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3 faults documented by at least two sources, listed by version then by mileage at onset when known.
3 known faults
On 116i/118i cars with the B38 engine, the chain can stretch with mileage: rattling when cold and a fault warning light (Euro Premium Parts). Another site also mentions a noisy chain on the early-year F40s (Auto-école Erca). The mileages quoted vary from one source to another.
BMW recalled 1 Series (F40) and 2 Series Gran Coupé cars built between 25 January and 12 March 2020: the driver airbag could be damaged on deployment and inflate poorly (CCPC, Ma-BMW forum). A safety defect affecting a limited production range; check by serial number with BMW.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
On 116i/118i cars with the B38 engine, the chain can stretch with mileage: rattling when cold and a fault warning light (Euro Premium Parts). Another site also mentions a noisy chain on the early-year F40s (Auto-école Erca). The mileages quoted vary from one source to another.
At low speed and when cold, the DKG7 can jerk, especially in urban use; a software update improved the situation, but not all used vehicles have received it (Restauration automobile). Another guide advises against the dual-clutch gearbox for mainly urban use (Euro Premium Parts).
BMW recalled 1 Series (F40) and 2 Series Gran Coupé cars built between 25 January and 12 March 2020: the driver airbag could be damaged on deployment and inflate poorly (CCPC, Ma-BMW forum). A safety defect affecting a limited production range; check by serial number with BMW.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
At low speed and when cold, the DKG7 can jerk, especially in urban use; a software update improved the situation, but not all used vehicles have received it (Restauration automobile). Another guide advises against the dual-clutch gearbox for mainly urban use (Euro Premium Parts).
BMW recalled 1 Series (F40) and 2 Series Gran Coupé cars built between 25 January and 12 March 2020: the driver airbag could be damaged on deployment and inflate poorly (CCPC, Ma-BMW forum). A safety defect affecting a limited production range; check by serial number with BMW.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
BMW recalled 1 Series (F40) and 2 Series Gran Coupé cars built between 25 January and 12 March 2020: the driver airbag could be damaged on deployment and inflate poorly (CCPC, Ma-BMW forum). A safety defect affecting a limited production range; check by serial number with BMW.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
BMW recalled 1 Series (F40) and 2 Series Gran Coupé cars built between 25 January and 12 March 2020: the driver airbag could be damaged on deployment and inflate poorly (CCPC, Ma-BMW forum). A safety defect affecting a limited production range; check by serial number with BMW.
Fixed free of charge by a dealer and not counted in the reliability score: ask for proof the work was done (invoice, or a VIN check at a dealer).
An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.
Compare prices of parts for the BMW Série 1 III (F40) (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.