BMW Série 1 F20/F21 (2011 – 2019)

Reliability score : 7.2/10

The second-generation BMW 1 Series (F20 5-door, F21 3-door) holds a unique place in compact car history: it's the last in its class to offer a rear-wheel drive architecture and inline 6-cylinder engines. Range Evolution: - Phase 1 (2011-2015): Launched with petrol engines from the partnership with PSA ('Prince' N13 engines) and older generation diesels (N47). Uneven reliability. - LCI 1 (Life Cycle Impulse - 2015): Major facelift (redesigned front/rear fascias) and, crucially, the progressive introduction of BMW's new modular engine family (B series: B38, B48, B37, B47). A spectacular leap in reliability. - LCI 2 (2017): Technological update (iDrive, instrument cluster) and introduction of the B58 6-cylinder engine (M140i). Positioning: Premium compact targeting driving pleasure. Rear pass

✅ Strengths

Unique rear-wheel drive architecture in its class (driving pleasure, 50/50 weight distribution).
Exceptional 6-cylinder engines (M135i/M140i) with no direct competition.
Remarkable reliability of B-generation petrol engines (B38, B48, B58) post-2015.
Ergonomics of the iDrive infotainment system (especially LCI 2).
Excellent ZF 8-speed automatic gearbox (smooth, fast, reliable).

⚠️ Weaknesses

Disastrous reliability of N13 petrol and N47 diesel engines on Phase 1 models (2011-2015).
Very limited rear passenger space (imposing transmission tunnel).
Boot volume below the class average.
Cost of maintenance and spare parts (expensive BMW network).
Imperfect sound insulation on early models.

🎯 Verdict

The BMW 1 Series F20/F21 is a car with two faces. Phase 1 models (2011-2015), equipped with N13 petrol and N47 diesel engines, are veritable problem magnets (timing chain, ancillaries) and should be approached with extreme caution, or even avoided. In contrast, LCI models (post-2015) equipped with modular engines (B38, B48, B58) transform the 1 Series into one of the most reliable and desirable compact cars on the market. For a worry-free petrol purchase, absolutely aim for a 118i (B38) or 120i (B48) from after 2015. For enthusiasts, the M140i (B58) is a mechanical masterpiece that will go down in history as the last rear-wheel drive 6-cylinder compact.