BMW 116i upgrades?
Discussion
So I have 2011 1 series 116i petrol F20.
It’s been remapped to 207bhp but I want to do something else with it.
Was thinking about upgrading the turbo since it’s an relatively easy change because it’s on the top of the engine but I can’t find a turbo that would fit it.
The only aftermarket induction kit on the market is like 300gbp and I’m not paying that so can’t get that done.
Also, please tell me other upgrades I should do?
It’s been remapped to 207bhp but I want to do something else with it.
Was thinking about upgrading the turbo since it’s an relatively easy change because it’s on the top of the engine but I can’t find a turbo that would fit it.
The only aftermarket induction kit on the market is like 300gbp and I’m not paying that so can’t get that done.
Also, please tell me other upgrades I should do?
Weekendrebuild said:
Pointless upgrading a turbo if you won’t fork out for any breathing mods ? Induction kit / better exhaust , injectors then your hybrid turbo which all leads you to paying for another remap 
Trouble is half the battle is finding parts that would fit. It’s difficult. I could use m135i oem intercooler.Truckosaurus said:
Is it the same engine as used in a Mini? Should be plenty of tuning options for them.
The sensible thing would be just to save up to get a 135i but we're never sensible are we...
Very much this. Spending £3-5k to try and tease another 50odd hp from the 116i is nuts when you can buy a e92 335i for that kind of money!!!! The sensible thing would be just to save up to get a 135i but we're never sensible are we...
daniel1920 said:
I'm going to play mystic meg.
116i - chosen for cheapest insurance of 1 series range.
Considering new turbo - likes power - will spend money on power.
Could put money towards more powerful 1 series - doesn't insurance too high.
Mods not declared.
Mystic meg is all wrong thanks 116i - chosen for cheapest insurance of 1 series range.
Considering new turbo - likes power - will spend money on power.
Could put money towards more powerful 1 series - doesn't insurance too high.
Mods not declared.
Rizmah said:
daniel1920 said:
I'm going to play mystic meg.
116i - chosen for cheapest insurance of 1 series range.
Considering new turbo - likes power - will spend money on power.
Could put money towards more powerful 1 series - doesn't insurance too high.
Mods not declared.
Mystic meg is all wrong thanks 116i - chosen for cheapest insurance of 1 series range.
Considering new turbo - likes power - will spend money on power.
Could put money towards more powerful 1 series - doesn't insurance too high.
Mods not declared.
Genuine question of why start with 116i and consider getting heavily invested?
Would really start to consider brakes and suspension if going for huge power increase.
I posted this elsewhere, but thought it might come in useful here.
The 116i, 118i and even the lowly 114i all use the same engine. The 114i & 116i are identical bar the ECU mapping, the 118i has a larger diameter exhaust. This engine is the N13B16 unit, which was a joint venture between BMW and PSA, designated Prince.
The chain on the N13 is notorious for wear. It starts with excessive oil consumption, and continues with a noisy chain. It's not a quiet engine anyhow, although from the cabin it's fine. Unfortunately you won't find out about any oil consumption until you live with the car. My car had 53000 miles when I collected it, and the oil light came on on the way home, and about every 1000 miles afterwards. I lived with that until 66,000 miles, earlier this year, when I had the chain replaced. It hasn't used a drop since. The garage who did the work said they do loads of these.
Apart from that, the turbo/exhaust heat shield is a massive affair, and stupidly expensive to have properly replaced. So grab hold of it & make sure it's solid. It may not stay that way, but if it starts that way, it's better!
The wastgate linkage can rattle. Does no harm whatsoever, but can sound rough. There's a fix using some VW parts, so a dirt cheap fix to the issue.
The coolant system is another well documented weak point. I've had no issues, but plenty have. Leaks on the rear of the engine.
I've had no oil leaks, no coolant issues, and my car is running a 118i map (it says 114i on the badge). It's a pretty decent drive.
I had a cracked iDrive screen. Again, not an uncommon fault. I replaced it with the newer type (glass to edge) and I've had no issues since.
Also, I added cruise control to mine - you see steering buttons & think 'cruise', but alas all you get as standard is a speed limiter button. Easy job.
The washed jets clogged up recently, due to sludging in the bottom of the tank - but that was a ridiculously easy fix, the hose to the washer jets unclips and you blow into the tank! This dislodges whatever was causing the blockage, so I then emptied the tank by actuating the washers, hose still disconnected, into a jug. I did the same with just water, then refilled the tank with blue additive, not the nasty green halfords stuff - job done.
It's been great though, a decent drive, very reliable, not bad on fuel, and spacious enough too.
Lastly, I'm not sure I would buy a petrol one again; if I was choosing again I'd pick a 118d probably. Ironically I've never had any issues with that supposedly troublesome N47 engine (combined mileage on my 2 of 290,000 miles, both on their original timing chains). But having said that, my 1 series is now sorted & fit for another few miles!
