BMW 1 F20/F21

Prices for the new BMW 1 began at 1.6 million rubles. That’s a lot for a compact car. In the secondary market, dissonance disappears.

Review

Prices for the new BMW 1 began at 1.6 million rubles. That’s a lot for a compact car. In the secondary market, dissonance disappears. Can you expect reasonable spending with a prestigious model?

The long hood is a characteristic element of the BMW 1 Series. This solution is not very advantageous in terms of using the available space, but it facilitates the installation of large engines (R6) and the use of rear-wheel drive.

It's better to be careful. High cost guarantees rich equipment and modern technologies, but does not promise reliability and durability. Launched copies provide high maintenance costs.

It is difficult to get a good copy if less than 700,000 rubles were spent on the purchase. Orientation should be in the amount of more than 800-900 thousand rubles. You can expect a more or less reasonable run. There are many “ones” after the repair. In the cheapest instances have to be considered with quite large runs and a lot of hidden problems.

You should be prepared for high maintenance costs. The main costs are due to maintenance. Quality diagnosis is possible only by the factory program. Inexpensive ECU reading software often doesn’t see errors, or worse, misinterpret them.

Unfortunately, there will be plenty of work to do for the mechanics, as there are plenty of flaws in the BMW F20.

Start with the engines.

The engine palette is opened by the 1.6 petrol of the famous Prince series (created with the cooperation of BMW and the PSA group). Its main problem is the drive of the gas distribution system - the tensioner and the chain. The chain stretches after 100-150 thousand km. The chain jump is fraught with expensive overhaul of the engine. For the replacement of the chain will have to pay more than 40 000 rubles (together with oil caps). Sometimes there are minor failures, accompanied by a message on the display of the on-board computer with the subsequent transition of the engine to emergency mode. The reasons are different. Sometimes it helps to get a simple software update. In some cases, the turbocharger fails, or rather, the throughpass valve (Waste Gate - 6-9 thousand rubles) does not function correctly. It should be emphasized that even the weakest variants of the 1.6 unit have direct injection and turbocharging. Another problem is the high oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1000 km). One of the common causes is the aging of oil caps. Therefore, they are usually updated along with the stretched chain of the timing system drive (40-50 thousand rubles). It contributes to an increase in oil consumption and damaged oil separator membrane. You can replace the rubber band itself (1200 rubles), but motorists recommend changing the valve cover entirely (10-20 thousand rubles). The worst thing that can happen is a detonation due to poor fuel quality. The piston is destroyed, and bullies appear on the walls of the cylinder. The cost of capital repairs will be 200-250 thousand rubles.

Would you rather have a diesel?

In the case of the BMW 1 Series, diesels are not very popular. Like petrol units, they can be divided into those that were before the restyling (N47) and after (B37 and B47). The first were engines of 1.6 liters (95-horsepower 114d and 116d in the economical version of EfficientDynamics) and 2.0 liters. The main problem of these turbo diesels is premature wear of the timing system drive chain. Additional difficulties created its location - between the block and the box. Over time, several ways of replacing have emerged. Some mechanics, as required by the instruction, remove the engine, others only "weaken" it, and still others, using special sets, change the circuit directly on the engine. Unfortunately, the service life of the timing system drive circuit often does not exceed 150,000 km. The reason is the low quality of the components, in the design of the drive, in the late replacement of oil or its mediocre properties. In advanced cases, the gears wear out, which can lead to damage to the engine. The cost of replacing chains (two chains with their own sets of tensioner, shoes and stars) is about 70 000 rubles. The price depends on the details used. The original set will cost 50 000 rubles, the combination of original parts and substitutes – 25 000 rubles, and the proven analogue – 17 000 rubles. Not different resistance and turbocharger. Symptoms: power drop and error reports. The turbine itself or its control system fails. However, the supply and removal lines of the lubricant should be carefully checked and possibly replaced.

Transmission

The presence of a turbo diesel under the hood is associated with another risk - the breakdown of the GS6-45D manual box, which is accompanied by the loss of gears (rear or front). There are many companies that specialize in repairing this mechanic. Just do not choose a service based only on a low price tag. In case of unsuccessful bulkheading, the re-removal and disassembly of the ICS will now require large costs.

