Which model is the BMW F30?
3 Answers
BMW F30 is the chassis code for the short-wheelbase version of the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series is a mid-size sedan launched by BMW. The F30 has body dimensions of 4734mm in length, 1811mm in width, and 1453mm in height. It adopts a front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout. In terms of interior, the car features a more modern design, equipped with a 1080p HD widescreen for the center console. The tidy interior combined with newly designed ambient lighting enhances the horizontal visual effect of the cabin. The BMW F30 is powered by a 1.5-liter turbocharged three-cylinder engine, a low-power version 2.0-liter turbocharged engine, and a high-power version 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.
The BMW F30 is the chassis code for the sixth-generation 3 Series, referring to the standard-wheelbase sedan produced from 2012 to 2019. This generation completely revamped the exterior design, with its 'eyelid' headlights and sharper character lines giving it a more sporty appearance. I've driven my friend's 320i F30, and its chassis tuning is exceptionally balanced, with precise steering yet comfortable enough for daily driving. In China, the long-wheelbase F35 is the most common variant on the roads, while the F30 is relatively rare. This was the first time BMW equipped the 3 Series with a digital instrument cluster and driving mode selection, with even the low-power 2.0T producing 184 horsepower. Unfortunately, the classic analog gauges were replaced by a full digital display during the 2015 facelift.
As a BMW enthusiast, the F30 holds a very high place in my heart. It was the last generation of the 3 Series to use hydraulic power steering, offering a more authentic steering feel compared to the current G20. When it was first launched in 2012, the entire lineup was equipped with the N20 engine, which was later replaced by the B48 in the facelift. The most iconic model was the 328i Sport, boasting 245 horsepower paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic transmission, capable of accelerating from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds. Even the entry-level 316i came with a turbocharger, marking the complete end of the naturally aspirated era. However, it's important to note that the early N20 engines had timing chain issues, so be sure to check if it has been replaced when buying a used one.
