Buyer's checklist: F30 BMW 3 Series (2012–2019)

Look for 6

Known problems, and how to check for each.

Timing chain stretch on the N20 fourAll yearsListen for a whine or rattle at a cold start and idle, and ask whether the timing chain, guides and tensioner were replaced with updated parts.^1,2,3,4
Oil leaks on the N55 sixAll yearsLook for oil around the valve cover, the oil filter housing and the oil pan.²
Coolant leaks on the newer fourAll yearsLook for coolant at the upper radiator hose and the oil filter housing.²
Automatic gearbox fluid leakAll yearsLook under the gearbox for fluid, where the wiring plug enters it.¹
iDrive glitches and failed lightsAll yearsTry the screen, phone pairing, navigation and reversing camera, and check every headlight and tail light.¹
Airbag warning lightAll yearsMake sure the airbag light goes out after starting.¹

Recalls to ask about 26

Recalls filed for these model years. Not every car is covered; check the vehicle identification number with NHTSA.

Recall 13V4540002012–2014The brake vacuum pump may not get enough oil and fail, so the brakes need more force. Widened by 14V627000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁵
Recall 14V1760002010–2012Bolts in the VANOS valve timing housing can loosen or break, cutting power or stalling the engine. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁶
Recall 14V6270002012–2014More cars added to the brake vacuum pump recall, 13V454000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁵
Recall 15V1890002014Poor plating inside the fuel pump can make it fail, so the car may stall without warning. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁷
Recall 15V5200002012–2015Software can switch off the front side marker lights while the parking lights or headlights are on, so the car fails a federal lighting rule. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^5,7,8
Recall 18V4650002018–2019Wrong firmware in the crankshaft sensor can make the engine stall. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁹
Recall 18V6520002018Capacitors in the portable charging cable can fail, with a risk of shock or fire. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁹
Recall 18V7550002014–2018A leaking exhaust gas recirculation cooler can let coolant mix with soot, which can melt the intake manifold and start a fire. Widened by 21V907000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁸
Recall 19V3520002019The driver's and passenger's knee airbags may have been folded wrongly, so they may not deploy as they should. Ask for proof the recall work was done.¹⁰
Recall 19V6840002019–2020The reversing camera's display settings can be changed so its image stays hidden in reverse. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,11,12
Recall 19V7320002019–2020Needle roller bearings on the engine's counterbalance shaft may have been fitted wrongly, so the shaft can come loose. Dealers replace the engine. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,11
Recall 19V9120002019–2020The rear outer seat belt pretensioners may not lock in a crash. Dealers replace the rear seat belts. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,11
Recall 20V0170002006–2013Driver airbag inflators fitted as a stopgap Takata repair can burst as their propellant ages. The airbag is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{13,14,15,16,17,6}
Recall 20V1850002014–2016A damaged constant-velocity joint can cut drive to the rear wheels, and let a parked car roll away. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁸
Recall 20V3550002019–2020The steering tie rods can be damaged by high heat and rough roads, and may break. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,11,12
Recall 21V0960002019–2021Part of the reversing camera's image can be blocked, or the screen may not light up, in reverse. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{10,11,18,12,19}
Recall 21V5860002014–2018The diesel's high-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine while driving. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁸
Recall 21V9070002014–2018More cars and a further fix for the exhaust gas recirculation cooler leak in 18V755000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁸
Recall 23V2110002019–2021A seat frame may not be properly welded to its rails, so it may not hold the occupant in a crash. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,11,18,12
Recall 23V5840002019–2022The audio module software may not sound the seat belt reminder properly. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{10,11,18,20,12}
Recall 24V2880002014–2015The head airbag's inflator can fail at a weld, leaking gas or bursting and throwing metal fragments into the cabin. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^7,8
Recall 24V5130002006–2012The driver airbag in a replacement sport steering wheel can burst when it goes off. The airbag is checked and replaced as needed. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^{13,14,15,16,17,6}
Recall 24V5270002014–2015A manufacturing fault can make the driver's airbag inflator burst when it goes off. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁷
Recall 24V6080002012–2016A poorly sealed plug on the electric water pump can short-circuit, with a risk of fire. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁵
Recall 25V6360002019–2021The starter relay can corrode, overheat and short-circuit, with a risk of fire. Owners are told to park outside, away from buildings, until the starter is replaced. Ask for proof the recall work was done.^10,11,18
Recall 25V8710002014More cars with the head airbag inflator fault in 24V288000. Ask for proof the recall work was done.⁷

What buyers avoid 1

What owners and the press say to steer clear of.

A 2012–2014 328i without timing chain records2012–2014AutoTrader.ca advises against a 2012–2014 328i unless the timing chain work is on record, and Euro Premium Parts lists the N20 cars among those to avoid.^1,2

Buyer's checklist: F30 BMW 3 Series 2012–2019

Look for 6

Recalls to ask about 26

What buyers avoid 1

Sources