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BMW F34 3 Series Gran Turismo buyer's guide
2014–2019 · 328i xDrive GT, 335i xDrive GT, 330i xDrive GT, 340i xDrive GT (N20, N55, B46/B48, B58)
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Engines by year Model-year changes Known problems Warranty extensions Recalls Inspection checklist Red flags Specs Paint codes Coding Ownership costs Sources
Models and engines by year
| Model | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 328i xDrive GT | 2014–2016 | N20 |
| 335i xDrive GT | 2014–2016 | N55 |
| 330i xDrive GT | 2017–2019 | B46/B48 |
| 340i xDrive GT | 2017–2019 | B58 |
US-market models. Chassis codes: F34. Not sure which one you have? The VIN check decodes year, model and engine.
Model-year changes
| Model year | What changed |
|---|---|
| Launch | Unveiled at the Geneva show in March 2013 as a hatchback on the 3 Series platform.16 |
| 2014 | US lineup in the EPA listings: 2.0L 4-cyl turbo: 328i xDrive Gran Turismo; 3.0L 6-cyl turbo: 335i xDrive Gran Turismo.17 |
| Facelift (LCI) | Facelift in mid-2016, a year after the other F30-generation body styles.16 |
| 2017 | New: 330i xDrive Gran Turismo (2.0L 4-cyl turbo), 340i xDrive Gran Turismo (3.0L 6-cyl turbo). No longer listed: 328i xDrive Gran Turismo, 335i xDrive Gran Turismo.17 |
| End | Sold until early 2020 and not replaced in the next generation; the 4 Series Gran Coupe took its place.16 |
US model years unless noted. "LCI" (Life Cycle Impulse) is BMW's name for a mid-cycle facelift.
Known problems and when they show up
Mileages are what the cited shops, specialists and owner forums report. They are typical ranges, not predictions for any one car.
N20 engine
328i xDrive GT (2014–2016) · N20 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain | any mileage; BMW warranty extension is 7 years/70,000 miles | A whine from the front of the engine that rises with rpm, or a cold-start rattle. A broken guide can destroy the engine. BMW revised the chain parts from January 2015 production. Its warranty extension (SIB 11 03 17) covers listed 2012–2015 N20/N26 cars built up to mid-2015, for 7 years/70,000 miles from in-service. A class-action settlement (SIB 11 02 21) covers cars built through February 2015.1,2,3,4 | N20 timing chain replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,375–$2,832 · dealer $3,550–$5,000 |
| Oil leaks and electric water pump | not tied to a mileage in our sources | Valve cover, oil filter housing gasket leaks and electric water pump failures also come up on higher-mileage N20s. | No price yet |
N55 engine
335i xDrive GT (2014–2016) · N55 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve cover and gasket leak | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Burning-oil smell and oil on the spark plug wells. The plastic cover can also crack, so it is often replaced together with the gasket.5,6,7 | N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) Owners paid: indie shop $930–$1,625 · dealer $1,450–$2,076 |
| Oil filter housing gasket leak | about 50,000–130,000 miles | Oil drips onto the belt and tensioner. Fix it before the belt is damaged.5,6,7,8 | N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) Owners paid: indie shop $648–$763 |
| Electric water pump and thermostat | usually before 100,000 miles; reported failures range from about 30,000 to over 120,000 | Fails suddenly, often with no warning, then overheats.5,6,7 | N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| Plastic charge pipe | can crack at any age, even at stock boost; about 40,000–90,000 miles (60,000–150,000 km) per EngineScope | Sudden loss of boost and a whoosh under load.5,7 | N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement |
| Oil pan gasket | usually past 100,000 miles | Expensive labor because the subframe must be lowered.5 | N55 oil pan gasket Owners paid: indie shop $1,588–$1,900 |
| VANOS solenoids | around 120,000 miles | Rough idle and cam timing faults.5 | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
B46/B48 engine
330i xDrive GT (2017–2019) · B46/B48 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant leak at the oil filter housing | most reports about 60,000–80,000 miles | BMW SIB 11 10 25 (Dec 2025): the housing seal can press on the coolant bushing so it deforms and leaks. The fix is a new gasket set and a redesigned bushing. It covers B46/B48 in G01, G02, G20, G22, G23, G26, G29, G30, G45 and G60.9,10,11 | B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak) Owners paid: indie shop $1,800–$3,300 · dealer $2,825–$3,950 |
| Brittle coolant hoses and couplings | age and heat related | Plastic connectors near hot parts crack and can burst.11,10 | No price yet |
| Turbo oil return line leak (early cars) | early production | Caused by a mis-assembled gasket, fixed under warranty on early engines.11 | No price yet |
| Fuel tank vent (purge) valve | any mileage | Evap check-engine light. BMW NA extended the warranty on this valve to 15 yr/150,000 mi on many B46/B48/B58 cars (SIB 01 02 24 and later; listed on our job page).12 | B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve) |
