About this model
The BMW F20, second generation of the 1 Series, was produced from 2011 to 2019 and is one of the most popular premium compact sedans on the BiH used car market. We see them daily on the roads of Banja Luka and beyond - more affordable than the 3 Series, yet offering rear-wheel drive and diesel economy that attracts BiH buyers. Most are imported from Germany and Austria with 150,000-250,000 km on the clock. The 118d is by far the best seller because it offers a good balance of power and fuel consumption, averaging 5-6 litres per 100 km in mixed driving. The F20 received a facelift in 2015 that brought significant changes under the bonnet, most notably the switch from the N47D20 to the B47D20 engine. Understanding the differences between these two engine generations is crucial for anyone considering buying this BMW.
Engines and variants
This model is most commonly available in BiH with the following engines.
N47D20 (116d/118d pre-LCI): A two-litre four-cylinder turbodiesel with 116 HP (116d) or 143 HP (118d), produced from 2011 to 2015. It is known for having the timing chain on the flywheel side, making it extremely difficult to service. The N47 is the riskiest variant in the F20 lineup because the chain stretches and the tensioner weakens. Most examples on the BiH market have this engine, since pre-LCI models are more affordable to buy.
B47D20 (118d/120d LCI): The newer two-litre turbodiesel with 150 HP (118d) or 190 HP (120d), produced from 2015 to 2019, compliant with Euro 6 standards. The timing chain was moved to the front of the engine, making it far more accessible and reliable than the N47. The B47 is more sensitive to AdBlue system and DPF issues because it must meet stricter emission standards, but overall it represents a much safer choice. Parts are slightly pricier than for the N47, but market availability is good.
B37C15 (116d LCI): A three-cylinder 1.5 turbodiesel with 116 HP, lighter and more economical but less common on the BiH market. The three-cylinder layout is inherently prone to vibrations, so the dual-mass flywheel takes more punishment than on four-cylinder variants. The timing chain is on the front side and does not cause the problems seen on the N47. It is rare on BiH classifieds, so mechanic experience with it is limited.
Reliability and reputation on the BiH market
The BMW F20 118d generally holds up well on BiH roads if regularly maintained. Pre-LCI examples with the N47 engine are a riskier purchase because the timing chain can cause total engine damage without prior warning. LCI models with the B47 are significantly more reliable and we recommend them as the better choice if your budget allows. Parts are available and not excessively expensive for BMW standards - aftermarket brands like Febi, Lemforder and Meyle cover most wear items.
In its segment, the F20 is more reliable than the Mercedes A-Class W176 but demands more attention than a competing Golf 7. In the workshop, we most often see examples with 150,000-200,000 km that are in solid condition if the previous owner followed service intervals. The typical BiH buyer is a driver who wants a premium driving experience at compact car prices, but must be prepared for BMW maintenance costs that run above average.
Common faults we see
From practice, here is what comes in for repair most often on this model.
1. Timing chain (N47 engine)
Symptom: Rattling and knocking from the rear of the engine, especially when cold. Check engine light, fault codes related to camshaft correlation.
The N47 engine (2011-2014) has the timing chain located on the flywheel side, making it extremely difficult to access. The chain stretches and the tensioner weakens. In the worst case, the chain skips or snaps and destroys the engine. The problem is more pronounced on engines with fewer than 100,000 km that were driven predominantly in city traffic.
Advice: Before buying an F20 with an N47 engine, always listen to the engine with a stethoscope on the rear of the block. If the chain is already noisy, replacement is a major job because the gearbox must be removed. The cost depends on the specific condition - get in touch for an estimate.
2. Valve cover oil leak
Symptom: Burning smell after driving, visible oil leak around the valve cover, smoke from the engine.
The valve cover gasket on N47 and B47 engines hardens over time and starts leaking oil onto the exhaust manifold. The problem typically appears after 80,000-120,000 km. Oil drips onto hot engine components, creating smoke and an unpleasant smell.
Advice: Replacing the valve cover gasket is a relatively straightforward job. Do not delay it because oil leaking onto the exhaust manifold is a fire risk.
3. EGR valve and intake flaps
Symptom: Power loss, exhaust smoke, rough idle, diagnostic fault code.
The EGR valve clogs with soot, especially during city driving with short trips. The intake flaps (swirl flaps) on the N47 engine accumulate deposits and seize up. In rare cases, a flap can break off into a cylinder and cause mechanical damage.
Advice: We recommend cleaning the EGR valve every 60,000-80,000 km. For the intake flaps, if they are worn, it is better to remove them entirely than to wait for one to break off into the engine.
4. Water pump and thermostat
Symptom: Engine overheating, temperature fluctuations, cooling system warning on the dashboard.
The electric water pump on the F20 has a limited lifespan, typically 80,000-130,000 km. The thermostat is also electronically controlled and prone to failure. When the pump weakens, the engine overheats, which can lead to serious cylinder head damage.
Advice: Monitor engine temperature and react at the first sign of fluctuation. Replacing the water pump is a preventive measure that protects the engine from overheating and costly consequences.
5. DPF filter clogging
Symptom: DPF warning light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, limp mode.
The F20 118d on short city trips does not reach sufficient temperature for DPF filter regeneration. The filter gradually clogs with soot and the engine enters limp mode. The problem is particularly common on the BiH market where many owners use the car exclusively for city driving.
Advice: Once a week, take the car on an open road and keep it in higher revs for 20-30 minutes to allow DPF regeneration. If the filter is already critically clogged, a forced regeneration with a diagnostic tool can help before it is too late.
6. Differential oil leak
Symptom: Oil traces under the rear of the car, noise from the rear axle during acceleration.
