The BMW F34 GT, or the 3-Series GT (Gran Turismo) as it is more commonly known, is the fastback body-style version of the sixth-generation BMW F30 3-Series. The 3-Series Gran Turismo was first showcased at the Geneva International Motor Show in 2013 and would remain a stable part of the manufacturer’s portfolio until an untimely demise nearly seven years later.
Now, BMW’s decision to pull the plug on the model doesn’t necessarily mean that this car was a complete failure. It may not be for everyone, but the 3-Series Gran Turismo ticks all the right boxes for those prioritizing space and comfort over driving experience.
BMW chose not to renew the ‘GT’ model with the current G20 3-Series, so this is a rather unique car. We’ve compiled a comprehensive guide on the BMW F34 GT 3-Series, including the different available engine options, optional packages, and common problems and issues that you should be wary of.
BMW F34 GT – One of a Kind
The sixth generation of the BMW 3-Series consisted of four body types — Sedan (F30), Touring (F31), Gran Turismo (F34), and a Long Wheelbase Sedan (F35) built solely for the Chinese market. With the GT, BMW intended to combine the performance and styling of the Sedan with the practicality of the Touring.
The 3 Series GT made its debut three years after its older sibling, the 5-Series GT, and shares much of its design cues with the model. However, the underpinnings are borrowed from the long-wheelbase car sold in China. As a result, the GT is about 200 mm longer than the sedan and touring counterparts, primarily thanks to the 110 mm longer wheelbase. It was also 79 mm taller than its touring and sedan variations.
The more generous proportions resulted in the rear wheels being set further back, allowing BMW to equip the car with three full-size seats at the rear.
Unlike the 5-Series GT, which was a somewhat frowned upon car for its disproportionate styling, the smaller F34 GT was received well by the public.
Why Did BMW Discontinue the F34 GT?
BMW said that it was discontinuing the 3-Series GT (F34) to cut costs and streamline processes across the BMW Group. Then-CEO Harald Krueger also mentioned that there was enough demand to warrant its production, but the manufacturer still decided to go ahead and terminate the model.
When it was first introduced, the 3 Series GT was a decently popular model in certain countries, like its home market of Germany, India, and others outside the U.S. However, sales numbers began to decline, and BMW possibly didn’t see a long-term position for the car in its portfolio.
A large reason that sales dropped is likely the SUV boom during the time. Customers looking for more space were far more likely to opt for the BMW X3, which also happened to be the more affordable option. The 3-Series Gran Turismo, on the other hand, sat in a somewhat awkward middle ground as a sedan desperately trying to fill shoes that didn’t fit.
Available Models in North America
Internationally, the F30 3-Series, which includes this F34 Gran Turismo, was sold with multiple powertrain options over its run. Some of them never made their way to the North American market; these include the inline-three 318i and the 316i. The 320i, which was sold here as a sedan, did not get a GT iteration in our market. None of the diesel F34 GT cars made their way here either.
The BMW F34 GT was sold in America with BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system equipped as standard. The model debuted in America with the base 328i xDrive Gran Turismo and the then-range-topping 335i xDrive Gran Turismo. The former was powered by a 2.0L inline-four, while the latter received a 3.0L straight-six.
Petrol
- 2013–2016 2.0L inline-four N20B20 in 328i xDrive Gran Turismo, producing 241 hp at 5,000–6,500 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 1,250–4,800 rpm
- 2013–2016 3.0L inline-six N55B30M0 in 335i xDrive Gran Turismo, producing 302 hp at 5,800–6,400 rpm and 300 lb-ft of torque at 1,200–5,000 rpm
- 2016–2020 2.0L inline-four B48B20 in 330i xDrive Gran Turismo, producing 248 hp at 5,200–6,500 rpm and 260 lb-ft of torque at 1,450–4,800 rpm
- 2016–2020 3.0L inline-six B58B30M0 in 340i xDrive Gran Turismo, producing 322 hp at 5,500–6,500 rpm and 330 lb-ft of torque at 1,380–5,000 rpm
Note: Most of the U.S. market received the B46 in place of the B48 on the 330i xDrive GT. They’re essentially the same engines, producing similar power and torque. The B46 is simply a Super-Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (SULEV) version of the B48.
