Models · BMW
BMW 1 Series F20/F21 buying guide
The second 1 Series, built from 2011 to 2019 as the F21 three-door and F20 five-door hatchback, still with rear-wheel drive. A facelift in 2015 brought new three- and four-cylinder B-series engines, which changes what to check more than the badge does.
The versions
- Petrol 2011 to 2015: 1.6 turbo N13 (114i, 116i, 118i, and the 2015 to 2016 120i), 2.0 turbo N20 in the 125i
- Petrol 2015 on: 1.5 three-cylinder B38 (116i, 118i), 2.0 B48 (120i from 2016, 125i)
- Diesel 2011 to 2015: N47 (114d, 116d, 118d, 120d, twin-turbo 125d); 2015 on: three-cylinder B37 (114d, 116d) and four-cylinder B47 (118d, 120d, 125d)
- Rear-wheel drive, with xDrive four-wheel drive offered on the 118d and 120d
- 6-speed manual or 8-speed ZF automatic
- The M135i and M140i are covered on their own page
What to check on a F20 1 Series
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
A rattle from the back of an N47 diesel
What to look for: On a 2011 to 2015 diesel, open the bonnet and listen as the engine starts from cold, then at idle. Listen at the back of the engine, near the bulkhead. A metallic rattle or zinging from there, rather than the normal diesel clatter, is the thing to note.
Why it matters: The N47's timing chain sits at the gearbox end of the engine, and chain wear was reported on the early engines in particular. Replacing it is an engine-out job. A car with an invoice for the chain is in a good position. The B47 and B37 diesels from 2015 replaced the N47.
Chain noise on the N13 petrols
What to look for: On a 2011 to 2015 116i, 118i or 120i, listen at the front of the engine from a cold start. It should settle to an even idle within a couple of seconds. A rattle that lasts beyond that, or comes back as the revs fall, is the thing to note.
Why it matters: Timing chain wear is reported on the early N13 petrol as well as the N47 diesel, and it's better dealt with early than ignored. Ask whether the chain has been inspected or replaced. The 1.5 and 2.0 B-series petrols from 2015 are a different design.
Recall work
What to look for: Before you travel, give the VIN to a BMW dealer and ask whether any recall work is outstanding. At the viewing, watch the instrument lights as you drive; flickering is a warning sign on the affected cars.
Why it matters: This generation had several recalls, including an electrical fault that could cut the engine and lights, fuel pump faults on cars built from September 2013 to March 2015, electric power steering on cars built to December 2015, and an EGR module on diesels. A car with it all done is the one to buy.
Also in the full guide
- Vibration from the propshaft
- Water in the bulkhead and lights
- Knocks from the suspension
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the F20 1 Series
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with BMW.