Click on image to view the full photo gallery
BMW 3 Series Sedan (F30) 318d (143 Hp) Steptronic
Overall Rating
BMW 3 Series:
The BMW 3 series is a line of compact executive cars manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. It is the successor to the 02 series and has been produced in seven generations.
The first generation of the 3 Series was only available as a 2-door saloon; the model range expanded to include a 4-door saloon, 2-door convertible, 2-door coupé, 5-door estate, 5-door liftback and 3-door hatchback body styles. Since 2013, the coupé and convertible models have been marketed as the 4 Series; these styles no longer being included in the 3 Series....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Sedan (F30) Overview:
BMW 3 Series (Sedan (F30)). With 320 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It boasts low fuel consumption (~5.4 l/100km). With a weight of 1430 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.2 s). The top speed reaches 212 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
318d (143 Hp) Steptronic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers smooth and efficient power delivery with the automatic transmission, ideal for relaxed cruising.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy, making it a very practical and cost-effective choice for daily driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Excellent driving dynamics and handling
- • Wide range of powerful and efficient engines (petrol, diesel, hybrid)
- • Premium interior quality and advanced technology for its time
- • Good fuel economy on diesel and EfficientDynamics models
- • Strong safety ratings (5-star Euro NCAP)
Cons:
- • Steering feel can be less engaging than previous generations (E90)
- • Some engine reliability concerns (e.g., N20 timing chain, N47 diesel chain)
- • Optional extras can significantly increase the price
- • Rear seat space is adequate but not class-leading
- • Firm ride on sport suspension or larger wheels
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Sedan (F30): 2011 - 2015).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 3 Series |
| Generation: | Sedan (F30) |
| Modification (Engine): | 318d (143 Hp) Steptronic |
| Start of production: | 2012 |
| End of production: | 2015 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Engine systems: | Particulate filter |
| Power: | 143 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.7 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 320 Nm @ 1750-2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | N47D20C More details about the engine N47D20C |
| Engine displacement: | 1995 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Diesel Commonrail |
| Engine aspiration: | Twin-power turbo, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.2 l |
| Coolant: | 7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 84 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 90 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 16.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 5.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 3.9 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 4.4-4.5 l/100 km |
| Emission standard: | Euro 5 |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 212 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10 kg/Hp, 100 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.5 kg/Nm, 223.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1430 |
| Max. weight: | 1980 |
| Max. roof load: | 75 kg |
| Max load: | 550 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 480 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1600 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 57 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 745 kg |
| Permitted towbar download: | 75 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4624 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1811 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1429 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2810 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1543 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1583 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.3 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 8 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | Steptronic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 205/60 R16 92W; 225/55 R16; 225/50 R17; 255/45 R17; 225/45 R18; 255/40 R18; 225/40 R19; 255/35 R19 |
| Wheel rims size | 7J x 16; 7.5J x 16; 7.5J x 17; 8.5J x 17; 8J x 18; 8.5J x 18; 8J x 19; 8.5J x 19 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link suspension |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the BMW 3 Series!