BMW 1er F40
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The F40 (2019–present) is the first 1 Series with front-wheel drive — and therefore a watershed moment for BMW purists. No more rear-wheel drive, but more interior space, more modern technology, and the B-engine family without timing-chain drama. Anyone who loved the old E87/F20 will need to adjust. Anyone looking for a solid everyday car will find little to complain about here.
Engine choice: The B48B20 in the 120i (131 kW, from 2019) and M135i xDrive (225 kW) is the proven two-litre turbo — chain at the front, closed-deck block, virtually no serial faults. The three-cylinder B38B15 in the 118i (103 kW) has occasional vibration themes but is structurally solid. The diesel B47D20 in the 116d/118d is the frugal everyday engine without surprises. All three are considerably more trouble-free than the N-engine era.
Weak points are manageable: front brake squeal is the most-discussed topic — annoying, not safety-relevant. Comfort Access works unreliably on some examples. Suspension thumps at higher mileage — drop links and top mounts as typical wear parts. The rear subframe corrodes on early examples, but nowhere near as dramatically as on the E87.
Test-drive checklist: Brakes for squeal (low speed). Comfort Access: lock/unlock the car several times. Suspension over cobblestones — thumping from the front axle?
2026 market: 118i from $17,600–$22,000. 120i from $22,000–$28,600. M135i xDrive $30,800–$41,800. Diesel 116d/118d $15,400–$24,200.
Insider pick: 118i B38B15 with manual gearbox — cheapest entry point without timing-chain risk, three-cylinder sound has character.
306 PS
M135i xDrive · Benzin
Fast, But Sterile
DecentGenerations
Engine Overview
The BMW 1er F40 is available with 9 engine variants — from 102 to 306 hp. 1 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.
Modular four-cylinder diesel as a direct successor to the N47 — and a significant improvement. The timing chain now sits at the front of the engine (belt side), massively simplifying maintenance and diagnostics. The biggest N47 problem is structurally eliminated. Early examples (2014-2016) still had occasional chain stretch, from 2017 onward this is no longer an issue. The EGR cooler was subject to a BMW recall for potential fire risk — when buying used, always verify the recall was performed. In daily use a very balanced engine: Depending on variant 116 to 190 hp — even the base version is sufficient for relaxed driving, the 8-speed automatic pairing (ZF 8HP) is one of the best combinations in the segment. Real-world consumption 5-6 L/100km, documented mileages beyond 300,000 km. Weak points remain DPF with pure short-distance driving and typical diesel issues (EGR carbon buildup, injector wear from 160,000 km). Overall a solid, mature diesel — not maintenance-free, but in direct N47 comparison a different league.
- !! Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016) from 120,000 km
Early B47 engines (2014–2016) are prone to premature chain elongation. The tensioner can no longer compensate. Rattling on cold start is the typical warning sign before chain snap and engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or clattering on cold start; subsides after warm-up; in advanced cases audible during driving; MIL may illuminate - !! EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall) from 100,000 km
Overheating and leaking EGR coolers can vaporise glycol and trigger self-ignition. BMW recalled affected vehicles. If coolant enters the combustion chamber, hydraulic lock and engine damage are possible.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leak; whitish smoke from exhaust; rough idle; MIL; limp mode; rarely smoke from engine bay - !! Turbo cascade failure from 130,000 km
Turbocharger develops axial play, blocks oil return and causes cascading damage to rod bearings, crankshaft and EGR cooler. Metal shavings circulate through entire oil system.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling under load, increased oil consumption, blue smoke, rough running
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder diesel as a direct successor to the N47 — and a significant improvement. The timing chain now sits at the front of the engine (belt side), massively simplifying maintenance and diagnostics. The biggest N47 problem is structurally eliminated. Early examples (2014-2016) still had occasional chain stretch, from 2017 onward this is no longer an issue. The EGR cooler was subject to a BMW recall for potential fire risk — when buying used, always verify the recall was performed. In daily use a very balanced engine: Depending on variant 116 to 190 hp — even the base version is sufficient for relaxed driving, the 8-speed automatic pairing (ZF 8HP) is one of the best combinations in the segment. Real-world consumption 5-6 L/100km, documented mileages beyond 300,000 km. Weak points remain DPF with pure short-distance driving and typical diesel issues (EGR carbon buildup, injector wear from 160,000 km). Overall a solid, mature diesel — not maintenance-free, but in direct N47 comparison a different league.
- !! Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016) from 120,000 km
Early B47 engines (2014–2016) are prone to premature chain elongation. The tensioner can no longer compensate. Rattling on cold start is the typical warning sign before chain snap and engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or clattering on cold start; subsides after warm-up; in advanced cases audible during driving; MIL may illuminate - !! EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall) from 100,000 km
Overheating and leaking EGR coolers can vaporise glycol and trigger self-ignition. BMW recalled affected vehicles. If coolant enters the combustion chamber, hydraulic lock and engine damage are possible.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leak; whitish smoke from exhaust; rough idle; MIL; limp mode; rarely smoke from engine bay - !! Turbo cascade failure from 130,000 km
Turbocharger develops axial play, blocks oil return and causes cascading damage to rod bearings, crankshaft and EGR cooler. Metal shavings circulate through entire oil system.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling under load, increased oil consumption, blue smoke, rough running
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder diesel as a direct successor to the N47 — and a significant improvement. The timing chain now sits at the front of the engine (belt side), massively simplifying maintenance and diagnostics. The biggest N47 problem is structurally eliminated. Early examples (2014-2016) still had occasional chain stretch, from 2017 onward this is no longer an issue. The EGR cooler was subject to a BMW recall for potential fire risk — when buying used, always verify the recall was performed. In daily use a very balanced engine: Depending on variant 116 to 190 hp — even the base version is sufficient for relaxed driving, the 8-speed automatic pairing (ZF 8HP) is one of the best combinations in the segment. Real-world consumption 5-6 L/100km, documented mileages beyond 300,000 km. Weak points remain DPF with pure short-distance driving and typical diesel issues (EGR carbon buildup, injector wear from 160,000 km). Overall a solid, mature diesel — not maintenance-free, but in direct N47 comparison a different league.
