BMW F20 Buyer Guide: 1 Series (2011-2019)
The F20 is BMW's second-generation 1 Series and the last rear-wheel-drive 1 Series ever made. UK launch September 2011 (5-door F20, the volume body). LCI mid-2015 brought modular engine refresh (B47 / B48 / B38 replacing N47 / N20 / N13), revised front and rear styling, and the LED headlight option. Replaced by FWD-only F40 in 2019. The F20 is the UK's mature entry-level BMW used buy; the 118d M Sport is the modal car.
Quick verdict
The F20 is the UK's value entry into BMW ownership in 2026: cheap if you want the badge, surprisingly characterful as the last RWD 1 Series, and the M135i / M140i variants are genuine hot hatches. Defining buyer concern is the same as F30: pre-LCI N47 timing-chain risk and ULEZ non-compliance on diesels. Post-LCI B47 cars are ULEZ-compliant. M140i (B58) is appreciating because the FWD F40 successor is a different car entirely.
What is the BMW F20?
Most F20 cars in UK classifieds are 2014 to 2018 118d M Sport examples with 70,000 to 130,000 miles. Ex-fleet volume is significant. M135i (pre-LCI N55, 320 bhp) and M140i (LCI B58, 340 bhp) are the enthusiast picks; manual gearboxes command strong premium over auto. The F20 sits at the entry-level end of BMW ownership; running costs are reasonable but the build quality is honest, not premium. Critically the F20 is the LAST rear-wheel-drive 1 Series; the F40 successor is FWD-only with transverse engines (a completely different car).
F20 is the last rear-wheel-drive BMW 1 Series. UK launch September 2011. LCI mid-2015 brought engine refresh (B47 / B48 replacing N47 / N20), revised front and rear lights, iDrive update. Replaced by FWD-only F40 in 2019 (a different car). The F20 is the UK's mature entry-level BMW used buy. Modal car: post-LCI 118d M Sport with the B47 engine.
| Series | 1 Series |
|---|---|
| Body style | Hatchback (5-door) |
| Generation | 2 |
| UK production years | 2011 to 2019 |
| Predecessor | E81 / E87 |
| Successor | F40 |
| LCI (facelift) year | 2015 |
| Related chassis | F21 (3-door hatch sister (same engines, 3-door body)), F22 (2 Series Coupe (mechanically related; F20-derived platform)), F40 (1 Series successor (FWD-only from 2019; major platform change)) |
| Length / Width / Wheelbase | 4324 / 1765 / 2690 mm |
Pre-LCI vs LCI: what changed
F20 launched September 2011 with N47 diesel (116d, 118d, 120d), N13 petrol (116i, 118i), N20 petrol (125i), and N55 petrol (M135i added 2012). LCI mid-2015 swapped to modular B-family engines: B47 diesel (replacing N47), B48 petrol (replacing N20), B38 3-cylinder petrol (replacing N13 in lower trims). M140i (B58) replaced M135i (N55) for the 2016 LCI model year. Production ended late 2019. F40 successor moved to FWD platform (UKL2) and is mechanically unrelated to F20.
Engines and which to choose
For daily use: post-LCI 118d M Sport (B47) is the right used F20 buy. ULEZ-compliant, 55 to 65 mpg combined, 150 bhp. Petrol value pick: post-LCI 118i (B38 3-cylinder) for ULEZ-from-launch plus the cheaper service profile. Hot hatch: M140i LCI (B58) for the modern straight-six experience, or M135i pre-LCI (N55) for character at lower money. Manual gearboxes hold value significantly better than autos in M135i / M140i.
