If you are considering buying a used BMW 1 Series, there are several major reliability issues worth knowing about first. Our garage database tracks 16 known faults for this model, 13 of them rated high severity. Every one below is a repair bill a seller has good reason not to mention.
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The N47 timing chain runs at the BACK of the engine, behind the flywheel, so reaching it means removing the gearbox or dropping the engine. The original chain and plastic guides were underspecified: guides break up, the chain stretches and can snap, bending valves and in bad cases destroying the engine. Debris from the guides can also block the oil pump pickup and wipe the bearings. BMW issued revised parts (redesigned guides and crankshaft) under a quality-enhancement programme and later builds fail less often, but revised N47T engines still fail, so a late build date is not a clean bill of health. Specialist chain jobs start around 1350-2500 pounds; after a snap, a rebuild runs 3000-6500 pounds
Rough guide
£1350-6500
Typical symptoms
rhythmic scraping or metallic rattling from the REAR of the engine, near the bulkhead
engine management light or camshaft correlation fault codes
sudden loss of power or complete engine failure with no prior warning
July 2017The timing chain on a 2011 BMW 118d M-Sport with an N47 engine failed at 114,000 miles despite regular servicing.
August 2016The timing chain of a 2013 BMW 116d N47 engine was replaced under warranty in 2015.
June 2016A 2008 BMW 120d N47 M Sport convertible needed a new timing chain at 42,000 miles, with BMW contributing to the £2,500 cost.
March 2016A 2007 BMW 118d N47 engine had a timing chain break at 100,000 miles, repaired by BMW for £2,500.
August 2015A 2010 BMW 120d with an N47 engine was recalled for inspection and potential replacement of the timing chain tensioner and chain.
August 2013A five-year-old N47 118d with 50,000 miles developed a noticeable timing chain rattle, with BMW contributing to the £2,350 repair.
July 2013A 2007 BMW 120d with an N47 engine experienced timing chain failure at 67,000 miles despite a full service history.
September 2012A 2008 BMW 118d with an N47 engine suffered a timing chain failure at 63,000 miles.
May 2012A 2007 BMW 118d auto with an N47 engine experienced timing chain failure at 74,000 miles.
March 2012A 2007 BMW 118d with an N47 engine had a timing chain failure at 59,000 miles.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity📝 Editorial
High Pressure Fuel Pump (HPFP) failure and severe turbo wastegate rattle
Rough guide
£800-2500
Typical symptoms
long cranking before engine starts
half engine light / limp mode on hard acceleration
loud metallic rattling from the exhaust side when lifting off the throttle
Affected vehicles
Engines:
3.0 Twin Turbo (N54)
Typical mileage:
60000-100000 miles
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 6 owner reports, 2013 to 2018
The N43 1.6i/1.8i petrol engine is prone to timing chain issues, including the chain jumping a cog or plastic chain guides breaking up, leading to catastrophic engine failure. This was reportedly rectified by fitting a new tensioner and anti-skipping bracket on later models (post 2006).
Rough guide
£2500-7000
Typical symptoms
Metallic rattling noise from engine, especially on cold start
Loss of engine power
Engine seizing or cutting out unexpectedly
Engine management warning light
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.6i / 1.8i (N43)
Typical mileage:
20000-75000 miles
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ElectricalHigh severity💬 2 owner reports, 2016
Failures of the Engine Control Unit (ECU) have been reported on early petrol models, potentially leading to various electrical issues and engine running problems.
Rough guide
£800-1500
Typical symptoms
Engine running issues
Warning lights on dashboard
Battery drain (if related to alarm sensor unit)
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Early Petrol Models
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2012 to 2016
Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) and clutch failures are increasingly common on manual diesel models, particularly the 118d and 120d. This often manifests as clutch judder and can lead to repeated failures.
