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BMW 3 Series 316i common faults.

2012–2015, saloon, petrol, 136 HP.

The fault list covers: N13B16 engine, GS6 transmission.

What you save stays on this device only. My saves

1 fault write-ups. Important. 3 recalls.

If you know the year, pick it. Faults for other years drop out of the list.

Before you buy

Known faults

1 important faults

F30: electric power steering dropping out

critical

On the electric power steering built from 2011 a recurring complaint is the assistance dropping out intermittently: the steering goes heavy while driving, then comes back after an ignition cycle. Over time it stops coming back, and the assistance is gone for good.

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The cause is often the steering rack's own control unit or the torque sensor. If the control unit does not communicate, diagnostics often returns no fault code at all, so "no fault code, so nothing is wrong" is wrong. If the assistance drops out while driving, the steering goes heavy, and you should have it checked the same day.

What to check

  • Standing still with the engine running, turn the wheel lock to lock: the assistance should be even
  • On the test drive watch whether the steering goes heavy, even for a moment
  • After switching the ignition on, check the dash: there should be no yellow or red steering icon
2 more steps in the write-up

Checklist

BMW 3 Series 316i

First what you would check on any car. Then the faults of this model.

Before you buy

Checklist

The printed sheet starts with what you would check on any car. What you tick stays on this device only.

On every car

Ask the owner

Faults of this model

vinkodex.com · Before you buy it, see what can go wrong.

Official recall3 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done.

Most recent: 29 June 2021

A12/01930/23Safety recallInjuries29 June 2021 · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021

The authority's notice

A12/00783/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

A12/01981/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

A seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded. In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown

The authority's notice

Engine and transmission

N13B16

100–125 kW (136–170 HP) · petrol

GS6 · 6-speed manual, longitudinal (Getrag GS6)

manual · 6 speed

Torque limit450 Nm
MakerGetrag

We built the code from the model and the gear count. The factory sheet does not state it.

Variant data

What is in this version

Factory data

Trim
316i
Body
saloon
Fuel
petrol
Transmission
manual
Engine size
1598 cc
Power
100 kW (136 HP)
Drive
RWD
Production
2012–2015

Factory service interval

The manufacturer specifies this for this version. Of the mileage and the time, the one that comes first is the one that counts.

  • Air filter

    • 60,000 km or 4 years

  • Cabin (pollen) filter

    • 30,000 km or 2 years

  • Brake fluid change

    • first: 3 years, then 2 years(first change at 3 years, then every two years)

  • Engine oil and oil filter (BMW condition-based service)

    • LongLife25,000 km or 2 years

  • Spark plugs, petrol

    • 60,000 km or 6 years
All F30 versions

Information, not an expert opinion

We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.

  • A fault on the list does not mean the car you are looking at has it.
  • A fault missing from the list does not mean the model is fault-free. Write-ups are made model by model. Not all of them are done.
  • You decide whether to buy. This is no substitute for an inspection. That needs a workshop and a history check.
Details in the terms