The 116i, 118i and even the lowly 114i all use the same engine. The 114i & 116i are identical bar the ECU mapping, the 118i has a larger diameter exhaust. This engine is the N13B16 unit, which was a joint venture between BMW and PSA, designated Prince.
The chain on the N13 is notorious for wear. It starts with excessive oil consumption, and continues with a noisy chain. It's not a quiet engine anyhow, although from the cabin it's fine. Unfortunately you won't find out about any oil consumption until you live with the car. My car had 53000 miles when I collected it, and the oil light came on on the way home, and about every 1000 miles afterwards. I lived with that until 66,000 miles, earlier this year, when I had the chain replaced. It hasn't used a drop since. The garage who did the work said they do loads of these.
Apart from that, the turbo/exhaust heat shield is a massive affair, and stupidly expensive to have properly replaced. So grab hold of it & make sure it's solid. It may not stay that way, but if it starts that way, it's better!
The wastgate linkage can rattle. Does no harm whatsoever, but can sound rough. There's a fix using some VW parts, so a dirt cheap fix to the issue.
The coolant system is another well documented weak point. I've had no issues, but plenty have. Leaks on the rear of the engine.
I've had no oil leaks, no coolant issues, and my car is running a 118i map (it says 114i on the badge). It's a pretty decent drive.
I had a cracked iDrive screen. Again, not an uncommon fault. I replaced it with the newer type (glass to edge) and I've had no issues since.
Also, I added cruise control to mine - you see steering buttons & think 'cruise', but alas all you get as standard is a speed limiter button. Easy job.
The washed jets clogged up recently, due to sludging in the bottom of the tank - but that was a ridiculously easy fix, the hose to the washer jets unclips and you blow into the tank! This dislodges whatever was causing the blockage, so I then emptied the tank by actuating the washers, hose still disconnected, into a jug. I did the same with just water, then refilled the tank with blue additive, not the nasty green halfords stuff - job done.
It's been great though, a decent drive, very reliable, not bad on fuel, and spacious enough too.
Lastly, I'm not sure I would buy a petrol one again; if I was choosing again I'd pick a 118d probably. Ironically I've never had any issues with that supposedly troublesome N47 engine (combined mileage on my 2 of 290,000 miles, both on their original timing chains). But having said that, my 1 series is now sorted & fit for another few miles!
daniel1920 said:
D'oh, fair play for doing it by the book then!
Genuine question of why start with 116i and consider getting heavily invested?
Would really start to consider brakes and suspension if going for huge power increase.
I got it pretty cheap from my sister, she works for BMW and got a new engine, clutch and turbo on warranty. Plus I crashed my ST and insurance payout was sGenuine question of why start with 116i and consider getting heavily invested?
Would really start to consider brakes and suspension if going for huge power increase.
t so I could only afford the bmw. I mean I wasn’t going to invest a lot but just something to enjoy the car abit more.BFleming said:
I posted this elsewhere, but thought it might come in useful here.
The 116i, 118i and even the lowly 114i all use the same engine. The 114i & 116i are identical bar the ECU mapping, the 118i has a larger diameter exhaust. This engine is the N13B16 unit, which was a joint venture between BMW and PSA, designated Prince.
The chain on the N13 is notorious for wear. It starts with excessive oil consumption, and continues with a noisy chain. It's not a quiet engine anyhow, although from the cabin it's fine. Unfortunately you won't find out about any oil consumption until you live with the car. My car had 53000 miles when I collected it, and the oil light came on on the way home, and about every 1000 miles afterwards. I lived with that until 66,000 miles, earlier this year, when I had the chain replaced. It hasn't used a drop since. The garage who did the work said they do loads of these.
Apart from that, the turbo/exhaust heat shield is a massive affair, and stupidly expensive to have properly replaced. So grab hold of it & make sure it's solid. It may not stay that way, but if it starts that way, it's better!
The wastgate linkage can rattle. Does no harm whatsoever, but can sound rough. There's a fix using some VW parts, so a dirt cheap fix to the issue.
The coolant system is another well documented weak point. I've had no issues, but plenty have. Leaks on the rear of the engine.
I've had no oil leaks, no coolant issues, and my car is running a 118i map (it says 114i on the badge). It's a pretty decent drive.
I had a cracked iDrive screen. Again, not an uncommon fault. I replaced it with the newer type (glass to edge) and I've had no issues since.
Also, I added cruise control to mine - you see steering buttons & think 'cruise', but alas all you get as standard is a speed limiter button. Easy job.
The washed jets clogged up recently, due to sludging in the bottom of the tank - but that was a ridiculously easy fix, the hose to the washer jets unclips and you blow into the tank! This dislodges whatever was causing the blockage, so I then emptied the tank by actuating the washers, hose still disconnected, into a jug. I did the same with just water, then refilled the tank with blue additive, not the nasty green halfords stuff - job done.