Rough guide
£800-1500
Typical symptoms
Clutch judder, especially when pulling away
Vibrations through the pedal or cabin
Difficulty engaging gears
Excessive noise from the gearbox area
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Manual Diesel (118d, 120d)
Typical mileage:
50000-100000 miles
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 4 owner reports, 2012 to 2016
Failures of ABS/DSC/DTC sensors and reluctor rings are common, leading to warning lights, erratic braking, and loss of power. This can be due to corrosion of the reluctor rings on the driveshafts.
Rough guide
£500-1500
Typical symptoms
DSC/DTC warning lights on dashboard
Brake system management failure
Jerky ride and sudden loss of power to wheels
Erratic gearchanges (if automatic)
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
60000-140000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
September 2018All four ABS sensors on a 2010 BMW 125i M Sport convertible failed before the car reached 30,000 miles.
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Fuel SystemHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2012 to 2019
Repeated problems with coil packs and injectors are common on 4-cylinder petrol engines from 2007 onwards. This can lead to misfires, rough running, and engine failure.
Rough guide
£500-2000
Typical symptoms
Engine misfires or rough running
Loss of power
Engine management light illuminated
Smoke or small flames from engine bay (in extreme cases)
Affected vehicles
Engines:
4-cylinder Petrol (N43)
Typical mileage:
20000-70000 miles
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Screws for the housing of the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) adjustment unit can loosen or break, leading to oil leaks, affected valve timing, and potential engine emergency mode or stalling. This was subject to a worldwide recall, with a specific UK DVSA recall (R/2014/068) for models built between 2009-2011.
Rough guide
£1000-2000
Typical symptoms
Engine emergency mode activated
Distinct change in engine running
Orange engine management warning lamp
Loss of power
Affected vehicles
Engines:
3.0 Single Turbo (N55)
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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ElectricalHigh severity💬 4 owner reports, 2017 to 2018
The connection between the B+ cable and the Power Distribution Box can become damaged by wear and heat, leading to high contact resistance and potential malfunction. This can result in a non-start situation or, in extreme cases, the engine cutting out without warning while driving. This was subject to a recall (R/2017/114).
Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)
Typical symptoms
Non-start situation
Flickering instrument cluster (dash)
Engine misfire
Engine cutting out without warning
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All Petrol and Diesel
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
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What owners report on the E81/E87/E82/E88
11 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Engine · October 2019A 2009 BMW 118i auto with 32,566 miles needed multiple camshaft sensors and a nitrogen oxide sensor replaced, costing £1,235.
Engine · August 2019The timing chain on a 2008 BMW 118i with an N43 2.0 litre engine was reported to be rattling.
Engine · July 2019A 2008 BMW 118iES N43 engine had an oil leak from the camshaft cover gasket, requiring replacement seals and a new gasket.
Brakes · May 2019A 2013 BMW 118i cabrio with 28,000 miles needed a new brake servo, costing £850, which the supplying dealer paid.
Electrics · September 2018A 2007 BMW 1 Series was subject to a wiring recall, but parts were unavailable, preventing the dealer from completing the fix.
Electrics · May 2018A 2009 BMW 116i Sport lost power and stopped at 43,000 miles, needing replacement output shafts and rear pulse transmitters for £1,215.
Electrics · September 2015A 2007 BMW 118D experienced a starting problem where the starter motor would not engage.
Gearbox and clutch · April 2014The differential failed in a five-year-old BMW 118d M, with a replacement quoted at £1,300.
Bodywork · January 2014The frameless side windows on a 2007 BMW 118d 3-door stuck in cold weather, causing the motor to burn out three times.
Bodywork · December 2012Rainwater can enter the boot of the BMW 1 Series Coupe through cabin vent flaps, potentially affecting the electrics.
Engine · May 2012A BMW 135i N55 model experienced an engine warning light, rough running, and limp mode, requiring a fuel injection valve replacement.
What owners like about the E81/E87/E82/E88
4 notes
October 2016The M135i fitted with runflat tyres achieved a tyre life of 30,000 miles on both front and rear wheels.
July 2013The BMW 1 Series Convertible was voted the most reliable used sports car in a 2013 Which? survey.
