The second-generation BMW 1 Series (F20 for 5-door, F21 for 3-door) is a historic model for the brand: it is the last compact car from the Bavarian firm to retain a rear-wheel drive architecture. The 118i and 118d versions represent the core of the range and the most widespread engines in Europe. This model's career is marked by a major technological shift during the 2015 facelift (LCI). BMW replaced the old 4-cylinder engines (N13 for petrol, N47 for diesel) with the new modular engine family (B38 3-cylinder for petrol, B47 4-cylinder for diesel). This transition had a massive impact on the vehicle's overall reliability.
The BMW 118 (F20/F21) is a car with two faces. Models produced between 2011 and early 2015 (N13 and N47 engines) should be approached with extreme caution due to chronic timing chain issues. In contrast, the facelifted (LCI) versions from 2015 onwards, equipped with B38 (118i) and B47 (118d) engines, offer significantly superior reliability and represent an excellent enthusiast's purchase, provided that the EGR recalls have been performed on the diesel models. It's a future collector's item as the last rear-wheel drive 1 Series.