| Badge | Engine | Years | Power | Fuel | ULEZ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114d | N47 |
2012-2015 | 95 bhp | diesel | No | Entry diesel; 1.6L variant of N47; Euro 5; rare |
| 116d (pre-LCI) | N47 |
2011-2015 | 116 bhp | diesel | No | N47 entry mainstream diesel; timing-chain risk |
| 116d (LCI) | B47 |
2015-2019 | 116 bhp | diesel | Yes | LCI B47; ULEZ-compliant; the right used pick |
| 118d (pre-LCI) | N47 |
2011-2015 | 143 bhp | diesel | No | The modal pre-LCI 1 Series; same chain story |
| 118d (LCI) | B47 |
2015-2019 | 150 bhp | diesel | Yes | Post-LCI B47; modal UK F20 |
| 120d (pre-LCI) | N47 |
2011-2015 | 184 bhp | diesel | No | Higher-output N47; xDrive optional from 2012 |
| 120d (LCI) | B47 |
2015-2019 | 190 bhp | diesel | Yes | Post-LCI B47; xDrive optional |
| 125d | N47 |
2012-2015 | 218 bhp | diesel | No | Twin-stage turbo N47; rare; the diesel hot hatch |
| 116i | N13 |
2011-2015 | 136 bhp | petrol | Yes | 1.6L PSA-derived petrol; Euro 5 / 6 |
| 118i (pre-LCI) | N13 |
2011-2015 | 170 bhp | petrol | Yes | Higher-output N13; the entry petrol |
| 118i (LCI) | B38 |
2015-2019 | 136 bhp | petrol | Yes | B38 3-cylinder 1.5L; new for LCI; replaces N13 |
| 120i (LCI) | B48 |
2016-2019 | 184 bhp | petrol | Yes | B48 2.0L; rare; the practical petrol pick |
| 125i (pre-LCI) | N20 |
2012-2015 | 218 bhp | petrol | Yes | N20; pre-2015 chain risk; the petrol hot hatch |
| 125i (LCI) | B48 |
2015-2019 | 224 bhp | petrol | Yes | Post-LCI B48; the right used 125i pick |
| M135i (pre-LCI) | N55 |
2012-2015 | 320 bhp | petrol | Yes | N55 straight-six single-turbo; the hot-hatch BMW; manual or auto |
| M140i (LCI) | B58 |
2016-2019 | 340 bhp | petrol | Yes | B58 single-turbo I6; the LCI hot-hatch; appreciating with FWD F40 replacing RWD |
Engine codes link to the dedicated reliability guide where one exists. Codes without a guide link to the chassis × engine reference until the engine page is published.
ULEZ status by year and engine
Build-date and engine dependent. Post-LCI B47 diesel (2015 onwards), B48 petrol (2015 onwards), B38 3-cylinder petrol (2015 onwards), B58 (M140i from 2016) are all Euro 6 and ULEZ-compliant. Pre-LCI N47 diesel is Euro 5 and NOT ULEZ-compliant. Pre-LCI N20 / N13 / N55 petrol are Euro 6 from launch and ULEZ-compliant. London buyers should reject pre-LCI N47 diesel cars; pre-LCI petrol cars (any variant) are fine for ULEZ daily use.
Common F20-specific problems
Chassis-level failure modes only: body, electrics, infotainment, suspension, ancillaries. Engine-specific faults (timing chain, EGR, DPF) live on the engine guides linked above.
| Failure mode | Severity | Frequency | Typical onset | UK repair range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EGR cooler fire-risk recall (N47 / B47 diesels) | Serious | Common | 0 to 999k mi | Free (recall) or up to £800 |
| Electric water pump failure | Moderate | Common | 60 to 120k mi | £400 to £650 |
| Front lower control-arm bushes wear | Moderate | Common | 70 to 130k mi | £350 to £600 |
| Tailgate / boot microswitch failure | Mild | Very common | 40 to 120k mi | £30 to £120 |
| iDrive screen freeze (CIC pre-LCI, NBT LCI) | Mild | Uncommon | 80 to 999k mi | Free (recall) or up to £800 |
| Rear shock-absorber top-mount corrosion | Moderate | Common | 90 to 150k mi | £180 to £350 |
EGR cooler fire-risk recall (N47 / B47 diesels)
- Coolant disappearing with no visible external leak
- White smoke at startup
- DVSA / BMW recall letter on V5 address
What to do about it: DVSA recall NSC R/2018/151. Free remedy at any BMW dealer. Verify completed on the VIN.
If ignored: Documented engine bay fires on ignored cars (rare).
UK repair exposure: Up to £800 (free under recall if applicable).
Recall / TSB: NSC R/2018/151 (UK DVSA).
