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2016 BMW 1 Series problems

A 2016 BMW 1 Series is now 10 years old, so an average example has covered around 135,000 miles. A mid-run car · most launch faults had been addressed by this point, and wear items are the main risk at this age. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2016 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.

Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team

Quick answer

The 2016 BMW 1 Series is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 3 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.

Faults a 2016 example has usually reached

Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.

EngineCritical

N47 diesel timing chain (rear-mounted) wear on older cars

Typically appears
100,000+ miles
What to inspect
Listen at the bulkhead for a rattle at idle
CoolingHigh

Electric water pump and thermostat failure

Typically appears
80,000+ miles
What to inspect
Check for overheating warnings and coolant level
SuspensionMedium

Front control arm bushes knocking

Typically appears
70,000+ miles
What to inspect
Listen over bumps and check tyre wear

Faults that appear at any mileage

Age, electronics and build-related issues that are not mileage-driven.

ElectricalMedium

iDrive faults, parking sensors and window regulators

Typically appears
Age-related
What to inspect
Test the screen, sensors and all windows

Inspecting a 2016 BMW 1 Series?

Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.

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BMW 1 Series · frequently asked questions

Is the N47 chain still an issue?

On higher-mileage pre-2015 diesels, yes. It is an engine-out job, so price it accordingly.

Which 1 Series stocks best?

Petrol 118i M Sport with a clean history.

What do buyers inspect?

Service history and any signs of the car being a chain-noise repair.

Other 1 Series model years