BMW 3 Series 2012-2018 (F30) used buyer's guide: specs, trims and common problems
video description
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.
Date: 2022-04-17
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Comments and reviews: 9
Quant
This is probably one of the worst 'buy guides' ever. -go and check the mileage-, nothing really specific about the different models (just pick a small engine model if you are concerned with fuel consumption or a large engine model if you like some more speed, common issues of the N20 engine, such as the timing chain.
I'm quite a fan of the F30 model, but this 'buy guide' doesn't do it any justice; and neither does it openly tell about its flaws (except for the very specific sequence in which you need to connect your phone to bluetooth, play Spotify and only then go to external Media, in order to get the proper song-data-sharing on your screen in the car)
Dear Auto Express - out of respect for the F30 - can you please remove this video
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This is probably one of the worst 'buy guides' ever. -go and check the mileage-, nothing really specific about the different models (just pick a small engine model if you are concerned with fuel consumption or a large engine model if you like some more speed, common issues of the N20 engine, such as the timing chain.
I'm quite a fan of the F30 model, but this 'buy guide' doesn't do it any justice; and neither does it openly tell about its flaws (except for the very specific sequence in which you need to connect your phone to bluetooth, play Spotify and only then go to external Media, in order to get the proper song-data-sharing on your screen in the car)
Dear Auto Express - out of respect for the F30 - can you please remove this video
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Bri
is bmw lane assist an optional extra?
I have the button on my car and when you press it it lights up. but doesn't seem to work, I have a BMW 2018 320d, lane assist button is at the front but slightly underneath. I was also driving earlier going round a roundabout when a redcar pic came up and a beep. crapping myself as I had no idea what this I pulled up at nearest stop. Apparently its collision warning, however I cant find this in my options or anything. On the windscreen there is the hole for what the manual says radar option. however in the 2 weeks Ive owned it that's never happened before and I cant find any options. kinda confused to be honest
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is bmw lane assist an optional extra?
I have the button on my car and when you press it it lights up. but doesn't seem to work, I have a BMW 2018 320d, lane assist button is at the front but slightly underneath. I was also driving earlier going round a roundabout when a redcar pic came up and a beep. crapping myself as I had no idea what this I pulled up at nearest stop. Apparently its collision warning, however I cant find this in my options or anything. On the windscreen there is the hole for what the manual says radar option. however in the 2 weeks Ive owned it that's never happened before and I cant find any options. kinda confused to be honest
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kennedymark1
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.
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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.
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Pezz
I'm surprised at Auto Express! This is a terrible run down of info on this car. Firstly there was an important LCI in 2016 model year with some comprehensive tweaks including engines and chassis suspension set ups plus exterior design tweaks. The worst bit was when they mentioned the 325d (which was a total waist if time compared to the 330d. The 335d which should definitely of been mentioned, if you want pace, was faster real world and much more frugal than he 335i/340i plus 4 wheel drive which all decent performance cars are adopting now. Bad Auto Express. very poor!
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I'm surprised at Auto Express! This is a terrible run down of info on this car. Firstly there was an important LCI in 2016 model year with some comprehensive tweaks including engines and chassis suspension set ups plus exterior design tweaks. The worst bit was when they mentioned the 325d (which was a total waist if time compared to the 330d. The 335d which should definitely of been mentioned, if you want pace, was faster real world and much more frugal than he 335i/340i plus 4 wheel drive which all decent performance cars are adopting now. Bad Auto Express. very poor!
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Mark
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.
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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.
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kisskissg60
Still loving my f31 320d 8 speed zf luxury. just coved 183k. 200k here we come! -- Powerful for a 2. 0 diesel, brilliant mpg and comfortable. Bmw serviced from day one and still is. Only work ive had done has been new tie rods and a rear wheel bearing thats it! Not bad considering they have covered this mileage from new and never been changed. Ive driven the manual and auto but i love the auto 8 speed zf. really keeps the 2. 0 in the power band. Go buy one! -
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Still loving my f31 320d 8 speed zf luxury. just coved 183k. 200k here we come! -- Powerful for a 2. 0 diesel, brilliant mpg and comfortable. Bmw serviced from day one and still is. Only work ive had done has been new tie rods and a rear wheel bearing thats it! Not bad considering they have covered this mileage from new and never been changed. Ive driven the manual and auto but i love the auto 8 speed zf. really keeps the 2. 0 in the power band. Go buy one! -
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Gaming
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.
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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.
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George
I had a beautiful Melbourne Red 320i for a few years but possible timing chain issues and a few other costly repairs plagued my ownership. I loved the car, lovely drive and a real looker but having bought it for 11500 with 51k on and selling 2. 5 years later with 81k on at 8000 wasn-t fun.
Go for a G20 if you can it-s leaps and bounds ahead and is much better built
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I had a beautiful Melbourne Red 320i for a few years but possible timing chain issues and a few other costly repairs plagued my ownership. I loved the car, lovely drive and a real looker but having bought it for 11500 with 51k on and selling 2. 5 years later with 81k on at 8000 wasn-t fun.
Go for a G20 if you can it-s leaps and bounds ahead and is much better built
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Broncho
I owned 2 of these, a 2013 320d M Sport and a 2015 330d M Sport, both excellent cars, the 330d was quick but the 320d was never wanting of more performance, the interior felt a touch low rent towards the end. I also had an e90 and strangely enough in all 3 cars I had issues with the front seats making a clicking noise and had them all replaced under warranty.
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I owned 2 of these, a 2013 320d M Sport and a 2015 330d M Sport, both excellent cars, the 330d was quick but the 320d was never wanting of more performance, the interior felt a touch low rent towards the end. I also had an e90 and strangely enough in all 3 cars I had issues with the front seats making a clicking noise and had them all replaced under warranty.
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