KNOWN FAULTS · BMW

BMW Serie 1 (F20) 114i / 116i / 118i (N13) common problems.

2011–2019 · Petrol

Sources are not verified in real time and no entry confirms that your car is affected.

2 known faults with sources

N43 and N13 chain and guidesTiming / lubrication

Engine / equipment: N43 four-cylinder petrol (116i, 118i, 120i E87 and 318i, 320i E90, 2007–2011) and N13 (114i, 116i, 118i F20 and 316i F30, 2011–2016)
Period mentioned: 2007–2016
Symptoms: Chain rattle on cold starts, VANOS engine light, rising oil consumption and, in severe cases, the engine seizing with no prior warning.
Possible cause described: On the N43 the plastic chain guides break and their debris can block the oil pump strainer, starving the engine of oil. On the N13 the chain stretches and the tensioner fails (BMW improved it on later engines), and the turbo diverter valve, the valve cover ventilation membrane and the VANOS solenoids also fail.
Check for the garage: Listen to a cold start, check the oil filler cap for plastic debris and read VANOS codes.
Cost cited in the source: Chain kit: several hundred to over a thousand euros depending on the garage; a seized engine, far moreA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Applies if: Only if fitted with the automatic gearbox described in the record.

ZF 8HP oil level, leaks and harsh shiftsAutomatic gearbox

Engine / equipment: ZF 8HP automatic gearbox in rear-wheel-drive BMWs from 2009 (1 to 8 Series and X: F20, F30, F10, G20, G30, X3, X5…)
Period mentioned: 2009–2026
Symptoms: Harsh shifts (especially engaging D and 1st to 2nd), slipping or jerking; oil leaks from the pan, the mechatronic connector sleeve or the seals.
Possible cause described: BMW's diagnostic guide says an incorrect oil level is a frequent cause of shift complaints and asks for it to be checked every time, even with no visible leaks; the pan can be damaged by impacts. The sealing sleeve between gearbox and mechatronic lets oil through to the connector. The oil, sold as lifetime, degrades.
Check for the garage: Check the oil level with the official procedure (correct temperature and engine running), look for leaks at the pan, connector sleeve and seals, inspect the pan for impact damage and review adaptation values with ISTA.
Cost cited in the source: Oil change with pan and filter: maintenance; sleeve or seals: minor repair; mechatronic: expensive repairA rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.