BMW 1er-Reihe F20/F21 facelift 2 118d, 150 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive (2017–2019)

Research for this car

• Generation guide BMW 1 Series F20 (2011-2019): known problems and buying guide

  A workable used car with known weak spots. Prefer a 2016 or later car with a full service record, and check the timing chain and steering first.

• Engine guide BMW B47 2.0 diesel (318d, 320d, 520d): problems, costs and what to check

  A solid diesel with a fire-risk recall, so check the recall work and turbo paperwork first.

Known issues for this car

Before you buy this car

From the generation guide

1. Lift the floor mats and press the carpet in both front footwells. Bad result: damp carpet, a musty smell, or rust on the floor.
2. Drive slowly and check the steering for stiffness, noise or play around the centre. A scanner reads the steering fault codes. Bad result: a steering warning lamp, a pull, or no record of steering work.
3. Lift the car and check the joints and shocks by hand. Bad result: play in the joints, leaking shocks or knocks over bumps.
4. Ask a BMW dealer to check open recall campaigns for the car's VIN. Bad result: an open campaign for the steering, starter, brake booster or seat backrest.

From the engine guide

1. EGR recall (VIN check). Check the VIN for open BMW campaigns. Ask for proof that the EGR cooler was checked or replaced. Bad: an open EGR campaign, or no proof on a car built 2014-2020.
2. Turbocharger (test drive). Ask where the car was driven. Turbo damage is reported mostly on cars used in low outside temperatures, where moisture in the clean-air pipe can freeze. Ask for turbo invoices. Bad: a turbo job with no paperwork. No scanner needed.
3. Injectors (records). Ask for injector service records on any car above 150,000 km. Bad: no record at that mileage. No scanner needed.
4. DPF (scanner). On any car above 250,000 km, check for DPF cleaning or replacement records. Bad: no records. A scanner shows stored DPF fault codes.
5. EGR valve (records). Ask whether the EGR valve was cleaned or replaced. Bad: a car used mostly in heavy traffic with no record. No scanner needed.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions