BMW F30 Buyer's Guide - Engines, Suspensions, Brakes, & Options (2012-2019 BMW 3-Series)

►Whether you're just starting the research phase of buying a 3-series BMW F30, or if you've recently bought one, this Buyer's Guide covers everything you need to know about one of the most popular BMW platforms.
One of the best-value chassis BMW offers, the BMW F30 comes in multiple body styles and drive types to fit every buyer, no matter what they need. Overall, these BMWs are fairly reliable and only require basic maintenance or minor updates to bring back to like-new operation. Instead of spending your money fixing these cars, you can instead spend it on modifications to bolster the performance or simply make it your own. In this Buyer's Guide, Gareth Foley, FCP Euro's BMW Catalog Manager, covers all of the key topics, such as:
BMW F30 Engines
BMW F30 Transmissions
BMW F30 Brakes
BMW F30 Suspension
BMW F30 Models/Family Tree
BMW F30 Pre & Post-Facelift
BMW F30 Price/Used Market
00:00 - Intro
00:34 - Models Offered
01:14 - Competition
01:56 - Used Market
03:01 - Model Breakdown
05:33 - Chassis/Badge Breakdown
07:40 - Engines Offered
10:35 - Transmission/Driveline
13:06 - LCI/Facelift Explanation
15:15 - Packages/Trims Offered
19:26 - Suspension
22:42 - Wrap-Up
If you're looking for DIYs on how to perform maintenance or repair your BMW F30, we have a catalog of these jobs prepared for you. Visit our BMW playlist here: • BMW DIYs
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[@CastroJordan]

Man that estoril blue is just sitting there popping and looking beautiful.

[@fcpeuro]

Hard not to stare at!

[@willesco5211]

Yes, gorgeous 😍

[@sylism5086]

Would definitely love to get mine popping like that.

[@dwaynebolan2583]

Finally what I’ve been waiting for! Thanks bro!! We need more F30 B58 content 🥳🤩🥳

[@fcpeuro]

Dwayne we've got some very very special B58 content coming out in the coming weeks/months. We think you will be pleasantly surprised 😁

[@dtmfool789]

Love this! I wish you guys would do a breakdown of each engine and common issues.

[@fcpeuro]

Engine breakdown should be up on Monday!

[@Adam684]

This video was super helpful and informative. Thank you for putting all this information together and presenting in such a clear manner!

[@SugeRealest]

Loving these bmw updates

[@christianhagner6509]

Absolutely loved this video. Thanks for the upload!

[@HariNambiar]

Loved it. Neatly categorized and explained. Much appreciated.

[@jonowen6612]

Great video. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate this!

[@fcpeuro]

Our pleasure Jon Owen, thanks for watching!

[@dfehr85]

2013 328i N20 Sport. I had no idea there were so many brake options available from the factory. Thanks for the tip about vin specific parts! I am actually in CT as well!

[@AntLive29]

Excellent video with a wealth of information. Thank you

[@willesco5211]

Best BMW VIDEO EVER

[@donaldarrabito6899]

For a wealth of information and a pleasure to listen to. I can absolutely hang with you whether it be over a beer or at a car show.

[@fcpeuro]

Gareth is an abolute pleasure to hang out with we assure you

[@jess8075]

Another excellent informative video. Thank you.

[@bensonnzama1611]

This is the most detailed video about BMW I have ever watch! Thank you very informative.. everything in laymans terms.

[@loadsled]

So this answer the question on why my 15 wagon has pretty much every option except the fancy headlights, they weren’t available until the year after. Good video 👍🏼

[@JennyGavinWear]

Great video. Just pulled the trigger on a F30 320i LCI. This video gave the confirmation I needed I'm getting the right thing!

[@mint_au]

perfect timing as im looking into buying one of these as i have been saving up for a while now and these thigns are really calling me with the looks and the sounds of them

[@notsuree]

Thanks for all the info mate ...great video :)

[@zinner927]

Great video, F30 335i owner. Have the M perf suspension and LSD on my car along with the big brakes. It's a great track car when you put some mods on it.

[@mariomambo]

Great video mate

[@cloudgo]

Thank you for the detailed info!!

[@fcpeuro]

Our pleasure!

[@henrylee7316]

from personal experience, the 370mm on a 328i compared to the base brakes is absolutely massive and definitely worth the money especially for spirited driving and track work.

[@cenkbaskr5770]

Agreed. I've got them and it's worth it... Looks great too !