B58 engine
340i xDrive GT (2017–2019) · B58 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant loss: oil filter housing, vent hose, water pump, expansion tank | commonly from about 60,000–80,000 miles; water pumps typically last about 75,000–100,000 | Often a slow "ghost" leak you smell but can't see. A pressure test finds it. Common sources are the plastic oil filter housing and its coolant vent hose, the water pump and the expansion tank.13,10,14 | B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak) Owners paid: indie shop $1,800–$3,300 · dealer $2,825–$3,950 |
| Valve cover gasket and PCV | valve cover gaskets about 60,000–100,000 miles | Oil on the spark plugs, burning-oil smell, low-oil warning. In November 2023 BMW NA mailed owners a 15 yr/150,000 mi warranty extension for the crankcase pressure control (PCV) valve (details and letter on our job page).15,13 | B58 valve cover / PCV failure Owners paid: dealer $3,049–$4,450 |
| Fuel tank vent (purge) valve | any mileage | Evap check-engine light. BMW NA extended the warranty on this valve to 15 yr/150,000 mi on many B46/B48/B58 cars (SIB 01 02 24 and later; listed on our job page).12 | B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve) |
Warranty extensions and service campaigns 36
Warranty extensions (35)
- SIB 01 03 24 EVAP system warranty extension EVAP system warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/G05/G06 and other models (2017–2025); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jun 2026
- SIB 01 02 24 EVAP system warranty extension EVAP system warranty extension on BMW G11/G12/G20/F22 and other models (2016–2024); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jun 2026
- SIB 01 20 16 Electrical system service information Electrical system service information on BMW E46/E70/E71/E72 and other models (2006–2014); BMW extended coverage for eligible cars. Warranty extension · May 2026
- SIB 01 03 25 Radiator warranty extension Radiator warranty extension on BMW G05/G06/G07/G20 and other models (2019–2022); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Mar 2026
- SIB 72 02 25 Seat warranty extension Seat warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/G20/F30 and other models (2019–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jun 2025
- SIB 01 08 25 Body check engine light Body check engine light on BMW G05/G06/G07/G20 and other models (2019–2022); BMW gives an inspection and repair procedure. Warranty extension · May 2025
- SIB 01 16 24 Telematics unit warranty extension Telematics unit warranty extension on BMW G11/G12/G20/G30 and other models (2018–2020); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jan 2025
- SIB 01 18 24 Telematics unit warranty extension Telematics unit warranty extension on BMW G11/G12/G20/G30 and other models (2018–2020); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Dec 2024
- SIB 01 07 22 Fuel tank warranty extension Fuel tank warranty extension on BMW F22/F23/F30/F31 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Oct 2024
- SIB 01 03 22 Fuel tank warranty extension Fuel tank warranty extension on N20 engines (2014–2016); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Oct 2024
- SIB 01 04 19 EVAP system warranty extension EVAP system warranty extension on B46/B48 engines (2016–2020); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Sep 2024
- SIB 01 09 19 Fuel injectors warranty extension Fuel injectors warranty extension on BMW G01/G11/G12/G30 and other models (2009–2019); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Nov 2023
- SIB 01 14 23 Crankcase vent valve (PCV) warranty extension Crankcase vent valve (PCV) warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/G11/G12 and other models (2016–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Nov 2023
- SIB 01 19 18 Component specific limited warranty extension Component specific limited warranty extension on BMW G20/E60/E90/E92 and other models (2009–2019); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · May 2022
- NHTSA 10212779 Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension on BMW G20/E90/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Apr 2022
Showing 15 of 35.
Service campaigns (1)
- SIB 11 05 21 Water pump cracking Water pump cracking on BMW G05/G06/G07/G20 and other models (2017–2022); BMW repairs affected cars free under a service campaign. Service campaign · Dec 2024
Filed by BMW with NHTSA. Extensions usually follow the car to later owners and can reimburse earlier repairs; a BMW dealer can confirm by VIN.
NHTSA safety recalls 18
- Recall 25V871: head air bag 228I, 320I, 328I, 335I, 428I, 435I, M235I, 2014–2015. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
- Recall 25V636: engine starter 230I, 330I, 430I, 430I CONVERTIBLE, 530I, X3, X4, Z4, 2019–2022. The engine starter relay may corrode, causing the relay to overheat and short circuit.
- Recall 24V608: water pump, plug connector 228I, 328I, 428I, 528I, X1, X3, X4, X5, Z4, 2012–2018. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 201
- Recall 24V527: driver's front air bag 320I, 328D, 328I, 335I, 428I, 435I, 528I, 535D, 535I, 550I, 640I, 650I, ACTIVE HYBRID 5, X3, X5, 2013–2015. Please see the recall report for the complete list of models.
- Recall 24V288: head air bag 228I, 320I, 328D, 328I, 335I, 428I, 435I, M235I, M3, M4, 2014–2015. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
- Recall 23V584: receiver audio module (ram) ECU 228I, 330I, 430I, M340I, M440I, 2019–2022. The receiver audio module control unit software may fail to properly generate audible seat belt warnings to the driver to fasten their seat belt.
- Recall 23V211: front seat frame 330I, M340I, X3, X4, 2019–2021. The seat frame may not have been welded properly to the seat rails.
- Recall 21V096: rearview camera software 330E, 330I, 430I, 530E, 530I, 540I, 740I, 745LE, 750LI, 840I, M340I, M440I, M550I, M760I, M8, M850I, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, 2019–2021. When shifting into Reverse, a small portion of the rearview image may be obscured, or the screen may not illuminate.
- Recall 20V355: steering gear tie rod 330I, M340I, X3, X4, Z4, 2019–2020. In certain driving conditions, such as high temperatures and rough road surfaces, a steering gear tie rod may become damaged, possibly resulting in a fractured tie rod.
- Recall 19V912: pretensioner 330I, 2019–2020. The outboard rear seat belt pretensioners may not lock as intended during a crash.
- Recall 19V732: engine 330I, Z4, 2019–2020. The needle roller bearings of the counterbalance shafts may have been improperly installed, potentially causing the counterbalance shaft to loosen.
- Recall 19V684: camera 330I, 530E, 530I, 540D, 540I, 640I, 740LE, 740LI, 745LE, 750LI, 840I, M340I, M5, M550I, M850I, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, Z4, 2018–2020. The back-up camera and display settings can be adjusted such that the rear view image is no longer visible and the system will retain that setting the next time the vehicle is placed in reverse.
Showing the 12 newest of 18.
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. A recall may cover only some cars from a year, and it may already have been done on yours. Check by VIN →
Test drive and inspection checklist
- Run the VIN for open recalls. Open safety recalls are free at any BMW dealer. Check on NHTSA's site or our recall page before you buy.18
- Scan for stored fault codes with a BMW-capable tool. A generic OBD reader misses most BMW modules. Specialist guides recommend a BMW-level scan (ISTA or similar) to catch faults that have been cleared from the dash but still stored.19,20
- Start it from cold. Ask the seller not to warm the car up first. Chain rattle, VANOS rattle, lifter tick and rough idle show most clearly in the first seconds after a cold start.19,21,22
- Ask a BMW dealer about warranty extensions and campaigns. Several BMW warranty extensions follow the car, not the owner, and some reimburse earlier repairs. A dealer can check the VIN. The list for this chassis is below.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW specialist. A few hundred dollars for an independent BMW specialist is the usual advice, especially for M cars and high-mileage turbo engines.23,19
Engine items to listen and look for are in the known problems section.
Service-history red flags
- Oil changes only at the long computer interval. Several guides advise changing oil more often than the onboard service indicator (CBS) suggests, especially with lots of city driving.22,24
- Gaps in the records around known failure mileages. If the engine section below lists a job that usually comes due at the car's mileage, ask for the invoice. A missing record isn't proof it wasn't done, but it is a negotiating point.
- Tuned or "deleted" cars. Tunes, emissions deletes and removed parts complicate warranty claims and inspections and raise wear on turbo cars. Ask, and look for aftermarket intakes, downpipes and charge pipes.
- N20: ask for records of Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain; Oil leaks and electric water pump.
- N55: ask for records of Valve cover and gasket leak; Oil filter housing gasket leak; Electric water pump and thermostat; Plastic charge pipe; Oil pan gasket; VANOS solenoids.
- B46/B48: ask for records of Coolant leak at the oil filter housing; Brittle coolant hoses and couplings; Turbo oil return line leak (early cars); Fuel tank vent (purge) valve.
- B58: ask for records of Coolant loss: oil filter housing, vent hose, water pump, expansion tank; Valve cover gasket and PCV; Fuel tank vent (purge) valve.
F34 specs
BMW's US figures we have on file run from 248 hp (330i xDrive Gran Turismo) to 248 hp (330i xDrive Gran Turismo), with 0-60 mph as quick as 4.7 s.
