BMW 116i
Reduced-displacement direct injection engine from the N43 family with stratified charge. Timing chain and high-pressure pump are known weaknesses — identical to the N43B20 issue but less common.
Tech Trouble
N43 direct injection with the same gremlins as its bigger sibling — timing chain, injectors, NOx sensor.
Engine Weaknesses 7
The N43B16 simplex chain stretches from around 60,000–130,000 km. Plastic guide rails crumble and block the oil pump. BMW goodwill was frequently refused despite the known design defect.
Symptoms: Rattling/clattering on cold start and around 2,000 rpm, engine warning light, in the worst case engine damage through oil pump blockage
Direct injection injectors become coked with frequent short-trip driving and fail from around 120,000–160,000 km. Black plastic housings must be replaced with the newer grey version.
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfire fault code P030x on an individual cylinder, increased fuel consumption, rough running
The N43 high-pressure pump fails intermittently and causes fuel pressure faults upstream of the fuel rail valve. Symptoms are most pronounced at idle in the 1,200–1,800 rpm range.
Symptoms: Judder and shaking at idle at traffic lights and junctions, fault code for fuel pressure upstream of the rail valve
Early-production N43B16 engines (2007–2008) have known ignition coil problems — BMW carried out a free replacement campaign. A failed ignition coil often damages the corresponding injector as well.
Symptoms: Hesitation and misfires especially under load, rough running on cold start, engine warning light (P030x misfire), elevated emissions.
The N43B16 uses stratified charge and therefore requires a NOx sensor. This typically fails every 45,000–70,000 km and costs approximately €350–750 per replacement.
Symptoms: Engine warning light, increased fuel consumption, engine switches to homogeneous mode (limp mode with higher consumption)
N43 VANOS solenoid valves become fouled by oil-soaked metal particles and block the oil galleries in the VANOS unit. Typical result: idle speed hunting and sluggish throttle response at low revs.
Symptoms: Rough idle, rpm fluctuations at standstill, delayed response when pulling away, occasional starting difficulties, VANOS deviation fault code.
Direct injection without port injection — fuel no longer washes the intake valves. Oil mist from the crankcase ventilation coats the valves with carbon over time. Professional walnut-blast cleaning (approx. €400) is recommended from 80,000 km.
Symptoms: Power loss in the upper rev range, slightly increased fuel consumption, rough running especially on cold start, occasional hesitation.
Vehicle Weaknesses 7
The electromechanical power steering (EPS) can fail completely on 2007–2012 models. A recall was issued for certain production years.
Rear subframe is prone to severe corrosion from around 100,000 km, including through-rust. MOT failure possible. Repair often costs more than the car is worth.
Broken suspension springs and rusty spring perches are frequently flagged on the E87 per TÜV reports. Worn track rod ends are also a known defect. Affects both front and rear axle.
Rust forms on the tailgate particularly around the badges and rear wiper. Hemmed edges and hinges can also be affected.
Water enters through faulty door seals, blocked sunroof drains, or cracked body grommets, reaching the footwell and boot. Electrical damage possible.
Rubber bushings on the rear control arms lose their elasticity. Camber change and MOT failure possible. Replace both sides simultaneously.
Handbrake and faulty brake hoses frequently fail MOT on the E87. Known inspection failure point for this generation.
Reports & Tests
93 owner complaints filed with NHTSA (2004–2011). Most reported: Airbags (35), Engine (17), Electrical (15).