The entry-level petrol in the F30 3 Series, using the 1.6-litre turbocharged N13 engine co-developed with PSA (Peugeot-Citroen). It produces 136 hp and 220 Nm, paired with either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic. Sold primarily in European and Asian markets from 2012 to 2015 before being replaced by the B38-powered 318i. The N13 is less powerful and lower-stressed than the N20 in the 320i, but shares the BMW turbo four-cylinder tendency towards oil leaks, timing chain wear, and turbo-related niggles. Running costs are moderate for a 3 Series.· more· less
Lowest F30 petrol running costsGood parts availability across Europe
N13 timing chain needs monitoringMultiple oil leak points with age
Buy if: You want an affordable F30 3 Series with a petrol engine and can find one with complete service history and no cold-start rattle.
Avoid if: The car rattles on cold start, has no verifiable service history, or you need the automatic gearbox combined with frequent short trips.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€9,900
median asking price, typically 140,000 km
Typical range€7,500 – €12,800
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€750 – €1,400/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€450 – €750 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €650 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Chain stretches and plastic guides degrade, causing cold-start rattle and risk of chain skip · more· less
The N13 engine uses a timing chain with plastic guides and a hydraulic tensioner. Over time, the chain stretches and the tensioner bleeds oil pressure overnight, producing a distinctive rattle for a few seconds on cold start. This typically becomes noticeable between 80,000 and 130,000 km. If ignored, the chain can eventually jump teeth and cause valve-piston contact, which is catastrophic. BMW superseded the original chain 11 31 1 439 853 with part 11 31 8 618 318, which suggests the issue was acknowledged. Replacement at an independent specialist costs approximately €1,200-1,500 (chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets). At a BMW dealer, expect €2,000-2,500. Chain condition can be assessed with a dedicated chain wear measurement tool during a pre-purchase inspection.
Valve cover gasket and PCV membrane failure
€350 - 7002 of 7
Gasket hardens and PCV membrane cracks, causing oil leaks and increased oil consumption · more· less
The rubber valve cover gasket hardens over time due to heat exposure, leading to oil seepage around the spark plug wells and along the cylinder head joint. The internal PCV (crankcase ventilation) membrane can also crack, causing misfires, rough idle, and increased oil consumption. Symptoms include an oily smell, visible oil residue on the engine, and excessive oil top-ups needed between services. On the N13, the PCV valve is integrated into the valve cover, so many specialists replace the entire valve cover assembly rather than attempting a membrane-only repair. Parts and labor at an independent shop run approximately €350-500; at a BMW dealer, closer to €600-700. This is one of the most common N13 issues, affecting the majority of cars by 80,000-100,000 km.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle and failure
€500 - 2,0003 of 7
Wastegate actuator linkage wears, causing rattling under boost and eventual power loss · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator arm and linkage wear over time, particularly on cars driven predominantly in city traffic where boost pressure cycles frequently. A rattling or chattering noise under acceleration is the first symptom, typically appearing after 80,000-120,000 km. If only the wastegate actuator or linkage is worn, a specialist can repair or recondition it for approximately €300-500. However, if the turbo internals (bearing, seals, compressor wheel) are also damaged, a full turbo replacement is needed at €1,200-2,000 including labor. Regular spirited driving on highway trips helps keep the wastegate mechanism exercised.
Coolant pump and thermostat failure
€500 - 1,0004 of 7
Coolant pump fails between 70,000 and 120,000 km, causing overheating risk · more· less
The N13 drives its main coolant pump mechanically through a friction gear, with a separate electric auxiliary pump for turbo cooling. The main pump is known to fail, typically between 70,000 and 120,000 km. Symptoms include a coolant warning light, engine overheating, or poor cabin heating during winter. The thermostat housing often fails at a similar age, so most specialists recommend replacing both together. An independent shop charges approximately €500-700 for the combined job (pump plus thermostat plus coolant flush). At a BMW dealer, expect €800-1,000. Driving with a failing water pump risks head gasket damage or cylinder head warping from overheating, so any warning signs should be addressed immediately.
Vacuum pump seal oil leak
€200 - 6005 of 7
Seal between vacuum pump and camshaft degrades, causing oil seepage at rear of engine · more· less
The mechanical vacuum pump (which powers the brake booster) is driven directly off the camshaft. The seal between the pump and the engine block degrades over time, allowing oil to seep out at the rear of the engine. This is a well-known N13 issue. BMW lists the O-ring separately as part 11 66 7 566 483, and aftermarket seal kits are also available for around €20-40. Labor is the main cost, as access is restricted. An independent shop typically charges €200-350 for the repair with an aftermarket seal kit, while replacing the entire vacuum pump assembly at a dealer costs €400-600.
