The F30 320d is BMW's best-selling executive diesel, known for excellent fuel economy (4-5L/100km) and refined driving dynamics. The critical distinction is engine generation: pre-2015 cars use the N47 engine with documented timing chain problems (chain at rear of engine, costly to replace), while 2015+ LCI models use the improved B47. Both engines share EGR cooler fire recall issues. The N47 can be reliable with 10,000 km oil changes, but the timing chain is a known weak point - listen for cold start rattle. Steering rack knock is common but usually fixed cheaply with a repair kit. DPF issues occur on city-only driving. LCI models (2015+) are significantly lower risk purchases.
Chain at rear of engine stretches, causes cold start rattle and potential engine damage · more· less
The N47 engine (2007-2015) has a timing chain located at the rear of the engine, making replacement labor-intensive. The chain tensioner loses pressure overnight, causing a distinctive rattle on cold start lasting 1-30 seconds. Pre-2011 engines are most severely affected with catastrophic failure risk; 2011-2015 engines have improved components but still develop chain stretch. The gearbox must be removed for replacement. Independent specialists charge €1,200-1,500 (manual) or €1,800-2,100 (automatic). BMW dealers quote around €2,400. Many owners with 150,000+ km on original chains report no issues, but short service intervals (10,000 km oil changes) are essential. The B47 engine (2015+) has the chain at the front - much less problematic.
EGR cooler leak (fire risk recall)€0 (recall) / €800-€1,500 if not covered
EGR cooler leaks coolant internally, can cause engine fire · more· less
BMW recalled diesel models produced September 2012 - June 2017 for EGR cooler issues. The cooler can leak internally, causing coolant to mix with diesel soot, potentially leading to smoldering particles, melting intake manifold, and fire. Warning signs include coolant loss warning, reduced power, unusual engine noise, or smoke from the engine bay. BMW acknowledged that the initial 2018 recall fix was insufficient and issued a second recall. An optimized cooler from a different supplier has been used since 2022. Verify with BMW using your VIN that this recall has been completed - if not done, it's free at any BMW dealer.
Turbocharger failure€1,200 - €2,500
Turbo fails from oil starvation or wear, typically after 100,000 km · more· less
Turbocharger failure is possible after 100,000 km, particularly if oil changes have been neglected. Symptoms include loss of power, difficulty maintaining high speeds, grey/blue exhaust smoke, and whistling noise. Oil feed pipe leaks are a common precursor. A remanufactured turbo from a specialist costs around €650-800 plus labor. Genuine BMW replacement runs €1,500+ at dealers. Some owners have negotiated goodwill coverage from BMW for cars just out of warranty. Regular oil changes with quality oil extend turbo life significantly.
Steering rack knock€40 - €3,000
Electric steering rack develops knock/clunk when rocking wheel while parked · more· less
A common F30 issue is a knock in the steering when the car is turned off and you rock the steering wheel. The electric steering rack is factory pre-greased which can dry out. Before paying for a full rack replacement (€3,000+), try the BMW thrust repair kit (part 32106891974) which costs only €40 and eliminates the noise in most cases. Full steering rack replacement requires dealer programming. Some racks fail at 50,000-80,000 km with similar mileage on replacement units reported.
DPF clogs from short trips, requires forced regeneration or replacement · more· less
DPF regeneration requires: coolant temp above 75°C, exhaust temp above 240°C, sufficient fuel (half tank recommended), and sustained driving above 60 km/h. Short trips repeatedly interrupt regeneration cycles. Failed thermostats (which don't reach proper operating temperature) also prevent regeneration. Symptoms include reduced power and warning lights. Professional DPF cleaning costs around €150. A forced regeneration at a dealer costs €200-300. Full DPF replacement runs €1,500-2,000. Prevention: drive at 2,000+ rpm for 20-30 minutes on highway every 2-3 weeks if your daily driving is city-only.
Carbon deposits restrict airflow, plastic swirl flaps can break and damage engine · more· less
Carbon buildup from oil residue (turbo) and EGR gases accumulates on the intake manifold and swirl flaps over time. The N47 and B47 use plastic swirl flaps that can wear and work loose from vibration. If flaps break, pieces can enter the engine causing major damage. Symptoms include approximately 10% power loss at higher RPM. Common solution is swirl flap removal/delete (€250-320 including blanks and gaskets). This doesn't trigger fault codes as the actuator motor is left connected. Typically develops between 60,000-120,000 km.
Dual mass flywheel / clutch wear (manual)€800 - €1,500
DMF and clutch wear together, replace as set at 120,000-180,000 km · more· less
Manual transmission cars have a dual mass flywheel that typically needs replacement along with the clutch between 120,000-180,000 km depending on driving style. Symptoms include vibration at idle, rattling noise, or clutch slippage. Independent specialists charge €750-1,000 for LuK or Sachs kit with labor. Dealers charge €1,200-1,500. Some owners report 190,000 km on original clutch with gentle driving. Always replace both DMF and clutch together - doing one without the other is false economy.
