3 Series F30 vs ES VI (XV60): which is better?
BMW 3 Series F30 (2011–2019) vs Lexus ES VI (XV60) (2012–2018): specs, fuel economy, tax and common problems.
BMW 3 Series F30
Lexus ES VI (XV60)Specifications
| BMW 3 Series F30 | Lexus ES VI (XV60) | |
|---|---|---|
| Production years | 2011–2019 | 2012–2018 |
| Body | sedan | sedan |
| Fuel | petrol | petrol |
| Engines | 2.0 Turbo (320i) | 2.5 (ES250) |
| Power, up to | 184 hp | 184 hp |
| Torque, up to | 270 Nm | 235 Nm |
| Gearbox | automatic | automatic |
| Drive | rear-wheel drive | front-wheel drive |
| Length | 4 624 mm | 4 900 mm |
| Width | 1 811 mm | 1 820 mm |
| Height | 1 429 mm | 1 450 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2 810 mm | 2 820 mm |
| Fuel tank | 60 L | 65 L |
| KZ tax 2026 (car under 10 years) | ≈ 16 475 ₸ | ≈ 29 450 ₸ |
The better value is highlighted in green.
Pros, cons and common problems
BMW 3 Series F30
Pros
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: a reliable gearbox
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Engine BMW N20 (2.0 Turbo): timing chain guide wear on engines before ~2015
- Gearbox ZF 8HP: rarely, mechatronics and bushings at high mileage
Engine (BMW N20 (2.0 Turbo)): timing chain guide wear on engines before ~2015; oil leaks.
Gearbox (ZF 8HP): reliable gearbox; rarely — mechatronic and bushings at high mileage.
Lexus ES VI (XV60)
Pros
- Japanese Aisin automatic
- Sold in all major markets of the region — parts and mechanics available
Cons
- Toyota 2AR-FE engine (2.5): VVT-i actuator rattle on cold start
- Aisin gearbox (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic): jolts when shifting at high mileage
Engine (Toyota 2AR-FE (2.5)): VVT-i coupling rattle on cold start; water pump leak; at high mileage — increased oil consumption.
Gearbox (Aisin (Toyota/Lexus 4–8-speed automatic)): shift shocks at high mileage; solenoid wear from old oil.
Which one to choose
- 3 Series F30 — if you care more about: torque, kz tax 2026.
- ES VI (XV60) — if you care more about: wheelbase, fuel tank.
The condition of a specific car matters more than the model: check the service history and get the engine and gearbox inspected before buying.
FAQ
Which is more powerful: 3 Series F30 or ES VI (XV60)?
3 Series F30: up to 184 hp, ES VI (XV60): up to 184 hp.
What is the vehicle tax in Kazakhstan?
For 2026, for a car under 10 years old: 3 Series F30 — about 16 475 ₸, ES VI (XV60) — about 29 450 ₸ (base engine). A 0.7 factor applies to cars aged 10–20 years and 0.5 to cars over 20.