Oil filter housing gasket leak
€300 - 6006 of 7
Gasket between oil filter housing and cylinder head hardens and leaks oil · more· less
The oil filter housing gasket is a common source of oil leaks on BMW four-cylinder engines, including the N13. The rubber gasket hardens and shrinks over time due to repeated heat cycling, typically between 80,000 and 130,000 km. Oil can leak onto the serpentine belt or drip onto hot exhaust components, creating a burning smell and potential fire risk if ignored. Replacement is straightforward at an independent shop (approximately €300-400), while a BMW dealer typically charges €500-600. This is often addressed at the same time as the valve cover gasket since both are related to oil leak prevention.
Ignition coil and spark plug failures
€150 - 4007 of 7
Coils crack from heat, causing misfires and rough running · more· less
Ignition coils on the N13 can crack from thermal stress, leading to misfires, rough idling, and a check engine light. This is common on all BMW turbocharged petrol engines. Individual coils cost approximately €30-50 each, and the N13 has four. Spark plugs should ideally be replaced every 40,000-60,000 km on the N13 (shorter than BMW's suggested interval). Replacing all four coils and plugs at an independent shop costs approximately €150-250; at a dealer, €300-400. Faulty coils are easy to diagnose with an OBD scanner, which will identify the misfiring cylinder.
Manageable with attentive maintenance, but timing chain and oil leaks need monitoring
The N13 engine in the 316i is a reasonably capable unit that can reach 200,000+ km when properly maintained, but it demands more attention than the naturally aspirated BMW engines it replaced. Timing chain condition is the most critical pre-purchase check. Oil leaks from the valve cover, PCV membrane, oil filter housing, and vacuum pump are common but individually inexpensive to fix. Shorter oil change intervals (every 10,000 km rather than BMW's recommended long-life schedule) and prompt attention to any cold-start rattle are the most effective preventive measures.
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records. Verify oil was changed every 10,000-15,000 km, not only at BMW's extended intervals.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns.
Cold start
Must start the engine completely cold. Listen carefully for any rattling during the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Drive for at least 20 minutes including varied speeds. Feel for hesitation, misfires, or unusual vibrations.
Specific for this vehicle
Listen for timing chain rattle on cold start
Start the engine from completely cold. A rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates stretched chain or worn tensioner. This is the single most important check on an N13.
Inspect for oil leaks around valve cover and oil filter housing
Look for oil residue on the top and sides of the engine, especially around the valve cover edges and oil filter housing. Some seepage is common on higher-mileage cars.
Check coolant level and condition
Coolant should be at the correct level with no discoloration. Low coolant can indicate water pump or thermostat housing leak.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Test turbo boost under acceleration
During the test drive, accelerate firmly from low speed. The car should pull smoothly without hesitation. Listen for excessive turbo noise or wastegate rattling under load.
Check for vacuum pump oil leak at rear of engine
Look underneath the car at the rear of the engine for oil drips. The vacuum pump seal is a common leak point on the N13.
Verify no engine warning lights after warm-up
Drive for 15+ minutes. Check for EPC light, check engine light, or coolant temperature warnings that only appear once the engine is warm.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Takata airbag inflator - BMW identifies only some F30 cars as potentially affected in the UK and Ireland, so confirm by VINVerify completed
Fuel pump failure risk, European recall of April 2015 covering selected four- and six-cylinder petrol 3 Series built June 2012 - April 2014Critical - verify completed
Contact BMW with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The 2015 fuel pump recall is the priority item on a car built between mid-2012 and April 2014. Airbag campaign scope on the F30 differs by market and by VIN, and several campaigns quoted under the 3 Series name belong to the six-cylinder cars or to United States actions, so do not read them across to a 316i.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all 316i F30 models
Extended warranty (BMW Nov 2016+)3 years on later production; still expired on all 316i
Rust perforation warranty12 years from first registration
All BMW 316i F30 models (2012-2015 production) are outside their original factory warranty. BMW introduced a 2+1 year warranty from November 2016, but this only applies to cars registered after that date. The 12-year rust perforation warranty may still apply to later 2014-2015 models.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