The BMW 1 Series achieved a five-star Euro NCAP rating for occupant safety, with four stars for child safety.
The 118d model was recognised for its environmental performance, earning the World Green Car award at the 2008 New York Auto Show.
Generation 2 of 27 known faults · 17 owner reports · 4 good notes
BMW 1 Series F20/F21 (2011 to 2019) problems
Engine/EmissionsHigh severity🏛️ Official recall
The exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler cracks and leaks coolant into the hot exhaust gas stream, where the glycol deposits can ignite and set fire to the inlet manifold. DVSA recall R/2018/341 covers it in the plain words "The EGR cooler may leak presenting a fire risk", and it is one of the largest recalls in the UK, covering 225,449 vehicles. The recall work is free, but cars slip through: the fix has been revised more than once, and an unrepaired or early-repaired car is the risk. Outside the recall, a failed cooler plus manifold is a four-figure job
Rough guide
£0 (free safety recall)
Typical symptoms
loss of coolant with no obvious external leak
smell of burning from engine bay
engine bay fire
Affected vehicles
Engines:
2.0d (B47 Engine) / 3.0d (N57)
Typical mileage:
40000-100000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
September 2018A 2017 BMW 118d automatic with 25,000 miles randomly jerked while driving, which was resolved by replacing a blocked EGR valve under warranty.
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Engine/EmissionsLow severity💬 Owner reports
Plastic turbo charge pipe becomes brittle and shatters under boost pressure
Rough guide
£200-350
Typical symptoms
loud pop during hard acceleration
immediate loss of power and limp mode
hissing sound of escaping boost
Affected vehicles
Engines:
3.0 Single Turbo (N55)
Typical mileage:
40000-80000 miles
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The N13 1.6 turbo petrol shares the timing chain weakness of its BMW stablemates but gets far less attention than the N47 diesel, so buyers rarely check for it. The chain, guides and tensioner wear early and typically announce themselves as drivetrain warnings and camshaft correlation fault codes rather than obvious noise. The engine is an interference design, so a chain that jumps bends the exhaust valves and turns a chain job into an engine rebuild. Chain work at a specialist is roughly 700-1500 pounds; valve damage takes it well beyond that
Rough guide
£700-2500
Typical symptoms
rattle from the front of the engine on cold start, sometimes for several seconds
drivetrain error message and engine management light
camshaft correlation fault codes stored
rough running or misfire once the chain has worn
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.6 Turbo Petrol (N13) - 114i, 116i, 118i
Typical mileage:
50000-100000 miles
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Transmission/ClutchHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2016 to 2021
Clutch and Dual Mass Flywheel (DMF) failures have been reported on manual diesel models, sometimes at low mileages. This can lead to the clutch seizing.
Rough guide
£800-1500
Typical symptoms
Clutch seizing or failing to engage
Clutch judder
Difficulty changing gears
Affected vehicles
Engines:
Manual Diesel (116d, 118d)
Typical mileage:
12000-50000 miles
1 more owner report backs this up
October 2019A 2017 BMW 1 Series diesel experienced dual mass flywheel failure, which also caused damage to the clutch.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 5 owner reports, 2016 to 2019
The N13 1.6 turbo petrol engine is prone to timing chain issues, including plastic tensioners breaking up and fragments falling into the sump, leading to oil starvation and catastrophic engine failure. Timing chain stretching has also been reported.
Rough guide
£2500-6000
Typical symptoms
Metallic rattling noise from engine
Red warning lights on dashboard
Loss of engine power or engine failure
Engine management light illuminated
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.6 Turbo Petrol (N13)
Typical mileage:
25000-66000 miles
2 more owner reports back this up
July 2020A 2016 BMW 118i with only 23,000 miles needed a new timing chain due to stretching.
February 2020A 2014 BMW 116i at 50,000 miles suffered timing chain, guides, and oil pump failure due to low oil, costing £685 after contributions.
