(USED CAR BUYING GUIDE) BMW 1 Series F20: Models to avoid and models to favor

Buyer's guide for the BMW 1 Series F20: which models to choose and which models to avoid?

The BMW 1 Series F20 is the only premium compact car with rear-wheel drive , offering a dynamic driving experience and reduced weight. Our buyer's guide will help you understand which models to avoid, its features, advantages, and points to consider when purchasing this model.

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114i, 116i, 118i, 120i, 125i pre-facelift (4-cylinder N13 and N20 engines)

The N13 engine is a 1.6-liter turbocharged gasoline engine with direct injection, while the N20 is its 2-liter derivative. Both feature an aluminum engine block and variable valve timing. These engines are also used in some Mini Cooper models under the names N18 and N14 (an older version).

The 114i, 116i, and 118i versions of the F20 1 Series use a detuned variant of the 120i engine. With a simple remap, power can reach over 200 horsepower, making it an attractive option for performance enthusiasts on a budget.

Reliability and common problems

Unfortunately, the N13 and N20 engines have many common reliability problems :

• Timing chain: The timing chain is known to stretch; the guides are made of plastic and can break. We recommend paying close attention to any unusual engine noises, especially at idle.

• Turbo: Turbo intake pipes and vacuum lines can crack, causing power loss and misfires.

• Excessive oil consumption. This can occur before 150,000 km, or even before 100,000 km. Here are the main causes:

1. Faulty PCV (oil vapor recirculation): The simplest and cheapest cause is a faulty PCV. Either the diaphragm alone or the entire valve cover needs to be replaced.

2. Worn valve stem seals: Worn valve stem seals can also lead to oil consumption. This is easy to check: you will see blue smoke coming from the exhaust when you accelerate after idling for a while.

3. Oil leak at the rocker cover gasket: As with many BMWs, the N13 and N20 engines are prone to oil leaks from the rocker cover. Easy to detect, simply remove the engine cover (taking care not to damage the vacuum hose attached to it) and inspect the top of the engine.

4. Relaxed distribution chain

5. In the worst-case scenario, excessive oil consumption is linked to wear on the piston rings and cylinders of the engine block. In this case, the only option is engine block replacement or a complete overhaul.

• Coolant leaks can also occur at the rear of the engine block. Therefore, be sure to inspect for any signs of fluid leaks around and behind the engine.

• Engine fouling: Because these BMW engines use direct injection, it's quite common for the intake to become clogged with carbon deposits, especially during city driving. To prevent this, it's advisable to regularly drive on open roads that put a lot of strain on the engine.

114i, 116i, 118i, 120i after facelift (3-cylinder B38 engine)

The B38 engine is much more reliable than its predecessor. Although some cases of premature timing chain wear or thermostat replacement have been reported, these issues remain marginal and are not recurring problems.

125i after facelift (4-cylinder B48 engine)

The B48 engine also represents a significant improvement in reliability compared to its predecessor, the N20. Timing chain problems have also been resolved.

Coolant leaks from two places are regularly reported in this case:

• Coolant leak from the upper engine hose

• Leak from the oil filter housing

M135i phase 1 (6-cylinder N55 engine)

The M135i equipped with the N55 engine is generally quite reliable. Like all direct-injection engines, the intake can tend to get clogged if driven too slowly, and like many BMW petrol engines, it can suffer from oil leaks at the rocker cover, oil filter housing, and lower oil pan.

M135i phase 2 (6-cylinder B58 engine)

Nicknamed the German 2JZ in reference to its ability to gain power with few engine modifications (a simple reprogramming easily brings it up to 400hp), the M140i, equipped with the B48 engine, is probably the most reliable model of the petrol 1 Series .

It can also be subject to clogging in the case of too moderate use, although these cases remain quite rare.

BMW 114d, 116d, 118d, 120d and 125d pre-facelift (4-cylinder N47 engine)

The BMW N47 engine, which powers the BMW 1 Series F20, has been made more reliable compared to previous versions . Initially suffering from frequent timing chain problems, BMW implemented numerous modifications in 2011, making it more dependable.

Further modifications were made between 2013 and 2015 to improve its reliability and thus completely eliminate timing chain issues in 2015.

BMW 114d, 116d, 118d, 120d pre-facelift (3-cylinder B37 engine)

The 3-cylinder B37 is the most fuel-efficient engine in the entire F20 range. Although it vibrates more than its 4-cylinder counterpart, it is considered reliable, with no notable recurring problems.

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In conclusion, which models should be avoided and which should be preferred?

Models to avoid: BMW 114i, 116i, 118i, 120i and 125i from 2011 to 2015 (phase 1)

Preferred models:

• BMW 114i, 116i, 118i, 120i and 125i from 2015 onwards (phase 2),

• BMW 114d, 116d, 118d, 120, 125d phase 1 and phase 2

• BMW M135i and M140i

For each model, we recommend not relying solely on the "long-term" service intervals provided by BMW, but rather changing the oil every 10,000 km for petrol engines and 15,000 km for diesel variants . This will minimize wear on the timing chain and variable valve timing system. Also, be sure to use the oil viscosity recommended by BMW to maximize the lifespan of your engine.

When considering a new purchase, prioritize a model with a clear history .

Regarding the sportier M135i and M140i models, these are more prone to abuse by their previous owners than to inherent reliability issues. Inspect the tire wear: look for signs of overheating, worn front tires on the sides (indicating fast cornering), heavily worn rear tires (skids), blue brake discs (heavy braking), and check the seller's claims (respecting turbo warm-up and cool-down times).