For people that are looking to buy a pre 2015 F20/F21, here's a little tip for you: Don't mind the 114, 116 or 118 too much. Pick the one with the options you want and the right colour exterior and seats. The interior trim is very cheap to replace and can usually be dont under 150 euro. The reason I say that you shouldn't mind too much between the different N13 itterations is that this engine is A DREAM to chip. You don't need to do anything to the engine other than chipping to get a comfortable 220HP out of it, that makes this car absolutely perfect to be honest. I would advise to install an oil catch can, because this is a direct injection engine. I would advise to do this on ANY direct injection engine. This will save you a lot of troubles down the line. If you don't chip your engine, this is not necessary, but with the chipped engine there will be more blowback and that can leave carbon deposits on the valves. To be honest I've never had problems (155k KM's on 240HP), but I have installed a catch can 20k KM's ago. Will need emptying like every 10k KM's and will usually have 10/15ml (small bit) of dirty fluid (condense and oil) in it. If you're going for more than the 220 HP like I did, I would advise to get a larger intercooler, I've got the one from the 135i, my injectors and sparkplugs also come from the 135i. Also, change the oil EVERY 10k KM's, no matter what the onboard computer says. Just be kind to the car and it'll be one of the best cars you've ever driven. I buy 0w40 or 5w30 LL01 oil. If you've got questions, feel free to reply and I'll try to answer as best as I can.

Loved the video - very informative and helpful. Thank you very much for uploading this!

Looking to buy one hopefully tomorrow thanks for the review 👍

Nice review ,I've had the same age 118I M sport 8spd auto for 2 months , fantastic to drive , I would recommend the pre 2015 model , more power than the newer 1.5 engine .so went for a low mileage high spec older car , 100% satisfied

Spot on about the frameless doors - it is the main reason I went for a 3-door rather than 5-door, it just looks so much cooler. If you don't have kids/rear passengers often, it's a must for me!

thank you for the review! helped me make my decision

Hi thanks for your opinion on the bmw1 series it makes a change to here an actual owners review on the car I've been thinking of getting one but the diesel version

Thank you great review.

Such a helpful and in-depth review, I’m currently looking to get a one series as my new car, looking at a 13/14 plate - I’ve had my license for almost two years with almost two years of no claim bonus too so hopefully will save a tad on the insurance with a lower model

Thanks for the review, I’m test driving the F20 tomorrow.

Amazing review 👍🏽

Greetings...Thx for this honest review. Am test driving a 2014 116i pertrol model with 54k km mileage in 2 days time. Always had an eye for this hatchback but the only concern is the space..I am a 6 footer. Will update after the test drive... thx buddy.

Really want to buy one.. one of my favourite cars and I need a car so I’d be using a loan which would take me 3 years to pay off ( 2013 model 116D 68k miles.. so many people have given me negative reviews I’m scared to get one.. but would love one…

im going to buy this car today, i remember watching this vid like 2 years ago thinking that's a cool car lol

I’m having such a hard time between choosing from A 120D Msport this generation or golf gtd ahah. Great video!

I have a 118 2 litre diesel and have owned it 4 years from new, the only problem iv'e had with it is the valve cover gasket had a slight leak and a couple of spots of oil were getting onto the exhaust cat which i could smell in the cabin when i had the A/C on it's a common fault on them and wasn't too expensive to get sorted. No issue with timing chains i think that was earlier models i was told to be wary of N47 engine BMWs which had excessive timing chain wear and are fitted in a very awkward place so need to remove the engine to change the timing chain

Thanks for the review, going to test drive one tomorrow

GOD bless me with this machine for my first machine

It has a tempriture gadge it's a setting there on the clocks I also wanted one and found a setting for it

Read a lot of timing chain issues on the the 116d pre 2015, if that’s been changed and car serviced regularly would it be worth picking up with average miles on the clock?

They are very very reliable I got one had no issues people that say their not reliable have no idea what they are talking about because they are very reliable what car has rated them the most reliable car 100% reliability and fault free car

What's is the total cost for running the car ? Tax? Insurance etc? Would you say this is as good as serious 2?

Nice review helps a lot, looking to buy one for my second car however not sure on which engine is the best, in terms of running costs and performance. Cheers 👍🏼

Importing one from Japan and will be arriving in some few days....had to check on the reviews of this unit.But it's an automatic one

How to connect with Bluetooth?

Looking at buying the facelift model soon. But nice looking and the perfect colour. Id prefer white the best but might get grey for the sake of it looking dirty

Do you find it quite hard to pull away in first gear and switch to second smoothly

I have the 116d diesel M sport I got it with 24k miles now it’s on 28k 1.5 litre diesel I am hoping that it can go over 150k miles I just changed the oil 400 miles ago and I will always change the oil after 5k miles hope it should last me that long

I hate the parking sensor thing as well

Very nice review, I am considering to buy BMW 1, 114i, 1.6 (year 2012) and would like to just check with you one thing. This review is for the 2012 car right? :) and the car i am considering has 78 000 km, would you recommend it still to buy? Thank you very much :)

Picking mine up tomorrow, 5door though

Hi, Love the review. Does it come with Bluetooth for music or just the audio cable

Looking at buying one second hand as my second car after a year in the road it has 130k it’s a 2013. Would you recommend? People say avoid cars with such miles ?

Hi pal, Nice review. Was looking to pick one up myself. Out of curiosity - how much did yours sell for and what should I expect to pay for one now? Thanks

Is the 1 series (2011) 2.0 118i auto considered a face lift model ?? And overall would you recommend this car to buy ?? Its done 59000 on the clock …

I don’t know what to decide! Audi a1 2014 or bmw 116i 2014 (first car)

I have found the same one with 175k miles. Do you recommend it? What is the maximum mileage it could go?

Just out of interest, how much did you pay for the car? Going for 6k+ 70k miles in 2023! Would be interesting to compare prices

looking at buying 116i brilliant video lad, just wondering if this car is expensive to maintain i’m a first time buyer at 19 what would you suggest

Nice one 🤘 what you replacing it with?

Do they have timing chain issues like the previous generation as im looking to get one soon

What do you think about 118d? Is it reliable too?

why is the check engine light on?

BLACKBUSHE!!😮

Just got one..how do you find the seating position? Can't seem to get the right one yet myself. Anyone got any tips?

How much do you spend on petrol a week is it expensive to run ?

Hi man , was there any reliability issues with this car?. And also was the maintenance cost high as I've heard that they can be pretty high

Hello mate how much did you sell this car for?

Hi, about to look at a 2012 116i Auto with about 72 000kms on. You think it will last me about 5 years? I obviously love to drive fast so kinda worried the millage is bit high and there might be problems.

What year it is 20🤔🤔

Do u think insurance would be too much yearly for a 18 yr old with this car?

wow as if you dont know that the 114, 116 and 118 are identical in every way.. simply a detuned ECU... that you can just pay to get remapped... please dont tell me you sold your car and bought a 118i hahah :P

Er obviously.