Additional notes: Affects all F20 diesels with N47 or B47 (most of the range). Highest-priority verification on any UK F20 diesel.
Electric water pump failure
- Coolant warning at dashboard
- Overheating in traffic
What to do about it: Replace pump and thermostat together at 80k miles. Common modular wear.
If ignored: Engine overheats; head gasket damage.
UK repair exposure: £400 to £650.
Additional notes: Pattern shared with F30 / F31 / F32 across the F-chassis fleet.
Front lower control-arm bushes wear
- Knock over bumps
- Shudder under braking
- MOT advisory on lower arm bushes
What to do about it: Replace lower control arms in pairs. Parts £150 to £280, labour 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
If ignored: Steering wander; uneven tyre wear; MOT failure.
UK repair exposure: £350 to £600.
Tailgate / boot microswitch failure
- Boot button stops responding
- Intermittent in damp weather
What to do about it: Replace microswitch assembly. £30 to £60 part, 20 min DIY.
If ignored: Cosmetic only; boot still opens with remote.
UK repair exposure: £30 to £120.
iDrive screen freeze (CIC pre-LCI, NBT LCI)
- Frozen screen on boot
- Bluetooth dropouts
- Random reboots
What to do about it: BMW software update at indie (£60 to £120) resolves most. Hardware swap rare.
If ignored: Cosmetic; functionality usually returns after battery reset.
UK repair exposure: Up to £800 (free under recall if applicable).
Rear shock-absorber top-mount corrosion
- Knocking from rear over bumps
- MOT advisory on shock mounts
What to do about it: Replace top mounts in pairs (£60 to £120 parts, 2 hours labour).
If ignored: MOT failure; uneven ride.
UK repair exposure: £180 to £350.
Additional notes: Pattern accelerated by UK winter road-salt exposure.
MOT advisory patterns
Typical MOT advisories aggregated across UK F30 records. Not all will be present on any given car, but at 80,000+ miles you should expect at least two from this list:
- Lower front control arm bushes worn
- Rear shock-absorber top mounts corroded
- Brake disc surface corrosion
- Wiper blade deterioration
- Reduced beam alignment
- Tyre tread close to legal minimum
UK trim levels
The UK trim ladder for the F20, in roughly ascending order of equipment and used premium.
| Trim | Description |
|---|---|
| SE | Base trim; cloth seats, 16 inch wheels, basic iDrive. Common fleet. |
| Sport | Sport seats, 17 inch wheels, body-coloured trim. Mid-range UK spec. |
| M Sport | M Sport bumpers, 18 inch alloys, M Sport suspension, Dakota leather. The modal UK F20 spec. |
| M Sport Shadow Edition (LCI 2018-2019) | Gloss black trim, larger wheels, M Sport Plus pack. Worth £700 to £1,200 used premium. |
| M135i / M140i | Hot hatch trim with N55 (pre-LCI) or B58 (LCI). M Sport suspension uprated, M sport seats. Manual or auto. |
Options worth chasing
The factory options below add measurable used premium or change the ownership experience meaningfully.
