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. Pre-2015 cars use a 1.6L four-cylinder N47D16, while the 2015 LCI brought a 1.5L three-cylinder B37 with better refinement and fewer known issues.
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.
Expected Annual Maintenance Costs
Common Problems
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 have a front-mounted chain and this issue does not apply.
EGR cooler can leak coolant internally, creating a fire risk in the intake manifold · more· less
BMW recalled approximately 800,000 diesel 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
EGR cooler leak / fire risk (2012-2018 diesel models with N47 and B47/B37)
Critical - verify completed with VIN
Takata airbag inflator (certain 2011-2015 models)
Verify completed
Driveshaft universal joint (certain 2012-2015 models)
Verify completed
Fuel filter heater PCB overheating (certain diesel models)
Verify completed
The EGR cooler recall is the most critical — it directly affects fire safety. Contact BMW with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. 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.
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.