[@sajithdm]

Really informative and nicely presented video. Thanks a lot!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@davec5237]

Cool thanks for posting 👍 currently have a 2012 328i would like to get the 340i next.

[@matthewshipley5224]

328d representing here 🙋🏻‍♂️ As always, another great video Gareth!

[@deleteduser3749]

2014 328d here. Howabout a video for when they CP4 High Pressure Fuel Pump fails and sends little metal particles throughout the entire fuel system? I am fixing mine now. BMW wanted $12,000.00 for a complete fuel system replacement. 😠

[@DavidGarcia-em4xk]

Great info guys, I would love some 1 series content related to the N13 engine

[@claudioagmfilho]

Hi there, i am all the way from Recife in Brazil South America, and I really liked your video, very informative and all, thank you for sharing it with us, love FCP Euro…

[@DC.]

Wow this is so informative. Fantastic work!

[@fcpeuro]

Glad it was helpful!

[@priscripzionz]

Great post...i'm a big fan of fcp programs,also i buy alot of parts from fcp shipped to Jamaica,awesome store

[@fcpeuro]

Appreciate the support from Jamaica Matthew, happy to help!

[@los5670]

amazing content

[@ryanreich7635]

I love my modified 328d. Can't beat 47mpg on long trips. :)

[@extremehorsepower8796]

Nice and informative

[@muzaaaaak]

Free plug here. Currently own 6 BMWs and FCP is your resource and source for quality BMW and OEM supplier parts. These guys know their sh.t.

[@fcpeuro]

We'll take the free plug Cookswithfire 😂appreciate the support!

[@t-money10]

That f31 wagon omg.... hotness

[@relentlesseducator]

Excellent breakdown

[@fcpeuro]

Much appreciated!

[@georgesunnyt]

I love how you communicate

[@MosaicFriend]

What a perfect video, this is literally exactly what I needed as I’m trying to purchase my first f30

[@twinturbo8304]

You guys are the best thanks for this info, I have always been confused by BMW model this and that, it's like a foreign language

[@Vanguardkl]

Wow I'm looking to buy a 2018 330e soon and this is such a good channel to find. For once recommendations and Google spying on my search activity worked out.

[@zvoniimiir]

Great video. Could you also do one about the F10/F11?

[@ksajan16]

Thank you!

[@davidrubin2612]

320ix here. f30s are awesome!!

[@fRedrick93x]

Excellent video! Do y’all have any F31 specific content? Thanks!

[@nycshelbygt500]

WoW!! Mr. Spock is jealous of the uber nerdiness in this BMW F3X Buyers Guide. Of course you left out the sleeper 440i.Grand Coupe (GC) F36!! To use your analogy, if a F30 Sedan and F32 Coupe got married and had a baby Beemer, it would be the 440i GC F36. Oh and the F36 440i GC is a hatchback, to give you the sweet roof line. You can tell it is a F36 GC if the car has 4-doors and the side gills from a F32 Coupe.. In this case, it is important to understand that BMW pulled a fast one on the LCI 3/4Series F-Body update. They changed the whole engine lineup, when most enthusiasts expected just a cosmetic update. No more Pre-LCI N55 i6 with the electric water pump/thermostat. So the sweet spot in the lineup is a 2016+ 440i Grand Coupe (GC) M-Sport with the B58 i6, Sport Auto Transmission, LED Headlights, M-Sport (Blue) Brakes, Safety Updates (Surround View Camera, etc.), and Sport Suspension (NOT the M-Adaptive or Track Handling Pkg), Sunroof, and Aluminum Hexagon or Aluminum Dark Carbon Interior Trim, Black, Cognac (Brown), or Coral Red Leather, 6WB Digital Gauge Cluster. The wheels should be over 8.5-9.0 inch wide...some rims are only 8.0 inches wide and run 225/R40-19 tire up front, which is a joke. Snapper Rocks Blue is a gorgeous color vs Estoril Blue. Add the MPSK for a performance tune and M-Performance exhaust and you are all set. Lots of mods for the BMW F3X series are available.

[@jesperek6402]

Good video 👌 I'm interested of a manual 330i estate with the M-Sports package from 2017 and I wonder what's the most common defaults to look out for? Have you found any leaking of water in the doors or other disturbing things like that? How do they stand against rust? And because this modell more likely is driven hard sometimes, is it a solid engine that can take it? Most people just turn of the engine before they even stand still when parking it.. Is the turbo made to take that? Because finding a car like this where the owner/owners always lets the turbo breath a little while before turning of the engine is more likely impossible! I gonna follow you now and look at all videos I can find about this car 🙂

[@GoodEats420]

Thanks for this. I just bought my first BMW two days ago. 2018 BMW 330IX 19K Miles. I learned mine is a F30 B46 LCI from this video. I understand everything now. It was super confusing before I watched this.

