The entry point to BMW's rear-wheel-drive 1 Series hatchback, popular with young drivers and first-time premium buyers. The 116i is effectively two different cars: pre-facelift models (2011-2015) use the Peugeot co-developed N13 four-cylinder, while the post-2015 facelift uses BMW's own B38 three-cylinder. The driving experience is lively and engaging for the class. The 116i was the entry model at launch, until BMW placed the 102 hp 114i below it in July 2012.· more· less
Chain stretches and tensioner bleeds oil pressure overnight, causing cold-start rattle and risking catastrophic engine damage · more· less
The N13 engine's timing chain, guides, and tensioners are a well-documented weak point, shared with the 118i variant. The tensioner's release valve weakens over time, allowing oil pressure to bleed off overnight and causing a distinctive rattle lasting 1-30 seconds on cold start. This typically occurs between 60,000-120,000 km. Because the N13 is an interference engine, chain failure can cause catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. Independent BMW specialists report performing one N13 timing chain replacement per week. Parts cost approximately 400-700 EUR, with labor adding 600-1,800 EUR depending on the shop and whether additional damage has occurred. BMW never issued an official EU recall for this issue. The B38 engine (2015+) does not have this problem. If you hear cold-start rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds, either walk away or budget for immediate replacement.
Excessive oil consumption (N13, 2011-2015)
up to €2,0002 of 7
Valve stem seals harden and crack, causing oil burning of 1L per 1,000-1,800 km with no visible smoke · more· less
High oil consumption is extremely common on N13-equipped F20 models. Many owners report consuming 1 litre of oil every 1,000-1,800 km, requiring frequent top-ups between services. The most common cause is deteriorated valve stem seals that harden and crack due to heat cycles. Notably, the 116i lacks the oil cooler that the 118i has, potentially making this issue worse due to higher oil temperatures in the 116i. Oil seeps past the valve guides into the combustion chamber and burns. There is typically no blue smoke, no diagnostic codes, and no power loss, making it easy to overlook until serious damage occurs. Valve stem seal replacement costs approximately 800-1,700 EUR at independent shops. A faulty PCV oil separator can also contribute, sometimes requiring valve cover replacement since the separator is integrated into the cover on later N13 variants (adding significant cost). Check service records carefully for oil top-up entries. The B38 engine (2015+) largely avoids this problem.
Turbocharger failure (N13, 2011-2015)
up to €2,5003 of 7
Turbo actuator sticks from gentle driving and carbon buildup; turbo heat shield rattles on all N13 engines · more· less
The turbo wastegate actuator tends to stick if the car is driven too gently or only for short trips, as carbon builds up on the mechanism. Symptoms include EPC warning light, loss of power, and limp mode. BMW dealers do not sell the actuator separately and insist on full turbo replacement. Specialist shops can rebuild just the actuator for 500-600 EUR. If turbo internals are also damaged, full turbo replacement costs 1,200-2,500 EUR. The turbo heat shield is also prone to warping and rattling due to heat, which is a common nuisance on all N13 engines. Heat shield repair or replacement costs 200-400 EUR at dealers. Using premium fuel and regular spirited driving helps prevent actuator sticking. The B38 engine (2015+) has improved turbo reliability.
Water pump and thermostat failure
up to €1,2004 of 7
Mechanical coolant pump fails typically between 60,000-100,000 km, causing overheating warnings · more· less
The F20 116i uses a belt-driven mechanical coolant pump that commonly fails between 60,000-100,000 km. The thermostat housing is located at the back of the engine, and its gaskets dry out and leak over time. Symptoms include coolant warning light, engine overheating, poor cabin heating, and visible coolant leaks. The pump and thermostat are often replaced together since they are in the same assembly area. Parts cost approximately 350-500 EUR (genuine BMW pump costs over 500 EUR), plus 250-400 EUR labor. Total repair at independent shops runs 600-900 EUR, while BMW dealers charge 1,000-1,200 EUR. If the overheating warning appears, stop driving immediately to avoid engine damage. This issue affects both N13 and B38 engine years.
Ignition coil and ECU damage (N13, 2011-2015)
up to €1,5005 of 7
Coils fail from heat and oil contamination; shorted coils can damage the engine ECU, creating a cascading failure · more· less
Ignition coil failure is very common on N13-equipped 116i/118i models. Heat exposure, oil leaks from valve cover gaskets, and moisture contamination accelerate failure. The critical concern is that a shorted ignition coil can draw excessive current through the ECU, overloading the ignition coil activation circuits within the ECU itself. Simply replacing the coil will not fix the problem if the ECU is already damaged, creating a vicious cycle of repeated coil failures. Individual coils cost 40-80 EUR each (4 cylinders on N13). If only coils need replacing, the total repair is 150-400 EUR. However, if the ECU is damaged, repair or replacement costs 800-1,500 EUR. Oil leaks contaminating coils should be fixed first (valve cover gasket replacement) to prevent recurrence.
