BMW 3 Series F30 Engines -The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the F30-generation BMW 3 Series -from the 1.6-litre N13 four-cylinder to the 2.0-litre N20 and B48, and the 3.0-litre N55 and B58 six-cylinder turbos. Real UK costs, honest failure data, and the N20 timing-chain question that defines this generation's ownership story. Backed by 380+ real UK F30 enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Explore F30 Engines
BMW 3 Series F30 Engine Codes -The Complete Database
Every engine fitted to the F30 saloon specifically -from the 2011 launch through the 2015 LCI facelift and the introduction of the B-series modular engines.
Overview
BMW 3 Series F30 -Overview
The BMW F30 is the sixth generation of the BMW 3 Series, produced from October 2011 to June 2019.
It marked a significant departure from its predecessor (the E90) by being the first 3 Series generation powered exclusively by turbocharged engines, with no naturally aspirated options available. The F30 also introduced electric power steering, replacing the hydraulic system of the E90. The engine line-up evolved substantially over its production run: early cars used the N13 1.6-litre four, N20 2.0-litre four, and N55 3.0-litre six petrols, alongside N47 2.0-litre and N57 3.0-litre six diesels. The 2015 Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) facelift brought BMW's modular B-series engines -the B38 three-cylinder, B48 four-cylinder, and B58 six-cylinder -replacing the N-series units in most applications. The F30 was succeeded by the G20 3 Series in 2019.
Key Facts
Platform
BMW L7 platform
Predecessor
BMW 3 Series E90 (2005–2011)
Successor
BMW 3 Series G20 (2019–present)
Sibling body styles in this generation
F31 Touring, F34 Gran Turismo, F35 long-wheelbase saloon (China)
Market Intelligence
The F30 3 Series generated 380+ real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED], concentrated on the 2.0-litre N47 and N20 engines as the parc exits warranty and timing-chain concerns come to the fore.
Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
B47D20 2.0-litre (190 bhp) 320d LCI -The post-2015 B47 diesel addressed the N47's defining weakness -the rear-mounted timing chain. With improved chain tensioner design and a more robust bottom end, the B47 is the diesel to choose in the F30. EGR cooler issues are recall-addressed, and DPF clogging is manageable with regular motorway driving.
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Who it's for: high-mileage buyers who want the sweet spot of economy and performance.
Best Petrol Overall
B48B20 2.0-litre (252 bhp) 330i -The 252 bhp B48 four-cylinder is the sweet spot in the F30 petrol range. It delivers genuine performance -0-60 in 5.8 seconds -with the economy of a four-cylinder and, crucially, none of the N20's timing-chain anxiety. It's the engine that makes the F30 a genuinely compelling used buy.
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Who it's for: buyers who want real performance without six-cylinder running costs.
Highest Risk
N20B20 (pre-2015 328i) -The N20's plastic timing chain guides wear prematurely, leading to chain slack and, in catastrophic cases, engine destruction. The whining noise on revving is the classic warning sign. Pre-March 2015 production cars are the highest risk.
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Who it's for: only buyers with documented timing-chain replacement -and a healthy contingency fund.
Most Expensive Failure
N57D30 (335d) -The six-cylinder diesel's timing chain and turbocharger wear can result in expensive repairs. A full reconditioned replacement runs £4,500–£7,500 -and that's before addressing the associated turbo and fuel-system work that often accompanies high-mileage failures.
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Who it's for: buyers who want effortless six-cylinder torque and accept the premium.
Best Value
B48B20 2.0-litre (184 bhp) 320i LCI -The post-2015 184 bhp B48 offers the perfect balance of performance, economy, and reliability for the F30. It's the most common F30 petrol, parts are widely available, and the recon cost is significantly lower than the six-cylinder options.
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Who it's for: the majority of F30 buyers who want a dependable daily driver.
Most Overlooked
B58B30 3.0-litre (326 bhp) 340i -Often overshadowed by the M3, the 340i's B58 delivers 326 bhp and 450 Nm of torque -enough for 0-60 in 4.8 seconds. It's considered the most reliable modern BMW six-cylinder, with none of the N55's VANOS issues and none of the N20's timing-chain anxiety.
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Who it's for: buyers who want genuine performance without the M3's running costs.
BMW 3 Series F30 -Ownership Economics
The F30 rule
A £3,200–£6,000 N20 recon against a £4,000–£8,000 early F30 sits at 40–150% of the car's value. On a sub-£6,000 example, that brushes our 70% BMW threshold -we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £10,000+ example, the same recon drops to a routine 32–60% -a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.
Key Takeaways
Which F30 Costs Least To Own?
B38 1.5-litre 318i -cheapest recon, simplest architecture.
Which F30 Costs Most To Own?
N57 335d -timing chain and turbo repairs add cost.
Which F30 Is Best Value?
B48 330i LCI -the sweet spot between performance and running costs.
Common Problems
F30 Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition
Core Variants
Diesel & Petrol Lineup
Scope note: All variants listed are F30 saloon only. F31 Touring, F34 Gran Turismo, and F35 long-wheelbase saloon share most of these engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages. The F30 was the first 3 Series to be offered with a plug-in hybrid (330e) from 2015, and the ActiveHybrid 3 was available from 2012 to 2015. The LCI facelift (2015) introduced the B38, B48, and B58 engines, replacing the N13, N20, and N55 in most applications.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
- 1.1. N47D20 2.0 Diesel (380 F30-wide enquiries)
- 2.2. B47D20 2.0 Diesel (380 F30-wide)
- 3.3. N20B20 2.0 Petrol (380 F30-wide)
Most Requested E90 Variants
- 1.1. 320d (2.0 diesel)
- 2.2. 320i (2.0 petrol)
- 3.3. 330d (3.0 diesel six)
Average E90 Replacement Cost
£2,500–£8,000 supply-only [BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common E90 Failures
- 1.1. N20 timing chain guide wear
- 2.2. N47 diesel timing chain tensioner
- 3.3. B47 diesel EGR cooler failure
BMW 3 Series 320d
F30 (N47)
5
enquiries
BMW 3 Series 328i
F30 (N20)
4
enquiries
BMW 3 Series 340i
F30 (B58)
3
enquiries
FAQ
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