BMW · F30 · 2012-2015
BMW 3 Serisi 320d specs and common problems
The most popular diesel premium sedan in its segment. On the pre-2015 N47 engine the timing chain is at the back of the engine, and chain stretch is the best-known and most expensive problem. Regular oil changes directly affect chain life.
01 / 07
How much oil does the 3 Serisi 320d take?
The 3 Serisi 320d takes about 5.2 litres of 5W-30 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: BMW Longlife-04.
- Approval
- BMW Longlife-04
- Alternative
- 0W-30
- ZF 8HP automatic
- ZF Lifeguard 8 · ≈ 7.0 L (with sump change)
- Coolant
- BMW coolant (G48 equivalent) · ≈ 7.5 L
- Brake fluid
- DOT 4 low viscosity
02 / 07
Timing chain and maintenance
No replacement interval; replaced when stretch symptoms appear
The chain is at the back of the engine, so the engine has to come out to replace it; labour costs are high.
- Oil change
- The service indicator may allow up to 20,000 km; 10,000-15,000 km is recommended for the chain
- Glow plug
- 4 pcs · When they fail
- Valves / tappets
- Hydraulic tappets.
- Fuel filter
- 60,000 km
- Power
- 184 hp @ 4,000 rpm
- Torque
- 380 Nm @ 1,750 rpm
- Displacement
- 1,995 cc
- Fuel
- Diesel · Variable geometry turbo, intercooler
- Valvetrain
- DOHC 16V
- Injection
- Common-rail direct injection
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP)
- Emissions
- Euro 5 (DPF)
03 / 07
Tyre size and pressure
- Original size
- 225/50 R17
- Alternative sizes
- 205/60 R16 · 225/45 R18 (front) / 255/40 R18 (rear)
- Bolt pattern (PCD)
- 5x120
- Centre bore
- 72.6 mm
- Wheel
- 7.5J x 17 ET37
04 / 07
Is the 3 Serisi 320d suitable for LPG?
- Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.
05 / 07
3 Serisi 320d common problems and fixes
- #01
Rear timing chain stretch
Critical Risk100,000-200,000 km
- Symptom:
- Whine or rattle from the gearbox end of the engine, especially at idle and when lifting off.
- Cause:
- Wear of the chain and guide material, long oil change intervals.
- Proper fix:
- The engine is removed and the chain kit, tensioner and guides are replaced. If the chain snaps, the engine is badly damaged.
- #02
Swirl flaps and intake manifold sooting
Medium RiskAfter 100,000 km
- Symptom:
- Loss of power, check engine light.
- Cause:
- EGR gases leaving soot in the manifold.
- Proper fix:
- Intake manifold cleaning or replacement.
- #03
EGR cooler failure
High RiskAfter 120,000 km
- Symptom:
- Coolant loss, white vapour from the exhaust.
- Cause:
- The EGR cooler cracking internally.
- Proper fix:
- The EGR cooler is replaced.
06 / 07
Common fault codes on the 3 Serisi 320d
07 / 07
Frequently asked questions
How much engine oil does the 3 Serisi 320d take?
The 3 Serisi 320d (N47D20) takes about 5.2 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 5W-30; look for the BMW Longlife-04 approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.
When should the timing chain on the 3 Serisi 320d be replaced?
This engine uses a timing chain. No replacement interval; replaced when stretch symptoms appear. The chain is at the back of the engine, so the engine has to come out to replace it; labour costs are high.
What tyre pressure should the 3 Serisi 320d run?
With the original 225/50 R17 tyres, 32 PSI front and 35 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 33 front / 41 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.
Is the 3 Serisi 320d suitable for LPG?
Not suitable, diesel engine. Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.
What are the common problems of the 3 Serisi 320d?
The best-known problems are: Rear timing chain stretch, Swirl flaps and intake manifold sooting, EGR cooler failure. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.
Other BMW models
Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·