Regardless of the engine in your F30, the valve cover gasket is the largest physical seal preventing oil from leaking out the top of your engine. The valve cover used on BMW's N20 & N26 engines...
As far as issues with BMW's engines go, leaky oil filter housing gaskets are as common as they get. Leaking oil filter housing gaskets date back to the E36 3-series and continue to be an issue on BMW's recent N20 and N26 engines. The rubber gasket separating the filter housing from the engine...
Nothing is more iconic to a BMW than the badge it wears. Often called a roundel, BMW's emblem has always featured that blue and white pattern representing their home state of Bavaria. However, exposure to the elements can cause that badge to fade and lose its national colors. Replacing that...
BMW doesn't recommend replacing fluids other than oil and brake fluid as they have an unfortunate "lifetime fluid" recommendation. Although they say their "lifetime fluid" never needs to be replaced, it should be at around 50,000 miles. Changing the fluids this often will ensure a long service...
BMW's M-Sport package allows 3-series owners to experience some of the capabilities of an M3. The package equips your BMW with a lower and firmer suspension, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a smaller steering wheel, sportier seats, and fixed piston, Brembo brake calipers. The yellow...
BMW's electric power steering and electric water pump simplified the rotating components on the front of their N20 and N26 engines. Now all the belt only spins the alternator and the A/C compressor. Even with the reduction in belt-driven ancillaries, ensuring that your serpentine belt and...
The entire advantage the BMW xDrive models have over the others is the significantly improved grip they have in treacherous conditions. Where the rear-wheel-drive models struggle in the snow, the xDrive-equipped cars can charge ahead in a safe and controlled manner. To drive the front wheels, BMW...
BMW's M-Sport package allows 3-series owners to experience some of the capabilities of an M3. The package equips your BMW with a lower and firmer suspension, more aggressive front and rear bumpers, a smaller steering wheel, sportier seats, and fixed piston, Brembo brake calipers. The yellow...
Without the rear differential, you wouldn't be able to put any power to the ground. Whether it has an open differential or a limited-slip, the condition of the components inside your BMW's rear differential directly affects how you can put the power down. Inside the differential is a ring and...
The direct fuel injection on BMW's N20 and N26 engines allowed them to produce a four-cylinder with excellent fuel mileage and plenty of power. Rather than sitting in a fuel rail on the intake manifold, the injectors sit in the cylinder head above the spark plugs. That allows them to spray their...