BMW F30 Horn for Sale | OEM Dual-Tone 12V Horn for F30 3-Series 2012 to 2018
$100.00
At a Glance
- Condition: OEM tested pair, high-pitch and low-pitch included
- Availability: In stock, ready to ship
- Shipping: Free shipping to all 50 states, 3 to 7 business days
- Direct plug and play with F30 OEM 2-pin connector
- Compatible with all F30 3-Series variants (320i, 328i, 330i, 335i, 340i)
- Cross-compatible with F31 wagon and F34 Gran Turismo
- Weatherproof housing for long service life
- 100% fitment verified before every order ships
- Sound output approximately 120 dB matches OEM spec
- Backed by a 15 day replacement warranty against manufacturing defects
Description
About the BMW F30 Horn
The BMW F30 horn is the safety-critical component that produces the distinctive dual-tone BMW horn sound when you press the steering wheel center. The F30 (the sixth-generation 3-Series, sold from 2012 through 2018) uses a dual-horn design: one high-pitch unit and one low-pitch unit, mounted together and sounded simultaneously to produce the rich, layered tone that BMW is known for. A failed horn is more than a minor inconvenience: it is a safety issue and a state inspection failure in many US states. This direct-fit replacement pair restores OEM sound quality and meets the inspection standard.
Why F30 Owners Replace the Horn
Common F30 horn replacement triggers include:
- Horn produces no sound at all: Internal coil failure, contact corrosion, or wiring fault
- Horn sounds weak or muffled: Diaphragm damage or moisture intrusion
- Only one tone sounds (high or low only): One of the two horns has failed, dual-tone effect is lost
- Inconsistent operation: Horn works intermittently, indicating internal contact wear
- State inspection failure: A non-functioning horn is an automatic inspection failure in many states
- Aftermarket upgrade: Owners returning to OEM after an aftermarket horn experiment
- After front-end collision: Horns mounted near the bumper or radiator support are vulnerable to impact damage
- Salt and moisture corrosion: Northeastern US winter exposure to road salt damages horn internals over time
How the BMW F30 Dual-Tone Horn Works
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Activation | Pressing the steering wheel horn pad sends 12V DC to both horns simultaneously through the horn relay |
| Sound Production | Each horn uses an electromagnet to vibrate a steel diaphragm at its specific resonant frequency |
| Dual-Tone Effect | The two horns sound together at different frequencies (~330 Hz low and ~410 Hz high) to produce a rich, layered tone |
| Sound Output | Combined output is approximately 120 dB measured at 6.5 feet (2 meters) |
Things to Confirm Before Ordering
- F30 chassis confirmed (2012 to 2018 3-Series sedan, F31 wagon, F34 GT)
- Existing horn pair count (F30 uses two horns, replace as a pair for full dual-tone effect)
- Existing connector type (BMW 2-pin standard, confirm if your truck has a different aftermarket connector from previous owner work)
- Mounting location confirmed (typically behind front bumper or on radiator support)
What Ships and What Does Not
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| INCLUDED | Pair of horns (one high pitch, one low pitch), mounting brackets where applicable, OEM-style 2-pin connectors. |
| NOT INCLUDED | Wiring harness extensions (rarely needed), horn relay (sold separately if yours has failed), tools. |
| Tools You Need | Standard hand tools, 10 mm and 13 mm sockets typical for F30 horn mounting, possibly a trim removal tool to access the bumper area. |
Vehicle Compatibility
This BMW F30 horn pair is compatible with the following:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| BMW F30 3-Series Sedan (2012 to 2018) | 320i, 328i, 330i, 335i, 340i, 328i xDrive, 328d (diesel) |
| BMW F31 3-Series Touring / Wagon (2012 to 2019) | All variants matching F30 horn spec |
| BMW F34 3-Series Gran Turismo (2013 to 2019) | All variants matching F30 horn spec |
| BMW F80 M3 (2014 to 2018) | Most use the same horn assembly as F30 (confirm before order) |
| BMW F32 / F33 / F36 4-Series (2014 to 2020) | Some variants share horn spec with F30 (confirm before order) |
NOT compatible with: E90 / E91 / E92 / E93 3-Series (2006 to 2011, different connector), G20 3-Series (2019 onward, redesigned chassis with different horn spec), older E36 / E46 3-Series, or BMW SUVs without further confirmation.
