BMW 1 Series E87 (2004–2011)

4.4/5
Reliability score Good
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Model and generation reliability insights from verified owners. Variants are selected when adding reviews.

7 Verified owner reports

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Most reported affected parts

View all parts
1
Timing belt / chain
2 reports
2
Electronics
1 reports
3
Oil consumption
1 reports
4
Wheel bearings
1 reports
5
Head gasket
1 reports

Engine reliability summary

Petrol

Engine Score Reports Common issues
116i (115 Hp) (N45B16A) 4.0 3 Timing belt / chain, Electronics, Oil consumption
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
Show 12 more engines
116i (122 Hp) Steptronic (N43B16A) No reports 0 No issues reported
118i (129 Hp) (N46B20B) No reports 0 No issues reported
118i (143 Hp) (N43B20A) No reports 0 No issues reported
118i (143 Hp) Steptronic (N43B20A) No reports 0 No issues reported
120i (150 Hp) (N46B20) No reports 0 No issues reported
120i (150 Hp) Steptronic (N46B20) 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
130i (265 Hp) (N52B30) No reports 0 No issues reported
130i (265 Hp) Steptronic (N52B30) No reports 0 No issues reported

Diesel

Engine Score Reports Common issues
116d (115 Hp) (N47D20C) No reports 0 No issues reported
118d (122 Hp) (M47TU2D20) 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
Show 6 more engines
120d (163 Hp) (M47TU2D20) No reports 0 No issues reported
120d (163 Hp) Steptronic (M47TU2D20) No reports 0 No issues reported
120d (177 Hp) (N47D20C) No reports 0 No issues reported
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 7 Series E65 Review

This car has always been my dream. It makes an impression on the road, drives great, and is reasonably economical for its weight and size. Excellent running culture of the 3.0 M57N2 engine. Dynamics are at a good level. The car is very well insulated. Servicing, despite being an F-segment vehicle, isn't excessively expensive. The car ages very gracefully. Despite so many years, it still looks great and turns heads. I recommend not hesitating and fitting 20-inch wheels. I don't feel it's very stiff.

Pros: Impressive road presence, Excellent driving dynamics, Good fuel economy for its class, Smooth and quiet engine operation, Superb cabin insulation, Reasonable service costs, Timeless design and road appeal
Cons: Can be perceived as stiff with smaller wheels
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

BMW 3 Series E90-E93: A Great Ride with Quirks

This car is a joy to drive. It's very comfortable, but it has its drawbacks. The engine runs fantastically, but only after injectors have been repaired. Otherwise, it consumes oil excessively. The wiring harness in the tailgate can also be an issue, as it degrades over time and disables the tailgate lights. The interior with the sports steering wheel is very pleasant, though I preferred to have the plastics wrapped in black. There's ample space for passengers. The trunk isn't overly large; four duffel bags fit.

Pros: Super comfortable and enjoyable to drive, Fantastic engine performance post-injector repair, Spacious interior for passengers, Pleasant interior with sports steering wheel
Cons: Oil consumption issues if injectors aren't repaired, Tailgate wiring harness degradation affecting lights, Plastics might require modification for aesthetic preference, Trunk size is decent but not expansive
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

BMW 3 Series E90-91-92-93 Review

I drive a BMW E90 with a 2.0 150 HP gasoline + LPG engine and I can honestly recommend this car to anyone looking for a comfortable, dynamic premium car. The car handles excellently – the steering system and suspension provide a lot of confidence on the road, while also ensuring a high level of driving comfort. The 2.0 engine works perfectly with the LPG system – fuel consumption is reasonable, and with proper servicing, it doesn't cause problems. An additional advantage is the classic rear-wheel drive, which provides a lot of...

Pros: Excellent handling and steering feel, Comfortable ride quality, Efficient 2.0 engine with LPG, Classic rear-wheel drive dynamics
Verified owner Verified
Model not specified Mileage unknown

BMW 3 Series E90-E93 Review

My second E90, the first was a 320d with 184 hp. From the very beginning, I felt the engine lacked power, but I had to wait a long time before anything noteworthy appeared. I rate the E90 very highly (refer to my 320d review under the same nickname). This is a much more powerful and better-equipped example from a known source, so I'm delighted. In my opinion, the 330d is a great find if you're looking for a practical car with...

Pros: Powerful engine, Excellent equipment, Practicality
Cons: Initial engine power dissatisfaction in previous model
Verified owner Verified
BMW 1 Series E87 116i (115 Hp) Hatchback Mileage unknown

Problem: Electronics

Everything is electronic, which is a disaster. No spare tire, no manual oil dipstick in the engine block, phone connector, impossible to simply change the spark plugs.

Verified owner Verified
BMW 1 Series E87 116i (115 Hp) Hatchback 70,000 km

Problem: Timing Chain

Excellent handling, timeless design that ages well. Bodywork and exhaust remain like new after 9 years! However, excessive fuel consumption and sluggish engine below 120 km/h. Once at speed, it reaches 180 km/h quickly, but the instant fuel consumption display will temper enthusiasm. Timing chain jumped a tooth at 46,000 km; BMW repair cost €2000. No manufacturer support, despite this seeming to be a recurring issue on the 116i.

Pros: Exemplary handling, car that doesn't age and ages very well over time, at least for the bodywork and exhaust still like new after 9 years!
Cons: Excessive consumption and sluggish engine below 120 km/h. Once launched, the car quickly reaches 180 km/h but instant consumption on the trip computer will temper..., Timing chain jumped a tooth at 46,000 km, repair cost at BMW = €2000. No manufacturer support despite the problem seeming recurrent on 116i, because I don't...
Verified owner Verified
BMW 1 Series E87 116i (115 Hp) Hatchback 110,000 km

Problem: Head Gasket

Chassis difficult to fault (which doesn't stop most front-wheel drive regulars being confused and criticizing it compared to their vehicles, which don't measure up chassis-wise...). Easy-to-eliminate cabin noises. Chain tensioner at 92,000 km caused the chain to jump 2 teeth (impossible to start). Cost at BMW: £553 incl. VAT for tensioner replacement, timing adjustment, and gasket replacement...

Pros: Chassis is very capable and hard to fault.
Cons: Annoying cabin noises that are easy to fix., Chain tensioner failed at 92,000 km, causing the chain to jump 2 teeth and preventing startup. Cost at BMW: £553 incl. VAT for replacement, timing, and gasket.

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