| Option | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Professional Navigation (Pro Nav) | Built-in nav with larger 8.8-inch screen. Worth £400 to £600 used premium over Business Nav. |
| Comfort Access | Keyless entry. Worth £200 to £350 used premium. |
| Heated front seats | Common UK option; £150 to £300 used premium. Verify both seats work. |
| LED headlights (option / standard on M Sport LCI) | Worth £300 to £500 used premium. Adaptive LED is rarer (£400 to £700 premium). |
| Harman Kardon hi-fi | Audible upgrade; worth £250 used premium. |
| Sun protection glass | Optional. Worth £100 to £200 used premium. |
| M Sport Plus pack | Harman Kardon + Sun protection glass + Cruise control. Worth £400 to £600 used premium when fitted. |
| xDrive (120d only, optional) | AWD on 120d / 125d / M135i / M140i (latter two optional). Adds £400 to £700 used premium. Verify transfer-case ATF history same as F25. |
| Manual transmission (M135i / M140i) | Manual hot-hatch commands £1,500 to £3,000 premium over auto. Holding value better than auto. |
UK market pricing (2026)
| Example car | Indicative price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2012 F20 118d SE, 110,000 miles | £3,500 to £5,500 | Pre-LCI N47; verify chain history; Euro 5. |
| 2014 F20 118d M Sport, 80,000 miles | £5,500 to £8,000 | Pre-LCI N47; M Sport premium; ULEZ-non-compliant. |
| 2016 F20 118d M Sport LCI, 60,000 miles | £8,500 to £12,000 | LCI B47; ULEZ-compliant; the right used F20 pick. |
| 2018 F20 118d M Sport Shadow Edition, 40,000 miles | £12,500 to £16,000 | Final F20 builds; ULEZ-compliant; freshest used spec. |
| 2015 F20 M135i pre-LCI, manual, 70,000 miles | £14,000 to £18,000 | N55 hot hatch; manual premium; appreciating with FWD successor. |
| 2018 F20 M140i LCI, manual, 50,000 miles | £22,000 to £28,000 | B58 hot hatch; manual commands strong premium; cult following. |
| 2018 F20 M140i LCI, auto, 50,000 miles | £19,000 to £24,000 | Auto M140i; cheaper than manual; same engine. |
Price ranges are indicative UK figures for 2026 based on common AutoTrader listings. Real prices vary by region, history, and condition. View live AutoTrader listings for this chassis →
Pre-purchase checklist (F20-specific)
Add these F20-specific checks on top of our generic UK used-BMW inspection checklist:
- On any diesel: verify EGR cooler recall NSC R/2018/151 completed at gov.uk/check-vehicle-recall.
- On pre-LCI N47 (116d / 118d / 120d): demand timing-chain history. £1,500-£2,500 if not done.
- Test the boot button microswitch; near-universal F20 wear item.
- Check rear shock-absorber top mounts; UK winter corrosion-accelerated pattern.
- On M135i / M140i: verify aluminium charge pipe upgrade is fitted; OEM plastic is the universal modular B-engine weakness on N55 / B58.
- On manual M135i / M140i: check clutch bite point; a slipping clutch on a 70k+ mile car is a £400-£700 fix.
- Inspect lower front control arm bushes; common MOT advisory by 80k miles.
- If xDrive is fitted (120d optional, M135i / M140i some): demand transfer-case ATF receipts (same 50k-mile pattern as F25 X3).
- On B38 3-cylinder 118i: confirm characteristic 3-cylinder thrum is normal; some buyers find it intrusive at idle.
Buy, negotiate, or walk away
Buy
Post-LCI 118d M Sport (B47) with ULEZ-compliant V5, EGR recall paperwork-confirmed, full service history at BMW or known indie, no rear-shock-mount MOT advisories, tailgate button working.
Negotiate
Pre-LCI N47 with no timing-chain history (use £1,500 as the negotiation floor). Outstanding EGR recall (free remedy at BMW). Tailgate microswitch failed (£30-£60 DIY fix). Front control arm bushes worn (£350-£600). Rear shock top mounts MOT-advised (£180-£350).
Walk away
Pre-LCI N47 with no service history at 120k+ miles, no chain receipts, evasive seller. M135i / M140i with no service history at 80k+ miles, modifications without documentation. Salvage or write-off.
Check a specific F20 listing
Paste any BMW F20 listing, VIN, or registration. Bimmer.AI returns a F20-specific buyer report in 30 seconds.
Run a Bimmer.AI buyer report →Long-term ownership verdict
F20 long-term is straightforward by BMW standards. Post-LCI B47 118d will run to 200,000+ miles with standard modular wear items addressed (water pump, control arms, EGR recall). Pre-LCI N47 cars carry chain risk and ULEZ non-compliance which are stacking concerns; they only make sense if you can budget for chain work AND don't drive into London ULEZ. M135i / M140i are the enthusiast survivors of the F20 era; manual examples are now appreciating because the F40 successor is FWD-only. Specialist running cost: roughly £350 to £550 per year on top of fuel and tax. The cheapest way into BMW ownership in the UK in 2026.
Related chassis
The F20 shares its platform with related body styles and performance variants. Each is a different car with different fault patterns and a different used market.
