BMW Knowledge Base

BMW F20: The Complete Guide to Buying, Owning, and Repairing

The complete BMW F20 guide: buying, ownership, and repair. Common problems, engine specifics, maintenance tips, and a used-car inspection checklist.

BMW G11 (2016–2019): Complete Guide to Reliability, Problems, and Maintenance

Complete guide to the BMW G11 (2016–2019): common problems with the B48, B58, N63, N74, and B57 engines, electronics and air suspension faults, maintenance tips, and a used-car buying checklist.

BMW G30 530d xDrive (B57)—Engineering Overview

The G30 530d is the classic business diesel of this generation. The B57 inline-six is an evolution of the M57—quieter, more efficient, with SCR/AdBlue. It's considered very robust and ideal for high annual mileage.

BMW X7 G07 xDrive30d: Test Drive and Review of the Flagship Crossover

BMW 1 Series F20/F21 (2011–2019): The Last Rear-Drive 1 Series

The BMW F20 is the second-generation 1 Series and the last 1 Series with rear-wheel drive (transverse-engine E81 predecessor excepted). Built 2011–2019 as a 5-door (F20) and 3-door (F21), with engines ranging from the 3-cyl. B38 gasoline unit to the N54 six in the M135i and the S55 in the M2 Competition (related F87 platform).

Body Styles

The BMW 320d (E90) with the N47 four-cylinder diesel is one of the best-selling 3 Series in Germany. It is frugal and smooth-running—but it has the infamous timing chain on the flywheel side. Buy one with the chain already replaced or replaced in time, and you get a very long-distance-capable daily diesel.

BMW 5 Series G30 530d: Long-Term Ownership, Reliability, and Common Problems

BMW X3 G01 xDrive20d (B47) — Overview

The X3 G01 xDrive20d is the best-selling X3 in Germany. A B47 four-cylinder diesel with xDrive and the ZF 8HP — an efficient compact SUV with real towing capacity and everyday practicality.

BMW 3 Series G20 320d (B47): Diesel Reliability, Longevity, and Owner Experience