BMW F30 3 Series: years, specs and history (2012–2019)

BMW F30 3 Series at a glance

BMW F30 3 Series history

The F30 sedan arrived for 2012 with two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter N20 four in the 328i and the N55 six in the 335i. The coupe and convertible became the separate 4 Series.

The 320i, ActiveHybrid 3 and xDrive sedans followed for 2013, and the 328d diesel, the F31 Sports Wagon and the F34 Gran Turismo were added for 2014. The 2016 LCI put the B58 six into the new 340i and added the 330e plug-in hybrid; the B48 four followed for 2017 in the new 330i.

In the US the wagons and Gran Turismos came only with all-wheel drive, and they stayed on sale through 2019, a year after the sedan.[1]

Body styles and chassis codes

BMW F30 3 Series specs by variant

US-market output, gearboxes, BMW-claimed 0–60 mph times, weight and launch MSRP for every BMW F30 3 Series variant we could source.[2],[3],[4],[5],[6],[7],[8],[9],[10],[11],[12],[13],[14],[15],[16],[17],[18],[19],[20],[21],[22],[23],[24],[25],[26],[27],[28],[29]

0–60 mph figures are BMW-claimed unless marked † (instrumented magazine test). "—" means we could not confirm the figure from a primary source. MSRP is US base price at launch, excluding destination. Many BMWs are electronically limited to 130 or 155 mph; see trim notes.

Compare every generation side by side on our BMW 3 Series specs page or with the BMW trim comparison tool.

What changed through the F30 run

1. 2012328i (N20 turbo four, 240 hp) and 335i (N55 turbo six, 300 hp).
2. 2013–2014320i, ActiveHybrid 3 and xDrive sedans; then the 328d diesel, F31 Sports Wagon and F34 Gran Turismo.
3. 2016 LCI340i with the B58 six (320 hp) replaced the 335i; 330e plug-in hybrid added.
4. 2017330i with the B48 four (248 hp) replaced the 328i.
5. 2019G20 sedan arrives; wagon and Gran Turismo finish their run.

Sources:[1]

BMW F30 3 Series known issues and recalls

• N20 / N26 timing-chain guide failure (class-action extended warranty)

  Documented issue · 2012–2015

  The 2.0-liter turbo four BMW introduced in 2012 used plastic timing-chain guides that, on early engines, could turn brittle and break apart; debris can then let the chain skip or snap and damage the engine. A second chain driving the oil pump was also alleged to stretch. Owners sued in New Jersey federal court (Gelis v. BMW), and the 2021 settlement kept BMW's 2017 7-year/70,000-mile chain extension and added sliding-scale coverage up to 8 years or 100,000 miles. Covered models included 2012–2015 320i and 328i, 2014–2015 428i and 228i, 2012–2015 528i and X1, 2013–2015 X3 and 2015 Z4. Revised parts went into production in 2015, and most cars have now aged out of the extension.[30],[31],[32],[33]

• Brake vacuum pump can fail from poor lubrication

  NHTSA recall 13V-454 · 2012–2014

  On early N20 cars the engine-driven vacuum pump that supplies the brake booster could fail because it was not lubricated well enough. Losing vacuum means the brake pedal becomes much harder to push and stopping distances grow. BMW recalled the cars in 2013 and widened the population in 2014 (14V-627). Dealers modify the engine so the pump is properly lubricated.[34],[35]

• Electric coolant pump connector can short (fire risk)

  NHTSA recall 24V-608 · 2012–2016

  BMW recalled four-cylinder turbo models because the electrical connector on the electric water pump may not be sealed well enough to keep water out. Moisture can short the connector, and the recall notes this raises the risk of a fire. Affected models include 2012–2016 328i and 528i, 2014–2016 428i and 228i, 2012–2015 X1, 2013–2017 X3 and the 2016–2018 X5 xDrive40e. The dealer remedy is free.[36]

Symptoms and what to check for each item are on our BMW 3 Series known issues page. Complaint data by model year: BMW 328i years to avoid, BMW 335i years to avoid.

Used BMW F30 3 Series prices

Asking prices, not transaction prices, from listings supplied by licensed vehicle-data providers. Model years without enough priced listings are left out.

Current prices across every year are on our used BMW 3 Series prices page.

What to check before you buy a BMW F30 3 Series

• On 2012–2015 N20 cars (320i, 328i), ask for timing-chain service records.
• Check the brake vacuum pump (2012–2014) and N20 water pump recalls by VIN.
• Confirm the drivetrain, engine and packages (M Sport and others) on the factory build record.