BMW Buyer's Guide

Comprehensive Used Car Analysis
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1 Series E87 / E82 / E88
1 Series E87 / E82 / E88
1 Series E87 / E82 / E88
1 Series E87 / E82 / E88
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1 Series E87 / E82 / E88

E87 • 2004–2013 • Hatchback, Coupe, Convertible
Engines: 3 Issues: 11 Reliability: 68%
3
Engine Options
11
Known Issues
2
Critical Issues
68%
Reliability Score

Facelift (LCI) – 2007

  • Revised kidney grilles and headlights
  • iDrive system update
  • New N43/N47 engines introduced
68% – Average

Engines

N46B20 – 2.0L Petrol

118i, 120i • 129–170 hp • 180–210 Nm
Displacement 2.0L
Layout I4
Fuel Petrol
Transmission 6-Speed Manual (Getrag), 6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP)
ValvetronicDouble-VANOSAluminium block
Known Issues2 issues
high Eccentric Shaft Sensor Failure Common (>40%)
The Valvetronic eccentric shaft sensor fails, causing limp mode and rough idle. Engine warning light illuminates.
Typical Mileage
60,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€200–€400
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Rough idleLimp modeEML warning light
critical Timing Chain Wear Common (>30%)
Timing chain stretches over time, causing rattling on cold start. If not addressed can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€1,500–€3,000
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Rattling on cold startRough runningCheck engine light

N52B30 – 3.0L Petrol

130i • 265 hp • 315 Nm
Displacement 3.0L
Layout I6
Fuel Petrol
Transmission 6-Speed Manual (Getrag), 6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP)
Valvetronic IIDouble-VANOSMagnesium/aluminium composite blockElectric water pump
Known Issues3 issues
medium VANOS Solenoid Failure Common (~30%)
Variable valve timing solenoids develop faults due to oil contamination or electrical issues, causing rough idle and reduced performance.
Typical Mileage
80,000–140,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€150–€400
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Rough idleLoss of powerEngine codesRattling noise
high Oil Filter Housing Gasket Leak Very Common (>45%)
The gasket on the oil filter housing deteriorates, causing oil leaks onto the serpentine belt and alternator. Can cause belt slip and alternator failure if ignored.
Typical Mileage
60,000–110,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€200–€400
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Oil dripsBurning smellLow oil warningBelt squeal
high Electric Water Pump Failure Common (>40%)
The electric water pump (introduced with the N52) fails without warning, causing rapid overheating. Proactive replacement recommended around 100k km.
Typical Mileage
80,000–130,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€400–€700
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
OverheatingWarning lightNo heat from vents

N47D20 – 2.0L Diesel

118d, 120d • 143–177 hp • 300–350 Nm
Displacement 2.0L
Layout I4
Fuel Diesel
Transmission 6-Speed Manual (Getrag), 6-Speed Automatic (ZF 6HP)
Common-rail piezo injectionVariable geometry turbochargerAluminium block & headRear-mounted timing chain
Known Issues3 issues
critical Timing Chain Failure (Rear-Mounted) Very Common (>50%)
The N47 is notorious for its rear-mounted timing chain that wears prematurely and can snap, destroying the engine. This is the single biggest concern with this engine. Can fail as early as 50k km.
Typical Mileage
50,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€2,000–€5,000 (engine replacement if chain snaps)
DIY Friendly
✗ Specialist
Rattling from rear of engineChain slap noise on cold startCatastrophic engine failure
high Swirl Flap Failure Common (>30%)
Intake swirl flaps can break apart and get ingested by the engine, causing catastrophic damage. Preventative delete kits are strongly recommended.
Typical Mileage
80,000–150,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€400–€800 (delete kit) or €2,000+ (engine damage)
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Loss of powerMetal debris in intakeRough running
medium EGR Valve Clogging Common (>35%)
EGR valve clogs with carbon deposits, causing poor performance and increased emissions. Especially problematic with frequent short trips.
Typical Mileage
60,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€300–€600
DIY Friendly
✓ Yes
Reduced powerBlack smokeEML lightRough idle

Common Issues (E87-specific)

Chassis 1

medium Rear Subframe Mounting Points Moderate (~20%)
Rear subframe bushings wear, causing clunking noises and vague handling especially over bumps.
Typical Mileage
80,000–140,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€300–€600
Category
Chassis
Clunking from rearVague handlingUneven tyre wear

Electrical 1

low Window Regulator Failure Moderate (~25%)
Electric window regulators fail, causing windows to drop or operate slowly.
Typical Mileage
60,000–120,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€150–€300
Category
Electrical
Window dropsGrinding noiseSlow operation

Suspension 1

medium Front Control Arm Bushings Common (>35%)
Lower control arm bushings wear, causing vibrations at highway speed and imprecise steering.
Typical Mileage
60,000–100,000 km
Est. Repair Cost
€200–€400
Category
Suspension
Steering vibrationPulling to one sideClunking over bumps

Wear Items

N46B20 – Wear Items

118i, 120i

Spark Plugs Every 60,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€80–€150
Wear Factor60%
Valve Cover Gasket 80,000–120,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€150–€300
Wear Factor70%

N52B30 – Wear Items

130i

Serpentine Belt & Tensioner Every 80,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€100–€250
Wear Factor55%
Valve Cover Gasket 80,000–120,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€200–€400
Wear Factor65%

N47D20 – Wear Items

118d, 120d

DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) 120,000–200,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€800–€2,000
Wear Factor45%
Dual Mass Flywheel 100,000–180,000 km
NewReplace
Replacement Cost€600–€1,200
Wear Factor55%

All Variants

All Variants

Complete list of model variants for E87 / E82 / E88

ModelEngineDisplacementLayoutPowerTorqueTransmission
118i N46B20 2.0LI4129–170 hp180–210 Nm Manual, Automatic
120i N46B20 2.0LI4129–170 hp180–210 Nm Manual, Automatic
130i N52B30 3.0LI6265 hp315 Nm Manual, Automatic
118d N47D20 2.0LI4143–177 hp300–350 Nm Manual, Automatic
120d N47D20 2.0LI4143–177 hp300–350 Nm Manual, Automatic