The F20 is rear-wheel drive, and the rear differential seal starts leaking usually after 100,000 km. If the oil level in the differential drops enough, gear damage occurs, which is a much more expensive repair.
Advice: Check the differential oil level at every major service. Replacing the seal is cheap prevention compared to replacing the entire differential.
7. Injectors
Symptom: Uneven engine running, jerking during acceleration, black smoke, increased fuel consumption.
Piezo injectors on the N47 engine are sensitive to fuel quality. On the BiH market where diesel quality varies, injectors can start leaking or spraying poorly after as little as 120,000-150,000 km. The B47 engine uses Bosch solenoid injectors that are somewhat more durable.
Advice: Use quality fuel and change the fuel filter regularly every 20,000-25,000 km. Diagnostics can check the flow rate of each injector and catch a weak one early.
8. Water in the boot and drain channels
Symptom: Moisture or pooling water in the boot, fogged windows from inside, musty smell.
The rubber seals around the rear window and the water drain channels on the F20 get clogged with leaves and dirt. Water enters the boot and under the rear bench. The problem is common on BiH cars that are parked under trees.
Advice: Check the boot seals and clean the water drain channels at least twice a year, in autumn and spring. Moisture in the cabin can damage electronics under the seats besides causing an unpleasant smell.
BMW F20 N47 timing chain symptoms
N47 engine owners most often ask how to tell the chain is starting to wear. The earliest sign is a faint metallic rattling from the rear of the engine on cold start that disappears after a few minutes. As the chain stretches further, the noise becomes constant and louder. On diagnostics, camshaft position correlation faults appear (P0016, P0017). If these symptoms are ignored, the chain can skip a tooth and cause piston-to-valve contact, meaning a full engine rebuild. Any rattling from the rear of the block on an N47 is reason for an urgent visit to a mechanic.
BMW 118d N47 vs B47 difference
The key difference between these two engines is the timing chain position. The N47 (pre-LCI, 2011-2015) has the chain on the flywheel side, hard to reach and prone to stretching. The B47 (LCI, 2015-2019) has the chain on the front of the engine, far more accessible and reliable. The B47 also brings better sound insulation, lower consumption and more power (150 HP versus 143 HP in the 118d variant). The B47 is more sensitive to AdBlue issues since it was designed for Euro 6 standards, but these are minor interventions compared to replacing the timing chain on the N47. If the budget allows, the LCI with the B47 is undoubtedly the better choice.
Service and maintenance
The timing chain on the N47 engine has no official replacement interval - BMW considers it lifetime - but in practice we recommend inspection every 60,000-80,000 km and replacement at the first sign of noise. The B47 engine has a more reliable chain but still requires monitoring. For oil, use BMW LL-04 specification, 5W-30, with changes every 12,000-15,000 km or once a year instead of BMW's longlife interval of 30,000 km which BiH conditions do not tolerate. Change the fuel filter every 20,000-25,000 km. Brake fluid is changed every two years. On B47 engines, pay attention to the AdBlue system - the level sensor and heater in the tank are known weak points. A regular major service at recommended intervals is the best investment in this engine's longevity.
Owner tips
- On the N47 engine, listen to the timing chain from the rear of the engine once a year - any metallic sound is a warning.
- Check history before putting down a deposit: use the chassis number to pull the full vehicle history via carVertical. From international registries you get real odometer readings by date, recorded accidents, number of previous owners and indicators of theft or total loss. We consider this essential before buying any used BMW, especially German and Austrian imports. When paying for the report you can use the code GAGA for a 20% discount.
- Change oil (BMW LL-04 5W-30) every 12,000-15,000 km - do not wait for BMW's longlife interval of 30,000 km.
- Clean the water drain channels under the windscreen and around the boot twice a year to prevent water ingress.
- On the B47 engine, monitor AdBlue fluid level and the heater condition in the AdBlue tank - frozen fluid in winter can trigger a fault.
- Once a week, take the car on an open road in higher revs for 20-30 minutes for DPF filter regeneration.
Frequently asked questions
Is the BMW F20 118d reliable at 200,000 km?
If it has the B47 engine (2015+), with regular maintenance it can comfortably exceed 250,000 km. The N47 engine is riskier - if the timing chain has not been replaced, every kilometre past 150,000 is a gamble. Check the service history and listen to the engine before buying.
Which engine is the best choice in the BMW F20?
The B47D20 in the 118d LCI variant (2015-2019) is our pick. Powerful enough at 150 HP, economical, and free of the N47's timing chain problem on the flywheel side. If buying pre-LCI, always ask for proof the chain has been replaced or have a mechanic listen to the engine.
Is it worth fitting LPG to a BMW F20 118d?
The F20 118d is a diesel engine and cannot be converted to LPG. LPG can only be fitted to petrol versions (116i, 118i, 120i). If you are interested in an LPG variant, look for a petrol F20 - we install LPG systems on petrol BMW engines.
How much does a timing chain replacement cost on a BMW F20 N47?
Replacing the chain on the N47 engine is an expensive job because the gearbox must be removed to access the chain at the rear of the engine. Expect a full day of labour plus a parts kit including chain, tensioners, guides and gaskets. The cost depends on the specific condition - get in touch for an estimate.
Is the BMW F20 a good first car?
Rear-wheel drive and relatively high maintenance costs make the F20 a more demanding choice for beginners. If you insist on one, choose the LCI model with the B47 engine and be prepared for higher service costs than a Golf or Astra.
How to tell if an F20 is pre-LCI or LCI?
The LCI facelift (2015+) has a revised front grille, LED daytime running lights as standard, a different bumper design and a modernised iDrive system. The most important difference is under the bonnet - the LCI has the B47 engine instead of the problematic N47. Check the production year and VIN code.
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop by the workshop - it is better to check early than to pay for an expensive repair.