- !! Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016) from 120,000 km
Early B47 engines (2014–2016) are prone to premature chain elongation. The tensioner can no longer compensate. Rattling on cold start is the typical warning sign before chain snap and engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or clattering on cold start; subsides after warm-up; in advanced cases audible during driving; MIL may illuminate - !! EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall) from 100,000 km
Overheating and leaking EGR coolers can vaporise glycol and trigger self-ignition. BMW recalled affected vehicles. If coolant enters the combustion chamber, hydraulic lock and engine damage are possible.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leak; whitish smoke from exhaust; rough idle; MIL; limp mode; rarely smoke from engine bay - !! Turbo cascade failure from 130,000 km
Turbocharger develops axial play, blocks oil return and causes cascading damage to rod bearings, crankshaft and EGR cooler. Metal shavings circulate through entire oil system.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling under load, increased oil consumption, blue smoke, rough running
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular three-cylinder turbo with a lively character. Turbocharger and timing chain are wear items; vibration balance handled by a balancer shaft.
- !! Timing chain elongation from 70,000 km
Same timing chain issue as N20 and B48. Plastic guide rails wear out, chain elongates. Slightly less loaded on the 3-cylinder.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine check light, rough idle - !! Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production) from 80,000 km
Early B38 engines (manual gearbox, built before April 2015) had an undersized crankshaft half-shell bearing. BMW switched to 360° bearings and replaced affected engines as a goodwill gesture (up to 120,000 km / 5 years).
Symptoms: Knocking or hammering from the engine block under load; oil pressure drop; in extreme cases engine seizure due to spun bearing - !! Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption from 100,000 km
Turbocharger shaft seals become porous and allow oil into the combustion process. On the 3-cylinder, exhaust gas pressure pulses cause higher wear than on four-cylinders.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start or wide-open throttle, oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km, oil mist in intercooler, smoke after long motorway run.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular three-cylinder turbo with a lively character. Turbocharger and timing chain are wear items; vibration balance handled by a balancer shaft.
- !! Timing chain elongation from 70,000 km
Same timing chain issue as N20 and B48. Plastic guide rails wear out, chain elongates. Slightly less loaded on the 3-cylinder.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine check light, rough idle - !! Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production) from 80,000 km
Early B38 engines (manual gearbox, built before April 2015) had an undersized crankshaft half-shell bearing. BMW switched to 360° bearings and replaced affected engines as a goodwill gesture (up to 120,000 km / 5 years).
Symptoms: Knocking or hammering from the engine block under load; oil pressure drop; in extreme cases engine seizure due to spun bearing - !! Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption from 100,000 km
Turbocharger shaft seals become porous and allow oil into the combustion process. On the 3-cylinder, exhaust gas pressure pulses cause higher wear than on four-cylinders.
Symptoms: Blue smoke on cold start or wide-open throttle, oil consumption above 0.5 L/1,000 km, oil mist in intercooler, smoke after long motorway run.
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Interior quality criticised Windscreen wipers squeak loudly when in use, loose door seals, and generally criticised interior quality given the price point. Minor connectivity and software issues with CarPlay/Bluetooth. Symptoms: Loud wiper squeak, loose seals when closing doors, Bluetooth dropouts or CarPlay connection errors. from 30,000 km | Low |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2024
The front-wheel-drive F40 scores even better in TÜV comparisons than its predecessor and is one of the compacts with the fewest defects.
2023-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2024
The 1 Series F40 achieves excellent breakdown figures and ranks among the most reliable compact models.
2024-04Alternatives
Honda Civic Type R FL5
Compact (2022–2026)
Hyundai Elantra N CN7 N
Compact (2022–2025)
Opel Astra L
Compact (2022–2025)
Peugeot 408 E3
Compact (2022–2026)
Renault Megane V-EV
Compact (2022–2025)
Audi RS3 8Y
Compact (2021–2025)
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 31 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 1er F40 (2019–2024) — 23 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Interior, Brakes, Gearbox, Suspension.
1er (B47D20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), Turbo cascade failure. Power: 116 PS.
1er (B47D20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), Turbo cascade failure. Power: 149–150 PS.
1er (B47D20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), Turbo cascade failure. Power: 190 PS.
1er (B38B15, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption. Power: 109 PS.
1er (B38B15, 2019–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption. Power: 135–140 PS.
1er (B48B20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 140 PS.
1er (B48B20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 178–184 PS.
1er (B48B20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 306 PS.
1er (B48B20, 2020–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 265 PS.
1er (B48B20, 2023–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 300 PS.
What to watch out for with the BMW 1er? 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 F40 have? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 1er F40? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW 1er F40 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW 1er F40 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 1er F40? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee