BMW 3-Series Maintenance Plans

The BMW 3-Series spans multiple generations from 1975 onwards, with a wide mix of petrol, diesel and electrified drivetrains. Use the selectors on this page to choose your exact 3-Series year range and engine so the maintenance plan matches your car.

Select your BMW model below to view the online service schedule for your specific engine.

7 models covered

Model Year Range Engines covered Fuel
3-Series 1975-1983 1975-1983 315 Petrol (M10B16), 316 Petrol (M10B16), 316 Petrol (M10B18), 318i Petrol (M10B18), 320 Petrol (M10B20), 320 Petrol (M20B20), 320i Petrol (M10B20) Petrol
3-Series 1982-1995 1982-1995 316 Petrol (M10B18), 316i Petrol (M10B18), 316i Petrol (M40B16), 318i Petrol (M10B18), 318i Petrol (M40B18), 318is Petrol (M42B18), 320i Petrol (M20B20), 320i Petrol (M20B20), 320is Petrol (S14B20), 323i Petrol (M20B23), 323i Petrol (M20B23), 325e Petrol (M20B27), 325i, -ix Petr… Petrol
3-Series 1990-2000 1990-2000 316g (65/75 kW) CNG,Petrol (M43B16), 316i (73/75 kW) Petrol (M40B16), 316i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B16), 318i (83/85 kW) Petrol (M40B18), 318i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B18), 318is Petrol (M42B18), 318is, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M44B19), 320i Petrol (M50B20), 320i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M52B20), 32… CNG, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 1998-2007 1998-2007 316 Ci Petrol (M43B16TU), 316i, -Ci, -LPG LPG,Petrol (M43B19TU), 316i, -ti, -Ci Petrol (N40B16), 316i, -ti, -Ci Petrol (N45B16), 316i, -ti, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N42B18A), 316i, -ti, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B18A), 316ti Petrol (N40B16), 318 Ci Petrol (N46B20), 318d Diesel (M47D20), 318d,… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 2005-2013 2005-2013 316d Diesel (N47D20C), 316i Petrol (N43B16A), 316i Petrol (N45B16A), 318d Diesel (M47D20TU2uL), 318d Diesel (N47D20A), 318d Diesel (N47D20C), 318i Petrol (N43B20A), 318i Petrol (N43B20A), 318i, -LPG LPG,Petrol (N46B20B), 320d Diesel (M47D20TU2OL), 320d Diesel (N47D20A), 320d Die… Diesel, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 2011-2020 2011-2020 316d Diesel (B47D20A), 316d Diesel (N47D20C), 316i Petrol (N13B16A), 318d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A), 318d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20A), 318d, -xDrive Diesel (N47D20C), 318i Petrol (B38B15A), 320d EfficientDynamics Diesel (B47D20A), 320d EfficientDynamics Diesel (N47D20C), 320d, -xD… Diesel, Electricity, LPG, Petrol
3-Series 2019-2025 2019-2025 316d Diesel (B47D20B), 316d mHev 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 318d Diesel (B47D20B), 318d mHev 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 318i Petrol (B48B20A), 320d mHev, -xDrive 48V (MHEV),Diesel (B47D20B+JA1), 320d, -xDrive Diesel (B47D20B), 320e, -xDrive Electricity,Petrol (B48B20… 48V (MHEV), Diesel, Electricity, Petrol

Servicing by engine type

Petrol 3-Series maintenance (including performance models)

Petrol BMW 3-Series engines commonly benefit from on-time engine oil and filter services, plus routine inspection of spark plugs and the ignition system, especially on turbocharged units. If your car uses B38, B48, B58, N13, N20, N43, N45, N46, N52, N53, N54 or N55 engines, pay attention to coolant condition and any signs of leaks, and keep an eye on air intake and vacuum hoses as the car ages. High-performance M models (such as S55, S58, S65) are typically less tolerant of missed servicing, so sticking closely to the correct spec fluids and service steps matters. Where fitted with a catalytic converter and lambda sensors, addressing running issues early can help protect emissions components.

Diesel 3-Series maintenance (including 48V mild-hybrid diesels)

Diesel BMW 3-Series models place extra emphasis on oil quality, fuel filtration and intake cleanliness, particularly on turbocharged engines. For B47, B57, M57, N47, N57 diesels, regular checks of EGR/DPF-related symptoms (such as loss of power or frequent regenerations) can prevent bigger faults, especially if the car does a lot of short trips. Many later cars combine diesel with 48V (MHEV) systems, but the core diesel service needs remain: correct oil spec, leak checks, and attention to boost hoses and intercooler pipework. If you tow or do repeated motorway miles, expect some consumables (like brakes and tyres) to vary with use, so follow the plan for inspections as well as replacements.

PHEV and electrified 3-Series maintenance (Electricity plus petrol)

Plug-in hybrid 3-Series models (for example 320e/330e using B48-based powertrains) still require normal petrol-engine servicing alongside high-voltage system checks. Because the petrol engine may run less often, it is still important to follow the correct time-based oil and filter intervals shown for your selected model, not just mileage-based servicing. Cooling systems can be more complex on electrified cars, so keep coolant at the correct level and address leaks promptly to protect both engine and hybrid components. Brakes can corrode if used lightly due to regenerative braking, so regular brake inspections and occasional firm braking (when safe) help keep discs and pads in good condition.

48V (MHEV) 3-Series maintenance

48V (MHEV) BMW 3-Series models combine a petrol or diesel engine with a belt-driven starter-generator and a 48V battery, so servicing needs include both conventional engine maintenance and additional electrical checks. Engines such as B47/B57 diesels and B58 petrol units may appear with 48V equipment, and the correct oil spec and filter servicing remain central to durability. Because under-bonnet packaging can be tighter, it is worth inspecting auxiliary drive components, pipework and connectors during routine services. Any warning lights or charging concerns should be diagnosed early, as minor issues in the 48V system can affect stop-start behaviour and overall drivability.

LPG and CNG-converted 3-Series maintenance

Some BMW 3-Series variants are listed with LPG or CNG, and these setups add extra service items alongside the base petrol engine schedule. Expect periodic checks of fuel lines and connections, and ensure any filters associated with the LPG/CNG system are replaced at the correct intervals for your installation. Spark plugs and ignition components can be more sensitive on gas-fuelled engines, so misfires should be addressed promptly to protect the catalytic converter. Because LPG/CNG conversions vary, use the selectors for the closest matching base engine (for example N13, N20, N43, N45, N52) and follow any additional maintenance specified for the gas system components.

Common service operations for BMW

The operations listed below reflect typical BMW 3-Series service items, but the exact schedule can vary by generation, engine family and whether the car is petrol, diesel, PHEV or 48V mild hybrid. Select your model details to see the correct cadence and any additional checks specific to your drivetrain.

Operation Typical interval Notes
Oil and filter changeSee selector aboveVaries by engine and recommended oil grade
Air filter30,000 to 60,000 kmMore often in urban or dusty driving
Cabin filter15,000 to 30,000 km or 1 yearAffects air conditioning and air quality
Brake fluid2 years (all models)Regardless of mileage
CoolantPer manufacturer (typically 5 years or 100,000 km)Check level and condition (colour, deposits) at every service
Front brake padsDepending on use (typically 30,000 to 60,000 km)Wear depends on driving style and load carried
Timing beltSee selector aboveInterval varies widely by engine
Spark plugs (petrol)30,000 to 60,000 kmPetrol engines only

BMW electronic diagnostics

If your BMW 3-Series is showing an engine management light, reduced power or charging warnings, start with a scan for OBD2 fault codes (DTCs) before replacing parts. Codes typically group into areas such as misfire and fuel/air mixture, emissions systems (cat, lambda sensor, EGR, DPF), boost control on turbo engines, and electrical or battery-management issues on hybrids and 48V cars. For a quick guide to code families and next steps, see BMW 3-Series OBD fault codes.

What the BMW manual covers

A maintenance plan tells you what to service and when, but the job still needs the correct method and specifications. A Haynes repair manual can help you carry out 3-Series maintenance with step-by-step procedures, tightening torques, fluid specs, service checks and wiring or routing diagrams where relevant. This is especially useful when your 3-Series has generation-specific layouts, turbo plumbing, or electrified components that change access and safe working steps. Choose your exact year range and engine to match the right guidance to your car.

BMW manual