Bimmer.AI is designed to help you identify BMW-specific buyer risks before you travel, negotiate, or pay for an inspection. It does not replace a physical inspection by a qualified mechanic, a legal vehicle-history check (e.g. HPI Check), or independent verification of finance, stolen, or write-off status. Repair-cost ranges are indicative UK figures that vary by region, specialist, parts supply, and labour rates.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW F20 reliable?
Conditionally yes. Post-LCI B47 / B48 cars are robust with standard modular wear items. Pre-LCI N47 cars carry timing-chain risk that dominates buyer decisions; verify chain history or negotiate the cost in. The F20 sits at the entry-end of BMW ownership; build quality is honest, not premium. With service-history discipline, expect 200,000+ miles from any post-LCI variant.
Is the F20 1 Series ULEZ-compliant?
Build-date and engine dependent. Post-LCI B47 diesel (2015 onwards) and all post-LCI petrols are ULEZ-compliant. Pre-LCI N47 diesel is Euro 5 and NOT ULEZ-compliant. Pre-LCI N20 / N13 petrol are Euro 6 from launch and always ULEZ-compliant. Verify V5 emissions class.
F20 118d or 120d?
118d (150 bhp post-LCI) is the modal UK F20: 55 to 65 mpg combined, ULEZ-compliant post-LCI, enough power for daily use. 120d (190 bhp post-LCI) is the quicker variant; 7.4-second 0-60, same fuel economy on paper. 120d is the right pick if you want a bit more pull; 118d is the right pick if you're cost-focused. Both share the same engine block and the same long-term reliability profile.
Is the F20 M140i a good used buy?
Yes if you can find one with verified service history. B58 single-turbo straight-six 340 bhp; 4.6-second 0-60; the last rear-wheel-drive BMW hot hatch. Manual M140i is appreciating fast (£22,000 to £28,000 in 2026); auto M140i sits at £19,000 to £24,000. Verify aluminium charge pipe upgrade. The B58 is one of BMW's most reliable modern petrols.
F20 M135i (N55) or F20 M140i (B58)?
M140i (LCI, B58) for the cleaner long-term reliability story and more power (340 vs 320 bhp). M135i (pre-LCI, N55) for character and lower money (£14,000 to £18,000 manual; £12,000 to £16,000 auto). Both are appreciating because the F40 1 Series is FWD-only; this is the last RWD 1 Series of either spec.
Is the pre-LCI F20 worth it at sub-£5,000?
Only with documented timing-chain history and the willingness to accept ULEZ non-compliance (if applicable). A clean pre-LCI 118d at £4,500 with chain done at indie and EGR recall verified is a reasonable buy. A pre-LCI 118d at £4,500 with no service history is a £1,500 to £2,500 timing-chain bill waiting to happen.
What's the B38 3-cylinder petrol in the LCI 118i like?
BMW's smallest modern engine: 1.5L 3-cylinder, 136 bhp. Smooth for a 3-cylinder but characteristic thrum at idle some buyers find intrusive. Real-world UK MPG: 38 to 48 combined. ULEZ-compliant. Reliability is strong; modular B-family wear items only. The right cheap petrol pick if you don't care about the cylinder count.
F20 1 Series or F22 2 Series Coupe?
F22 is the coupe variant of the same platform: same engines, same long-term wear, two-door body. F22 commands a £1,500 to £3,000 used premium over F20 for equivalent trim. F22 is the right pick if you want the coupe look; F20 is the right pick if you want practicality (5 doors, more rear-seat access).
F20 1 Series or F40 1 Series (the successor)?
F40 is a completely different car: FWD-only (transverse engine), based on the UKL2 Mini platform. The F40 has more interior space and better fuel economy but lost the rear-wheel-drive character of F20. F40 used prices are £15,000 to £25,000. F20 is the right pick if you want the last RWD 1 Series character; F40 is the right pick if you want the newer car with FWD practicality.
How much does F20 1 Series servicing cost in the UK?
BMW dealer servicing: £300 to £450 for an inter-mediate service. Independent specialists: £200 to £300 for the same work. Standard wear items (water pump, control arms, tailgate microswitch, shock mounts) are predictable and modest. Realistic annual running cost: £500 to £800 plus fuel and tax. The cheapest way into BMW ownership in the UK.