BMW 1 Series E87 common faults.

2004–2013. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

What to watch for

What can go wrong on this car?

The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.

Diesel high pressure pump: power loss and engine shutdown while driving

critical

The high pressure pump of these common rail diesels (Bosch CP4) can fail while driving.

Applies to the engine N47D20.

Electric water pump: silent failure, immediate overheating

critical

In these engines the water pump is not belt driven but has its own electric motor.

Applies to the engine N52B30, N54B30, N55B30 and 4 more.

N47 / N57 diesel: timing chain on the rear of the engine

critical

In these diesels BMW put the timing chain at the back of the engine, on the gearbox side.

Applies to the engine N47D20.

Diesel EGR cooler: cracking, coolant in the intake, fire risk

critical

The internal fins of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler crack over time, and glycol coolant leaks into the intake, where it mixes with soot.

Applies to the engine N47D20.

M47 diesel: the swirl flap comes loose and gets into the cylinder

critical

The fastening of the swirl flaps in the intake works loose from the vibration of the engine, and a flap can come away.

Applies to the engine M47D20TU2.

M47 diesel: the swirl flap screws work loose

critical

The swirl flaps in the intake manifold are held by screws, and engine vibration can work them loose beyond 120,000 kilometres.

Applies to the engine M47D20TU2.

M47 diesel: a stretching timing chain and a weakening tensioner

critical

The timing chain stretches from 180,000 km, and the chain tensioner no longer holds it properly.

Applies to the engine M47D20TU2.

Repair: 150–300 EUR

N43: plastic chain guide breaks and the debris blocks the oil pickup

critical

On the N43 direct injection four cylinder the plastic guides of the timing chain can break.

Applies to the engine N43B16, N43B20.

11 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.

Official recall13 recallsShow

The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.

Most recent: 31 October 2025

SR/01914/26Safety recallInjuries31 October 2025 · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 31/10/2025

The authority's notice

SR/01940/26Safety recallInjuries19 March 2025 · EU Safety Gate

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 19/03/2025

The authority's notice

A12/01929/23Safety recallInjuries29 June 2021 · EU Safety Gate

The propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021

The authority's notice

A12/01930/23Safety recallInjuries29 June 2021 · EU Safety Gate

Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021

The authority's notice

10V254000SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTORSEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR10 June 2010 · NHTSA (USA)

BMW IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008-2011 1-SERIES VEHICLES. IN A CRASH OF SUFFICIENT SEVERITY, DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PRE-TENSIONER AND LOAD-LIMITER OCCURS.

Risk: THE INSULATION AROUND THE PRE-TENSIONER COULD IGNITE.

Remedy: VEHICLES PRODUCED UP THROUGH DECEMBER 2009 WILL RECEIVE NEW FRONT SAFETY BELT RETRACTOR UNITS AND A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS, WHILE VEHICLES PRODUCED BETWEEN JANUARY 2010 AND MAY 2010 WILL RECEIVE A MODIFICATION TO THE SOUND INSULATION NEAR THE UNITS. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 23, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BMW AT 1-800-525-7417.

The authority's notice

A12/00039/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety Gate

The connector of the positive battery cable on the front power distribution box may be damaged over the lifetime of the vehicle by vibrations and currents. This may lead to failure of the engine and of the vehicle's electrical system, including headlights and occupant protection which will increase the risk of an accident and injuries to the occupants.