BMW 1er-Reihe E81/E87/E82/E88 facelift 120d, 177 PS, 6-speed manual, 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.

• Engine guide BMW N47 2.0 diesel (116d to 520d, Mini Cooper D): problems, costs and what to check

  A workable diesel with a costly timing chain weak spot, so buy only with chain proof and check the EGR recall.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Ask for written proof of N47 timing chain work. Listen for a metallic rattle on a cold start. A rattle that lasts more than a few seconds, or an engine warning light, means expensive work. Repair can cost up to 4,000 EUR.
2. Ask whether the swirl flaps were checked, cleaned or blanked. No record means a lower price or a check first.
3. Ask whether the EGR cooler was replaced on diesels from 2010. The recall covers a fire risk.
4. Check the fuel filter heater recall on 2008-2009 diesels. It covers a fire risk.
5. Check the oil change record. Oil should be changed every 7,000-15,000 km with LL-04 oil.

From the engine guide

1. Cold-start rattle (test drive, no scanner). Start the cold engine and listen for a metal rattle at the back of the engine. A rattle that lasts a few seconds is an early warning. Bad: a rattle that stays when warm or under throttle.
2. Chain job invoice (paperwork). Ask for an invoice for a chain job that includes the tensioners and guide rails. Bad: no invoice on a 2007 to 2011 car. Without one, budget 1,500-2,500 EUR (Germany, year not stated), with the gearbox or engine out.
3. Timing fault codes (scanner needed). Read the fault memory. Camshaft timing codes, such as P0016 or P0017, point to a stretched chain. Bad: any camshaft timing code or an engine warning light.
4. EGR recall (check the VIN). Enter the VIN in the KBA or BMW recall check. Recall 14099R covers X3 F25 builds from 2010 to 2014. Bad: an open campaign, or no proof the work was done.
5. Swirl flaps (scanner needed). Read the fault memory for the engine warning light. Bad: the warning light with lost power.
6. Oil history (paperwork). Look for oil changes every 10,000 to 15,000 km with BMW LL-04 oil. Bad: long gaps, or only the 30,000 km Longlife interval.
7. Goodwill (paperwork). Do not count on BMW paying for a chain. Goodwill for chain damage has mostly ended for these builds. Bad: a seller who says BMW will pay.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions