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BMW · Compact · 2007–2013

BMW 1er Coupé E82

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
2.1 / 5.0 · Based on 11 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

306–360 PS

3.0L Turbo Benzin

RWD, Manual, Compact — Never Coming Back

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

306 PS

3.0L Biturbo Benzin

11 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Engine Ratings

Stay Away! 5 weaknesses
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Stay Away! 11 weaknesses
Stay Away! 6 weaknesses
Stay Away! 7 weaknesses
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Be Careful 5 weaknesses
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
Be Careful 10 weaknesses
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Be Careful 6 weaknesses

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
✖Rear subframe rust

Rear subframe and bearing mounts suffer heavy corrosion on vehicles over ~10 years and 140,000 km, especially pre-facelift models used in winter. Welding is not permitted.

Symptoms: Visible rust on underbody, knocking or creaking from rear, MOT refusal due to through-corrosion of load-bearing components.
from 140,000 km
Ad Hinterachsträger E82Hinterachsträger E8733316770786
 Medium
!Sill and wheel arch rust

Sills and rear wheel arches rust on older E82s, hidden beneath plastic covers. Through-corrosion of the structural sill section causes MOT failure.

Symptoms: Visible rust at wheel arch edges or behind sill trim. Rusted material gives way under pressure.
from 150,000 km
Ad rocker panel E82wheel arch E87Unterbodenschutz BMW 1er
 High

Alternatives

Same Segment

Ford Focus DYB

Kompaktklasse (2011–2018)

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MINI MINI Coupé R58

Kompaktklasse (2011–2015)

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VW Beetle II

Kompaktklasse (2011–2019)

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Alfa Romeo Giulietta 940

Kompaktklasse (2010–2020)

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Ford C-Max DXA

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Honda CR-Z ZF1

Kompaktklasse (2010–2016)

Known Problems and Issues

A total of 86 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 1er Coupé E82 (2007–2013) — 75 engine-related and 11 vehicle-related. 5 problem engines: N43B20 (2.0L DI), N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo), N47D20 (2.0L Diesel), N43B16 (1.6L DI). Typical issues affect Rust, Suspension, Electronics, Brakes.

What to watch out for with the BMW 1er Coupé? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 1er Coupé E82 have? +
The BMW 1er Coupé E82 has 75 known engine weaknesses and 11 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 1er Coupé E82? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N46B20 (2.0L), N52B30 (3.0L Magnesium), N13B16 (1.6L Turbo), N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel), N47D16 (1.6L Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the N55B30 (3.0L Turbo). Problem engine: N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — stay away!
Which BMW 1er Coupé E82 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW 1er Coupé E82 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} 326 hp, RWD, 6-speed manual in a compact shell — a recipe BMW will never repeat. Cold start wakes the neighbours, warm it settles right down. Widely regarded as the best manual gearbox BMW ever fitted. Chassis skips over bumps but grips like fury in the corners. Cheaper than the M2 and nearly as much fun.
Is the BMW 1er Coupé E82 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW 1er Coupé E82 — 5 of 11 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 1er Coupé E82? +
The BMW 1er Coupé E82 is available with engine variants from 90 to 360 hp. Petrol: N46B20 (2.0L), N43B20 (2.0L DI), N52B30 (3.0L Magnesium), N13B16 (1.6L Turbo), N20B20 (2.0L Turbo), N54B30 (3.0L Biturbo), N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), N43B16 (1.6L DI). Diesel: N47D20 (2.0L Diesel), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel), N47D16 (1.6L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee