BMW's first compact five-door offered rear-wheel drive and a premium driving experience in a smaller package. The 116i is the entry-level petrol and was built with three different engines: the simple port-injected N45, the direct-injection 1.6 N43, and the 2.0 N43. The changeover dates were not uniform across Europe. BMW's own March 2007 documentation still lists the 116i as N45, and Italy was still selling a 1,599 cc 116i in mid-2011, so treat the model year as a hint and confirm the engine code on the car itself. The N45 is the simpler and more reliable choice, while the N43 adds complexity with direct injection, a NOx sensor, and piezo injectors that all add to repair costs.· more· less
Engaging rear-wheel-drive handlingN45 engine is simple and durable
N43 direct injection issuesRear subframe prone to corrosion
Buy if: You find a pre-2007 N45 model with complete service history, or an N43 model with documented timing chain and injector health.
Avoid if: You are considering an N43 model with misfires, warning lights, or unknown service history.
Price & maintenance
Used price
€3,000
median asking price, typically 180,000 km
Typical range€2,200 – €4,300
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€700 – €1,350/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€400 – €700 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €650 /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.
Plastic chain guides deteriorate and debris can block the oil strainer, risking engine seizure · more· less
Both the N45 and N43 engines use a timing chain with plastic guides that degrade over time. On the N45, the chain is relatively thin and stretches gradually, typically requiring replacement around 100,000 km. A rattling noise at 2,000-2,700 rpm or on cold start indicates wear. On the N43, the problem is more severe: the plastic guides can fracture completely, with fragments falling into the oil pan and blocking the oil pump strainer. This causes oil starvation and can lead to catastrophic engine seizure. BMW never ran a preventive N43 chain replacement. Chain testing was carried out inside a wider service action whose main subject was brake vacuum on-board diagnosis, so a completed action does not mean a new chain was fitted. Independent specialists charge approximately €800-1,200 for chain, guides, and tensioner replacement. If engine damage has occurred from oil starvation, a replacement engine costs €2,500-3,500 installed.
Fuel injector failure (N43 only, 2007-2011)
€400 - 1,5002 of 8
Piezo direct injectors fail causing misfires, rough running, and cascading coil pack damage · more· less
The N43 engine uses high-pressure piezo direct injectors that are expensive and failure-prone. When an injector fails, it causes misfires that foul the spark plugs, which then overload and damage the ignition coils. This creates a cascade of failures that makes diagnosis confusing. Simply replacing coils and plugs without addressing the root cause (faulty injectors) leads to repeated failures. New OEM injectors cost approximately €200-300 each, plus coding to the ECU. Replacing all four injectors with new plugs and coils at an independent specialist runs €800-1,500. Used injectors are available for €50-100 each but carry risk. This issue typically appears between 80,000-150,000 km. The N45 engine (2004-2007) uses conventional port injection and is not affected by this problem.
NOx sensor failure (N43 only, 2007-2011)
€350 - 5003 of 8
NOx sensor fails causing unstable idle, increased fuel consumption, and emission faults · more· less
The N43 engine has a NOx sensor for its lean-burn direct injection system. This sensor is prone to failure, causing unstable engine speed, increased fuel consumption, and persistent fault codes. Symptoms include hesitation on acceleration, rough idle, and occasional misfire-like behaviour. The sensor is manufactured by Continental and OEM replacement is recommended, as aftermarket sensors often do not work properly. The sensor costs approximately €300-400, with about 1 hour labor for installation. Some owners use a NOx emulator (€100-150) as a workaround, but this disables the lean-burn function and may not pass emissions testing. Average sensor lifespan is approximately 150,000 km. This issue does not affect the N45 engine (2004-2007).
VANOS solenoid and seal failure
€150 - 5004 of 8
Variable valve timing solenoids clog or leak, causing rough idle and reduced power · more· less
Both the N45 and N43 engines use VANOS (variable valve timing) solenoids that can clog with oil sludge or develop external leaks through degraded O-ring seals. Symptoms include rough idle, poor acceleration, increased fuel consumption, and VANOS-related fault codes. The O-ring seals harden over time and are a common source of minor oil leaks around the solenoid housings. Cleaning the solenoids and replacing O-rings is a straightforward job at €50-100. If the solenoids themselves have failed internally, replacement costs €150-300 for parts plus about 1 hour labor. In some N45 cases, the VANOS sprockets themselves can develop play and rattle, requiring more expensive sprocket replacement at €300-500.
Valve cover gasket and oil leaks
€200 - 6005 of 8
Gasket hardens with age causing oil leaks onto exhaust manifold and ignition components · more· less
The valve cover gasket on both N45 and N43 engines hardens and shrinks over time, allowing oil to seep out. Oil can drip onto the exhaust manifold, creating a burning smell and smoke, or pool around the spark plug wells, contaminating the ignition coils and accelerating their failure. The gasket itself costs €30-60, but the job requires 2-3 hours of labor due to the need to remove intake components. Total cost at an independent shop is €200-400, while BMW dealers charge €400-600. On the N43, the valve cover also houses the PCV (crankcase ventilation) system, and if the PCV diaphragm fails, the entire valve cover may need replacing at €300-500 for the part alone. This is a near-certainty on cars over 10 years old.
