BMW 1 Series F20

In 2011, at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the public saw the second generation of automobiles. It was BMW 1 Series F20. The car of C-class and premium segment had an odd-looking appearance, so it caused mixed feelings among many car enthusiasts and specialists. This was the case until 2015. The manufacturer from Bavaria restyled the BMW F20, and the updated car appeared before everyone in Geneva, at the annual auto show. It was already equipped with stronger powertrains and the list of basic equipment became much wider.

Exterior appearance

For a car, the exterior is of utmost importance. An example is just BMW 1 Series II F20/F21. Despite a comfortable interior and good technical characteristics, the car repelled potential buyers because of its appearance. Therefore, the Bavarians had to perform “plastic surgery” to change the owners’ feedback for the better.

Compared to the 1st generation cars, the F20 has a seriously changed front end, the “face”. Bi-xenon headlights perform the function of parking lights and daytime running lights. At the “angel eyes” can be automatically corrected washers with height. The bumper, equipped with air intakes, looks formidable. Falshradiator grille has branded “nostrils” and is equipped with vertical bars. A sculptural long hood completes the full-face of the BMW 2017.

In the stern it is worth noting LED lights. Expressive optics, mounted on the luggage compartment lid, looks beautiful and expands the “Bavarian” visually. The appearance of the car from behind is completed by a powerful bumper. German engineers have increased body rigidity by 10%, thanks to the use of high-strength steel grades. Their share is 70% of the body.

The car was “dressed” in the original “shoes”. These are disks R16-18 of light alloy. The result is a dynamic and impetuous silhouette.

Many people ask what shock absorbers to put on the F20? If you compare the popular Bilstein B4 and Boge, choose the first manufacturer’s products. They are stiffer and have less roll at speed/cornering.

In addition, buyers are offered two exclusive BMW Line design options.

The length of the hatchback was 4, 329 meters (85 mm more than the E87). The width of the car is 1,765 (by 17 mm more), and height of F20 is 1,44 m. Wheelbase is 2.69 (30 mm more). The ground clearance in the standard variant will be 140 mm. However, if you take the option, M Sport package (not standard accessories), including and sports suspension tuning, ground clearance will be reduced by 10 mm.

Interior

The interior of the BMW F20 is finished with high-quality materials. However, in some cases, the manufacturer still saved a little. Here are some examples. Adjustment of seats is performed by a button with cheap plastic. On the general background it looks ridiculous. The mirror looks just as silly against the background of light/rain sensors. And looking at the anti-glare visor, it seems that it is taken from another car. Dimensions of F20 ST2 have increased (the platform has been changed), but it has not broken out of the class. The front of the 1st generation cars was comfortable. Here everything is similar. The range of adjustments of seats has increased. Therefore, even large passengers will not feel discomfort. Back space has increased, and if to move a little the front row forward, the place will become even more. There are separate air ducts for passengers, but there are no armrests at the back. In F20 it is an option and in the base version is absent.

The steering wheel is massive. If you take the M-package, it will be even chubbier sporty and adaptive sport steering will be added. Behind it there is a speedometer with a tachometer at the top and a route computer monitor at the bottom. German designers decided to turn the center console to the driver. Here there is a display of multimedia center. In the “base” it has a diagonal of 6.5 inches, in the option – 8.8. After restyling (see below) there is a Touch Controller iDrive, which allows you to control with one hand. There are a lot of buttons, but everything is intuitive.

The luggage compartment has a capacity of 360/1200 liters in standard/unfolded condition. Under the floor of the trunk you can notice a niche for things on the right and on the left – for a first aid kit/emergency stop sign. There is no spare tire because the BMW has Run Flat safety tires.

Motor and equipment

Different motors are installed on the cars, but all BMW F20 engines are characterized by a longitudinal arrangement and are equipped with TwinPower Turbo technology, which allows to increase the performance of the unit and reduce fuel consumption with CO2 emissions.

Let’s break down the BMW F20 motor specs and see which engine is capable of what.

BMW 116i F20 has an engine N13B16 and per 100 km spends in combination 5.4 liters, and harmful emissions do not exceed 129 g / km. Injector-based power system. It has 136 hp, a volume of 1.6 liters and acceleration to “a hundred” takes 8.8/9.1 seconds with a manual / with an automatic transmission. In the BMW F20 118i, the first indicators are slightly worse. They are higher by 0.2 liters and 2 g/km. The volume is similar, but the power is 179 “horses”. Therefore, the “hundredth” is gained in 7.4/7.5 sec. with a 6-speed manual/8-speed Steptronic automatic transmission. Model 325i with a two-liter volume and 218-horsepower motor is enough 6.4 sec. to gain 100 km/h.

