BMW 1er-Reihe F20/F21 118i, 170 PS, 6-speed manual, rear-wheel drive (2011–2015)

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.

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. Start the cold engine and listen again. Bad result: a rattle, or no proof of timing chain work.
5. Check the coolant level and look for an overheating warning on a warm drive. Ask whether the water pump and thermostat were replaced. Bad result: a temperature warning, low coolant, or no pump work on a car with high mileage.
6. 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.

Running costs

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

ADAC versions