Rear subframe corrosion
€300 - 1,2006 of 8
Rear subframe rusts from stone chips and road salt, can fail inspection if severe · more· less
The E87 rear subframe is susceptible to corrosion on its lower edges where it is exposed to road spray, stone chips, and salt. This is well documented across the E87 community, with some owners reporting subframes corroded so severely they cracked, potentially damaging brake lines. Finding a rust-free replacement is difficult as most used subframes are also corroded. Treatment involves wire-brushing surface rust and applying rust-inhibiting coatings like POR-15 (€300-500 professionally). If the subframe needs replacement, a used unit plus fitting costs €800-1,200. Cars from coastal areas or regions with heavy road salt use are most affected. Preventive underbody wax treatment every two years significantly slows progression.
Boot water ingress damaging electrics
€50 - 5007 of 8
Water enters boot through rear vents and light seals, corroding the PDC module and causing cascading faults · more· less
The E87 boot area is prone to water ingress through the rectangular vent panels behind the trim and through poorly sealed rear light housings. Water accumulates and soaks the PDC (parking distance control) module housed in the right side of the boot. A waterlogged PDC module sends corrupted signals on the CAN bus network, causing cascading electrical faults including complete instrument cluster failure (speedo, rev counter, temperature gauge all go dead), random warning lights, and central locking issues. DIY resealing of vents and light housings costs €10-20. If the PDC module is damaged by corrosion, replacement costs €150-300. If other modules on the CAN bus are affected, diagnosis and repair can reach €500.
Clutch and dual mass flywheel wear
€700 - 1,2008 of 8
Clutch judder and flywheel vibration typically appear between 100,000-150,000 km on manual cars · more· less
Manual-equipped 116i models develop clutch judder when moving off, especially from cold and on inclines. The dual mass flywheel develops excessive play, producing vibration felt through the pedal and entire drivetrain. Combined clutch and DMF replacement costs €700-1,200 at an independent specialist, with parts (flywheel approximately €250, clutch kit approximately €150) plus 4-5 hours labor. This is a standard wear item that typically needs attention between 100,000-150,000 km depending on driving style. Urban stop-start driving accelerates wear significantly.
Engine choice is the key to reliability
The BMW 116i E87's reliability depends heavily on which engine is fitted. The N45 (2004-2007) is a simple naturally aspirated unit with no turbo and conventional port injection, making it the more dependable choice. Its main concerns are VANOS wear, oil leaks, and timing chain stretch at high mileage. The N43 (2007-2011) introduced direct injection with expensive piezo injectors, a NOx sensor, and more aggressive timing chain failure modes that can lead to oil starvation and engine seizure. Both variants share body issues including rear subframe corrosion and boot water ingress affecting electrics. With diligent maintenance, regular oil changes, and proactive attention to known weak points, both engines can deliver reliable service to 200,000 km and beyond.
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000-15,000 km rather than BMW's extended long-life interval.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Rear tires wear faster on this rear-wheel-drive car.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen for timing chain rattle and unusual noises in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Check for smooth power delivery, clutch judder, and any warning lights.
Specific for this vehicle
Identify the engine code: N45 or N43
Do not go by the build date: the changeover ran at different times in different markets. Read the engine code stamped on the block or have the VIN decoded by a BMW dealer or an independent BMW specialist. N45 means 115 hp with port injection; N43 means 122 hp with direct injection. The N45 is significantly simpler and cheaper to keep running.
Cold-start timing chain rattle
Start engine completely cold. Listen for metallic rattling from the engine for 1-30 seconds. On N43 models, this is critical as chain guide failure can cause engine seizure from oil starvation.
Check for misfires and rough running (N43)
On N43 models, watch for check engine light, rough idle, or hesitation. These indicate injector or NOx sensor failure that can cascade into coil pack damage.
+ 4 more checksShow less
Inspect rear subframe for corrosion
Look underneath at the rear subframe edges for heavy rust or flaking. Tap gently with a screwdriver to check metal thickness. Cars from salt-heavy regions are most affected.
Check boot for water ingress
Lift the boot floor and check the PDC module area (right side) for moisture, corrosion, or water stains. Check rear light seals and vent panels.
Inspect valve cover for oil leaks
Look for oil seepage around the valve cover and spark plug wells. Oil contamination of ignition coils causes repeated coil failures.
Clutch judder test (manual)
Drive from standstill on a slight incline. Judder or vibration when the clutch engages indicates worn clutch or dual mass flywheel.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Brake vacuum on-board diagnosis service action, campaign 0012260400 (N43 engines built January 2007-October 2013, worldwide except the US; N43 timing chains were tested within this action)Verify completed
B+ battery connector (UK recall; certain 1 Series built March 2007-September 2011)Verify completed
Takata airbag inflator (various production dates)Verify completed
Contact a BMW dealer with the VIN to verify which campaigns apply and have been completed. The service action that covered N43 cars was primarily about brake vacuum monitoring; chain testing happened inside it, and it only looked for existing stretch rather than replacing the chain, so ask specifically whether any chain work was carried out and paid for. The B+ battery connector recall is a UK action, so check the car's original market as well as its VIN.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all E87 models
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)Expired on all E87 models
All BMW 116i E87 models are well outside their original 2-year factory warranty and 12-year rust perforation warranty. Third-party warranty providers may offer coverage but typically exclude known problem areas like timing chains and injectors. Extended warranty is rarely cost-effective on cars of this age and value.
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.
