BMW 3 Series F31Touring2012–2019
Every engine fitted to the F31 Touring – from the 1.6-litre N13 four-cylinder to the 3.0-litre N57 six-cylinder diesel and the B58 that replaced the N55.
Real UK replacement costs, honest reliability data, and the timing chain concerns that defined the N20 and N47 era.
Backed by real UK F31 enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Engine Database
Every engine fitted to the F31 Touring – from the entry-level four-cylinder to the range-topping six-cylinder diesel.
Overview
The BMW F31, launched in 2012 as the Touring (estate) version of the sixth-generation 3 Series, combines the practicality of a load-lugging estate with the dynamic prowess expected of a BMW. Built on the same platform as the F30 saloon, the F31 features a 40:60 front-to-rear weight distribution and a range of turbocharged four- and six-cylinder engines.
A 2015 facelift brought B-series engines and updated technology, while the range-topping 335d xDrive offered 313 hp and all-wheel-drive traction.
Key Facts
Market Intelligence
The F31 generated real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED], with the N47/B47 diesel and N20/B48 petrol accounting for the majority of demand as these cars enter their second and third ownership cycles.
04Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
B47D20A (post-2015, LCI) – "The B47 is a significant improvement over the N47 – timing chain issues are less prevalent, and the EGR cooler recall has addressed a known weakness. It's smoother, cleaner and more reliable than its predecessor."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want diesel economy without the N47's timing chain anxiety.
Best Petrol Overall
B58B30A (340i, post-2015) – "The B58 straight-six is BMW's finest modern engine – 326 hp of silky-smooth power with none of the N55's earlier weaknesses. Water pump and cooling system are the only real demands; this engine is widely considered bulletproof."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want effortless six-cylinder power with modern reliability.
Highest Risk
N20B20 (320i/328i, pre-2015) – "The N20 four-cylinder carries a significant timing chain guide weakness – failure can occur as early as 60,000 miles, leading to a £4,000+ engine replacement. Cold-start rattle is the warning sign."
“”
Who it's for: only buyers who have confirmed chain guide replacement or are budgeting for it.
Most Expensive Failure
N57D30B (335d xDrive) – "The triple-turbo diesel is a complex piece of engineering – turbocharger failure and EGR cooler issues can lead to bills exceeding £5,000. The all-wheel-drive system adds further complexity."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want diesel performance and accept the associated running costs.
Best Value
B48B20A (320i, post-2015) – "The B48 four-cylinder delivers 184 hp with none of the N20's timing chain anxiety. It's smoother, more efficient and more reliable than its predecessor – the sweet spot of the F31 petrol range."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want modern four-cylinder reliability without the N20 gamble.
Most Overlooked
B38B15 (318i, post-2015) – "The 1.5-litre three-cylinder is often dismissed as underpowered, but it delivers 136 hp with excellent economy and a characterful exhaust note. It's the cheapest F31 to run and maintain."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want F31 estate practicality with minimal running costs.
Best Diesel Overall
B47D20A
(post-2015, LCI) – "The B47 is a significant improvement over the N47 – timing chain issues are less prevalent, and the EGR cooler recall has addressed a known weakness. It's smoother, cleaner and more reliable than its predecessor."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want diesel economy without the N47's timing chain anxiety.
Best Petrol Overall
B58B30A
(340i, post-2015) – "The B58 straight-six is BMW's finest modern engine – 326 hp of silky-smooth power with none of the N55's earlier weaknesses. Water pump and cooling system are the only real demands; this engine is widely considered bulletproof."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want effortless six-cylinder power with modern reliability.
Highest Risk
N20B20
(320i/328i, pre-2015) – "The N20 four-cylinder carries a significant timing chain guide weakness – failure can occur as early as 60,000 miles, leading to a £4,000+ engine replacement. Cold-start rattle is the warning sign."
“”
Who it's for: only buyers who have confirmed chain guide replacement or are budgeting for it.
Most Expensive Failure
N57D30B
(335d xDrive) – "The triple-turbo diesel is a complex piece of engineering – turbocharger failure and EGR cooler issues can lead to bills exceeding £5,000. The all-wheel-drive system adds further complexity."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want diesel performance and accept the associated running costs.
Best Value
B48B20A
(320i, post-2015) – "The B48 four-cylinder delivers 184 hp with none of the N20's timing chain anxiety. It's smoother, more efficient and more reliable than its predecessor – the sweet spot of the F31 petrol range."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want modern four-cylinder reliability without the N20 gamble.
Most Overlooked
B38B15 (318i, post-2015) – "The 1.5-litre three-cylinder is often dismissed as underpowered, but it delivers 136 hp with excellent economy and a characterful exhaust note. It's the cheapest F31 to run and maintain."
“”
Who it's for: buyers who want F31 estate practicality with minimal running costs.
Engine
Typical Mileage
Common Major Failure
Repair Cost (Specialist)
Replacement Cost (Recon)
Ownership Verdict
Watch – Prince engine; timing chain concerns.
High Risk – chain failure is a grenade.Solid – robust six, minor cooling issues.Solid – reliable three-cylinder.
