F30 estate service
The sixth-generation BMW 3-Series (also known as the F30) was manufactured between 2011 and 2018 with a range of models including a saloon, estate (Touring) and long-wheelbase hatchback (Gran Turismo), and also a coupe and convertible that were badged as a 4-Series, but classed under the same model line-up.
One of the most popular models is the 2.0-litre diesel Touring. We found such a car to service at our local garage, MJ Motors, who’d bought it with a full-service history and a whopping 180,000 miles on the clock. Not a problem for a diesel engine, especially one that has been routinely serviced, as we discovered. What was also a relief was the simplicity of accessing and replacing components, such as the air filter, engine oil and filter and cabin filter. And the design of this 3-Series isn’t over complicated, especially the suspension, which consists of coilovers, upper wishbones and single lower arms at the front and air suspension at the rear with upper and lower arms; plus anti-roll bars at both the front and rear.
We intended to conduct a simple engine oil and filter service with an overall inspection, which means the brakes are visually inspected without removing the road wheels. We discovered this was feasible and we could even inspect most of the underside components without having to remove any undertrays. In theory, such a job should take around one or