The 120d version is powered by a four-cylinder two-liter and 184-horsepower diesel engine N47D20. The BMW F20 turbo is capable of accelerating the hatchback to a hundred in 7.2/7.3 seconds, consuming an average of 4.2 liters.

Finally, the most powerful, 320-horsepower engine N55B30 is on the 135i modification, which allows reaching a speed of 250 km/h.

In 2018, under the hood of the 118i version is already located less strong motor B38B15, which lost 43 units of power after chip tuning. Poetom and acceleration increased to 8.7 seconds, but the maximum speed is still high, up to 210 km / h., and fuel consumption has not changed, as well as the volume of 1.6 reviews about which were good. BMW 120i has 177 “horses”, accelerates in 7.2 sec, the limit is 222 km / h., fuel consumption 5.6/100 km.

But in all-wheel drive M135i after restyling the power has increased to 326 “horses”. Therefore, up to 100 km / h it is enough 4.7 sec. But fuel consumption has increased to 7.6 liters.

The motors are combined with an automatic transmission/ICT without DSG and feature Brake Energy Regeneration (BER). With the Auto Start Stop function, the engine automatically shuts down in neutral gear (the driver only needs to press the clutch to start the engine), and the ECO PRO mode provides the hatchback with economy. Electric motors have appeared in more modern models of the concern. It is important to know what oil to pour into the engine. Longlife products are recommended. The volume of oil is 4.25 liters, 4 liters are poured when replacing, replacement is performed every 10 thousand km.

The suspension of the F20 cars, even in the “base”, improves the handling of the hatchback and degree. In the option available adaptive suspension M, which allows you to adjust the flaps electronically. Dynamic stability control system DSC is also available as standard.

Electronics

Even before the 2015 re-styling. F20 had a good electronic stuffing. Let’s break down some of the useful systems, of which there are many more after the update.

Almost everyone has heard of the automatic climate control on a BMW and knows what it means. BMW has gone further and on its hatchback there is a similar system, but for 2 zones with extended functions. What is it? The difference is that with two zones (front, rear) you can set different temperatures. The car has rain sensors and automatic headlight sensors, which turn on the wipers and lights when the required conditions occur.

In the F20, you can lock/unlock the car without a key. This is because the Comfort Access System is installed.

If you want to get to your destinations quickly, automatically reduce the volume of the audio system, or locate your position even in a tunnel with a weak GPS signal, you need the BMW Professional navigation system with hard disk drive. Once installed, the different functions will complement each other. It is recommended to use it with the NBT multimedia system, which constantly updates the map of cities and the situation on the roads.A good assistant for an inexperienced driver will be the gearshift indicator. It will indicate at what speed the optimum economy will be ensured, and at what speed it is desirable to switch to.

The front camera will also be of great use. Especially when parking for motorists who have “no distance”. You can park even with a minimum distance between neighboring cars. And when leaving Moscow courtyards, when you can not see what is on the road, it will help. It is enough to slightly stick out the “face” of the car.

Finally, for iPhone 3GS/4/4/4S devices, the Group has developed BMW Apps Ready, which requires the installation of “Apps” hardware.

1 restyling

In 2015, having performed a major restyling of the F20, the BMW concern showed the hatchback at the Geneva Motor Show. Everything that the car had at the front was changed. In the frontal part of the car appeared LED optics, a new radiator grille, bumper. The designers decided to increase the air intakes to additionally cool the new power units. At the stern at the trunk appeared a door, and new optics with a bumper were installed. Inside the car, you can notice chrome-plated air ducts and audio system bezels. Appeared in the cabin of the updated hatchback and analog fuel gauge. In the “base”, model 118i, the car is offered with rear-wheel drive.

The standard equipment is as follows:

• R16 rims;
• Leather sport steering wheel;
• Fabric seat upholstery;
• Climate control;
• Multimedia with a 6.5-inch monitor and 6 speakers;
• Heated seats of the 1st row and mirrors;
• Parktronic;
• Electric windows;
• Central locking with PU.

