The most economical diesel in BMW's rear-wheel-drive 1 Series range. The 116d was sold as an EfficientDynamics model delivering 3.8-4.5 L/100km, making it popular as a commuter and company car across Europe. The chronology matters when shopping. The 2011 launch car was a 2.0-litre four-cylinder N47D20K1 at 85 kW/116 PS; the 1.6-litre N47D16U1 arrived in March 2012 as the separate 116d EfficientDynamics Edition and the 2.0-litre stayed on alongside it; and the March 2015 LCI replaced both with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder B37, still 116 PS, with better refinement and fewer known issues.· more· less
Outstanding fuel economy (3.8 L/100km)Cheap insurance and low running costs
N47 timing chain risk (pre-2015)Underpowered for overtaking at 116 hp
Buy if: You want a fuel-efficient BMW for commuting and can find a 2015+ B37 model with service history, or a pre-2015 N47 with confirmed timing chain replacement.
Avoid if: You only make short urban trips (DPF problems), need quick overtaking ability, or are considering a high-mileage pre-2015 model without evidence of timing chain work.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€8,000
median asking price, typically 175,000 km
Typical range€6,200 – €10,200
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€800 – €1,500/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€450 – €750 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€350 – €750 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Timing chain at rear of engine stretches, causes cold start rattle; chain snap destroys engine · more· less
The N47D16 engine shares the same rear-mounted timing chain design as the larger N47D20. The chain, guides, and tensioner are prone to premature wear, stretching over time. A distinctive metallic rattling for 1-30 seconds on cold start is the early warning. BMW revised the chain components in 2009 and again in 2011, reducing failure rates on later production N47 engines — but the risk persists throughout the entire N47 production run. Replacement requires transmission removal for access and costs €1,200-1,800 at an independent specialist. If the chain snaps, catastrophic valve-piston contact occurs, requiring engine replacement at €3,500-6,500. Regular oil changes every 10,000 km (rather than BMW's longer intervals) significantly reduce chain wear. Post-2015 LCI models with the B37 engine also run a rear-mounted chain: BMW's technical instructions for B37 and B47 engines require removal of the engine or transmission plus the flywheel or drive plate to reach it. That does not mean the B37 fails at the N47's rate, but the same access cost applies if the work is ever needed.
EGR cooler leak and fire risk
€600 - 1,5002 of 8
EGR cooler can leak coolant internally, creating a fire risk in the intake manifold · more· less
BMW expanded its technical campaign to about 1.6 million vehicles worldwide for EGR cooler issues affecting N47, N57, and B47 engines. Coolant leaking inside the EGR cooler combines with diesel soot at high temperatures, creating smouldering particles that may melt holes in the plastic intake manifold. In rare cases this has led to vehicle fires. The recall involves free inspection and replacement of the EGR cooler and intake manifold if necessary. Some owners report power loss or new error codes after recall work — BMW has covered repair bills of €1,000+ in cases where recall work damaged the inlet manifold. If your car hasn't had the recall completed, verify with BMW using the VIN immediately. Outside of recall coverage, EGR valve replacement costs €300-600 and intake manifold replacement adds €500-1,000.
DPF clogging from short trips
€300 - 2,0003 of 8
Diesel particulate filter blocks on cars driven primarily on short urban journeys · more· less
The DPF needs regular driving at sustained speeds above 60 km/h for passive regeneration. The 116d's lower exhaust gas temperatures (due to its efficient, low-power tuning) can make regeneration slightly harder to achieve than on higher-powered variants. Cars used mainly for short urban trips accumulate soot faster than the filter can burn it off. Active regeneration requires the engine at full operating temperature with sufficient fuel. Professional DPF cleaning costs €200-350. If the DPF is ash-loaded rather than soot-loaded, it must be removed and back-flushed (€400-600) or replaced at €1,200-2,000. The DPF is rated for approximately 200,000-250,000 km under normal highway-heavy use.
Swirl flap / intake manifold failure
€400 - 1,2004 of 8
Swirl flap actuator rod loosens or breaks, causing limp mode and potential engine damage · more· less
Both the N47 and B37 engines have swirl flaps inside the intake manifold controlled by an actuator rod. The rod or its bushes can wear, loosen, or break over time. On the N47, a broken shaft can potentially drop metal fragments into the engine. On the B37, the swirl flap motor seal deteriorates, causing an oil-coated motor and fault code 2C3200. Symptoms include limp mode, uneven idle, and smoke on startup. Preventive swirl flap blank kits cost €15-20 (N47 only). Full intake manifold replacement costs €600-1,200 with parts and labor. Forum reports indicate this is a common issue on B37 engines, with some owners experiencing it before 50,000 km.
Turbo actuator sticking
€500 - 2,5005 of 8
Electronic wastegate actuator sticks from carbon buildup, causing limp mode · more· less
The electronically controlled turbo wastegate actuator sticks due to carbon buildup, particularly on cars driven gently or on short trips. Symptoms include drivetrain malfunction warning, limp mode, and significant power loss. BMW does not sell the actuator separately — dealer quotes typically include full turbo replacement at €1,500-2,500. Independent turbo specialists can rebuild or replace just the actuator for €400-600, requiring calibration with BMW diagnostic software. After replacement, the actuator must learn its end-stop positions. Regular spirited driving helps prevent buildup.
