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Free BMW 3 Series (F30) VIN Decoder

Look up available BMW 3 Series (F30) vehicle details and compare engine, transmission and body variants. The results depend on the VIN and market; the catalog does not confirm a car’s exact factory equipment. 34 listed variants. Free, no registration.

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2012–? 34 variants DieselPetrol
Model-family illustration
Model-family illustration. Body style and generation may differ. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Checking your BMW 3 Series (F30) identification

F30 saloon specification reference

Choose the right specification

BMW’s period reference distinguishes the F30 saloon from the F31 Touring. Keep that distinction when using the table: a family-level 3 Series match is not enough to substitute an estate or Gran Turismo row. The supported F30 code examples below still do not establish the car’s exact engine or options.

  • Match the saloon body and F30 designation before selecting a row.
  • Verify engine, transmission and drive layout against vehicle-specific documents, not the first listed variant.

Model references are linked below. Code examples describe this tool’s coverage and are not manufacturer certification.

Find the VIN, then select the matching manual

BMW USA identifies the windscreen and driver’s door jamb as places to read the VIN. Its digital manual service accepts all 17 characters and supports selected model years. For an imported car, use the manual for its original market; the US illustration is not a promise about every BMW body or right-hand-drive version.

Reference checked . Follow the edition and market stated for each source.

A 320d badge does not settle the engine version

BMW’s 2015 UK launch information lists the updated 320d at 190 hp and the 320d EfficientDynamics version at 163 hp. Treat these as two period specifications, not interchangeable figures for every F30 carrying a 320d badge.

  1. Ask for the original build specification or Certificate of Conformity and compare the documented engine output with the advert. Keep the stated power unit; hp, PS and kW labels should not be silently substituted.
  2. Confirm the build period and market, then the transmission and rear-wheel drive or xDrive configuration. A first-registration year alone does not establish which update the car received.
  3. Use one matching specification row for power, gearbox and economy. If the documents do not distinguish the version, leave the exact variant unresolved instead of choosing the closest-looking number.

Source: BMW UK: 2015 3 Series Saloon and Touring launch specifications. Example checked . These are document-checking steps, not a completed inspection of your car.

BMW 3 Series (F30) specs by variant

All 34 listed variants, grouped by fuel and gearbox. Open a group and compare the listed years, engine, power and emissions. On a small screen, scroll the table sideways.

Diesel · AUTOMATIC 10 variants
VariantListed yearsFuelEnginePowerGearboxDriveCO₂
335d xDrive 8AT AWD (313 HP) 2012–? Diesel 3.0 L 308 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp — —
330d 8AT RWD (258 HP) 2012–? Diesel 3.0 L 255 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
330d xDrive 8AT AWD (258 HP) 2012–? Diesel 3.0 L 255 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp — —
320d 8AT RWD (184 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 181 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
320d xDrive 8AT AWD (184 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 181 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp — —
328d 8AT RWD (184 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 181 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
328d xDrive 8AT AWD (184 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 181 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
320d Efficient Dynamics 8AT RWD (163 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 161 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
318d 8AT RWD (143 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 141 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
316d 8AT RWD (116 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 114 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
Petrol · MANUAL 8 variants
VariantListed yearsFuelEnginePowerGearboxDriveCO₂
335i 6MT RWD (306 HP) 2012–? Petrol 3.0 L 302 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —
335i xDrive 6MT AWD (306 HP) 2012–? Petrol 3.0 L 302 bhp MANUAL 6sp — —
328i 6MT RWD (245 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 241 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —
328i xDrive 6MT AWD (245 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 241 bhp MANUAL 6sp — —
320i 6MT RWD (184 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 181 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —
320i xDrive 6MT AWD (184 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 181 bhp MANUAL 6sp — —
320i Efficient Dynamics Edition 6MT RWD (170 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 168 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —
316i 6MT RWD (136 HP) 2012–? Petrol 1.6 L 134 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —
Petrol · AUTOMATIC 8 variants
VariantListed yearsFuelEnginePowerGearboxDriveCO₂
335i 8AT RWD (306 HP) 2012–? Petrol 3.0 L 302 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
335i xDrive 8AT AWD (306 HP) 2012–? Petrol 3.0 L 302 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp — —
328i 8AT RWD (245 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 241 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
328i xDrive 8AT AWD (245 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 241 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp — —
320i 8AT RWD (184 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 181 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
320i xDrive 8AT AWD (184 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 181 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp — —
320i Efficient Dynamics Edition 8AT RWD (170 HP) 2012–? Petrol 2.0 L 168 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
316i 8AT RWD (136 HP) 2012–? Petrol 1.6 L 134 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
Fuel not listed · AUTOMATIC 1 variant
VariantListed yearsFuelEnginePowerGearboxDriveCO₂
ActiveHybrid 3 2012–? — 3.0 L 302 bhp AUTOMATIC 8sp RWD —
Diesel · MANUAL 7 variants
VariantListed yearsFuelEnginePowerGearboxDriveCO₂
325d 6MT RWD (218 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 215 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —
320d 6MT RWD (184 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 181 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —
320d xDrive 6MT AWD (184 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 181 bhp MANUAL 6sp — —
320d Efficient Dynamics 6MT RWD (163 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 161 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —
318 xDrive 6MT AWD (143 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 141 bhp MANUAL 6sp — —
318d 6MT RWD (143 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 141 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —
316d 6MT RWD (116 HP) 2012–? Diesel 2.0 L 114 bhp MANUAL 6sp RWD —

Specification reference from cardata.wiki. A question mark means a year boundary is missing from the source, not that production continues. An empty field means the source did not provide that value. Confirm the fitted engine, transmission and equipment against the car’s documents. How specification matching works.

Reading your BMW 3 Series (F30) result

These model-code examples apply to BMW VINs beginning WBA, WBS, WBX or WBY. Other formats are checked against the available source data.

A model code can identify a family

For the supported European BMW format, characters 4–5 identify a model family in our decoder. Some codes also narrow the chassis generation. A family match does not identify every engine, gearbox or factory option.

A generation is not a build year

Our decoder does not read position 10 as a year for WBA, WBS, WBX and WBY VINs. If the exact year is missing, use the registration document or build label to select the right year in Refine. North American formats, including 5UX, use a different year rule.

Check the body style before choosing specifications

A 3 Series sedan, Touring and Gran Turismo can share a model-family name while using different bodies and specifications. Match the chassis and body to your car before using a variant from the catalog. The listed variants are alternatives, not your vehicle’s equipment list.

Examples recognized by this decoder, VIN positions 4–5
CodeModel familyMapped generation
3A3 SeriesF30

These are supported pattern examples, not a complete list of VIN formats or a manufacturer build record. A matching model family does not confirm an individual car’s trim.

How we match sources and handle missing data. For US-market vehicles, compare NHTSA’s VIN decoder and VIN-specific recall lookup. For other markets, confirm campaigns with the manufacturer or an authorised repairer.

Using the BMW 3 Series (F30) specifications

Start with the car’s year, body and engine, then compare the matching row. Several variants may share a model name while differing in power, transmission or drive layout. If the advert conflicts with the registration or manufacturer documents, resolve the mismatch before relying on the specifications. A VIN lookup can help narrow the comparison, but does not replace a build record or inspection.

Other 3 Series generations and versions

The same nameplate across body styles and chassis generations.

3 Series (E21)3 Series (E36)3 Series (E46)3 Series (E90)3 Series Cabriolet3 Series Cabriolet (E36)3 Series Cabriolet (E46)3 Series Cabriolet (E93)3 Series Compact (E36/5)3 Series Compact (E46/5)3 Series Convertible (E30)3 Series Convertible (E93)3 Series Coupe (E30)3 Series Coupe (E36)3 Series Coupe (E46)3 Series Coupe (E92)

Other BMW models

Compare another model, or see all BMW models.

1 Series1 Series (F20)1 Series 3 doors (E81)1 Series 3 doors (F21) LCI1 Series 3-door (F21)1 Series 5 doors (E87)1 Series 5 doors (F20) LCI1 Series 5-door (E87) LCI1 Series 5-door (F20) LCI1 Series Convertible (E88)1 Series Coupe (E82)1 Series Coupe (E82) LCI1 Series M Coupe (E82)1 Series Sedan (F52)150016002 Series2 Series Active Tourer2 Series Active Tourer (F45)2 Series Convertible2 Series Convertible (F23) LCI2 Series Coupe (G42)2 Series Gran Tourer (F45)2 Series Gran Tourer (F46)

BMW 3 Series (F30) VIN FAQ

What can a BMW 3 Series (F30) VIN lookup show?+
It can return available vehicle details and related model data. A catalog variant list does not prove the exact engine, gearbox or factory equipment fitted to your car. Recall campaigns are model-level matches, not confirmation of an outstanding repair for your VIN.
Where should I check the BMW 3 Series (F30) identification number?+
BMW USA identifies the windscreen and driver’s door jamb as places to read the VIN. Its digital manual service accepts all 17 characters and supports selected model years. For an imported car, use the manual for its original market; the US illustration is not a promise about every BMW body or right-hand-drive version.
What do the BMW 3 Series (F30) dates in this catalog mean?+
The source lists years 2012–? across 34 variants. A question mark means a year boundary was not supplied. These are catalog dates, not a verified production history or an individual vehicle’s build date.
Is the BMW 3 Series (F30) VIN check free?+
Yes. The available decode, specifications and model-level results are free without an account. An optional paid history report may contain additional records depending on the car and market.

Look up your BMW 3 Series (F30) VIN

Find available details for a supported 17-character VIN. Free, no registration.

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Optional history report

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This free tool combines identification, specifications and available public records. An optional carVertical report may include additional records, depending on the vehicle and country:

  • ✓ Recorded mileage and possible discrepancies
  • ✓ Accident & damage records
  • ✓ Stolen-vehicle check
  • ✓ Available registration and usage records
Check available history →

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