Inspection Workflow
Quality control for every BMW F30 horn pair we ship includes:
- Sound output tested (each horn individually checked for proper frequency and volume)
- 12V DC continuity verified
- Connector pin integrity verified (OEM-style 2-pin)
- Weatherproof housing inspected
- Mounting bracket integrity verified where included
- Pair matched (high-pitch and low-pitch frequencies match OEM spec)
Why Buy From Part Nests
- Tested BMW F30 horn pair, both high-pitch and low-pitch verified
- Direct plug and play with F30 OEM 2-pin connector
- Cross-compatible with F31 wagon, F34 GT, and most F-chassis variants
- Sound output approximately 120 dB matches OEM spec
- Weatherproof housing for long service life
- Free shipping to all 50 states, no hidden surcharges
- 15 day replacement warranty on manufacturing defects
- Call (855) 634-4447 to confirm F-chassis variant, connector style, and mounting location before ordering
Additional information
| application | BMW F30 3-Series (2012 to 2018) |
|---|---|
| compatible-models | 320i, 328d, 328i, 328i xDrive, 330i, 335i, 340i |
| product_type | Dual-tone disc horn (high pitch + low pitch) |
| voltage | 12V DC |
| sound-pressure-level | Approximately 120 dB |
| frequency | High tone ~410 to 420 Hz, Low tone ~330 to 340 Hz |
| mounting | Standard BMW F30 horn bracket |
| connector | OEM-style 2-pin |
| sold-as | Pair |
| weather-sealing | IP-rated weatherproof housing |
| operating-temperature | -40°F to +185°F |
| price | $75.00 |
Dual-tone design. The F30 horn assembly pairs one high-pitch unit (~410 Hz) and one low-pitch unit (~330 Hz) that sound simultaneously. The two frequencies combine to produce the rich, layered tone BMW is known for. A single-horn design produces a thinner, less distinctive sound. Many F30 owners discover they have a 'failed' horn when really only one of the two has failed and the dual-tone effect is lost; replacing the pair restores the full BMW sound signature.
Yes. If the high-pitch horn fails, the low-pitch will still sound, and vice versa. The horn will still produce sound and pass most state inspections that only check for "horn functional" rather than "horn produces dual-tone." However, the sound will be noticeably thinner and less distinctive. For full restoration of the BMW dual-tone effect, replace both horns as a pair.
Yes for most owners. The horns are typically located behind the front bumper or on the radiator support. Access requires either bumper removal (more thorough but more labor) or working through the wheel-well opening with the front wheels turned (faster but more cramped). The horns themselves attach with one mounting bolt each and the OEM 2-pin connector unplugs. Most DIY installers complete the job in 30 to 60 minutes with basic hand tools.
No. The E90 (the previous-generation 3-Series, sold 2006 to 2011) uses a different connector style and mounting design. The F30 horn pair is NOT compatible with the E90. For E90 horns, look for E90-specific listings. Likewise, the F30 horn does not fit the G20 (2019 onward 3-Series), which uses a redesigned horn spec.
Most F80 M3s (2014 to 2018) use the same horn assembly as the F30 base 3-Series. However, M-specific options can include different horn variants in some markets. We confirm M3 fitment by VIN before shipping. Call before ordering for an F80 M3 application.
Yes. A non-functioning horn is an automatic inspection failure in many US states. Even partial failure (only one of the two horns sounding) can trigger inspection notice in some jurisdictions. Replacing a failed horn is one of the simpler ways to clear an inspection issue and restore vehicle compliance.
Sound level measured at 6.5 feet (2 meters) from the horn. 120 dB is the OEM spec for the F30 horn pair and matches the loudness of a car horn at typical pedestrian-warning distance. Aftermarket performance horns can exceed this (130+ dB) but at higher cost and with potential nuisance-noise concerns in some jurisdictions. This OEM pair matches factory sound output.
Yes where applicable. The horns ship with the mounting brackets needed for direct F30 installation. The brackets are integrated into the horn housing on most F30 horn variants. If you need separate mounting hardware for a custom installation, source from a BMW dealer or hardware store.
15 Day Replacement Warranty
Every BMW F30 horn pair purchased through Part Nests carries a 15 day replacement warranty starting on the delivery date.
What Is Covered
- Manufacturing defects in coil, diaphragm, or housing
- Sound output failures (frequency or volume below OEM spec) not disclosed at shipping
- Connector pin defects beyond what was documented
- Pair mismatch (high-pitch and low-pitch not matched to OEM frequencies)
- Incorrect part shipped due to an error on our end
What Is Not Covered
- Damage caused during installation
- Damage from installing with reversed polarity
- Damage from operating with a known short or overload on the horn circuit
- Damage from impact after installation
- Labor expenses of any kind
To start a warranty claim, reach us within 15 days of delivery at (855) 634-4447.
- Sound Output Tested: Each horn individually verified for frequency and volume
- 12V DC Continuity Verified: Electrical path confirmed
- OEM 2-Pin Connector: Direct plug-and-play with F30 wiring
- Weatherproof Housing: Long service life under hood
- Pair Matched: High-pitch and low-pitch frequencies confirmed to OEM spec
- 15 Day Replacement Cover: Manufacturing defects protected from delivery onward
2 reviews for BMW F30 Horn for Sale | OEM Dual-Tone 12V Horn for F30 3-Series 2012 to 2018
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Marcus T. –
Got an F30 horn pair for a 2015 328i after the original failed state inspection. Both horns tested for sound output, OEM 2-pin connectors verified. Drop-in replacement through the wheel-well opening took about 45 minutes. Full dual-tone restored, cleared inspection on re-test.
Yvette L. –
Sourced a horn pair for a 2017 340i. Pair matched verified (high and low pitch both to OEM spec). Direct plug and play with no harness modification needed. Honest pre-purchase information about which F-chassis variants share the same horn spec.