Help a lady out ! Reliability Bmw one series 120d

[Amy1991]

I am currently looking to purchase a vehicle, and I quite like the Bmw one series 120d. I’ve found a 2015 (64 reg), one owner with 40k miles that’s an MSport and 4 wheel drive, for 12.5k.

I’ve read online that the 2 litre Diesel engine is not great, something about N47 and timing chains. Just wondered if this is a problem in this particular year group (some articles suggest up to 2011) as I cant afford costly repairs!

If you know anything about this, or can point me to any articles, or other suitable vehicles would be greatly appreciated

[Deep Thought]

Amy1991 said:

I am currently looking to purchase a vehicle, and I quite like the Bmw one series 120d. I’ve found a 2015 (64 reg), one owner with 40k miles that’s an MSport and 4 wheel drive, for 12.5k.

I’ve read online that the 2 litre Diesel engine is not great, something about N47 and timing chains. Just wondered if this is a problem in this particular year group (some articles suggest up to 2011) as I cant afford costly repairs!

If you know anything about this, or can point me to any articles, or other suitable vehicles would be greatly appreciated

Welcome to the forum

Most 120d / 320d / 420d / 520d problems with cam chains can be traced back to disproportionately long service intervals (18K ish) and owners not checking the oil level periodically, and the car running below the minimum. Diesel oil gets contaminated over time so what goes in as a rich gold and clear oil will come out looking like a black thin water.

These are two things that are easily resolved :-

• Get the car serviced every 9,000 miles. If you want to maintain a FBMWSH then get the oil and filter done at a local indy mechanic at the 9,000 mile marker, and then done and stamped by BMW @ the 18,000 mile marker.
• Check the oil level once a fortnight - they WILL use oil.

Do this and you'll mitigate the risk.

Also, consider buying an Approved Used car. Might cost a bit more, but you'll get a full comprehensive BMW warranty that is second to none AND is extendable.

[finlo]

Buy something like a Focus instead, you will wish you had if you don't!

[Deep Thought]

finlo said:

Buy something like a Focus instead, you will wish you had if you don't!

Why?

[finlo]

Deep Thought said:

Why?

Because like all "German" cars BMW have an abysmal reliability record.

[tim0409]

Deep Thought said:

Also, consider buying an Approved Used car. Might cost a bit more, but you'll get a full comprehensive BMW warranty that is second to none AND is extendable.

Agreed, I bought a 118d from auction and the first thing I did was purchase a BMW Mondial warranty, primarily as I was worried about the chain and it paid for itself after a few claims (not chain related). They even replaced the clutch/flywheel at 80k with an upgraded unit due to a common fault (judder), which really surprised me.

[Deep Thought]

finlo said:

Deep Thought said:

Why?

Because like all "German" cars BMW have an abysmal reliability record.

Bit of a broad brush assumption there, but hey ho,

How did the 1.6TDCI engine pan out that Ford use? Or the 1.0 Ecotec? Or the 2.3 RS engine?

Edited by Deep Thought on Monday 25th February 06:49

[PGNSagaris]

finlo said:

Because like all "German" cars BMW have an abysmal reliability record.

Ridiculous statement

[Summit_Detailing]

Good car the 120d, as above I'd carry out an oil & filter change every 10k as despite advances in oil technology I'm not convinced the engine internals appreciate long service intervals - mechanical sympathy if you will. Of course this can be done at an independent local garage to you for very little cost in the grand scheme of things.
This isn't advice just for diesel BMW's, I'd suggest the same for any car expected to go for 18/20k miles between services.

The x-drive variants are rare, is there a specific reason for wanting one over the standard car?
Auto or manual?

Is the car you've found a facelift car? - slimmer headlamps being the easiest way to tell the difference. If it is pre-facelift I'd make sure it has xenon headlamps as the standard halogen units are like slow burning candles.

cheers,

Chris

[Sa Calobra]

Deep Thought said:

Bit of a broad brush assumption there, but hey ho,

How did the 1.6TDCI engine pan out that Ford use? Or the 1.0 Ecotec? Or the 2.3 RS engine?

Edited by Deep Thought on Monday 25th February 06:49

Post 09/10 the 1.6 PSA diesel is a fantastic engine. What let's it down is skintflint servicing. Sadly finding a Ford with annual serviced history is rare.

[KhabibSmesh]

Summit_Detailing said:

Is the car you've found a facelift car? - slimmer headlamps being the easiest way to tell the difference. If it is pre-facelift I'd make sure it has xenon headlamps as the standard halogen units are like slow burning candles.

cheers,

Chris

Another easy way to tell is the lights at the back, much wider and 'warped'.

[nunpuncher]

I've had 3 N47 equipped cars (318d, 320d 125d). Chain went on one of them that was just 2 weeks out of warranty. Luckily I know a guy who knows a guy and BMW fixed at their expense. I had EGR valve issues with the other 2 and the turbo went on one. Comments above regarding oil changes seem odd. BMW recommend longer service intervals.

I wouldn't touch another N47 not only for the reasons above but also because it's a fking horribly rough and agricultural engine.

[ZX10R NIN]

I have to agree with the above if you want one then you need to change the oil more regularly (this does seem to make a difference) personally I'm not a fan of the 1 series, have you looked at any alternatives? What's your annual mileage? Is AWD a must?

Some alternatives:

A220 AMG Sport

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Golf GTD

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Giulietta Sportiva Nav

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

QV Line

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201...

Edited by ZX10R NIN on Monday 25th February 13:39

[Pica-Pica]

finlo said:

Deep Thought said:

Why?

Because like all "German" cars BMW have an abysmal reliability record.

And where do you think Ford Focus is designed and built?

[Shiv_P]

I would buy a golf. It is a better car for a hatch. More practical, more comfy vs the horrendous 1 series m sport suspension

[Deep Thought]

Shiv_P said:

I would buy a golf. It is a better car for a hatch. More practical, more comfy vs the horrendous 1 series m sport suspension

But as dull as dishwater...

[Deep Thought]

Always bemuses me that on a motoring enthusiasts forum where someone expresses a desire or enthusiasm for a particular car, then we get the "oh get yourself something nice and safe like a Golf or Focus" type comments.

[apn]

finlo said:

Deep Thought said:

Why?

Because like all "German" cars BMW have an abysmal reliability record.

I run a 2012 120d, owned since 8k currently on 75k. No reliability issues at all. I have the Mondial warranty which so far has been a waste of money for peace of mind as I've never had to claim!

If you take out this warranty pay monthly on DD as this way you'll miss out on the price increase when the car hits 60k as the warranty just rolls on.

[johnnyBv8]

Deep Thought said:

Always bemuses me that on a motoring enthusiasts forum where someone expresses a desire or enthusiasm for a particular car, then we get the "oh get yourself something nice and safe like a Golf or Focus" type comments.

To be fair, they're only offered in this thread as alternatives to a diesel BMW 1 series, when someone is worried about a particular issue with that car - Focus/Golf/1 series.....hardly an objective step change in type of car!

[Shiv_P]

Deep Thought said:

Shiv_P said:

I would buy a golf. It is a better car for a hatch. More practical, more comfy vs the horrendous 1 series m sport suspension

But as dull as dishwater...

Yes and a 120d is so much more exciting