Best Petrol – no chain issues, reliable.Best Six – BMW's finest modern engine.Watch – chain issues less common than N47 in E90 but still present.Best Diesel – improved chain design, reliable.Solid – proven diesel six.Expensive – triple-turbo complexity.EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership VerdictWatch – Prince engine; timing chain concerns.High Risk – chain failure is a grenade.Solid – robust six, minor cooling issues.Solid – reliable three-cylinder.Best Petrol – no chain issues, reliable.Best Six – BMW's finest modern engine.Watch – chain issues less common than N47 in E90 but still present.Best Diesel – improved chain design, reliable.Solid – proven diesel six.Expensive – triple-turbo complexity.
The F31 rule
A £2,800–£5,000 N47/B47 recon against a £6,000–£15,000 F31 sits at 19–83% of the car's value. On a sub-£8,000 diesel F31, that brushes our 70% BMW threshold – we'll honestly tell you to walk away unless the car has documented chain work. Against a £12,000+ low-mileage example, the same recon drops to a routine 23–42% – a repair decision, not a financial one. The B58 replacement at £7,000 is well within the value of a £20,000 340i.
Key Takeaways
Which F31 Costs Least To Own?
B38B15 (318i) – cheapest entry, lowest insurance, simple three-cylinder.
Which F31 Costs Most To Own?
N57D30B (335d) – triple-turbo complexity and premium running costs.
Which F31 Is Best Value?
B48B20 (320i/330i) – the sweet spot between performance and running costs.
N20
Timing Chain Guide Failure
Affected models:
F31 320i, 328i (2012–2015, pre-LCI N20 engines).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–100,000 miles.
Root cause:
The plastic timing chain guides degrade and break, allowing the chain to slacken and skip teeth. Cold-start rattle for 1–2 seconds is the classic early warning. If ignored, the chain can snap, causing piston-to-valve contact and destroying the engine.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£1,500–£2,500
£800–£1,500
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£5,000–£8,000
£2,000–£4,500
Our Recommendation
If you own a pre-2015 N20-powered F31, treat the timing chain as an urgent inspection item – £800–£1,500 now is dramatically cheaper than the £2,000+ replacement that follows a failure. Any cold-start rattle should be investigated immediately.
N47
Timing Chain Stretch
Affected models:
F31 316d, 318d, 320d (2012–2015, pre-LCI N47 engines).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–120,000 miles.
Root cause:
The rear-mounted timing chain on the N47 diesel can stretch and wear the guides – a known issue carried forward from the E90 generation. Cold-start rattle is the warning sign, and failure leads to engine destruction.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£1,800–£2,800
£800–£1,500
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£5,000–£8,000
£2,800–£5,000
Our Recommendation
If you're considering a pre-2015 diesel F31, budget for timing chain replacement if not already documented – £800–£1,500 now is cheap insurance against a £2,800+ replacement. Post-2015 B47 engines have improved chain design.
EGR
Cooler Failure (Diesel Engines)
Affected models:
F31 diesel variants (N47, B47, N57), particularly pre-2017 examples.
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–100,000 miles.
Root cause:
The EGR cooler can develop internal coolant leaks, leading to coolant loss and potential engine damage. BMW has issued recalls for some variants.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£800–£1,500 (often covered by recall)
£400–£800
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£5,000–£8,000
£2,800–£5,000
Our Recommendation
Check if your F31 diesel is covered by the EGR cooler recall – if not, have the cooler inspected at every service. A £400–£800 repair is far cheaper than the £2,800+ replacement that follows an overheat.
B38/B48/B58
Water Pump & Cooling System
Affected models:
F31 petrol variants with B-series engines (2015–2019).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–100,000 miles.
Root cause:
The plastic water pump impeller and thermostat housing can degrade with heat cycling – a known characteristic of BMW's B-series engines. Coolant leaks are the first sign.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£800–£1,500
£300–£600
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£4,000–£7,000
£1,800–£4,000
Our Recommendation
At the first sign of coolant loss, have the water pump and thermostat housing inspected – a £300–£600 repair is cheap insurance against a £1,800+ replacement.
VariantEngine Code
Used (Supply)
Reconditioned (Supply)
Rebuilt (Supply)
Labour HoursScope note: All variants listed are F31 only. The F30 saloon and F34 Gran Turismo share most of these engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages, since body style affects boot space and weight rather than engine fitment. The 335d xDrive was the only diesel offered with all-wheel drive in the F31 range.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,500–£8,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 320d F31
N47D20C
Birmingham
Cold-start rattle6
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW 330d F31
N57D30A
LeedsEGR cooler warning4
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW 330i F31
B48B20B
LondonCoolant loss3
enquiries
Updated MonthlyMost Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,500–£8,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,500–£8,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Scope note: All variants listed are F31 only. The F30 saloon and F34 Gran Turismo share most of these engines but are covered on their own Generation Pages, since body style affects boot space and weight rather than engine fitment. The 335d xDrive was the only diesel offered with all-wheel drive in the F31 range.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,500–£8,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,500–£8,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,500–£8,000 supply only .
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 320d F31
N47D20C
BirminghamCold-start rattle6
enquiries
BMW 330d F31
N57D30A
LeedsEGR cooler warning4
enquiries
BMW 330i F31
B48B20B
LondonCoolant loss3
enquiries
Updated MonthlyTrusted F31 Engine Suppliers
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