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.

Updated 24 October 2026

All versions

Variant	Running cost per month	Median price	Listings	Fuel	Engine codes	Gearbox	Production years
118i Cabrio, 143 PS, 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive, convertible Research	€429	€7,900	69	Petrol (98)	N43B20A	Manual (6)	2011–2013

Years: 2004-2013 (E87 five-door, plus the E81 three-door, E82 coupe and E88 convertible).
Reliability: 3/5, the diesel timing chain is the big cost risk.
DIY: 2/5, most timing chain work needs a workshop and the engine out.
Biggest risk: N47 diesel timing chain, mainly 2007-2011 builds.
Prefer: cars with written proof of timing chain work and recall repairs.
Avoid: N47 diesels from 2007-2011 with no chain record, and 2008-2009 diesels with no fuel filter heater check.

N45 petrol (116i, to 2007): timing chain stretch and tensioner wear.
N46 petrol (118i, 120i, to 2007): oil leaks from gaskets, and the same timing chain risk.
N43 petrol (116i, 118i, 120i, from 2007): ignition coils and injectors fail early.
N52 petrol (130i): lifter ticking reported on builds before November 2008.
N54 petrol (135i): no common fault confirmed.
M47 diesel (118d, 120d, to 2007): swirl flaps can loosen or stick.
N47 diesel (116d, 118d, 120d, from 2007): timing chain, swirl flaps and EGR cooler.
6-speed manual: no common fault confirmed.
ZF 6-speed automatic: slipping, harsh or late shifts. A fluid and filter change is the named fix (German Car Forum).

Issue	Affects	Typical km	Repair cost
N47 timing chain	N47 diesel, mainly 2007-2011 builds	120,000-200,000 km	1,500-4,000 EUR (Germany and Europe, year not stated)
N43 ignition coils and injectors	N43 petrol, from 2007	Not stated	1,600-2,400 EUR for four injectors (Germany, year not stated)
N45 and N46 timing chain	N45 and N46 petrol, to 2007	Not stated	1,200-1,800 EUR incl. labour (Germany, year not stated)
Swirl flaps	N47 and M47 diesel	Not stated	No confirmed price
Diesel EGR cooler	Diesel from 2010	Not stated	Not stated
Diesel fuel filter heater	Diesel, 2008-2009 builds	Not stated	Not stated
VANOS bolts	Petrol, 2009-2012 builds	Not stated	Not stated
N46 oil leaks	N46 petrol, 118i and 120i to 2007	Not stated	Not stated

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.
Ask whether the swirl flaps were checked, cleaned or blanked. No record means a lower price or a check first.
Ask for injector and coil work on N43 cars. Misfires or power loss are a warning. Four injectors cost 1,600-2,400 EUR.
On N45 and N46 cars built to 2007, listen for a cold rattle. Ask for chain, tensioner and guide rail work done together. Chain work costs 1,200-1,800 EUR.
Look under the valve cover and oil pan of N46 cars for wet oil. Any leak is a repair item.
Ask whether the VANOS bolt campaign (REC-005810 in Australia) was done on 2009-2012 petrol cars.
Ask whether the EGR cooler was replaced on diesels from 2010. The recall covers a fire risk.
Check the fuel filter heater recall on 2008-2009 diesels. It covers a fire risk.
Check the oil change record. Oil should be changed every 7,000-15,000 km with LL-04 oil.
On automatics, test for slipping or harsh shifts. Ask for the fluid and filter change record.

Operational	€213
Workshop	€127
Fixed costs (tax, insurance)	€138
Total per month	€478
New-car depreciation (not included)	€89

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

Listings on mobile.de priced up to 50,000 EUR, 29 October 2026.

To check a listing's price, open its variant in the table above. Each variant page has a price check.