No manual gearbox appears in the EPA listings for this chassis. Full F34 specs: every US engine, transmission and drive by year →
Factory paint and option codes
Paint colors BMW of North America listed for the F34 in the ordering and pricing guides we read:
| Code | Color | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | Alpine White | 2017 |
| 475 | Black Sapphire Metallic | 2017 |
| 668 | Jet Black | 2017 |
| A75 | Melbourne Red Metallic | 2017 |
| A83 | Glacier Silver Metallic | 2017 |
| A89 | Imperial Blue Metallic | 2017 |
| A96 | Mineral White Metallic | 2017 |
| B39 | Mineral Grey Metallic | 2017 |
| B45 | Estoril Blue Metallic | 2017 |
| B65 | Jatoba Brown Metallic | 2017 |
| C27 | Arctic Grey Metallic | 2017 |
94 option codes are listed for the F34 in the same guides. Search them.
Only model years covered by the guides we could obtain are shown.
Coding
The coding apps' own lists show 185 settings that owners can change on the F34 with a phone and an OBD adapter, in areas such as Welcome Lights, Seat heating/cooling, Convenient opening/closing, Display options iDrive system, Tailgate, Audio. 168 come from BimmerCode's list and 17 more appear only in Carly's list.
Ownership costs
Routine maintenance: oil service prices by engine size, published BMW Value Service prices (brakes, spark plugs) from 16 US dealers, and the F34 maintenance schedule.
Repairs we price that apply to the F34
| Repair and owner-reported prices |
|---|
| N20 timing chain replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,375–$2,832 · dealer $3,550–$5,000 |
| B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak) Owners paid: indie shop $1,800–$3,300 · dealer $2,825–$3,950 |
| N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) Owners paid: indie shop $648–$763 |
| N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) Owners paid: indie shop $930–$1,625 · dealer $1,450–$2,076 |
| B58 valve cover / PCV failure Owners paid: dealer $3,049–$4,450 |
| N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| N55 oil pan gasket Owners paid: indie shop $1,588–$1,900 |
| VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
| B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve) |
| N55 ignition coils (all six) |
| N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement |
| B58 coolant expansion tank (G05 X5 40i, high- or low-temp) |
| B58 heat management module (thermostat) replacement |
| B58 oil pump replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,865–$3,600 |
| B58 water pump (coolant pump) |
"Owners paid" is the middle 50% of sourced owner prices across chassis with the same engine. Each job page reprices for your ZIP.
By model year
| Year | Models and engines | NHTSA recalls | Warranty extensions | Repairs we price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 328i xDrive GT N20 335i xDrive GT N55 | 8 | 21 | 8 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2015 | 328i xDrive GT N20 335i xDrive GT N55 | 6 | 18 | 8 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2016 | 328i xDrive GT N20 335i xDrive GT N55 | 1 | 16 | 8 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2017 | 330i xDrive GT B46/B48 340i xDrive GT B58 | 1 | 16 | 7 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2018 | 330i xDrive GT B46/B48 340i xDrive GT B58 | 3 | 15 | 7 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2019 | 330i xDrive GT B46/B48 340i xDrive GT B58 | 10 | 14 | 7 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
Recalls and warranty extensions are counted when their published model-year range includes that year. Each one may cover only some cars, so check by VIN. Repairs counted are the ones whose engine was offered that year.
Sources
- BMW SIB 11 03 17 (rev. 7): N20/N26 timing chain warranty extension, via NHTSA
- BMW SIB 11 02 21: N20/N26 class action settlement (Gelis v. BMW)
- RightFootDown: BMW redesigns N20 timing chain parts (01/2015)
- Bimmerpost X3 forum: build date for revised N20 chain
- BMWTuning: N55 FAQ
- BMWTuning: 5 most common N55 problems
- EngineScope: N55 reliability
- r/F30: how long has your N55 lasted?
- BMW SIB 11 10 25: coolant leaking from oil filter housing (B46/B48), via NHTSA
- Motronix: B46/B58 coolant leaks at the oil filter housing
- Bimmerly: B48 reliability
- BMW SIB 01 02 24: EVAP purge valve warranty extension (BimmerBench summary)
- BMWTuning: 5 most common B58 problems
- r/F30: high-mileage B58 coolant and OFH issues
- R44 Performance: B58 engine review
- Wikipedia: BMW 3 Series (F30)
- EPA/DOE fuel economy data (fueleconomy.gov)
- NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
- The Stable: E92 M3 buyer's guide
- Euro Premium Parts: E60 M5 reliability guide
- carsales: buying a used F30 3 Series (2015–20)
- carsales: buying a used E90 3 Series
- Road & Track: E46 M3 buyer's guide
- Drive-My: E60 5 Series buying guide (six-cylinder petrol)
Retrieved 2026-10-18. Bulletins and recalls come from NHTSA filings; owner prices come from the public posts linked on each job page.