BMW 1er-Reihe E81/E87/E82/E88 facelift 118i, 143 PS, 6-speed automatic, rear-wheel drive (2007–2012)

Research for this car

• Generation guide BMW 1 Series E87 (2004-2013): known problems and buying guide

  A workable small hatch. Buy only with proof of timing chain work, recall repairs and a cold-start check.

• Gearbox guide ZF 6HP 6-speed automatic (BMW Steptronic, Audi tiptronic): problems, costs and what to check

  A workable six-speed when its fluid is changed on time, but mechatronic and bushing wear recur. Buy with service proof and a clean scan.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Ask for injector and coil work on N43 cars. Misfires or power loss are a warning. Four injectors cost 1,600-2,400 EUR.
2. Ask whether the VANOS bolt campaign (REC-005810 in Australia) was done on 2009-2012 petrol cars.
3. Check the oil change record. Oil should be changed every 7,000-15,000 km with LL-04 oil.
4. On automatics, test for slipping or harsh shifts. Ask for the fluid and filter change record.

From the gearbox guide

1. Read the fault memory with ISTA or a BMW or Audi scanner. Bad result: BMW codes 4F85, 4F8F or 4F83, or a past limp mode. A scanner is needed.
2. Ask for fluid and pan service records. Bad result: no change in the last 60,000 to 100,000 km, or no adaptation reset afterwards. Dirty oil adds to mechatronic wear.
3. Drive 15 minutes in town, then under load. Bad result: slipping, flaring, or jerks on 2-3 and 3-4.
4. Hold a steady light throttle at 60 to 80 km/h. Bad result: a shudder or vibration, which points to the torque converter lock-up clutch.
5. Drive under load in 4th and 5th. Bad result: slip under load or jerks on shift, which points to worn bushings.

Running costs

ADAC figures for 15,000 km a year over 60 months

ADAC versions