The sixth-generation BMW 3 Series can often be found on used car markets. Prospective buyers should not be blinded by the beautiful appearance. Because the TÜV inspectors notice various deficiencies during the main inspections.
The 3 Series has been a fixture in the BMW portfolio since 1975. Between 2012 and 2019, the sixth generation (type F30) of the Munich middle class was at the start. Time to ask how the TÜV inspectors rate the BMW endurance runner.
body and interior
Sedan, Touring (station wagon) and, since 2013, the Gran Turismo (GT) variant: those interested in used cars can choose from three body versions. The coupe and cabrio are known as the 4 Series. Although the drive and technology are similar, the equipment differs.
Compared to Generation 5, the sixth has once again increased significantly. The sedan and touring each stretch to a length of 4.62 meters, but both are not space or loading masters, but are drawn in a visually coherent manner. The GT is a proud 4.82 meters and also has a wheelbase of 2.92 meters, 11 centimeters longer than the other two variants. There it sits itself airy in the rear. Its trunk volume varies between 520 and 1600 liters. With full seating, the station wagon has 495 liters of storage space. By folding down the rear seat, the volume increases to 1500 liters. The luggage compartment of the sedan swallows 480 liters.
Externally, the 3 Series is the little brother of the 5 Series; Depending on the equipment, fine woods, leather and aluminum applications dominate the interior. The dashboard nestles optically around the driver. In 2015 the 3 Series received a facelift. There were gently modified aprons at the back and front, and the headlights with new lighting graphics were now optionally available with LED technology. The center console has been completely redesigned with a sliding cover over the cup holders.
engines and propulsion
Only turbos and since the facelift even a three-cylinder: The engine range of the F30 includes three, four and six-cylinder turbo engines. They offer a wide range from particularly economical to extremely sporty. The four-cylinder petrol engines initially included the 316i (100 kW/136 hp), 320i (135 kW/184 hp) and 328i (180 kW/245 hp). (240 kW/326 hp) Look out. There is also the M3 version with 317 kW/431 hp. The diesels come with the 316d (85 kW/115 hp), 318 d (105 kW/143 hp), 320d (120 kW/163 hp) and 225d (160 kW/218 hp) - all four-cylinder - and the six-cylinder 330d (190 kW/258 hp) and 335d (230 kW/313 hp) are used Motorvisionen is also available with all-wheel drive (xDrive).
The power is transmitted via a manual six-speed gearbox, alternatively an eight-speed automatic takes over the shifting. The M3 has a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.
With the 2015 facelift, a three-cylinder engine (318i) with 100 kW/136 hp, which boasts a standard fuel consumption of 5 liters, was introduced for the first time. The 330i with 185 kW/252 hp replaces the slightly weaker 328i. There was an even bigger performance upgrade for the six-cylinder model 335i, which has since been known as the 340i and, with 240 kW/326 hp, was 20 hp more powerful than its predecessor. The diesel engines of the 3 Series have also been revised. The new fuel-saving champion was the 320d, which has a standard value of around 4 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers with an output of 120 kW/163 hp.
Since the facelift, the range of engines has been supplemented by a plug-in hybrid drive. The 330e is powered by a 185 kW/252 hp combination of four-cylinder petrol engine and electric motor. The hybrid (active hybrid) with a system output of 250 kW/340 hp) was removed from the range. The M3 CS with 338 kW/460 hp has been available for sporty drivers since 2018. This is up to 280 km / h fast.
equipment and security
With the basic equipment, BMW offered, among other things, automatic air conditioning, CD radio and a start button instead of the ignition lock, but the option list was long and expensive. First-time buyers could book a head-up display, on-board internet and various assistants, among other things. The three ready-made equipment variants "Sport Line", "Advantage" and "Luxury Line" primarily came up with visual extras such as larger rims or special interior materials. Above that was the "M-Sport" package, which included sport seats and a firmer chassis in addition to a dynamic look. The 3 Series achieved full star rating in the 2012 NCAP crash test.
quality
The F30 does not always show its best side in the TÜV main inspections (HU). Its main weakness concerns the springs and shock absorbers, which is probably due to the above-average mileage. Oil leakage is also a problem. The 3 Series also shows erratic behavior when it comes to the light. The front lighting is above average for the vehicles examined, and the function of the parking brake is often criticized by the TÜV inspectors. Overall, the F30 manages a flawless performance during the first three general inspections less often than the average of all vehicles tested in its class.
Conclusion: The 3 Series BMW is visually successful. Three body variants and a huge range of engines speak for the middle class. Unfortunately, she is not exemplary in all test points at the TÜV. Interested parties have to invest at least 7,000 euros for a diesel, and almost 10,000 euros are due for a petrol engine.
