“What’s your favourite bit about BMWs?” a friend asked. “Is it the handling? Maybe the premium interior? Or you know, just the prestige of being seen as a BMW owner?”

“Nope, it’s the depreciation. Because then penniless peasants like us can actually have a shot at owning a fairly new BMW just by stretching our budget a little.”

A recent article here on the BMW F30 330e highlighted that very same factor though the 330e would’ve been hit the hardest due to the stigma surrounding hybrid models in Malaysia. Nonetheless, the entire F30 range wouldn’t have escaped depreciation and this article will have its crosshairs trained on all the pure internal combustion variants of the facelifted F30; the F30 LCI.

Also Read: RM 95k buys you a used F30 BMW 330e; here’s what to look out for

Reasons to get a F30 LCI

This should go without saying but the BMW 3-Series is still the benchmark for a premium sports sedan. It set the bar and continues to raise it; albeit occasionally wobbly, with every generation.

Although generations appear to have skipped the good genes, the F30 isn’t one of them. While the current G20 3-Series might handle better, it’s done so at the sacrifice of comfort. That gives the F30 a great blend of dynamic handling and comfort; the most basic of virtues for a sport sedan.

Furthermore, the F30 is among the best looking of all the 3-Series generations. The G20 is way too busy at the front but the F30 has the right balance of details and simplicity that doesn’t overwhelm the senses as you take it in.

Lastly, there are an abundance of independent BMW specialist workshops that have pretty much figured out all the quirks and common issues with the F30 by now. That means quick diagnostics of problems and somewhat affordable pricing. We ensured to mention somewhat because at the end of the day, it’s still a BMW.

Which brings us to the last factor that you must consider before making the plunge into the murky depths of BMW ownership that comprises memes about oil leaks and the occasional pinch of driving nirvana completely enveloped in the stigma of being an asshole on the road.

Depreciation only effects the value of the vehicle, not the value of maintaining it. So, while you might be able to afford a pre-owned F30, you need to ensure you can afford to maintain it too. That means no Linglong tyres on those M Sport wheels.

How many variants are there?

The F30 LCI was launched in November 2015. Therefore, to make life easier you can just start your search online for 2016 models.

When it was refreshed, there were 5 variants available.

The easiest way to tell the LCI apart is from the lights as the headlights were redesigned and the taillights now incorporated a new L-shaped signature.

In terms of equipment, the 318i Luxury Line replaced the previous 316i with the troublesome Prince engine. Outputs were the same even with a cylinder less and LED headlights was now standard across the range. If you wanted your 318i with the brown interior, you could only have the black, grey or white exteriors while the black interior was exclusive to the silver and blue exterior hues.

Other key kit include a sports leather multi-function steering wheel, ambient lighting, power adjustable front seats and cruise control with braking function.

Stepping up to the 320i Sport line, the chrome bits of the Luxury Line trim were replaced with more pleasing gloss black bits and the front passengers now sat on sportier seats. The audio system was upgraded but upholstery options was the sole black hue.

Also Read: In Brief: G20 BMW 3 Series – How to differentiate the 320i from the 330i?

The 320i M Sport and the 320d M Sport were both identical in equipment save for the engine. You’ll find them with 18-inch M Sport wheels, an M Sport body kit and M Sport suspension that was a bit lower and firmer for improved handling. More importantly however, you got that delicious M Sport steering wheel that’s still one of the best in terms of grip.

While both the aforementioned M Sport trims got the Navigation Business infotainment system, the 320d received a Navigational System Professional infotainment system that could explain the premium.

Lastly came the 330i M Sport. As the flagship of the non-performance 3-Series, it also had all of the M Sport goodies above but with the addition of Adaptive M Sport suspension, variable sports steering and a heads-up display.

Regardless of the variant you go for though, they all came with the sublime ZF 8-speed automatic that's one of the most versatile transmission on the road. The gearing is perfect, masking the lack of torque in the 318i whilst also rifling through shifts with no discernible lag to a dual-clutch when given the full beans.

What are the market prices for the F30 LCI range?

Market prices for the 318i in the 2016 year start around 85k and shoot up to 115k while final year 2019 models range from 110k all the way to 150k.

If you can’t wrap your head around a 3-cylinder 3-Series, the 320i fluctuates between RM 95k to RM 135k.

Also Read: F30 BMW 3 Series: Still the best 3, tips to buy good used ones for RM 100k

When it comes to torque though, there’s no outdoing a turbodiesel. The 320d is a personal favourite and pricing hovers around the RM 135k vicinity but bear in mind that not many were sold so coming across a good specimen can be compared to the search for Shangri-La; and we don’t mean the hotel.

Lastly comes the 330i. All those extras will cost you, though you’re already aware of that. Pricing here ranges from RM 140k all the way to RM 175k.