[@dapperblue6165]

any problems as of today? im looking at the same exact year 330i thanks

[@GoodEats420]

@@dapperblue6165 I still have it. Not 1 problem since I've had it. I just hit 24K miles

[@dapperblue6165]

@@GoodEats420 thanks a lot. i was just scared i would be driving my gf and we get stuck in the middle of nowhere and it would be hard getting help

[@mattsilvestri8477]

Thanks guys!!

[@fcpeuro]

No problem Matt!

[@sorakillswitchx]

My piece of advice on f30 with the b48/b58 is to look for leaks and see if the car has more than 70k miles, check the coolant deposit cap, if is damage some of the coolant lines will be start leaking soon, and look also leaks on the oil housing, I bought mine with 70k miles and just keeps adding $ for fixes on the coolant parts

[@henrik1743]

Just hope you don't need to replace a faulty navigation unit or LED headlights like I needed to. Those were 3k $ a pop for me. Under warranty...

[@lampali]

These are great cars! Not the best interior but awesome performance and reliability. The black shadow line trim are very noisy especially when dirty. Recommend the car.

[@refugiocampos3928]

great info, do you have a video on how o replace the rear wheel bearing on the F30

[@josepires4345]

Thanks for that great video as I’m currently researching on exactly what model I want, I want the 4cyl turbo for the MPG’s (does not matter what version) but I’m also familiar with the legendary inline 6…my question is which one would be more reliable and I’m getting rear wheel drive only, as for maintenance, I’ll be bringing it to you guys as your only over the border from me. TIA for your reliability response

[@apoorvvw1]

Such a great video! I would pay money for this if I could

[@fcpeuro]

Glad you enjoyed it, Apoorv!

[@jayteesgear]

Im lookin at gettin my first Luxury brand car soon. I usually lease but I’m hearing the Used 6 cylinder models arent so expensive to keep up. This is way helpful

[@Diesel92]

I recently got a 2017 330i b46 engine with sulev warranty. I also took out an extended warranty that covers everything including electrical so I hope that those warranties pay off in the long run

[@cupompa]

Hell yeah! 🤘

[@garythecyclingnerd6219]

The Supra made me reconsider BMW as a whole. A 340i (B58) is definitely on my driving homework for the next car.

[@fcpeuro]

Let us know if you commit to one!

[@krismaha90]

I own a 2014 F34 GT , great car to drive

[@cabottaxi]

I've got an unusual UK 2015 LCI F31 320d in Luxury spec. Very unusual and came with over £4300 worth of factory options. Had it now for over 5 years and longest i have ever had a car. £30 road tax and pushes out 190 bhp. 295ib torque and returns 60mpg. Brilliant car.

[@lucha0075db]

When did the timing chain fall off ?

[@noneB974]

@@lucha0075db thats a problem with

[@brandondietzman7892]

I love my 328i 6MT!

[@fcpeuro]

great car!

[@nunya_beeswacks7262]

It took me 3 years to find a 340i xdrive with a manual transmission. Dealer started hiring me up 3 months later wanting me to trade it in.

[@sammbaldwin6402]

The 330d is a great engine, power, torque, economy and low running costs

[@mehdinachir7524]

Good video...plz i have a question ...is not dangerous to tighten the toe arm 20nm more ?! Thanks for your return

[@f32440i]

Would be great if you could expand your portfolio to the 4 series, any plans for that?

[@henrik1743]

Don't forget that LCI did an interior update as well, with a new navigation knob that is much better and touch if you have navi pro :)

[@fcpeuro]

Very true Henrik!

[@sylism5086]

I really wish FCP Euro was in South Africa. It really seems like a great place to get great deals on BMW parts.

[@takeabreak-rr5334]

Do you think it’s a good idea to buy the f31 330i xdrive? What should I expect if ever I decide to own one?

[@thegottliebguy4543]

I purchased a jet black certified preowned 2016 F30 328i two years ago and absolutely love it. The car has the sport package and the luxury package, so it has some really nice features, and of course because it’s a 2016, it has the LCI refresh. It’s really the perfect combination of luxury and fun to drive and as I said, it has just the right mix of creature comforts that makes me feel like I’m driving something special, even though I didn’t have an unlimited budget. I love the way the LED headlights look, and I have also done some tweaks using Bimmercode. I highly recommend one if you’re in the market.