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Engine/EmissionsHigh severity💬 3 owner reports, 2018 to 2019
The B38 1.5 3-cylinder engine has reported issues with piston collapse and timing chain failure, leading to catastrophic engine damage, sometimes at very low mileages.
Rough guide
£7000-10000
Typical symptoms
Sudden loss of engine power
Engine knocking or unusual noises
Engine failure or seizing
Engine management light illuminated
Affected vehicles
Engines:
1.5 3-cylinder (B38)
Typical mileage:
20000-35000 miles
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ElectricalMedium severity💬 2 owner reports, 2019
The iDrive infotainment system can suffer from persistent problems, including crashing, freezing, and the screen going blank. Dealers have sometimes struggled to resolve these issues, even after replacing the unit.
Rough guide
£500-1500
Typical symptoms
iDrive screen going blank or showing only BMW logo
Infotainment system crashing or freezing
System turning off and on randomly while driving
Difficulty connecting mobile phone
Affected vehicles
Engines:
All
Typical mileage:
Unknown miles
1 more owner report backs this up
November 2018A 2017 BMW 135i had faults including a poorly fitted seat leg extender, a boot that would not close, and iDrive system crashes.
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What owners report on the F20/F21
17 single reports, unconfirmed
One owner each, in their own words rewritten as a line, and not counted in our risk scoring. A fault joins the list above once a second report or an editorial source backs it.
Electrics · October 2019A 2012 BMW 116i had recurring Drive Train Warning Light problems that the dealer struggled to resolve.
Engine · October 2019A 2015 BMW 1 Series lost power and required Vanos unit replacements, with the owner paying £285 plus VAT after warranty contribution.
Fuel system · January 2019A BMW 1 Series diesel engine failed at 100,000 miles, requiring a new high-pressure fuel pump, injectors, and fuel rail for £3,000 to £4,000.
Bodywork · May 2018A 2016 BMW M140i developed paint blisters on its side and rear panels, with small clusters appearing without puncture marks.
Cooling · May 2018A 12-month-old BMW 140i suffered radiator and air conditioning condenser damage from a stone penetrating the front grille, costing over £1,000.
Gearbox and clutch · April 2018A 2016 BMW 118i Sport had a stiff and clunky manual gearchange into first and second gears, exacerbated by a heavy clutch.
Interior · January 2018A BMW M140i experienced a resonance issue when driving at speeds between 65 and 70mph.
Exhaust · October 2017A 2017 BMW M140i developed a rattle from its rear exhaust system, traced to an isolating valve in the nearside exhaust pipe.
Gearbox and clutch · September 2017An 81,000-mile BMW 1 Series manual diesel XDrive had difficulty selecting first gear from stationary, suggesting a dual mass flywheel issue.
Cooling · July 2017A 2016 BMW M140i, bought new nine months prior, had persistent air conditioning problems due to a leaking charge air cooler.
Engine · May 2017A late 2015 BMW 118i developed a noticeable change in engine noise and slight steering wheel vibration between 1,800 and 2,000 rpm.
Exhaust · April 2017The catalytic converter heat shield on a 27,000-mile 2013 BMW 116i came loose, with replacement quoted at £835.93.
Electrics · July 2016A 2015 BMW 1 Series with 3,500 miles experienced intermittent instrument display failure, resetting after ignition cycle.
Brakes · April 2016A 2014 BMW 120d xDrive M-Sport with 13,500 miles had water in the braking system, requiring a new DSC hydro unit.
Electrics · July 2015A 2013 BMW 114i experienced problems over 15,000 miles, including non-working front windscreen washers and an Amber Warning Drivetrain light.
Brakes · March 2014The brakes on an 18,000-mile 2014 BMW 116i failed completely, with the brake pedal becoming hard.
Suspension and steering · July 2013A BMW M135i was off the road for at least five weeks due to a parts shortage for its front suspension after pothole damage.
What owners like about the F20/F21
4 notes
The BMW 1 Series achieved a five-star Euro NCAP result, with 91% for adult safety and 83% for child safety.
