Does the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 have timing chain issues-

The N55 engine in the BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 does not suffer from the catastrophic timing chain failures of older BMW engines like the N47 or N20. The N55's timing chain is front-mounted and generally reliable. The main N55 weaknesses are wastegate rattle, valve cover gasket leaks, and electric water pump failure.

What are the common problems with the BMW ActiveHybrid 3 hybrid system-

The hybrid system in the BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 has several known issues: battery pack degradation - reduced electric range and performance; hybrid system faults - warning lights, reduced performance; regenerative braking issues - inconsistent brake feel; and electric motor and power electronics failures.

BMW ACTIVEHYBRID 3 SPECIALISTS

BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for the F30 ActiveHybrid 3 - powered by the N55B30A 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder petrol engine paired with a 40 kW electric motor for 340 hp system output.

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BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 Engine

from£4,500 to £6,500

Usedfrom £2,200
Reconditionedfrom £3,800
Common codesN55B30A

BMW 3-series ActiveHybrid 3 Used Engine — N55B30A

BMW 3-seriesUsed Engine — N55B30A

BMW 3-series ActiveHybrid 3 Reconditioned Engine — N55B30A

BMW 3-seriesReconditioned Engine — N55B30A

BMW 3-series ActiveHybrid 3 Rebuilt Engine — N55B30A

BMW 3-seriesRebuilt Engine — N55B30A

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How it works

3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine

Clear information first, then the right engine and specialist for your exact vehicle.

Variant History

BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 arrived in 2012 as the first hybrid version of the 3 Series, combining the award-winning N55 3.0-litre twin-scroll turbo six-cylinder petrol engine from the 335i with a 40 kW electric motor. The result was 340 hp system output with 18% better fuel economy than the 335i - a genuine performance hybrid that could accelerate from 0-60 mph in 5.1 seconds while delivering 47 mpg.

2012
N55B30A (306 hp petrol engine + 40 kW / 54 hp electric motor, 340 hp system output). Launched in the F30 ActiveHybrid 3 saloon.
2012
Available in SE, Modern, Luxury and M Sport specification.
2013
Production ends. The ActiveHybrid 3 was a short-lived model, replaced by the 330e plug-in hybrid in 2016. Only 108 M Sport examples and 23 Luxury examples were registered in the UK.

Every engine fitted to the BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

(Source: EM-QUOTE from proprietary supplier data, using N55-family proxy pricing.)

N55B30A — 3.0-litre Petrol Full Hybrid (2012-2013)

Power Output: 306 hp (petrol engine) / 54 hp (electric motor) / 340 hp (system output)
Torque: 400 Nm (petrol) / 450 Nm (combined)
Years Fitted: 2012-2013

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for N55B30A BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine replacement

-> Get quotes for N55B30A BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine replacement

Common Problems

BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 is powered by the N55B30A 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine - the same unit found in the 335i - paired with a 40 kW electric motor and a high-voltage lithium-ion battery. While the N55 is a robust and rewarding engine, it has well-documented weaknesses including wastegate rattle and oil leaks. The hybrid system adds further complexity: battery degradation and hybrid system faults are common concerns. Rebuilt engines supplied through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Common failure points and repair options

N55 Wastegate Rattle & Oil Leaks

Affected: BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 (N55B30A, 2012-2013)
Typical failure mileage: 60,000-100,000 miles

Root cause

The turbocharger wastegate can develop rattle due to wear in the wastegate arm bushing. Valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket leaks are common, leading to oil consumption and potential fire risk.

Repair options

Repair tier	Dealer price	Specialist price
Wastegate repair / turbo replacement	£2,000-£3,500	£1,200-£2,000
Valve cover gasket replacement	£800-£1,200	£400-£700
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine	£7,000-£10,000	£4,500-£6,500 (matches Section 4's rebuilt figure for N55B30A)

Our recommendation

If you own a BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3, prioritise preventative maintenance - address oil leaks promptly and listen for wastegate rattle. The hybrid battery is the biggest long-term cost risk; if the car is worth under £5,000, battery reconditioning or a used engine is often more cost-effective than a full rebuild. For low-mileage, well-maintained examples, a rebuilt engine with warranty is a sound investment.

Hybrid Battery Degradation

Affected: BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 (all models, 2012-2013)
Typical failure mileage: 60,000-100,000 miles

Root cause

The high-voltage lithium-ion battery pack degrades over time, leading to reduced electric-only range, diminished performance, and increased reliance on the petrol engine.

Repair options

Repair tier	Dealer price	Specialist price
Hybrid battery reconditioning	£2,500-£4,000	£1,500-£3,000
Full hybrid battery replacement	£5,000-£8,000	£3,500-£5,500
Engine replacement (petrol engine only)	£7,000-£10,000	£4,500-£6,500

Our recommendation

-> Compare rebuilt N55B30A BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine prices

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3

Whether you're dealing with N55 wastegate rattle, oil leaks, hybrid battery degradation, or simply want to compare prices for a used or reconditioned BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine, EnginesMarket connects you with vetted UK specialists. Every rebuilt engine carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty with upgraded components addressing the original failure points. Compare quotes today and avoid main dealer premiums.

Compare BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 Engine Replacement Prices Now ->

FAQ

BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

A BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine replacement typically costs between £4,500 and £6,500 for a rebuilt N55B30A unit. The hybrid system adds complexity, so ensure your quote includes the engine only or the full hybrid system as required.

Used BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engines: £2,200-£3,800
Reconditioned BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engines: £3,800-£5,500
Rebuilt BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engines: £4,500-£6,500

-> Get a free BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine quote today

It depends on the age, mileage and condition of your car. The ActiveHybrid 3 is a rare model - only 108 M Sport and 23 Luxury examples were registered in the UK. With typical values between £4,000-£9,000, a full engine replacement may not be cost-effective on higher-mileage examples. For low-mileage, well-maintained cars, a rebuilt engine with warranty is a sound investment.

-> Compare BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine prices

A BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine replacement typically takes 12-16 labour hours for the N55B30A unit. The hybrid system integration means the high-voltage components must be handled with care - allow 3-5 working days for the complete job with a specialist.

Supply only: engine can be delivered next working day
Supply & fit: allow 3-5 days for the complete job

-> Get a BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 supply & fit quote

The BMW ActiveHybrid 3 (2012-2013) is a full hybrid - it cannot be plugged in and has a small battery that is charged by the petrol engine and regenerative braking. The BMW 330e (2016 onwards) is a plug-in hybrid with a larger battery that can be charged from an external power source, offering a longer electric-only range.

ActiveHybrid 3: 340 hp, 0-60 in 5.1 seconds, 47 mpg
330e: up to 292 hp, 0-60 in 5.9 seconds, 134 mpg (plug-in capability)

-> Check compatibility for your BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3

Why Choose Us

Compare BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 Engine Prices Today

Comparing quotes for your BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 engine replacement is free, quick and carries no obligation. Whether you need a used N55B30A, a reconditioned unit with upgraded components, or a rebuilt engine with full warranty, EnginesMarket connects you with vetted UK specialists who know BMW 3 Series ActiveHybrid 3 hybrid systems inside out. Enter your registration above and get tailored quotes in minutes.

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