In 2011, BMW enthusiasts were able to closely examine the new generation of cars from this company. Note that this is already the sixth model. It was in Munich that the BMW 3 Series F30 was presented to the world.
Interestingly, the E90 cars — the fifth generation, sold well, and there was no reason to stop production. But the manufacturers decided otherwise. They adhere to marketing rules and release new models every four years, with facelifts or restyling every two or three years. That's why they started selling cars of the new sixth generation in the winter of 2012.
It is worth noting that the third series of BMW had huge demand and popularity in the car market. Throughout the company's generations, they managed to sell twelve million cars.
Initially, only sedans were sold. Later, wagons — F31 and extended versions — F35 began to be sold. In 2013, a new model F34 Gran Turismo was introduced. This model was a kind of hybrid of a wagon and a sedan, with a sloping roof. After that, coupes were released, including two BMW F32 and four-door versions — F36. And, of course, the convertibles F33 were also released.
BMW 3 Series F30 Car Design
Let's take a closer look at the BMW F30 sedan body. This model has a sporty direction. This can be seen in the low roof of the body, as well as the presence of wide taillights located at the rear of the car. The front part has a bumper, nostrils, built-in air vents, fog lights, and a sloping hood.
The lighting features squinting headlights or LED lamps. The sloping roof looks quite athletic. The car's rear may remind you of the rear of cars in the fifth or seventh series. The same LED optics are found in fifth series cars. The car can also be equipped with an M body kit.
Speaking of design, it can be said that it is better than in the E90 model. The body's aerodynamics is rated at 0.25 Cd. The BMW 3 Series F30 has larger dimensions than the previous generations. Compared to the E90, the car has increased in length by 94, height by 9, slightly widened by 43, and the wheelbase has increased by 50 millimeters.
The car's dimensions are 4.63 in length, height — 2.03, width — 1.43, wheelbase — 2.8 meters. Ground clearance has been reduced by 1.5 centimeters. Despite the increased dimensions, the F30 is much lighter than the E90. For example, the 335i reduced its weight by 40 kilograms.
Headlights
The base equipment includes xenon headlights. The car has adaptive turning headlights, which have a function that adjusts the lighting distribution correctly. Thanks to this, it can be said that oncoming vehicles are protected from glare, and the driver has the ability to see around corners.
Mirrors
Rear-view mirrors are located on the sides, with turn signal repeaters. They are painted in body color, regardless of the car's equipment. This gives the car an aggressive look, yet retains a certain elegance.
Sunroof
The sunroof is located on the car's roof, equipped with an electric drive that allows for quick adjustment. This feature is excellent for when weather conditions are poor. Additional functions include the ability to install a rain sensor, which can automate the sunroof's position and adjustments.
BMW 3 Series F30 Interior
In this regard, developers have made an effort to equip the interior with high-quality materials. The finish includes pleasant and soft plastic, as well as genuine leather or Alcantara. The steering wheel is also upholstered in leather, with three spokes. The console is aimed at the driver. The instrument panel in the car is placed right behind it.
The instruments are quite simple, and all the information that appears on the screen can be easily read. The front dashboard has a monitor with a multimedia system. There are no complaints in operation, except for one detail. The multimedia system is fixed, so it cannot be hidden.
The standard BMW F30 monitor is replaced by the advanced NBT EVO. This system is slightly more modern. With it, you can receive information.
The front seats of the BMW 3 Series F30 are quite wide and comfortable, and they also come with side support. The seats can be adjusted in any direction. In the F30, the dimensions have increased. As a result, the space in the rear has increased, specifically in legroom and headroom. However, it remains a bit tight for three passengers.
The best option is to seat two passengers, who will definitely be comfortable. The door handles notice inserts made of aluminum or wood. Also, cup holders are placed in the center of the cabin, which can be covered with a plastic compartment. The BMW 3 Series F30 trunk has a larger volume — 480 liters. That is, it has increased by fifty units.
The interior lighting is a great option that is convenient to use at night. The cabin is made in three variations:
- Luxury;
- Modern;
- BMW F30 Sport.
