BMW · F30 · 2012-2015
BMW 3 Serisi 320i specs and common problems
The petrol sibling of the 320d. On the pre-2015 N20 engine, broken timing chain guide rails are the best-known problem. If you hear a whine from the chain, have it checked immediately.
01 / 07
How much oil does the 3 Serisi 320i take?
The 3 Serisi 320i takes about 5 litres of 5W-30 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: BMW Longlife-01.
- Approval
- BMW Longlife-01
- Alternative
- 0W-30
- ZF 8HP automatic
- ZF Lifeguard 8 · ≈ 7.0 L (with sump change)
- Coolant
- BMW coolant · ≈ 7 L
- Brake fluid
- DOT 4 low viscosity
02 / 07
Timing chain and maintenance
No replacement interval; replaced when symptoms appear
Plastic guide rails breaking can make the chain jump. A whine is the first warning.
- Oil change
- The service indicator may allow up to 20,000 km; 10,000-15,000 km is recommended for the chain
- Spark plug
- 4 pcs · 60,000 km
- Valves / tappets
- Hydraulic tappets.
- Air filter
- 30,000 km
- Power
- 184 hp @ 5,000 rpm
- Torque
- 270 Nm @ 1,250 rpm
- Displacement
- 1,997 cc
- Fuel
- Petrol · Twin-scroll turbo, intercooler
- Valvetrain
- DOHC 16V, Valvetronic, Double-VANOS
- Injection
- Direct injection
- Transmission
- 6-speed manual / 8-speed automatic (ZF 8HP)
- Emissions
- Euro 6
- The electric water pump can fail around 100,000 km
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 320i suitable for LPG?
Special LPG system compatible with direct injection
- Standard LPG kits can't be used on direct-injection engines.
05 / 07
3 Serisi 320i common problems and fixes
- #01
Broken timing chain guide rail
Critical Risk80,000-160,000 km
- Symptom:
- Whine from the front of the engine, especially at 1,500-2,500 rpm.
- Cause:
- Plastic guide rails hardening and breaking.
- Proper fix:
- Replace as a kit with the updated chain, tensioner and guides. If ignored, the chain jumps and the engine is damaged.
- #02
Electric water pump failure
High RiskAfter 100,000 km
- Symptom:
- Overheating warning, 'engine overheating' message, fan running constantly.
- Cause:
- Electronic failure of the electric pump.
- Proper fix:
- The water pump and thermostat are replaced together.
- #03
Misfiring from injectors and coils
Medium RiskAt any mileage
- Symptom:
- Rough idle, P0300.
- Cause:
- Coil or piezo injector failure.
- Proper fix:
- Coil/plug check; if needed, injector replacement and coding.
06 / 07
Common fault codes on the 3 Serisi 320i
- P0016Crankshaft Position - Camshaft Position Correlation (Bank 1 Sensor A)
- P0011A Camshaft Position - Timing Over-Advanced or System Performance (Bank 1)
- P0300Random/Multiple Cylinder Misfire Detected
- P0171System Too Lean (Bank 1)
- P0128Coolant Thermostat (Coolant Temperature Below Thermostat Regulating Temperature)
07 / 07
Frequently asked questions
How much engine oil does the 3 Serisi 320i take?
The 3 Serisi 320i (N20B20) takes about 5 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 5W-30; look for the BMW Longlife-01 approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.
When should the timing chain on the 3 Serisi 320i be replaced?
This engine uses a timing chain. No replacement interval; replaced when symptoms appear. Plastic guide rails breaking can make the chain jump. A whine is the first warning.
What tyre pressure should the 3 Serisi 320i 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 320i suitable for LPG?
Conditionally suitable (direct injection). Standard LPG kits can't be used on direct-injection engines.
What are the common problems of the 3 Serisi 320i?
The best-known problems are: Broken timing chain guide rail, Electric water pump failure, Misfiring from injectors and coils. 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. ·