BMW 1 Series F40Hatchback2019–present

BMW 1 Series F40 Engines -The Complete UK Guide

Every engine fitted to the F40-generation BMW 1 Series -from the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol to the 2.0-litre four-cylinder and the range-topping M135i xDrive. Real UK costs, honest failure data, and the switch to front-wheel drive that redefined this generation. Backed by 344+ real UK 1 Series enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].

Explore F40 Engines
344+F40 Enquiries (2025)BMW-VERIFIED
Hatchback
8+Engine Codes
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BMW 1 Series F40 Engine Codes -The Complete Database

Every engine fitted to the F40 1 Series specifically -BMW's first front-wheel-drive 1 Series, powered exclusively by three- and four-cylinder modular engines.

Engine CodeFuelPowerYearsReliabilityEnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost
B38A15B38Petrol, turbo109 bhp2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]344 F20-wide [BMW-VERIFIED]£2,800–£4,500
B38A15B38Petrol, turbo136 bhp2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]344 F20-wide [BMW-VERIFIED]£2,800–£4,500
B48A20B48Petrol, turbo178 bhp2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]344 F20-wide [BMW-VERIFIED]£3,200–£5,500
B48A20B48Petrol, turbo261 bhp2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]344 F20-wide [BMW-VERIFIED]£3,500–£6,000
B48A20B48Petrol, turbo306 bhp2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]344 F20-wide [BMW-VERIFIED]£3,800–£6,500
B47D20AB47Diesel, turbo116 bhp2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]930 B47-wide [BMW-VERIFIED]£2,800–£4,500
B47D20AB47Diesel, turbo150 bhp2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]930 B47-wide [BMW-VERIFIED]£2,800–£4,500
B47D20AB47Diesel, turbo190 bhp2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]930 B47-wide [BMW-VERIFIED]£2,800–£4,500
B47D20AB47Diesel, turbo231 bhp2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]930 B47-wide [BMW-VERIFIED]£3,000–£5,000
B38A15 (PHEV)B38Petrol PHEV218 bhp (combined)2019–present★★★★☆ [PROVISIONAL -pending dedicated Engine Page]-(pattern data)£3,000–£5,000
BMW 3 Series E90

Overview

BMW 1 Series F40 -Overview

The BMW 1 Series F40 is the third generation of BMW's entry-level premium hatchback, launched in July 2019.

It marked a significant departure from its predecessors (E81/E87 and F20/F21) by switching from rear-wheel drive to front-wheel drive, based on BMW's FAAR platform shared with the Mini and 2 Series Gran Coupé. The F40 is powered exclusively by BMW's modular three- and four-cylinder engines -the B38 1.5-litre petrol three, B48 2.0-litre petrol four, and B47 2.0-litre diesel four -with power outputs ranging from 109 bhp in the 116i to 306 bhp in the M135i xDrive. A plug-in hybrid variant, the 225xe, combines the B38 petrol with an electric motor for 218 bhp combined output. A 2024 facelift (LCI) introduced revised styling and updated infotainment.

Key Facts

Platform

FAAR (front-wheel-drive architecture, shared with Mini)

Predecessor

BMW 1 Series F20/F21 (2011–2019)

Successor

Current model -on sale

Sibling body styles

None -F40 is sole 1 Series hatchback body style

Market Intelligence

The F40 1 Series generated real UK engine enquiries in 2025, with the 2.0-litre B47 diesel and B48 petrol engines accounting for the largest share of BMW 1 Series enquiries (344 total).

Best & Worst Engines

B47D20A 2.0-litre (190 bhp) 120d -The 190 bhp B47 diesel delivers excellent real-world performance and economy. Post-recall EGR cooler units are reliable, and the engine is significantly more robust than the <a href='https://bmwengines.uk/engine/n47'>N47</a> it replaced. engine

Best Diesel Overall

B47D20A 2.0-litre (190 bhp) 120d -The 190 bhp B47 diesel delivers excellent real-world performance and economy. Post-recall EGR cooler units are reliable, and the engine is significantly more robust than the N47 it replaced.

Who it's for: high-mileage buyers who prioritise economy and torque.

B48A20 2.0-litre (178 bhp) 120i -The 178 bhp B48 petrol offers the perfect balance of performance, economy, and reliability for the F40. No supercharger complexity, no twin-turbo issues -just a well-sorted, modern four-cylinder. engine

Best Petrol Overall

B48A20 2.0-litre (178 bhp) 120i -The 178 bhp B48 petrol offers the perfect balance of performance, economy, and reliability for the F40. No supercharger complexity, no twin-turbo issues -just a well-sorted, modern four-cylinder.

Who it's for: buyers who want the best all-round F40 petrol.

B47D20A (pre-EGR recall) -Early B47 diesels (2019–2020) suffer from EGR cooler failure, which can lead to coolant leaks and, in rare cases, fire risk. BMW issued a recall -any car without documented recall work carries this risk. engine

Highest Risk

B47D20A (pre-EGR recall) -Early B47 diesels (2019–2020) suffer from EGR cooler failure, which can lead to coolant leaks and, in rare cases, fire risk. BMW issued a recall -any car without documented recall work carries this risk.

