BMW 316d common problems and MOT failures

What usually goes wrong with a BMW 316d?

Known faults reported by owners, mechanics and UK buying guides, in our own words. Most apply to certain years or engines only, so check which the car has.

• Timing chain wear

  Cars registered 2012–2019 · 2.0 petrol and diesel

  The four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines can suffer timing chain wear, especially with late oil changes. A failed chain is an engine-out repair.

  At the viewing: Listen for a rattle or whine from the back of the engine, especially from cold. Ask for oil changes on time.

  Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review

• Timing chain (N47 diesel, 318d/320d)

  Cars registered 2009–2011 · 2.0 diesel (2007 on)

  The 2.0 diesel's timing chain is at the back of the engine and is a known weak point. Replacing it costs around £1,000.

  At the viewing: Start the engine from cold and listen for a rattle from the back.

  Source: Fast Car: BMW 3 Series E90 buying guide

• Battery cable and blower wiring recalls

  Cars registered 2009–2011 · All engines

  About 312,000 cars were recalled for a faulty positive battery cable and nearly 280,000 for a heater blower connector. Others covered side airbag wiring, the brake servo, the propshaft joint and VANOS units.

  At the viewing: Ask a BMW dealer to check the VIN for outstanding recalls.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)

• Blocked EGR valve or particulate filter (diesel)

  Cars registered 2012–2019 · Diesel

  Diesels used mostly for short trips can block the EGR valve or clog the particulate filter, causing poor running.

  At the viewing: Ask what journeys it’s done and watch for warning lights or a lack of power.

  If it needs doing: DPF clean or regeneration, about £160–£500. ClickMechanic

  Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review

• Misfires (N43 petrol, 320i)

  Cars registered 2009–2011 · 2.0 petrol

  The 2.0 petrol can misfire from faulty injectors and coil packs.

  At the viewing: Check for a rough idle or warning light.

  Source: Fast Car: BMW 3 Series E90 buying guide

• Oil leaks (six-cylinder petrol)

  Cars registered 2009–2011 · Six-cylinder petrol

  The six-cylinder petrols leak oil from the cam cover and the oil filter housing.

  At the viewing: Look under the bonnet and the car for oil.

  Source: Fast Car: BMW 3 Series E90 buying guide

• Flat battery from the fuel filter heater (diesel)

  Cars registered 2009–2011 · Diesel

  A faulty fuel filter heater can drain the battery.

  At the viewing: Ask whether it has had flat batteries.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)

• Clutch and dual-mass flywheel

  Cars registered 2009–2011 · Manual gearbox

  A faulty dual-mass flywheel can make the clutch seize. Both need replacing.

  At the viewing: Feel for judder or a heavy, odd clutch, and listen for rattles at idle.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)

• Noisy differential

  Cars registered 2012–2019

  A whine from the rear as the car passes you can mean the differential has been neglected.

  At the viewing: Ask someone to drive it past you slowly and listen for a whine from the back.

  Source: Parkers: BMW 3 Series (2012-2019) used review

• Clunks over bumps in the cold

  Cars registered 2009–2011 · All engines

  Worn front anti-roll bar bushes clunk, more in cold weather.

  At the viewing: Drive over bumps and listen.

  Source: Haynes: BMW 3 Series Mk5 common problems (2004-2011)

Common BMW 316d MOT failures to check

Parts flagged at MOT well above the usual rate for cars the same age, in more than one year. From the DVSA’s results for every MOT done in Great Britain during 2023–2025.

• Shock absorbers

  up to 2.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2010, 2011, 2016, 2017 and 2018.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Transmission oil leaks

  up to 10× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

• Steering rack inner joints

  up to 7.9× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2012, 2013 and 2014.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Headlights

  up to 3.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2015 and 2016.

  Rough price £40–£400 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check both headlights on dipped and full beam, and look for cloudy or cracked lenses.

• Sidelights

  up to 2.5× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £10–£80 our estimate

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light while you work the switches: indicators, brake lights, fog lights and reversing lights.

• Wheels

  up to 2.1× usual

  Stands out on cars registered in 2014 and 2015.

  Rough price £70–£150 our estimate

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

BMW 316d MOT pass rate by year

Of the years since 2005 with plenty of MOT tests, the 2011 BMW 316d did best (69% passed first time, 7 points above all 2011 cars) and the 2016 did worst (76%, 1 point below all 2016 cars). Older cars fail more, so compare each year with all cars registered the same year.

Questions to ask the seller before buying a BMW 316d

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Has the timing chain been checked or replaced, and have oil changes been on time?
2. Has the timing chain been replaced?
3. Have the battery cable and blower recalls been done?
4. Have the injectors or coils been replaced?
5. Have any oil leaks been fixed?
6. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 2.9× as often on the BMW 316d as on other cars the same age.)