In addition, you can record the availability of spare parts for this box. By the way, the new GS6-45D costs more than 300 000 rubles! And here's the minus: the price tag for spare parts. Only synchronizers will cost about 20 000 rubles. Usually you have to change the synchronizers together with bearings. The approximate cost of repair will be about 40 000 rubles. For this money, they will dismantle the box and update the elements of one transfer. The procedure takes several hours.

The 8-speed ZF 8HP series is quite reliable. Cases of repairs are isolated, costs - more than 100,000 rubles. For regular oil renewal every 60 000 km of run will need about 15 000 rubles.

From time to time, the glands of the rear gearbox begin to leak (3-5 thousand rubles for work).

Walking

Silent blocks of front levers (2-3 thousand rubles) are updated after 100-150 thousand km. By this time, floating Silentblocks on the rear axle can creak (2-3 thousand rubles).

No less will serve and factory shock absorbers: 6-10 thousand rubles - front and 4-8 thousand rubles - rear.

Attention, steering!

There is also a rather unexpected defect - the destruction of the screws of the steering mechanism mount. So if you find a bolt under the car, don’t throw it away, just show the mechanic. Without one bolt, nothing will happen, but if you lose more, the situation can become threatening. The manufacturer changed aluminum bolts for steel as part of a service campaign.

However, many owners of BMW 1 received new steering rails. Replacement also concerned restyling machines. It is better to buy the car was on the list, as the new steering mechanism with replacement and calibration in the walls of the official service costs 160 000 rubles. In addition, the steering sometimes fails the electric motor of the amplifier, and over time the backlash increases.

Ergonomics is traditionally at a high level, and most of the specimens are really well equipped. Sometimes plastic creaks in the cabin, but this is not a common problem.

Other problems and malfunctions

Rust does not touch the body, but sometimes a few unsightly spots can be found on the trunk door. In addition, after 100-150 thousand km, the trunk lid lock is broken (7-12 thousand rubles).

There are losses of refrigerant in the air conditioning system. Lack of gas leads to noise and malfunction of the system.

Sometimes the chair frame is damaged. Fortunately, the disease did not affect all equipment options.

Other faults are related to electronics (e.g., media screen) and battery state. Bringing electronics to life is usually possible after a software update.

Modifications

It is worth mentioning the division of the range of bodies. The E81-E88 family included a convertible and a coupe. With the arrival of the F20/F21, these bodies were allocated to a separate model range - the BMW 2 Series.

3d and 5d

Both versions of the body have the same dimensions, and most often have identical engines and equipment. Dimensions (length/width/height) are 4324/1,765/1,421 mm and the wheelbase is 2,690 mm.

F52

The F52 sedan version, which appeared in 2017, was intended exclusively for China. In addition, the sedan became front-wheel drive, so the trunk was quite roomy.

xDrive

BMW 1 Series F20 got all-wheel drive in the second half of 2012. The auxiliary front axle drive, as follows from the manufacturer's information, guarantees optimal stability of movement, maximum grip of the wheels with the road, as well as an additional dose of sports emotions.

Admittedly, in stronger varieties of “ones”, all-wheel drive is certainly very useful. As in other BMWs, a center differential with a multi-plate clutch is used. Due to the specifics of the drive, the trunk does not suffer, but the turning radius increases slightly.

In all versions, xDrive was an option. Among the gasoline variations, it was relied only on the M-version, and among the diesel versions - 118d and 120d. It is worth noting that this is not an off-road version. The clearance here is the same as that of rear-wheel drive cars - 140 mm.

BMW M1

The hottest version of the BMW 1 Series is the only one who got a 3-liter gasoline engine. In the top version of the M140i (since 2016, 340 hp), acceleration to a hundred took 4.8 seconds, and in the M135i version (first 320, and then 326 hp) - 5.1 seconds. With the engines worked mechanical or automatic transmission. The drive could be rear or full.

Despite its impressive power and dynamics, it’s not an uncompromising track-driving car (the suspension retains some comfort), although it allows for a bit of frenzy.

The body is devoid of aggressive spoilers, as, for example, in the Honda Civic Type R. "Emka" was offered in two versions of the body - 3 and 5-door. And the clearance was reduced to 130 mm.

