What are the most common problems with a used BMW 1 Series F20?

N47 diesel timing chain wear (pre-2015); N13 petrol engine issues (114i/116i/118i, pre-2015); EGR cooler recall (diesels); Coolant leaks and oil weeps; Rear tyre and suspension wear. Later B37/B38-engined cars (from around 2015) are the safer buy. On earlier cars, budget for timing chain diligence on both petrols and diesels — and buy the history file, not the wheels.

What should I check when viewing a used BMW 1 Series F20?

Engine rattle from cold — both petrol and diesel earlier cars; EGR recall completion (diesels); Coolant level and residue; Rear tyre wear and matching brands; Knocks from rear suspension

What questions should I ask the seller of a BMW 1 Series F20?

Which engine is it exactly, and any chain work done?; Full history with oil change intervals?; EGR recall paperwork?; Ever remapped?

Home › Guides › BMW 1 Series F20

Buying a used BMW 1 Series F20 (2011–2019)

The F20 1 Series is the cheap way into rear-wheel-drive BMW ownership, and a well-kept one is a genuinely lovely small car. The engine range is the minefield: some units are excellent, others have expensive known habits.

Quick verdictLater B37/B38-engined cars (from around 2015) are the safer buy. On earlier cars, budget for timing chain diligence on both petrols and diesels — and buy the history file, not the wheels.

Common problems to know about

01N47 diesel timing chain wear (pre-2015)

The earlier 116d/118d/120d diesel carries BMW's infamous rear-mounted timing chain. A rattle or whine from the back of the engine is the warning — replacement is a huge job. Later B47 engines are much improved.

02N13 petrol engine issues (114i/116i/118i, pre-2015)

The early 1.6 turbo petrol has its own timing chain and coolant system weaknesses. Cold-start rattle, coolant loss or rough running deserve a specialist look.

03EGR cooler recall (diesels)

Diesel models were included in BMW's EGR cooler recall — confirm by VIN that the work was done.

04Coolant leaks and oil weeps

Thermostat housings, water pumps and rocker cover gaskets weep with age. Check levels and look for residue.

05Rear tyre and suspension wear

Rear-wheel drive eats rear tyres, and worn rear shock mounts and bushes cause knocks. Check tread on all four and listen over bumps.

MOT history: what to look for

Watch for advisories on tyres (rears especially), brake discs, and suspension bushes. Oil leak advisories that repeat year after year tell you maintenance was reactive, not preventative.

Checking a specific BMW 1 Series F20?

Enter its reg plate and get an instant report: full MOT history, this car's weak points, an inspection checklist and a price guide.

GBENTER REG

Reports from £4.99 · Uses official DVSA MOT data

Checklist when viewing the car

Engine rattle from cold — both petrol and diesel earlier cars
EGR recall completion (diesels)
Coolant level and residue
Rear tyre wear and matching brands
Knocks from rear suspension

Questions to ask the seller

Which engine is it exactly, and any chain work done?
Full history with oil change intervals?
EGR recall paperwork?
Ever remapped?

Price notes

Engine choice moves value more than trim: a plain 118i with full history beats a neglected M Sport on wheels-and-badges money. Cross-shop against the safer post-2015 cars before buying early.