The reason pricing ranges vastly falls down to 2 factors; BMW Premium Selection and warranties. Simply put, being a Premium Selection car will obviously command a premium while the final year models are still under the manufacturers’ 5-year warranty and who wouldn’t want that right?

Which should I go for?

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again. We’re huge fans of turbodiesels and while the 320d’s torquey nature might not suit the chassis of the F30 perfectly, the combo of torque and fantastic fuel consumption is hard to ignore.

Also Read: Just a longer 3 Series: 2021 BMW 330 Li (G28) previewed in Malaysia, est. price from RM 300k

If the though of our dirty diesel sold here puts you off getting the 320d, you’ll most likely favour the 320i or if the budget permits, the 330i.

Nonetheless, both were sold for quite a short period of time before being discontinued and replaced with a higher trim 318i and the 330e hybrid.

Therefore, there’s plenty of 318i units in the market and although inherently the engine is not problematic, we’re one of those that will find it hard to sleep with a 3-cylinder 3-Series in our driveway.

If you don’t mind the diesel, the 320d is our first recommendation but if petrol is your thing, you’re not going to go wrong with any of the other variants as well.

Common problems with the F30 LCI

For this, we turned to the experienced hands at Munich Precision, one of the many independent BMW specialists. A sit down with the Owen Riley, the Managing Director, gave us an idea of the common problems owners will have to look out for and estimated servicing costs down the road.

Many of the issues such as oil leaks and timing chains failing were addressed with the new engines in the facelift. Therefore, that isn’t an issue anymore.

Also Read: Evolution of the BMW 3 series in 7 generations – still the ultimate sedan?

He did mention that a failing wheel speed sensor is quite common and could cause driving aids such as ABS and stability control to not function properly. You’ll know the sensor has given way as the dash will display a “driving stabilisation” prompt and fire up the tyre pressure warning as well. You can replace it for around RM 300.

Another common issue is the notorious steering rack rattle. If the wallet permits, a new one will cost you close to 5-figures but refurbishing your existing one starts in the RM 1,300 range and is definitely friendlier on the wallet.

Owen also brought up the issue of the plastic hose from the expansion tank to the radiator becoming brittle. You’ll likely lose coolant and get a “low coolant” warning. A new hose will set you back around RM 200.

Regular scheduled maintenance is unavoidable and Munich Precision will charge you RM 536 for a normal service that comprises the usual engine oil and filter. A major service includes the spark plugs as well as other filters and will see you forking out approximately RM 1,300.

Front brake pads go for RM 770 while the rears are tad lower at RM 642. If your rotors bite the dust, it’ll be under RM 2,000 including the pads as well.

We’re always a little sceptical of manufacturers that advertise fluids lasting the lifetime of the vehicle. Actually we think it's absolute garbage. Owen recommends replacing the ATF around the 80,000 km mark and while you’re at it, the same goes for the rear differential fluid too. Remember, don’t skimp on fluids.

German plastic is notorious for not handling our weather the best. The F30’s trims on the inner door handle will begin to melt with age but fortunately, replacements are around RM 250 for each door.

Remember to keep an eye on this

The terms “used cars” and “tampered mileage” go hand-in-hand, like smoke and fire, Taylor Swift and relationship drama, Marvel movies and box-office records or Porn Hub and lotion.

It’s difficult to ascertain a car’s mileage without an expert having a look at it. Easy red flags though are a lack of full-service history. If there’s no history for such a new car, chances are there’s been some hanky panky along the way.

If your wallet allows it, go for the last year models as there are still under the manufacturers warranty so chances are the mileage will be genuine.

Keep in mind that with the massive floods late last year, you’ll also have to be on the lookout for flood damaged vehicles.

In fact, the best way to be safe is to just opt for an overall health check by a professional workshop. Coincidently; well actually really not, Munich Precision will provide that inspection service for RM 192. Again, don’t skimp on that.

And when you do get the used F30 LCI of your dreams, remember to just perform a full fluid change everywhere.

Conclusion

There’s nothing quite like a 3-Series to satisfy the taste buds’ craving for that premium sports sedan.

Sure, the newer G20 might handle better but does so at the expense of comfort. The F30 makes no such sacrifice yet remains a potent handling machine that stays true to the 3-Series ethos.

If you’re quite set on getting one, you should just bite the bullet and go for it.

Remember, get it fully inspected beforehand and try to go for a unit that’s under Premium Selection as there’s no funny business with the mileage and as a bonus, there’s an additional warranty tacked on. Believe us, it’s well worth the... erm, premium, those units command.

Additionally, Carsome's got a few units under the Carsome Certified programme that come with a 5-day money back guarantee and a 1-year warranty. Check out some of the F30s for sale on Carsome here.

If you do end up making the plunge or need Munich Precision to inspect your F30 LCI, they're located at Lot 9, Jalan 51A/241, Seksyen 51a, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor. Click here for contact details.