Introduced in late 2011, the BMW 3 Series Saloon F30 grew larger, lighter and substantially more comfortable while preserving its rear-wheel-drive poise. Competing directly with the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it established itself as the complete premium fleet car. Long-term mechanical satisfaction depends on dedicated BMW 3 Series maintenance, particularly regarding engine timing components.
Powertrain selection is the defining factor on used F30s. Four-cylinder petrol 320i and 328i models powered by the N20 unit suffer from premature timing chain and oil pump drive guide wear prior to 2015 revisions. In diesel variants, the N47 four-cylinder similarly requires careful acoustic checks for chain rattle, whereas the six-cylinder N57 diesel and N55 petrol units demonstrate immense durability when oil services are observed.
The eight-speed ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox is a highlight of the generation, delivering rapid, seamless shifting. Sourcing a well-kept car with verified gearbox fluid services, clean cooling components and leak-free oil filter housings guarantees a dependable and engaging executive cruiser.
Suivi free
Garajo prépare votre garage et vous permet ensuite de suivre les maintenances, les rappels et les points à surveiller.
The reassuring points, known weak spots and deadlines you should not let slip.
Service markers for petrol/diesel versions. Exact intervals vary by engine and model year.
Every 10 000 to 15 000 km
Every 1 year
Practical interval, shorter than the manufacturer's Longlife schedule to protect the engine
Every 15 000 km
Every 1 year
Every 30 000 to 40 000 km
Every 2 years
Poids ou puissance élevés : usure des number platettes accélérée sur certaines versions
Timing chain - watch this engine
Known chain wear or stretch: inspection advised, no fixed interval
Every 50 000 km
Every 4 years
Every 100 000 km
Automatic regeneration while driving: regularly do 20 min on a fast road; preventive clean around 100,000 km
Every 80 000 km
Valve that soots up easily on diesels: a preventive clean avoids power loss and limp mode
Service markers for hybrid versions. Oil changes, brakes and system checks need to stay in step.
Every 15 000 km
Every 1 year
Every 15 000 km
Every 1 year
Every 30 000 km
Every 2 years
Poids ou puissance élevés : usure des number platettes accélérée sur certaines versions
Timing chain - designed to last, no scheduled replacement
Every 50 000 km
Every 4 years
This generation is available with several powertrains. The consumption figures come from manufacturer data for each version.
Petrol, diesel or LPG versions. The intervals shown cover the usual mechanical jobs.
HEV, MHEV and PHEV versions. They combine petrol/diesel servicing with hybrid-system checks.
Servicing a BMW 3 Series Saloon F30 sits about 48% above the market average (premium positioning).
Timing chain: no scheduled replacement.
* Indicative estimates for parts and labour.
Compatible engine oil
These links are limited to the engines of this generation when oil data is available.
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Centralise your history and spending in a few clicks.Téléchargez le service book de votre BMW 3 Series Saloon F30 en PDF à tout moment.