Glow plug / control module failure€150 - €500
Glow plugs fail causing hard cold starts in winter · more· less
Glow plugs preheat the combustion chamber for cold starts. When they fail, the car struggles to start in cold weather (below 3-4°C), turning over for extended periods and running rough for the first few minutes. The glow plug indicator staying lit longer than usual is an early warning sign. The N47 can also suffer glow plug control module failure, which throws errors for all 4 plugs simultaneously. Glow plug set replacement costs around €400-500 including labor. Replace all four together as they wear at similar rates.
Electric water pump failure€400 - €800
Electric water pump fails around 80,000-100,000 km causing overheating · more· less
BMW uses an electric water pump with an expected service life of around 100,000 km. When the electronics inside fail, the engine can quickly overheat. Symptoms include coolant warning, temperature spikes, or poor cabin heating (thermostat-related). Replace the thermostat at the same time as the water pump - doing both together prevents a repeat repair soon after. Parts cost approximately €350-400 (pump + thermostat), labor is 2-3 hours. Ignoring overheating can cause head gasket failure.
Diesel injector failure€400 - €1,200
Injectors clog or fail electrically, causing rough running and misfires · more· less
Diesel injectors can become restricted or fail electrically over time, causing misfires, rough running, hard starting, and poor fuel economy. Common recommendation is to replace as a set to maintain even fuel delivery. Remanufactured injectors cost around €200-280 each. Each injector has a calibration code that must be programmed into the ECU after replacement. BMW has a technical bulletin recommending "blanket repair" (all injectors) when one fails. Less common than petrol engine injector issues.
Pre-2015 (N47) is higher risk; 2015+ LCI (B47) is significantly better
The F30 320d's reliability depends heavily on engine generation. Pre-2015 N47 cars carry timing chain risk - not every car fails, but the repair is expensive when it does. With documented service history showing 10,000 km oil changes, many N47s reach 200,000+ km. The 2015+ LCI with B47 engine addresses the main concern by relocating the timing chain to the front. Both engines share EGR cooler recall issues - verify completion before purchase. Overall, a well-maintained 320d is economical and refined, but factor in a risk buffer for the N47.
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
General checks
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at 10,000-15,000 km intervals - longer intervals (BMW's 30,000 km CBS) increase timing chain risk.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Run-flat tires (standard) are expensive to replace.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Most critical check for N47 engines - see specific section below.
Body condition
F30 paint is known to chip easily. Check for lacquer peel, stone chips on bonnet and bumpers.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to get engine and DPF up to full operating temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Cold start timing chain rattle (N47 only)
Start the engine completely cold. Listen carefully for rattling/clattering in the first 1-30 seconds. Brief rattle (1-2 seconds) may be acceptable; prolonged rattle indicates imminent timing chain replacement. This is the single most important check for pre-2015 cars.
Steering rack knock test
With engine off, rock the steering wheel left/right. Any clunking indicates the common steering rack issue. Usually fixable with €40 repair kit, but verify it's just this issue and not tie rod ends.
EGR cooler recall verification
Contact BMW with the VIN to confirm the EGR cooler recall has been completed. If not, this is a fire risk and should be done before taking ownership.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates potential EGR cooler leak (serious), water pump failure, or head gasket issues.
DPF regeneration status
Ask about typical driving patterns. City-only cars are higher risk for DPF problems. During test drive, monitor exhaust - excessive smoke or burning smell during highway driving may indicate active regeneration of a heavily loaded DPF.
Glow plug indicator timing
On cold start, watch how long the glow plug light stays on. If it stays lit much longer than usual (more than 5-6 seconds) or the car is slow to start in cool weather, glow plugs may need replacement.
Check for oil leaks around turbo
Inspect the turbo area for oil seepage or wet patches. Oil feed pipe leaks are a precursor to turbo failure.
Verify engine variant (N47 vs B47)
Check the VIN or engine code to confirm whether it's pre-LCI (N47) or LCI (B47). The engine code is on a sticker on the engine cover. B47 is the preferred engine.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
EGR cooler fire risk (Sept 2012 - June 2017 diesels)Verify completed
Water pump electrical connector (2012-2016)Verify completed
Brake vacuum pump (N20/N26 petrol only)N/A for diesel
Contact BMW with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The EGR cooler recall is particularly important for diesel models - the initial 2018 fix was found to be insufficient, and BMW issued a second recall. Ensure the latest fix has been applied.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all F30s
Extended warranty availabilityThird-party options available
Goodwill repairsSometimes possible via dealer
All F30 320d models are now outside their original factory warranty. BMW has occasionally provided goodwill assistance for timing chain and turbo failures on cars with complete dealer service history - worth asking if you face a major repair. Third-party extended warranties are available but check exclusions carefully - timing chains and DPF are often excluded on diesel engines.
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.