Steering rack knocking (F20 platform)
€100 - 1,8006 of 8
Electric power steering rack develops play, producing knocking noise over bumps · more· less
The F20's electric power steering rack commonly develops internal play between the gear and the EPS motor, creating an audible knock at low speeds, over bumps, and during parking. You can test this by turning the wheel side to side with the engine off. Some BMW specialists offer an adjustment fix using a special tool on the thrust piece bolt for around €100-150, but the noise typically returns after a few thousand kilometres. Full steering rack replacement costs €1,200-1,800 at a dealer. This is a common F20/F30 platform issue affecting all engine variants.
Clutch and dual mass flywheel wear (manual)
€900 - 1,5007 of 8
Clutch judder from cold and DMF vibration typically appear between 80,000-130,000 km · more· less
Manual-equipped 116d models experience clutch judder when moving off, especially on inclines and from cold. The dual mass flywheel wears and develops excessive play over time, producing vibration felt through the pedal and drivetrain. Combined clutch and DMF replacement costs €900-1,500 at an independent specialist, with parts (flywheel €275-400, clutch kit €150-250) and approximately 3.5 hours of labor. This typically becomes necessary between 80,000-130,000 km depending on driving style and urban vs highway use.
Boot water ingress
€50 - 3008 of 8
Water enters the boot through rear light area or damaged vents, risking battery damage · more· less
Water ingress into the boot is a known F20 issue. Water accumulates near the battery in the storage compartments. The root cause is typically the rear vent or taillight area — BMW reportedly does not use seals on the rear lights of this model. Prolonged moisture can damage the 12V battery and electrical components. Self-adhesive draught excluder tape around affected areas costs very little for a DIY fix. Professional repair of water-damaged electrical components can reach €200-300.
Engine generation determines the reliability picture
The 116d F20's reliability depends heavily on which engine it has. Pre-2015 N47D16 models carry the well-documented timing chain risk shared with all N47 variants and need careful cold-start testing before purchase. Post-2015 B37 three-cylinder models are notably more reliable, though swirl flap and vibration issues can occur. Both versions share diesel-specific DPF and EGR concerns. With proper maintenance — including oil changes every 10,000 km rather than BMW's longer intervals — and regular highway driving, the 116d can deliver very economical high-mileage service.
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil change intervals — more frequent changes (every 10,000 km) are critical for N47 chain health.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewall), and uneven wear patterns. Rear tires wear faster on this RWD car.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for any rattling from the engine bay in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including highway speeds to check for turbo issues, DPF warnings, and gearbox behavior at operating temperature.
Specific for this vehicle
Identify the engine: N47D20, N47D16 or B37
Check the build date on the door pillar sticker and the engine code. Before March 2015 the 116d could be the 2.0-litre N47D20 four-cylinder or, from March 2012, the 1.6-litre N47D16 four-cylinder of the EfficientDynamics Edition. From March 2015 it is the 1.5-litre B37 three-cylinder, which has fewer known issues.
Cold start timing chain rattle (N47 only)
Start the engine completely cold and listen for metallic rattling from the rear of the engine for 1-30 seconds. A rattle of that kind is the early warning of chain and tensioner wear, so treat it as grounds for a significant price reduction or for walking away.
Verify EGR cooler recall completed
Contact BMW with the VIN. This is a fire safety recall, and R/2022/206 covers selected 1 Series built between 6 March 2012 and 28 May 2019, so the VIN decides whether a given car is included.
+ 5 more checksShow less
Check DPF health and ask about driving patterns
Ask about typical journeys. Cars used mainly for short urban trips will have DPF issues. A diagnostic scan showing DPF soot level above 50% indicates problems.
Test steering for knocking noise
Turn the steering wheel side to side with the engine off. Drive slowly over speed bumps. Knocking indicates steering rack wear — common and fixable but worth noting.
Check boot for water ingress
Lift the boot floor and check around the battery area for moisture, corrosion, or water stains. Inspect rear light sealing areas.
Test clutch engagement (manual)
On a manual car, pull away from standstill on a slight incline. Judder or vibration when the clutch engages indicates worn clutch or dual mass flywheel.
Check for excessive vibration (B37 only)
The three-cylinder B37 has inherent vibration at low RPM. Some vibration is normal, but excessive shaking may indicate failed engine mounts.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
EGR cooler leak / fire risk (UK recall R/2022/206, selected 1 Series built 6 March 2012 to 28 May 2019)Critical - verify completed with VIN
DDE reprogramming to detect EGR leaks that could cause thermal activity (UK recall R/2022/255, selected 1 Series built February 2015 to March 2018)Verify completed with VIN
Takata airbag inflator - BMW UK lists F20/F21 within a broader 1999 to 2018 population, so the exact scope is decided per carVerify completed - VIN dependent
The EGR cooler recall R/2022/206 is the most critical, it directly affects fire safety, and the related DDE reprogramming R/2022/255 covers February 2015 to March 2018 cars. Contact BMW with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed; Takata applicability is decided by VIN rather than by model year. Some owners report new issues after the EGR recall work, so check for error codes or power loss if the recall service has been done recently.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all F20 models
3-year warranty (Nov 2016+ cars)Expired on all F20 models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply for 2014+ cars
All BMW 116d F20 models are outside their original factory warranty. BMW offered a 2+1 year warranty from November 2016, but even 2019 cars are now expired. The 12-year rust perforation warranty may still apply to later production models. Extended warranty options are available through BMW dealers.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