[@fcpeuro]

that sounds like the grreatest romance of all time

[@dylanbrown1440]

How's the reliability I'm in the market for a 2016-2020 3 series

[@thegottliebguy4543]

I can only speak to the 2016 328i, but so far it’s been very reliable. It’s needed regularly scheduled things like new brakes at 75k but I haven’t had anything break on the car.

[@dylanbrown1440]

@@thegottliebguy4543 thanks I'm sure the 2018 or 2020 model will be no different thanks found one 45kms for 40,000$ so hoping it's a good deal clean title no accidents one owner

[@thegottliebguy4543]

$40k seems high. I bought mine certified from the dealer in 2019, so it was 3 years old, and had about 30k miles for around $22k.

[@levimachado]

Amazing video, I know it's a bit old... If you have a second, was looking into getting an older BMW and I have 2 options. A 320i xdrive 2016 with only 35k miles that is dirt cheap (negotiated), but has been sitting in the lot for almost one year. An older 335i 2014 with 43k miles from a BMW dealer 5k more expensive; however, I would trust the condition on this car a bit more. Would you have any advice for a neophyte? I'm willing to set aside some money for repairs and maintenance since I would be saving so much on purchasing price with the massive depreciation they take.

[@TheGamingNorwegian]

Its so sad you never got the 340i F31 in USA... That wagon is so damn cool. I wish the F31 came as a 330e, if that existed id be all over that instead of my 330e F30 lol. Also ive NEVER heard of the 328d... Had no clue that existed. Same with the B46 in the 330e, I had no clue that existed either since in Europe the 330e got the B48.

[@henryatkinson1479]

The manual in the F30 isn't that much worse than that of the E90 (reference points being a 2007 E90 335i Sports Package and a 2018 F30 340i M Sport). The only real difference I could feel is that the F30 is maybe not quite as solid feeling. There was a tiny bit more play in the movement, but I can't really complain. The E90 was fantastic (I'd say ass good as my 996 911 which has a RSR shifting mechanism in it), so saying the F30 is almost as good isn't an insult to it.

[@johnjohnson1997]

What is the bumber on the wagon in this video as opposed to the common bumper I see with the chrome line inserts ? Also what give the F type steering wheel and side skirts ?

[@stoss-11]

We need a video about all the different types of n55’s there are

[@335DARK]

Fax

[@andriusv6683]

Just wondering why you don't have front swaybar links for a 2017 330i on your site

[@2iggy_]

Love my f30. 2018 330i.

[@svetoslavvasilev3282]

Are you still driving it? Do you have any issues? I am thinking of buying one. It has 70 000 miles / 113 000 km.

[@pierreheck5637]

Nice vid! 19:36 Sorry FCP Euro but two lower control arm doesn't mean it is a double wishbone suspension. It is a pseudo-McPherson with the lower control arm in two pieces.

[@27BILLY99]

so my 2017 330i wagon has the blue m sport calipers but what seems like regular rotors.. can i just update the rotors alone to a drilled and slotted set and be fine?

[@dbqp5211]

I’m thinking of saving up a few years to buy a 328i is it reliable? I heard the 18d and 20d is the best in the series but I’d like a turbo petrol engine rather than a diesel

[@g-manstoyreviews1041]

I guess that a 2017 BMW 540i a Five series is a little more of a luxury sedan or executive sedan then the a BMW 3 series? I like to state for the record, that I had zero issues so far with my 540i BMW and I enjoy the rear drive a lot more vs the X-Drive. The X-Drive is a great safety feature for any BMW class but in my chosen profession, which I’m retired , my duty vehicles were all rear drive. I purchased my BMW 540i from a dealership that take care of you with any BMW you might have purchased from them or not. Their mechanics are top notch in my professional opinion. In the mid 1980’s being in the military my first duty station was in Germany- My first contact with a BMW was with the country’s POLIZE (Police) force. It made a lasting impression and so did the brand. I have own many BMW’s in my life time but G30 B58 is probably the best combination that I have ever owned. Great video - Your the kind of a guy that many people should check out before buying any European vehicle Good video and keep making them.

[@panthers865]

Would be sweet if you guys could produce a F31 manual swap. Perfect daily for those who prefer to row their own gears-especially in Estoril Blue with red seats.

[@TheRealVranesh]

I'm planning an F81 manual conversion sometime in the next few years for my F31 :D

[@1181darkfire]

your stupid little manual will never beat an automatic

[@itslucasrug]

@@1181darkfire it's not about beating it's about control and enjoyment. automatics are fucking boring and aren't any fun

[@dopiaza2006]

How sad the US never got the 330d - straight 6 diesel with 258hp. Amazing performance and economy. Calling a 180HP diesel a 328d is wrong - in Europe that is the lowest powered 320d.

[@TheRealWALLABI]

Nope, there is one that's even lower than that. in Europe there is also a 116 hp 316d F30 "powered" by a detuned N47. There is also a 141 hp 318d lol. The 320d is thus clearly not the weakest, it's quite reasonable, actually.

[@dopiaza2006]

@@TheRealWALLABI I did actually say the lowest powered 320d. But I think I was wrong on that too - the UK 'efficient dynamics' 320d is around 160hp I think.

[@TheStewarts]

I’m debating between a 340 or 440 GC anyone with experience with both opinions?

[@jordanle8691]

What about the tuning/modding capabilities for the 330i with B48?

[@michaelli3997]

Wish this video existed when I bought my 335

[@chuckman000007]

So sad you don't get the twin-turbo 3.0 inline 6 Diesel. That thing is epic. It gets Prius fuel economy too (on the highway)

[@jasongayda8868]

When did Ricky from Trailer Park Boys get his own show? :) I kid I kid! Love you guys!

[@Soh90]

I wish I saw this video last week when I was cross-shopping for a wagon. Ended up getting a 2014 328d Wagon (Luxury package) and man, there are a TON of options. Up until now I thought that the F31 was an updated F30 😂.

[@fcpeuro]

Nice find with the F31!

[@Soh90]

@@fcpeuro THANKS! Yeah I’m super excited. Picking her up on Saturday. It’s blue with a cream interior and the 20 spoke wheels. I like them because they kinda remind me of Alpina wheels. This was literally the ONLY one that was spec how I wanted it. These things are slim pickings unfortunately. Thanks for all you guys do. I also have a 2001 Z3 3.0i 5 speed that is alive thanks to FCP 🙏🏽

[@lefora87]

f30 guru👏👏

[@MultiGamerClub]

Thinking 5 or 7-series is what i want to go for, but if i find a newer 3-series GT i might go for that too under 35k.

[@fcpeuro]

Do it!!

[@justenfarnsworth625]

I have A 320i with the M package and the adaptive lights From the factory

[@paynelcasey]

love my 2013 BMW 320i except for the error code I'm getting. Replaced both map sensors, Mass Airflow sensor, cat to a high flow cat. Caved in an took it to a shop for them to detect the problem with pressure / smoke test. I'm betting a gasket or plastic part is broke.

[@dannyboii541]

I consider the f32 a 3 series coupe still… Since e92 was originally a 3 series and there was 3 series coupe and sedan all the way up until they made the 4 series which is the body of an e92

[@alfietuddenham1941]

As the owner of an F31 330d xdrive, I kept wondering why it wasn’t included in the lineup. Then I realised it’s 3am, i’m half asleep, and kept missing that the lineup listed was for the US market.

[@jaykhaw5025]

In Malaysia, we had the 320i, 328i, 330e, 330i But after the facelift the N20 320i was replaced with a B48 and the 328i was discontinued. Lots of 330e are on the road, the least is the 330i.

[@user-pg3yg7id1z]

so 330i with b48 is rare?

[@jaykhaw5025]

@@user-pg3yg7id1z f30 330i are rarer here But more G20 330i now on the road

[@roryoconnor5917]

So what engine is the 328i in Malaysia?

[@Sean-jp1vt]

328i f30 in Malaysia uses b48@@roryoconnor5917

[@tommybronze3451]

brakes are really easy - there is a PN on the rotor ;) not much hassle there to get a replacement.

[@siyadlamini4999]

Does this similarly apply to F32? How to figure out if SULEV or not?

[@DissidentMediaHD]

vin

[@jorgeisaias5370]

I got a 2015 F30 320i and makes a squeeky sound coming from the right front wheel... Dealerships have no idea. Help please!

[@mihal.2276]

Here in Europe we have a 330d, its a fucking machine!! The sound is unbelievable

[@willcme1]

I recently changed from 17" to 18" rims and tyres on my f30 328i. But now my tpm won't read tyre pressure...its stops at 49%. What can do to fix this?

[@TheGamingNorwegian]

Im guessing the tire pressure monitors in your new wheels are either not there, or theyre not paired with the car.

[@robfm8139]

no 335d mentioned - which i have :-(