Is the BMW 3 Series F30 reliable?

Our reliability score for the BMW 3 Series F30 is 4.5/10 (45/100), which puts it as unreliable by our scoring. Major issues are common before 150,000 miles. RepairPal rates it 2.5/5.

How much does it cost to own a BMW 3 Series F30 per year?

Total estimated annual ownership cost for a BMW 3 Series F30 is approximately $3,624 for a 25-year-old male driver. This includes fuel at current US average prices, insurance, scheduled maintenance, tires, and oil changes. The 40-year-old female estimate is $3,354.

What is the BMW 3 Series F30 gas mileage?

EPA combined fuel economy for the BMW 3 Series F30 is 26 MPG, with 23 MPG city and 35 MPG highway.

What years does the BMW 3 Series F30 cover?

This generation of the BMW 3 Series was sold from 2012 to 2018.

Is the BMW 3 Series F30 safe?

Our safety score for the BMW 3 Series F30 is 9.5/10 (95/100), which means it is genuinely safe by current data. IIHS rates the crash protection good. NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Is the BMW 3 Series F30 a good first car?

Not according to our criteria. Good first cars need a safety score 7.5+, insurance under $2,200/yr for a 25-year-old male, repairability score 7.0+, low rollover risk, and compact dimensions. The BMW 3 Series F30 misses on at least one of these.

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BMW 3 Series F30

12-18 · BMW 3 Series

69out of 100

A turbocharged near-luxury sedan at steep depreciation. The BMW badge with modern tech, available under $12,000 with 80k Miles.

Scores last updated: January 1, 2025

Score breakdown

45/ 100Reliability×2.5 60/ 100True Annual Cost×1.5 95/ 100Safety×2.5 65/ 100Practicality×2.0 80/ 100Repairability×1.5

74/ 100Long-Distance Comfort

72/ 100Enthusiast Appeal

Turbo engine reduces reliability vs E90. Safety improved. Timing chain tensioner is a known budgeted repair.

Our take

What it really is

A turbocharged sport sedan that trades the raw engagement of the E90 for more refinement and practicality. More efficient, more modern, less characterful.

Why it's on this list

The best deal in near-luxury if you want the BMW badge with modern tech and a resale floor. F30s have depreciated heavily from their original MSRPs.

The honest trade-offs

N20 timing chain tensioner failure is a known issue. Budget $800 if the service record does not show it done. Turbo adds complexity. No manual on the 328i after 2015.

What to buy and what to avoid

2016-2018 328i or 330i with the N20/B46 engine. Check for timing chain tensioner service records. iDrive 6 in later cars is a significant UX upgrade.

Annual cost of ownership

Premium fuel. N20 timing chain tensioner replacement amortized.

Fuel (12k mi)

$2,560 (USD)^[5]

Maintenance

$1,300 (USD)^[1]

Tires (prorated)

$750 (USD)

Insurance (25yr male)

$1,580 (USD)^[8]

Insurance (40yr female)

$1,310 (USD)^[8]

Total (25yr male)

$3,624 (USD)

Total (40yr female)

$3,354 (USD)

Key specs

MPG combined

26^[5]

MPG city / hwy

23 / 35^[5]

Tank

15.6 gal^[5]

Engine

2.0L TwinPower Turbo I4

Horsepower

240 hp

Torque

255 lb-ft

Seats

Cargo (behind 2nd row)

13 cu ft

Cargo max

13 cu ft

Tow capacity

0 lbs

Ground clearance

5.4"

Stock tires

225/45R17

Body

Sedan (trunk)

Rear seats

40/20/40 split

Also available in wagon. The score reflects the primary body style listed above.

Safety

NHTSA overall

5/5 ★^[2]

Rollover risk

17.5%^[2]

IIHS rating

Good^[4]

ESC standard

Yes

Driver assists

Optional collision warning, lane departure (post-2016)

Rust vulnerability

Overall severity

Low

Frame rust risk

Minimal

Salt belt impact

Moderate

Better rustproofing than E90. Wheel arches and subframe bushings still worth inspecting.

Known issues by mileage

30,000-60,000 Miles (48,000-97,000 KM)

N20 timing chain tensioner failureSafety-critical$800 (USD)

Must replace by 60k. Engine damage if ignored.

60,000-100,000 Miles (97,000-161,000 KM)

Oil pan gasket and valve cover gasket leaksMinor$300 (USD)

Very common after 80k miles

Best and worst years

Best years

2016Updated B46 engine; iDrive 6 UX; best reliability of gen
2017Final year; all issues resolved; good value

Years to avoid

2012First model year N20; timing chain tensioner failures widespread
2013N20 tensioner issues continued; avoid without service record

Reliability data

RepairPal annual cost

$1,150 (USD)^[1]

Industry avg annual cost

$652 (USD)^[1]

RepairPal rating

2.5/5^[1]

Unscheduled visits/yr

0.9^[1]

Severe issue probability

16%^[1]

250k-mile survival

22%^[7]

Repairability

Headlight type

Halogen

DIY replacement cost

$50 (USD)

At major retailer

Yes

Headlight benchmark

8/10

Good availability. N20 turbo engine has timing chain tensioner issues — replace by 60k.

References

Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.

[1]dataset
RepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
[2]government
NHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
[3]government
NHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
[4]dataset
IIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
[5]government
EPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
[6]forum thread
CarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
[7]dataset
iSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
[8]publication
Bankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile

Before you buy

Looking to buy a BMW 3 Series?

Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.

Get the checklist