Gasoline versions

Engine: type, number of cylinders/valves

* Data for version 5d with manual transmission;

***M is a mechanical box, A is an automatic box.

Engine: type, number of cylinders/valves

* Data for version 5d with manual box;

**M is a mechanical box, A is an automatic box.

Diesel versions

Engine: type, number of cylinders/valves

* Data for version 5d with manual transmission;

**M is a mechanical box, A is an automatic box.

Engine: type, number of cylinders/valves

* Data for version 5d with manual box;

**M is a mechanical box, A is an automatic box.

Review

• Orientation should be in the amount of more than 800-900 thousand rubles.
• There are many “ones” after the repair.
• In the cheapest instances have to be considered with quite large runs and a lot of hidden problems.
• You should be prepared for high maintenance costs.
• Quality diagnosis is possible only by the factory program.

Start with the engines.

• Its main problem is the drive of the gas distribution system - the tensioner and the chain. The chain stretches after 100-150 thousand km.
• The chain jump is fraught with expensive overhaul of the engine.
• It should be noted that even the weakest variants of the unit 1.
• Another problem is the high oil consumption (up to 1 liter per 1000 km).
• You can replace the rubber band itself (1200 rubles), but motorists recommend changing the valve cover entirely (10-20 thousand rubles).
• The cost of capital repairs will be 200-250 thousand rubles.
• RUB) and failures in the operation of the electromagnetic valve vanos (3-8 thousand rubles).
• On the stubborn bearing of the crankshaft, a backlash appeared.

Would you rather have a diesel?

• The main problem of these turbo diesels is premature wear of the timing system drive chain.
• The original set will cost 50 000 rubles, the combination of original parts and substitutes – 25 000 rubles, and the proven analogue – 17 000 rubles.
• However, the supply and removal lines of the lubricant should be carefully checked and possibly replaced.
• Sometimes there is a need for forced burning of the DPF particulate filter, since oil dilution in case of problems with automatic burning of the filter does not increase the life of the timing system chain.
• However, such problems are not heard here, but the technique is the same as that of larger models. And they got caught.
• You should avoid any items with a questionable history.
• At least, there are no problems with the timing in the new engines.

Transmission

• There are many companies that specialize in repairing this mechanic.
• The approximate cost of repair will be about 40 000 rubles.
• Cases of repairs are isolated, costs - more than 100,000 rubles.

Attention, steering!

• Without one bolt, nothing will happen, but if you lose more, the situation can become threatening.
• However, many owners of BMW 1 received new steering rails. Replacement also concerned restyling machines.
• In addition, the steering sometimes fails the electric motor of the amplifier, and over time the backlash increases.
• Sometimes plastic creaks in the cabin, but this is not a common problem.

Other problems and malfunctions

• Rust does not touch the body, but sometimes a few unsightly spots can be found on the trunk door. In addition, after 100-150 thousand.
• The lock of the trunk lid is out of order (7-12 thousand rubles).
• There are losses of refrigerant in the air conditioning system.
• Other faults are related to electronics (e.g., media screen) and battery state.

xDrive

• The auxiliary front axle drive, as follows from the manufacturer's information, guarantees optimal stability of movement, maximum grip of the wheels with the road, as well as an additional dose of sports emotions.

Compared to the predecessor of the BMW 1 Series, the F20/F21 has gained a lot. Its large size does not make it a king of compact class, but it is not so tight. The trunk holds 360 liters (in 3d and 5d versions).

On the positive side, excellent handling should be noted. After all, it’s the only, and as it turns out, the last compact with a rear-axle drive. There are few complaints about the accuracy of the steering.

• A review: There are many “ones” after repairs.
• Start with the engines: Its main problem is the drive of the gas distribution system – the tensioner and the circuit. The chain stretches after 100-150 thousand km.
• Could it be better diesel?: The main problem of these turbo diesels is premature wear of the timing system drive chain.
• Transmission: There are many companies specializing in repairing this mechanic.
• Chasing: Silent blocks of front levers (2-3 thousand).
• Attention, steering!: Nothing will happen without one bolt, but if you lose more, the situation can become threatening.
• Other problems and malfunctions: Rust does not touch the body, but sometimes a few unsightly spots can be found on the trunk door. In addition, after 100-150 thousand.
• Modifications: It is worth mentioning the division of the range of bodies.

Shows, bargaining and re-registration take time: buyers look, promise to think and disappear. Fair price after inspection closes the auction on the spot. If money is needed urgently, the purchase takes away waiting and repeat displays.

Leave a request with the car data. We will discuss the preliminary assessment and inspection. After checking the status and documents, we agree on the final price and terms of the transaction.