Battery drain and electrical issues
up to €5006 of 7
Car draws excessive current when parked, battery dies within 5-7 days if not driven or on a trickle charger · more· less
Electrical problems are among the most frequently reported issues by F20 owners. The car can drain the battery completely within 5-7 days if not driven. Common causes include aftermarket accessories drawing power (dashcams, phone chargers left plugged in preventing the Front Electronic Module from shutting down), and the car failing to enter sleep mode properly. A normal parasitic draw should be 50-85 milliamps; many F20s show draws exceeding 100 mA. A new BMW battery costs 200-300 EUR including fitting and mandatory registration/coding (required to prevent overcharging). Always disconnect devices from cigarette lighter ports when parking. For extended periods without use, connect a quality trickle charger. Window regulator failures (windows stuck or moving slowly) are another common electrical complaint, costing 200-400 EUR at independent shops.
VANOS solenoid contamination
up to €5007 of 7
Variable valve timing solenoids clog with oil sludge, causing reduced power and poor fuel economy · more· less
The VANOS solenoids controlling variable valve timing can become clogged with oil sludge or fail electrically, leading to reduced power output, sluggish acceleration, and decreased fuel efficiency. There are two VANOS solenoids (intake and exhaust), each costing approximately 50-100 EUR for quality aftermarket parts (Febi or Pierburg brands). Professional installation costs 100-200 EUR labor, bringing total repair to 200-500 EUR. Cleaning and reinstalling solenoids with ECU reprogramming is often effective as a cheaper first step. Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil help prevent solenoid clogging. This issue affects both N13 and B38 engines but is more common on higher-mileage N13 units.
Pre-2015 N13 models carry significant risk; 2015+ B38 models are much more reliable
The BMW 116i F20 is effectively two different cars from a reliability standpoint. Pre-2015 models with the N13 engine (co-developed with Peugeot) are plagued by timing chain failures, high oil consumption, and turbo issues, typically manifesting between 60,000-120,000 km. The 116i is potentially more vulnerable than the 118i because it lacks an oil cooler. Post-2015 models with the B38 three-cylinder engine are significantly more reliable, with water pump and electrical issues being the main concerns. If buying an N13 model, verify the timing chain has been replaced with updated parts and budget for likely repairs.
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000-15,000 km rather than stretching to BMW's 30,000 km / 24-month schedule.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear patterns. Standard size is 195/55R16.
Cold start
Must start engine completely cold. Listen carefully for timing chain rattle in first 30 seconds. This is the single most important check for N13 models.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Watch for EPC warning light, power loss, unusual vibrations, or whistling sounds from turbo.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify engine type: N13 (2011-2015) or B38 (2015-2019)
Critical distinction. Check production date on VIN decoder. B38 models are significantly more reliable. N13 models require much more scrutiny.
Cold-start timing chain rattle (N13 only)
Start engine completely cold and listen for rattle in first 30 seconds. Any rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds indicates chain/tensioner wear. Walk away or negotiate 1,500-2,000 EUR off price for replacement.
Check oil level and consumption history
Oil level should be between min and max marks. Ask seller about oil consumption between services. Check service records for oil top-ups. Excessive consumption (1L per 2,000 km) indicates valve stem seal issues on N13.
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Inspect for oil leaks around engine
Check valve cover gasket and oil filter housing area for oil seepage. Oil contamination causes ignition coil failures and can damage the ECU.
Test for turbo issues under load
During test drive, accelerate firmly from low RPM. Watch for EPC warning light, hesitation, loss of boost, or unusual whistling. Listen for turbo heat shield rattle at idle.
Check coolant level and condition
Low coolant or brown/milky appearance indicates water pump, thermostat housing, or head gasket issues. Inspect expansion tank for cracks.
Verify electrical system health
Test all windows (especially rear), central locking, infotainment, air conditioning, and all warning lights. Check if battery is original or replaced. Ask about battery drain issues.
Check for transmission judder (manual)
If manual gearbox, test for clutch judder when pulling away from standstill. A loose bolt in the clutch pressure plate was subject to a recall.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Electronic power steering control unit fire risk (2011-2016)Verify completed
Clutch pressure plate bolt - very small number of manual cars built February to June 2013Verify completed
Starter relay may overheat (from September 2015 production, B38 - VIN check required)Verify completed
Takata airbag inflator (various production years)Verify completed
Contact a BMW dealer with the 17-digit VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The electronic power steering recall is a fire safety issue that affects parked vehicles, and the 2025 starter relay campaign needs a VIN check on later B38 cars. BMW never officially recalled the N13 timing chain in Europe despite widespread problems. Check the official BMW recall page at bmw.com for your region.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (2 years)Expired on all F20 models
Extended warranty availabilityAvailable through BMW and third parties
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply on 2014+ models
All BMW 116i F20 models (2011-2019) are outside their original 2-year factory warranty. From November 2016, BMW offered a 2+1 year warranty, extending to 3 years for cars sold from that date. Extended warranties from third-party providers often exclude timing chain and oil consumption issues as known problems. BMW's own extended warranty requires full BMW service history and an unmodified car. Budget for self-insuring against repairs rather than relying on aftermarket warranty coverage.
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.