The 2016 Facelift
The F34 GT 3-Series received its LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) update a year after the rest of the 3-Series body styles. Cosmetic changes included the addition of redesigned headlights and taillights, an updated grille, and revised bumpers.
BMW also made substantial changes to the underpinnings by improving the suspension by adding new front struts and rear dampers. Other updates for better handling included a new electronic steering system and revised electronic stability control (ESC).
More notably, the 335i xDrive GT gave way to the 340i xDrive GT on the top step of the F34 ladder. This was accompanied by the N55 engine on the older car being replaced by the newer B58 engine.
Which Engine to Get?
Before we answer this question, you should know that the engines that power the BMW F34 are pretty reliable and won’t cause you too much trouble. The only one that may cause concern is the N20, which can only be found on the pre-LCI 328i xDrive Gran Turismo.
Earlier examples of the BMW N20 were notorious for a timing chain problem. If not addressed immediately, it would result in severe damage to the extent of ruining the engine. The root cause was a faulty manufacturing material, and it eventually led to a rather public, high-profile class-action lawsuit against BMW North America. However, this engine gave way to the far more reliable B46 in 2016, so only a small number of cars out there have the N20.
The 328i xDrive GT will likely be the most affordable model in your search for a pre-owned F34 GT. So, if you’re on a tight budget, it may be your only option. That said, the previous owner has likely had the timing chain replaced at some point. Once you confirm that, you shouldn’t have much else to worry about.
You can get your hands on the 335i xDrive GT or a post-LCI 330i xDrive GT for a little more money. We recommend the former. The N55 is a beautiful engine and enables the car to act as the perfect middle ground between the humble 328i xDrive GT and the bonkers 340i xDrive GT. If money is no object for you, there’s no reason you should shy away from what the 340i has to offer.
Trim Levels
The F34 GT 3-Series was available in four trim levels — Modern, Sport, Luxury, and M Sport. Some features like automatic headlights, adjustable front seats, and dual-zone climate control were standard across all trims. The trim levels added both cosmetic and performance updates to the car.
Modern
The Modern trim level included 18-inch alloy wheels, an active spoiler, parking sensors, cruise control, automatic headlights and wipers, and dual-zone climate control. It also featured BMW’s iDrive infotainment system, with navigation and Bluetooth capabilities. The interiors were available in multiple trim color options and with leather seats.
Sport
Owners who opted for the Sport trim got access to sportier front seats, ambient interior lighting, and gloss back details on the exterior; this included the grille, side mirrors, B-pillar, and window trim.
Luxury
While the Sport featured blacked-out details, the Luxury offered oodles of chrome. The kidney grille, exhaust tips, and window trim received a chrome finish, and the interiors were done in Dakota leather upholstery. This version featured the multi-spoke 18-inch alloy wheel, which arguably made it stand out.
M Sport
The M Sport trim was the range-topping option for buyers of the 3-Series GT. It came with more aerodynamic bodywork, sportier suspension, 18-inch wheels, and performance tires. The 340i xDrive GT M Sport also featured a twin chrome exhaust system and an eight-speed automatic gearbox as standard.
Is BMW F34 GT Reliable?
As we mentioned above, the 3-Series GT is predominantly a reliable car unless you have a faulty example of an N20-powered 328i. The engine is the most expensive part of any car. You can prevent, or at the very least delay, severe problems from occurring by maintaining it well and serving it at regular intervals.
Over time, issues are bound to show up, as they would with anything mechanical. Considering that earlier examples of the F34 GT have been around for nearly a decade now, there are some things you should look out for when you’re looking to buy a pre-owned one.
BMW F34 GT Pre-Purchase Inspection — Known Issues
The BMW 3-Series GT was a solid car, for the most part; however, owners have reported the following issues.
Ignition Coil Failure
Although nowhere near as common as with BMW’s older NA engines, the N20 has been reported to make quick work of ignition coils. That being said, in most of these cases the culprit was improper maintenance. More specifically, missing the spark plug maintenance cycle could cause the ignition coils to work overtime in an effort to compensate the failing spark plug. Needless to say, this type of load can cut the ignition coil’s service life in half.
The best way to stay ahead of this issue is to replace all ignition components on time. If your coils have failed, use only OEM grade coils such as Bosch 0221504800 or equivalent Eldor and Delphi coils. Using anything else can only cause the issue to come back.
