth and infotainment
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the F30 3 Series
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
BMW 3 Series E36 · BMW 3 Series E46 · BMW 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 · BMW 3 Series G20/G21
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.