BMW 3 Series F30 Common Known Issues/Problems

Common Problems for BMW F30 3 Series

Overview

This post is covering common problems in BMW F30 3 series.  It is mainly focus in late F30 (face lifted LCI) gasoline engine of N20, and B48 (hybrid).  Face lifted model year is 2016 - 2019. M3 will not be in this consideration.

The LCI model is as old as 9 years now, so the common issues are highly reliable.

Post-LCI model (2016 - 2019) is highly reliable than pre-LCI model.  So if you are looking for F30, F31, F34, it is recommend to buy year 2016 onward.

Common Problems/Issues

Issue #1 Lower Control Arm - Front facing

The rubber bushing in the front facing lower control arm (LCA) is a maintenance item just like any earlier BMW 3 series. For typical and regular owner, it will degrade slowly without any noise at the early failure.  Visual inspection is the only way to catch early failure.  There is no safety risk during early failure.

Once you start hearing noise (metal hitting metal), this need to be immediately replaced to avoid damaging the LCA mounting area.

Front facing LCA gets more pressure than the rear unit, so it will degrade first.

All wheel drive model will need to remove big axial bolt to get sufficient clearance to remove LCA arm.

Replacement: FCUPEurope has a detail write out about this front facing LCA.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/blog/how-to-replace-bmw-f30-front-control-arms

Part: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Front-Monoball-Thrust-Arm-Package-F22-F30-F32-F3X.html

Issue #2 Lower Control Arm - Rear facing

Similar to front facing LCA, the rear arms will last longer, and degrade years later.  For DIY, you can replace when it start failing, but if you hire mechanics to replace LCA, then recommends to replace both front and rear LCA to save on the labor charge as time will be saved (they need to remove the same parts and work area)

Replacement: FCUPEurope has a detail write out about this rear facing LCA.

https://www.fcpeuro.com/blog/how-to-replace-bmw-f30-front-control-arms

Part: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Front-Right-Wishbone-Meyle-F22-F3X-31126852992.html

Issue #3 Valve Cover Gasket

This model's valve cover gasket seems to last longer than earlier E46 generation. It can last 8 years, which is comparable to Honda/Toyota now. B48 engine last longer as well than N series engnie

Early failure will show minor engine oil around the gasket. No safety issue when this failed, except you requires to top up engine oil periodically, as well as dripping at the bottom tray.

The gasket is easy to replace

Replacement: FCUPEurope has a YouTube that illustrate such replacement

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A3vJicPOKKk

Issue #4 Steering Rack Trust Bushing

This synthetic trust bushing resides within steering rack assembly, and slowly degrades.  When it is degraded, the wheel can turn to left and right while someone else holding the steering.

Cheap repair kit can be found in Internet by searching "F30 steering repair kit" which bundled with special 3 holes wrench tool.

Replacement: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1466753

YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAVEre449YE

Issue #5 Electronic Water Pump

Electronic water pump last longer, and early failure will throw low coolant warning in the iDrive.  So if you get low coolant initial, you have some time to save up and plan for the replacement.

Part: https://www.bimmerworld.com/Cooling/Water-Pumps/BMW-Water-Pump-N20-N26-F30-320i-E84-X1-28-11517597715.html

Replacement: Another writes up from FCP Euro for N series engine

https://www.fcpeuro.com/blog/how-to-replace-a-bmw-f30-water-pump-thermostat-n20-n26-engine

YouTube for B48 engine: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sv3hF7rJFjg

Issue #6 Engine Oil Filter Housing Gasket

BMW of this model has a better oil filter housing gasket than earlier E46 model.  It will degrade after 8 years and longer.  Early failure will show minor engine oil leak around the OFH mounting to the engine block.

The space is restricted for both N and B series engine compare to earlier E46 engine.

Part: https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/bmw-engine-oil-filter-housing-gasket-kit-11428637821kt9

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrGB84IbJag

Issue #7 Seize Brake Pad

This only happen to my car, so I'm throwing it here.  One of the rear brake pad rusted, and stick to the brake caliper.

Part: No need to replace, but clean up the rust in both brake pad, and brake caliper bracket

Pre-LCI F30 Common Problems

I won't list too much detail for pre-LCI common problems, but listing them for completeness of it, as well as for potential owner to be aware of.  This could help them to decide between buying my recommendation of buying post-LCI years.

1. Fuel injector failure
2. Timing chain kit
3. PCV hose - plastic crumble
4. Coolant temperature sensor