The BMW 1 Series offers a great range of both diesel and petrol engines.
The BMW 1 Series features a high-tech yet intuitive navigation and media system.
This model offers a very smooth ride quality and responsive handling characteristics, enhancing the overall driving experience.
Sellers rarely admit these faults outright
We track 46 specific phrases sellers use in adverts to soft-pedal these exact issues. Paste any BMW 1 Series advert and we check it in seconds.
BMW 1 Series service intervals: cambelt, chain and gearbox oil
An overdue cambelt is the most expensive thing a seller can fail to mention on a used 1 Series. These are the figures UK specialists work to.
Timing chainChain
N47, 2.0D, 2.0 DIESEL
No fixed replacement interval
Rear-mounted timing chain stretches over time leading to catastrophic snapping. No fixed interval, but listen for a rhythmic scraping noise from the back of the engine on cold start. BMW's 2009 design modifications reduced the likelihood of failure but did not eliminate it.
Automatic gearbox oil
8-SPEED, 6-SPEED
60,000 miles or 8 years, whichever comes first
BMW claims the ZF gearbox is 'sealed for life', but ZF themselves (the manufacturer) prescribe fluid and filter changes. Published figures range from ZF's 100,000 km / 8 years guidance to specialist advice of 70,000-80,000 miles; 60,000 miles is recorded as the conservative end of that range.
Always confirm against the vehicle handbook. Intervals vary by engine, and several manufacturers revised theirs after failures in service.
Repair costs are typical UK ranges, not quotes. Actual cost depends on condition and garage.Data last verified: September 2026
BMW 1 Series buying questions
Is a used BMW 1 Series reliable?
The BMW 1 Series has 16 known faults in our database across 2 generations, 13 of them rated high severity. The most serious are engine (screws for the housing of the variable camshaft timing) and engine (the N43 1.6i/1.8i petrol engine is prone to timing chain issues). None of them makes the car a bad buy on its own; the risk is a seller who knows and says nothing.
What are the most common BMW 1 Series problems?
Three stand out. Engine: screws for the housing of the variable camshaft timing (VANOS) adjustment unit can loosen or break. Engine: the N43 1.6i/1.8i petrol engine is prone to timing chain issues (typically 20000 to 75000 miles). Engine: the N13 1.6 turbo petrol engine is prone to timing chain issues (typically 25000 to 66000 miles). The full list above is grouped by generation, with typical mileage and a rough repair cost for each.
Which BMW 1 Series years should I avoid?
No BMW 1 Series year is a write-off, but the E81/E87/E82/E88 (2004 to 2011) carries the most serious faults: engine, fuel system, electrics and gearbox. The F20/F21 (2011 to 2019) has high-severity faults on record too. Year matters less than whether the specific car has had the known fixes, so check the history for them.
What should I check when viewing a used BMW 1 Series?
Ask the seller about the engine faults on this page and whether they have been fixed, with invoices. On the test drive watch for engine emergency mode activated, metallic rattling noise from engine, especially on cold start and metallic rattling noise from engine. Read the MOT history for repeat advisories, then paste the advert into the free check, which reads it against all 16 known faults before you travel. Check a BMW 1 Series advert →
What is the real MPG of a BMW 1 Series?
Owners report 42.2 mpg on average across the BMW 1 Series engines with data, about 78% of the official combined figure. The gap between official and real-world economy varies a lot by engine, so the Real MPG page lists every engine and generation separately, from 4,453 owner submissions. BMW 1 Series Real MPG by engine →
If you used to check the Honest John “Good & Bad” section before the site closed in 2026, this page is where that information now lives. We rebuilt the BMW 1 Series owner-report history from the archived Honest John dataset, added our own research, specialist and owner-club sources and DVSA recall data, and we keep it free. Each fault above is badged with its source. The same data feeds our free advert check, which reads a listing against every known fault for the exact engine and year.
Knowing what a BMW 1 Series goes wrong with is half of it. The rest is reading the advert and checking the car's history before you hand any money over.