Who it's for: only buyers with documented EGR cooler replacement.

B48A20 (M135i xDrive) -The 306 bhp B48 in the M135i xDrive is the most expensive engine in the F40 line-up to replace, with reconditioned units costing £3,800–£6,500. Cooling system issues (water pump, expansion tank) are the primary risk. engine

Most Expensive Failure

B48A20 (M135i xDrive) -The 306 bhp B48 in the M135i xDrive is the most expensive engine in the F40 line-up to replace, with reconditioned units costing £3,800–£6,500. Cooling system issues (water pump, expansion tank) are the primary risk.

Who it's for: performance buyers who accept the premium.

B48A20 2.0-litre (178 bhp) 120i -The 120i offers the best balance of performance, economy, and running costs. The B48 is well-supported, parts are widely available, and the recon cost is significantly lower than the M135i. engine

Best Value

B48A20 2.0-litre (178 bhp) 120i -The 120i offers the best balance of performance, economy, and running costs. The B48 is well-supported, parts are widely available, and the recon cost is significantly lower than the M135i.

Who it's for: buyers who want genuine performance without the M135i's premium.

B38A15 1.5-litre (136 bhp) 118i -Often dismissed as the "entry-level" F40, the 136 bhp three-cylinder delivers surprising character and genuinely good fuel economy. It's the cheapest F40 to run and the most reliable engine in the range. engine

Most Overlooked

B38A15 1.5-litre (136 bhp) 118i -Often dismissed as the "entry-level" F40, the 136 bhp three-cylinder delivers surprising character and genuinely good fuel economy. It's the cheapest F40 to run and the most reliable engine in the range.

Who it's for: buyers who prioritise running costs over outright performance.

BMW 1 Series F40 -Ownership Economics

EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership Verdict
B38A15 (116i/118i)60k–120kCoolant leaks, water pump£300–£600£2,800–£4,500
Best Value -reliable, simple
B48A20 (120i/128ti)60k–120kCoolant leaks, expansion tank£300–£800£3,200–£6,000
Best Petrol -the sweet spot
B48A20 (M135i xDrive)60k–120kCooling system, water pump£400–£1,000£3,800–£6,500
Premium Choice -performance costs
B47D20A (116d–125d)60k–120kEGR cooler, DPF clogging£500–£1,500£2,800–£5,000
Risk vs Reward -check EGR recall status
B38A15 PHEV (225xe)60k–120kBattery degradation, cooling£400–£1,200£3,000–£5,000
Watch -battery adds complexity

The F40 rule

A £3,800–£6,500 M135i recon against a £12,000–£15,000 early F40 sits at 25–54% of the car's value -on a sub-£12,000 example, that brushes our 70% BMW threshold, and we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £18,000+ example, the same recon drops to a routine 21–36% -a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first.

Key Takeaways

  • Which F40 Costs Least To Own?

    B38 1.5-litre 118i -cheapest recon, simplest architecture.

  • Which F40 Costs Most To Own?

    B48 M135i xDrive -cooling system repairs and xDrive complexity add cost.

  • Which F40 Is Best Value?

    B48 2.0-litre 120i -the sweet spot between performance and running costs.

Common Problems

F40 Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition

Core Variants

Diesel &amp; Petrol Lineup

Diesel Variants

116d118d120d125d

Petrol Variants

116i118i120i128tiM135i xDrive

Scope note: All variants listed are F40 1 Series only. The F40 marked BMW's switch to front-wheel drive -the M135i xDrive uses BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system to deliver 306 bhp. The 128ti is a front-wheel-drive hot hatch positioned between the 120i and M135i. The 225xe is the plug-in hybrid variant.

Market Intelligence

Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)

  1. 1.1. B47D20A 2.0 Diesel (930 B47-wide enquiries)
  2. 2.2. B48A20 2.0 Petrol (344 1 Series-wide)
  3. 3.3. B38A15 1.5 Petrol (344 1 Series-wide)

Most Requested E90 Variants

  1. 1.1. 120d (2.0 diesel)
  2. 2.2. 118i (1.5 petrol)
  3. 3.3. M135i xDrive (2.0 high-output petrol)

Average E90 Replacement Cost

£2,800–£6,500 supply-only [BMW-QUOTE]

Most Common E90 Failures

  1. 1.1. B47 diesel EGR cooler failure
  2. 2.2. B48/B38 cooling system leaks
  3. 3.3. B47 diesel DPF clogging (urban use)
Live Feed
VehicleLocationIssueEnquiries
BMW 1 Series 120d (B47D20A)

BMW 1 Series 120d (B47D20A)

Birmingham
EGR cooler coolant leak

5

enquiries

BMW 1 Series 118i (B38A15)

BMW 1 Series 118i (B38A15)

London
Water pump failure

4

enquiries

BMW 1 Series M135i xDrive (B48A20)

BMW 1 Series M135i xDrive (B48A20)

Manchester
Coolant loss, overheating

3

enquiries

Updated Monthly

FAQ

BMW 3 Series E90 rear three-quarter view

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