BMW 1er-Reihe F20/F21 120d, 184 PS, 6-speed manual, all-wheel drive (2012–2015)

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.

• 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. 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. 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