CarCredo

BMW 1 Series E81 (2007–2011)

4.5/5
Reliability score Good
Email-verified reliability report

Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

2 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

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No affected parts have been reported yet.

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
116i (122 Hp) (N43B20A) No reports 0 No issues reported
116i (122 Hp) (N43B16A) No reports 0 No issues reported
116i (122 Hp) Steptronic (N43B20A) No reports 0 No issues reported
116i (122 Hp) Steptronic (N43B16A) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 6 more engines
118i (143 Hp) (N43B20A) No reports 0 No issues reported
118i (143 Hp) Steptronic (N43B20A) No reports 0 No issues reported
120i (170 Hp) (N43B20A) No reports 0 No issues reported
120i (170 Hp) Steptronic (N43B20A) No reports 0 No issues reported
130i (258 Hp) (N52B30A) No reports 0 No issues reported
130i (258 Hp) Steptronic (N52B30A) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
116d (116 Hp) (N47D20C) No reports 0 No issues reported
118d (143 Hp) (N47D20C) No reports 0 No issues reported
118d (143 Hp) Steptronic (N47D20C) No reports 0 No issues reported
120d (177 Hp) (N47D20C) No reports 0 No issues reported
Show 3 more engines
120d (177 Hp) Steptronic (N47D20C) No reports 0 No issues reported
123d (204 Hp) (N47D20D) No reports 0 No issues reported
123d (204 Hp) Steptronic (N47D20D) No reports 0 No issues reported

Owner reviews

Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

BMW 1 Series E81-E87 Review

A very pleasant car. I'd give it 5 stars if not for the dashboard creaking over uneven surfaces. Front space is adequate. It's quite tight in the back. Running costs aren't horrific, but not super cheap either. Everything else is great. The engine is dynamic and fuel-efficient. Gears shift crisply. Ratios are quite long. An interesting feature is the EfficientDynamics package - active grille shutters, 'energy recovery' system. Just disable start-stop permanently. The car handles beautifully.

Pros: Dynamic and fuel-efficient engine, Crisp gear shifts, EfficientDynamics package, Good handling
Cons: Dashboard creaks over bumps, Tight rear seating, Running costs are moderate, Long gear ratios
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

BMW 1 Series E81-E87 Review

This car isn't without its flaws, but what are those flaws compared to so many advantages?! It's close to ideal for a relaxing night drive. Sticks to dry roads like glue. On wet surfaces, it happily swings its rear. Better not to disable traction control in snow... Many a driver was surprised how this little bugger overtook them on the right at 160 km/h and kept going... many a driver in an S-Class or 7 Series was surprised how this little bugger leveled out and overtook without a stutter at 200 km/h...

Pros: Excellent grip on dry roads, Impressive performance for its size, Great for stress relief drives
Cons: Rear can slide on wet surfaces, Requires traction control on snow

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