BMW Серия 3 pre-purchase inspection
E90 and F30, 2005–2019
A 3 Series is a good buy when it has been looked after. The biggest risk is the engine — especially N47 diesels and their timing chain.
- Report on the day of the inspection
- Up to 30 km from our workshop
Pre-purchase inspection report
BMW 320d · 2016
142,000 km · VIN WBA8E9107GK•••••• · 05.09.2026
We recommend buying
Serviced on schedule. Two minor notes: new rear tyres soon and keep an eye on the NOx sensor.
6 sections · 28 photos · 2 to monitor
DiagnosticsStored NOx sensor faultphotos: 2Monitor
- What we found
- 0 active faults in 31 modules. One stored fault for the NOx sensor after the catalyst, logged once about 2,400 km ago.
- What it means
- The sensor gave a single invalid reading. It doesn't affect running for now, but on this engine NOx sensors are a common wear item past 130–150,000 km.
- What to do
- No action needed now. If the fault returns or a warning light comes on — replace the sensor.Approx.: €250–400 if needed.
Suspension & brakesRear tyres at 3.5 mm treadphotos: 6Monitor
- What we found
- No play in the suspension; brakes at 80% front and 85% rear. Rear tyres have 3.5 mm of tread, fronts 6 mm; wear is even.
- What it means
- The alignment is fine — the rears are simply more worn (rear-wheel drive). Below 3 mm wet grip drops noticeably.
- What to do
- Replace the rear tyres before the end of the season. Can be used when negotiating.Approx.: €280–400 for two tyres.
EngineNo leaks, quiet timing chainphotos: 5OK
What we checked
- Cold start — no timing chain noise
- Oil and coolant leaks
- Boost pressure under load
- EGR and throttle operation
- Service history: oil every 15,000 km
GearboxThe automatic shifts smoothlyphotos: 3OK
What we checked
- Shifts cold and warm
- Kick-down response
- Adaptation values
- Leaks from the gearbox sump
Body & paintFactory paint on all 13 panelsphotos: 9OK
What we checked
- Paint thickness: 95–125 µm on every panel
- Panel gaps
- Sills, wheel arches, underbody
- Glass — all with original markings
VIN & documentsFull BMW service historyphotos: 3OK
What we checked
- VIN on the chassis, windscreen and plate
- Match with the registration document
- Service records — last at 132,000 km
Page 1 of 5 PDF · 28 photos
Typical weak spots of the BMW Серия 3
- 1
N47 timing chain (2007–2014)
Why it matters: The chain sits at the back of the engine; when stretched it rattles, and a snapped chain wrecks the engine.
How we check: Cold start, noise from the back of the engine, repair history.
- 2
EGR and swirl flaps
Why it matters: Carbon in the EGR and worn flaps — loss of power and limp mode.
How we check: Diagnostics, air-mass values, road test under load.
- 3
NOx sensors (B47, F30)
Why it matters: A common wear item past 130–150,000 km; they log faults and light up the dash.
How we check: Active and stored faults, live values while driving.
We check everything else too — body, diagnostics, suspension, documents and a road test. The full list of checks
Book an inspection of a BMW Серия 3
The listing link and your phone are enough.
Up to 30 km from our workshop: All of Sofia, Bankya, Bozhurishte, Kostinbrod, Novi Iskar, Elin Pelin, Gorna Malina.