It's been great though, a decent drive, very reliable, not bad on fuel, and spacious enough too.
Lastly, I'm not sure I would buy a petrol one again; if I was choosing again I'd pick a 118d probably. Ironically I've never had any issues with that supposedly troublesome N47 engine (combined mileage on my 2 of 290,000 miles, both on their original timing chains). But having said that, my 1 series is now sorted & fit for another few miles!
Thanks for that! That’s handy I’ll keep that saved.The 116i, 118i and even the lowly 114i all use the same engine. The 114i & 116i are identical bar the ECU mapping, the 118i has a larger diameter exhaust. This engine is the N13B16 unit, which was a joint venture between BMW and PSA, designated Prince.
The chain on the N13 is notorious for wear. It starts with excessive oil consumption, and continues with a noisy chain. It's not a quiet engine anyhow, although from the cabin it's fine. Unfortunately you won't find out about any oil consumption until you live with the car. My car had 53000 miles when I collected it, and the oil light came on on the way home, and about every 1000 miles afterwards. I lived with that until 66,000 miles, earlier this year, when I had the chain replaced. It hasn't used a drop since. The garage who did the work said they do loads of these.
Apart from that, the turbo/exhaust heat shield is a massive affair, and stupidly expensive to have properly replaced. So grab hold of it & make sure it's solid. It may not stay that way, but if it starts that way, it's better!
The wastgate linkage can rattle. Does no harm whatsoever, but can sound rough. There's a fix using some VW parts, so a dirt cheap fix to the issue.
The coolant system is another well documented weak point. I've had no issues, but plenty have. Leaks on the rear of the engine.
I've had no oil leaks, no coolant issues, and my car is running a 118i map (it says 114i on the badge). It's a pretty decent drive.
I had a cracked iDrive screen. Again, not an uncommon fault. I replaced it with the newer type (glass to edge) and I've had no issues since.
Also, I added cruise control to mine - you see steering buttons & think 'cruise', but alas all you get as standard is a speed limiter button. Easy job.
The washed jets clogged up recently, due to sludging in the bottom of the tank - but that was a ridiculously easy fix, the hose to the washer jets unclips and you blow into the tank! This dislodges whatever was causing the blockage, so I then emptied the tank by actuating the washers, hose still disconnected, into a jug. I did the same with just water, then refilled the tank with blue additive, not the nasty green halfords stuff - job done.
It's been great though, a decent drive, very reliable, not bad on fuel, and spacious enough too.
Lastly, I'm not sure I would buy a petrol one again; if I was choosing again I'd pick a 118d probably. Ironically I've never had any issues with that supposedly troublesome N47 engine (combined mileage on my 2 of 290,000 miles, both on their original timing chains). But having said that, my 1 series is now sorted & fit for another few miles!
Only thing I’d say is when driving it’s almost like a noisy fan sound coming from the engine, when I press the clutch down it reduces a lot. Not sure what it is tbh. But I do need to find out, any idea? It does this when the car is cold and warm.
Rizmah said:
Thanks for that! That’s handy I’ll keep that saved.
Only thing I’d say is when driving it’s almost like a noisy fan sound coming from the engine, when I press the clutch down it reduces a lot. Not sure what it is tbh. But I do need to find out, any idea? It does this when the car is cold and warm.
Clutch thrust bearing? Could be any number of things, but that's my first idea.Only thing I’d say is when driving it’s almost like a noisy fan sound coming from the engine, when I press the clutch down it reduces a lot. Not sure what it is tbh. But I do need to find out, any idea? It does this when the car is cold and warm.
As I said, mine is running 170bhp. I'm not going to go higher as this map is a BMW map & really safe. As you say, Sport mode is very entertaining.
I think suspension and brakes would be my next call rather than more power, but that's just me (mostly as I'm on SE suspension & 16in wheels)!
BFleming said:
Clutch thrust bearing? Could be any number of things, but that's my first idea.
As I said, mine is running 170bhp. I'm not going to go higher as this map is a BMW map & really safe. As you say, Sport mode is very entertaining.
I think suspension and brakes would be my next call rather than more power, but that's just me (mostly as I'm on SE suspension & 16in wheels)!
Looked on YouTube for noises of that bearing and it’s not that loud and irritating it’s more subtle. As I said, mine is running 170bhp. I'm not going to go higher as this map is a BMW map & really safe. As you say, Sport mode is very entertaining.
I think suspension and brakes would be my next call rather than more power, but that's just me (mostly as I'm on SE suspension & 16in wheels)!
I don’t blame you, just praying the engine won’t give up on me haha. I guess I’ll have to think about it. Got the car for another year and half.
Gassing Station | BMW General | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff