Petrol · 2011–2019
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
All about the BMW 1 Series (F20)All about the 1.2 / 1.5 3-cyl petrol (BMW / MINI B38) engine
The 1.5 3-cyl petrol (BMW / MINI B38) engine was fitted to the BMW 1 Series (F20) (2011–2019). In the EU that is 24.2 % of all new cars of this generation.
Versions: 1.5 136 hp, 1.5 109 hp, 1.5.
The most expensive known risk is broken springs and worn or rattling dampers: it usually appears at 60,000–200,000 km and costs €250–800 to fix.
✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Signs: Clutch pedal acts oddly when shifting, noise from the bell housing, engine light with a crankshaft sensor fault
Fix: Check by VIN with a BMW / MINI dealer that the bearing campaign was done; if the bearing or crank is damaged the engine is replaced
Signs: Coolant level warning, sweet smell or burning smell, coolant traces around the housing or turbo
Fix: Pressure-test the cooling system; replace the leaking housing, thermostat, hose or turbo line O-rings
Signs: Engine light with mixture faults, rough running, oil at the front edge of the head cover, some oil use
Fix: Replace the cylinder head cover (gasket included) and change the oil and filter
Signs: Rough idle, misfire codes, slight power loss and higher fuel use
Fix: Confirm with an endoscope, then clean the intake valves (walnut blasting)
Signs: Steering warning in the cluster and suddenly heavy steering, sometimes after an engine start; clunk or noise from the rack.
Fix: Check the VIN for open steering campaigns; BMW reworks the EPS motor bolts or replaces the steering gear, otherwise the rack is replaced or reconditioned.
Signs: Rattle or knock from the rear axle over bumps, car sits lower on one corner, spring or damper fault at the roadworthiness test.
Fix: Inspect springs and dampers on a lift and replace them in pairs per axle.
Signs: Handbrake holds poorly or unevenly; car fails the parking brake test.
Fix: Clean and adjust the parking brake shoes in the rear disc hat and free the cables; replace shoes or cables if worn or seized.
Signs: Wrongly aimed or failed low beam, misted headlight noted at the roadworthiness test.
Fix: Adjust the headlight aim, replace the bulb or xenon/LED module, check seals and vents for moisture.
Signs: Slipping, high bite point
Fix: Replace clutch kit
Signs: Delayed engagement of D or R when cold, jerky shifts or slip when warm, shudder at 60-80 km/h under light throttle, eventually limp mode
Fix: Check adaptation and pressure values; renew the mechatronic seal sleeves, change fluid and filter pan (flush), replace the torque converter if shudder persists
Typical routine maintenance cost for 100,000 km: €2,200–4,950. Sum of the services and wear parts in the plan above (about 15,000 km a year, independent workshop), without faults.
Intervals and typical prices for the BMW 1 Series (F20) with the 1.5 3-cyl petrol (BMW / MINI B38) engine. The app gives the exact plan for your mileage.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Cabin (pollen) filterClimate | every 15,000 km or every 12 months | €15–40 |
| Brake fluidBrakes | every 24 months | €50–95 |
| A/C service (regas + desiccant)Climate | every 24 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
| Manual gearbox oilTransmission | every 150,000 km | €60–130 |
| Front brake padsBrakes | usually at 30,000–60,000 km | €60–150 |
| Front brake discs + padsBrakes | usually at 60,000–120,000 km | €150–320 |
| Rear brake padsBrakes | usually at 50,000–90,000 km | €50–130 |
| Tyres (set of 4)Wheels | usually at 40,000–60,000 km | €320–700 |
| Wiper bladesBody | checked at service | €20–50 |
| 12V batteryElectrical | checked at service | €100–220 |
| Version | Share | Years | CO₂ | Fuel use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.5 Petrol1,499 cm³ · 100 kW (136 hp) | 13.6 % | 2015–2018 | 148 g/km | — |
| 1.5 Petrol1,499 cm³ · 80 kW (109 hp) | 7.0 % | 2015–2018 | 142 g/km | — |
| 1.5 Petrol1,499 cm³ | 3.6 % | 2015–2018 | 148 g/km | — |
Source: European Environment Agency (EEA), monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars, CC BY 4.0. CO₂ and fuel use are official type-approval values (WLTP from 2021), not real-world consumption.
Recalls the manufacturer published in the United Kingdom for this model (24). The same recalls usually apply across Europe. Ask an authorised dealer to check by VIN whether your car is affected and whether the work has been done.
The faults with the highest risk: broken springs and worn or rattling dampers (60,000–200,000 km, €250–800); coolant leaks: oil filter housing, thermostat, turbo coolant lines (60,000–160,000 km, €150–700).
Chain.
0W-20 / 5W-30 · BMW LL-17FE+ / LL-01 · ~4.25 L · every 15,000 km.
1.5d 3-cyl (BMW / MINI B37)1.6d / 2.0d (BMW N47)2.0d (BMW B47)1.6 turbo petrol (BMW N13)3.0 turbo petrol (BMW N55)
MINI Hatch (F56) 2014–2023BMW X1 (F48) 2015–2022BMW 1 Series (F40) 2019–2024BMW X1 (U11) 2022–MINI Countryman (F60) 2017–2024BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) 2014–2021BMW X2 (F39) 2018–2023MINI Clubman (F54) 2015–2024BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (U06) 2021–BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (F46) 2015–2022BMW X2 (U10) 2023–BMW 1 Series (F70) 2024–
Main sources for the faults of this engine:
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles. How we check the data →
Updated 29/10/2026