BMW 3 Series F30 Configurations
Let's now take a look at the BMW 3 Series F30 configurations.
When purchasing the Sport Line, the owner gets 17-inch wheels, sports suspension in black, chrome on the exhaust pipe, exterior mirrors, radiator grille, and glossy air intake. The interior is equipped with a leather steering wheel or sporty door sills, with red accents on the steering wheel and seats, made of leather materials. There are two finishing options: aluminum and black, with the instrument panel illuminated in red.
The control panel has buttons made of chromed rings. The transmission lever is exclusively designed.
The Modern Line configuration includes the same interior. Only the exhaust pipe and radiator grille have a decorative matte chrome finish, not black. The interior does not differ much from the Sport Line. Upholstery, inserts, door sills, steering wheel, and chrome rings all remain the same. However, when it comes to bright colors, there are slightly more options in this case.
By purchasing a car styled in the Luxury Line, you will become the owner of an exhaust pipe with a chrome shade, the same wheels, and a radiator grille. The interior has the same set, but in a richer brown tone. The central console is also made of chrome. This configuration is considered the most expensive and luxurious.
Another M Sport configuration is equipped with sports lighting, which is lowered by one centimeter. The car has 19-inch alloy wheels, a projection monitor with various color schemes, cruise control, exclusive body paint. The elements placed in the interior are quite original.
If you have additional equipment that you received in this package, then you can confidently refuse tuning the F30, or you can create your own individual style. The F30 has a fuel heater, which is autonomous.
Car Safety and Electronic Equipment of BMW 3 Series F30
Let's now talk a bit about the electronics in the BMW 3 Series F30. The car has everything, namely, safety and electronic equipment are at a high level.
In the equipment, you can see:
- Six airbags;
- Fog lights;
- Sensors for rain and light;
- Parking system, ABS, and ESP;
- Two-zone climate control;
- Full electric package;
- Heated seats;
- Keyless entry;
- Audio system with music;
- A camera that allows you to see what is happening behind, as well as a surround view.
The multimedia system in this car deserves special attention. Here, they have combined technological applications and various services. Thanks to this, passengers will certainly not be bored during the trip, and the driver can get the necessary information.
For example, specific data can be displayed on the windshield, the system can read road signs online, the adaptive cruise control, cameras see well at night, blind spots remain visible. In the BMW 3 Series F30, you can easily find everything you need through the internet. And thanks to this, you can find the necessary place in an unfamiliar town.
How Does Pre-Facelift BMW 3 Series F30 Differ from Facelift
For the BMW F30, the facelift was done in 2015. Let's now analyze with you the difference between the pre-facelift and facelift. The car's exterior was slightly modified. The optics were made fully LED.
They introduced more color options, as well as wheel designs. The bumpers also received their changes. The elongated horizontal line is a new addition. This is necessary to make the car visually look a bit lower and wider. The air vents were made in chrome frames.
In the BMW 3 Series F30 interior, they added another block to make it convenient to control the climate. Inserts on the doors were also made chrome. All configurations mentioned above remain the same, but the color combinations increased significantly, as did the finishing styles.
Buyers were started to be offered not only rear-wheel-drive cars but also all-wheel-drive ones, which have two or three-liter gasoline engines or a two-liter diesel engine.
The BMW 340i has 246 horsepower. Due to the car having LTE and a navigator in the multimedia system, it has become the top car on the market.
Possible Issues with BMW 3 Series F30
Lastly, let's address the problems and inconveniences that this car could bring to its users. For example, let's take that the car may require a lot of oil. This often happens when the turbine is replaced. The main reason is the wear of the piston rings.
The most common problem in all BMW cars is that it constantly jerks when accelerating. To fix this, you need to change the cylinder coils and, of course, use quality oil. And the very last thing is the car squeaking.
The squeaking can come from anything: the door, hinges, rear spring, steering wheel. There are many reasons for this issue. To solve this problem, you need to consult professionals in the service.
The same should be done when the fog lights notification appears. Why go to the service? Because there are also many reasons for this issue. Therefore, a diagnosis needs to be done, and you should talk to an electrician to inspect the car.
