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BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo F34 (2013 to 2020): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo F34 was built from 2013 to 2020 as a hatchback, with a manual or automatic gearbox, rear wheel drive or all wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis code: F34. Redline has a curated guide to its 8 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2013 to 2020
Chassis codes
F34
Body types
Hatchback
Gearboxes
Manual, Automatic
Drive
RWD (rear wheel drive), AWD (all wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

No BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo built 2013 to 2020 found on the NZ register under that model name. Some imports are registered under another model name.

Source: NZTA Waka Kotahi Motor Vehicle Register open data (opens in a new tab), CC BY 4.0. Vehicles on the register now, counted by build year.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the BMW 3 Series F30, F31 and F34 (2012 to 2019). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. Timing chain, especially the N20

    Timing chain problems come from missed oil changes, and the N20 four cylinder petrol is the most troublesome.

    Where to look
    The front of the engine, and the chain seen through the oil filler
    How to test
    Listen for a whine or rattle, and unscrew the oil filler cap to see the chain. Avoid a noisy one.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost chain and guides

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  2. Rear differential

    Diff noise is common where the diff oil has not been changed.

    Where to look
    The rear differential
    How to test
    Have someone drive the car past you and listen for whine from the rear. Ask about diff oil changes.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost diff repair

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  3. Dual mass flywheel and auto shifts

    Dual mass flywheels have a history of early failure, and a rough auto shift may only need new fluid and filters.

    Where to look
    The clutch and flywheel on manuals, and the 8 speed auto
    How to test
    On a manual, feel for a notchy change, vibration or rattles. On an auto, feel for abrupt shifts.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost flywheel and clutch, or gearbox fluid

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  4. Starter motor

    Starter motor failures are not uncommon and replacement is expensive.

    Where to look
    The starter motor, heard at start up
    How to test
    Check the engine cranks promptly and not lazily.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost an expensive starter

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  5. Brake wear

    The 3 Series chews through pads and discs.

    Where to look
    The brake pads and the lip on the outer edge of each disc
    How to test
    Look through the wheels at pad thickness and the disc lip, and factor replacement into the price.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost pads and discs

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  6. Diesel EGR and DPF

    A rough running diesel may have a blocked EGR valve or clogged DPF, more so on cars used for short trips.

    Where to look
    The EGR valve and DPF on the diesel, and the warning lights
    How to test
    Feel for rough running and watch for warnings, and ask how the car has been used.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost EGR or DPF work

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  7. Rear light seals and paint chips

    Rear lights can mist up and weak seals let water into the boot, and the paint chips easily.

    Where to look
    The rear light units, the boot floor, and the bonnet and front wings
    How to test
    Look for condensation in the rear lights and damp in the boot, and check the bonnet and wings for chips.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost light seals and paint

    Sources: autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

  8. Recalls

    The F30 has had several recalls covering engine, airbag and driveline issues, some very serious.

    Where to look
    The recall record for the VIN
    How to test
    Ask a BMW dealer to confirm all recalls have been done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost recall work is free at a BMW dealer

    Sources: parkers.co.uk (opens in a new tab), autocar.co.uk (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 4 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Questions to ask the seller

  • Which engine is it, and is it an N20 four cylinder?
  • How often has the oil been changed?
  • Has the diff oil been changed?
  • Have all recalls been done?
  • Has it been remapped or lowered?

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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