BMW N20 Timing Chain Issue
As we already mentioned, this was a problem that you are most likely to find solely on the 328i xDrive GT. The timing chain guides on the early N20 engines were manufactured using a polycarbonate composition of substandard quality. As a result, they were prone to breaking sooner than expected; if not rectified immediately, this issue often resulted in catastrophic damage to the engine.
BMW acknowledged that there was something wrong and rectified the timing chain and its parts on newer versions of the N20. It also offered an extended 7-year/70,000-mile warranty on cars produced before 2015 — the 328i xDrive GT benefiting from it. So, if you’re in the market for one, ensure that you speak to the owner about the history of the part and if it’s caused them any significant problems. It’s also worth finding out if they’ve had the part replaced for the newer, better-designed one.
Getting your hands on a car that wasn’t part of the recall that ensued after the class action lawsuit can be an expensive affair. The timing chain guides will set you back a couple of thousand dollars, at least, to replace. It will cost you even more if it’s already caused more damage to other engine components.
You can check for a faulty timing chain by listening for a whining noise from the engine. A manual inspection of the part for excessive slack or scratching should also give you a better idea of the part’s condition.
N55 VANOS Solenoid Failure
The N55 is one of BMW’s best inline-six engines. The only shortcoming in an otherwise exceptional piece of machinery concerns the VANOS, which is BMW’s variable valve timing tech. The function of the VANOS is actuated by solenoids which are constantly at work. They play a vital role in optimal engine function by adjusting the intake valve timing by rotating the camshaft sprocket assembly.
Like any mechanical component, these solenoids will wear out over long periods of exploitation. However, owners have reported premature failure, and that is why we recommend getting the engine looked at by a technician before finalizing a purchase.
A solenoid failure will significantly drop in performance and might even send your car into limp mode.
Valve Cover and Valve Cover Gasket
Most modern-day BMWs, including the 3-Series GT, feature a rubber valve cover gasket and a valve cover made of plastic composite. These parts are exposed to the extreme temperatures produced by the engine, and the multiple heat cycles that they endure cause them to harden and crack.
When a valve cover or its gasket cracks, there can be an oil leak. Luckily, there are several ways to spot leaking oil. In some cases, it may trickle onto high-temperature components around the engine and cause a burning smell to permeate the passenger cabin. This is a classic sign of an oil leak under the hood.
You should also keep track of oil levels — a sudden, unexplained drop in quantity could mean an oil leak that needs to be taken care of. On the plus side, most minor oil leaks won’t immediately damage the engine. That said, if it’s not rectified soon, it can cause the other parts of your engine to run deprived of oil, causing them to wear out prematurely.
Transmission
BMWs have relatively robust transmission systems, and it’s unlikely that you’ll ever run into a significant problem with one. Some of the pre-owned 3-Series GT models you’re looking at may have noisy rear differentials. More often than not, this happens when the diffuser fluid hasn’t been replaced recently, and having it flushed and changed should rectify the problem.
On the other hand, unpleasant noises when shifting gears could point towards a more serious issue — the clutch and dual-mass flywheel may be starting to wear out, causing the loud, grinding noises.
Interior and Exterior
Several owners have complained that they were disappointed with the paint job quality on their F34 GT 3-Series cars. Forums have numerous mentions of cars whose paint scratches quickly and has started to chip away.
Another aspect that you should undoubtedly check is the sunroof. It may sound trivial, but many people tend to undervalue the cost of having to replace a faulty sunroof.
Check under the wheel arch for signs of rust. It’s normal for older cars to show signs of corrosion, but large amounts of rust will affect structural integrity. Another area prone to rusting on the F34 is the front seat frame. Again, it’s normal for an older car to have small amounts of corrosion.
Is the BMW F34 GT Worth Buying In 2022?
The BMW F34 still makes sense for someone who wants to buy a 3-Series but requires more space than the F30 offers. However, if you’re not keen on getting a 3-Series, other cars in the BMW range may suit you better.
If space is a priority, you may be better off opting for the F25-gen BMW X3 from the same era. It’s also a great car to drive — an area that the 3-Series GT is not the most prolific in. The GT’s larger proportions and bulkier stance have deprived it of the handling characteristics available with the sedan.
On the flip side, if you’re going to spend most of your time being chauffeured around, then the 3-Series Gran Turismo gives you very little to complain about.