If you buy expensive models F20, for example, hatchback M140i, the car owner will get at his disposal disks R18, adaptive control, sports seats in front complete with sliding armrest, M Sport suspension, aerodynamic package and so on. The interior of the F20 will have additional lighting.

The basic modification, 118i, is equipped with a 4-cylinder engine N13B16 and 140-horsepower unit B38B15, accelerating the car to a hundred in 8.7 seconds. The 184-horsepower engine N20B20B, installed in the BMW 120i, has 7.1 seconds.

After restyling, the M135i model was replaced by the all-wheel drive version M140i. 340 “horses” of turbocharged motor B58B30O0 allow to reach 100 km/h in only 4.4 sec. Weak motors are equipped with a 6-speed “mechanics”, powerful units – 8-band automatic. It is possible to buy independent multilever suspension or adaptive suspension. The last one is usually mounted on expensive versions of BMW and reduces clearance by 10 mm. The rigidity of the element can be comfortable and sporty. It is regulated by a mode switch.

Safety is guaranteed by DSC (heading stability control), airbags for the 1st row (side, front), similar curtains for all seats, ISOFIX anchorages. Options are parking/driving assistants, rearview camera, systems that control lights and active cruise control.

2 restyling

In 2017, the hatchback underwent a second update. Two blue and orange colors appeared, and three Shadow special editions:

• Sport Line;
• M Sport;
• M140i Edition.

They are characterized by black trimmed optics, black radiator grille, tinted LED headlights at the stern.

New finishing materials with color designs are noticeable in the cabin. The center console has a curtain. It hides cupholders. Instruments have been updated, the panel has a new design. The basic configuration of 118i received R16 wheels made of steel, leather steering wheel, radio BMW Professional and Teleservices system, color screen in 6.5 inches, Hands-free with USB, stereo system, complete with 6 speakers. The unit can be started without the use of the key, there are fog lights. The washer nozzles are heated, and you can select driving modes.

The expensive configurations include R17 light alloy wheels, LED headlights/fog lights, cloth/leather upholstery or alcantara, aerodynamic M package, etc. The 118i version is equipped with a motor B38B15 with a volume of one and a half liters and three cylinders. 136 “horses” accelerate the BMW with a 6-band MKPP/8-speed automatic transmission to a hundred in 8.5/8.7 seconds.

The motor of B58B30O0 modification M140i has 3 more cylinders, 0.5 liters of volume and 204 “horses” of power. Therefore, the dynamics is quite different. Acceleration of the hatchback to 100 km takes 4.4/4.6 sec. if the car is all-wheel drive/mono-wheel drive. However, fuel consumption increases. In the mixed cycle, the 118i has 5.4-5.9 liters per 100 km, and the M140i – 7.1-7.4 liters. The diesel version B47D20, 120d has an economical mode of operation: 4.3-4.7 liters/100 km. The two-liter unit has an output of 190 hp, which allows the hatchback to hit 100 km/h in 6.8/7 seconds if the car is all-wheel drive/rear-wheel drive. Suspensions have not changed after the 2nd restyling.

In full equipment, high safety is ensured by the systems mentioned above. After the 2nd update, Runflat safety tires, tire pressure checking system were added to them in the “base”. In prestigious configurations there is a speed limiter, controlled from the steering wheel and with indication on the dashboard, rear parking sensors, dynamic cruise control. Let’s see what restyling has changed and what differences from the prerestyling hatchback F20. In the interior there is a bias towards chrome accents, but there is no significant modernization. There is more space on the 2nd row/under the ceiling, there are cup holders with different compartments. An audio system by Harman Kardon is an option.

The exterior features sporty adaptive LED headlights. Both bumpers, taillights, radiator grille have been updated, air intakes with exhaust pipes have undergone changes. The BMW TWINPOWER TURBO gasoline engine is now available and can be braked when coasting.

However, the biggest changes were in the electronics section.

By installing the ConnectedDrive package on the F20, you can increase the hatchback’s capabilities. Note the systems:

• Tracking road markings. When crossing the marking line without turning on the turn signal, the index panel will flash, the steering wheel will vibrate;
• Sign tracking. When passing road signs, the driver will see them on the screen;
• Automatic control of high beam. Based on the level of light, adjusts its intensity;
• Automatic high beam control
• Adaptive cornering light control. With the turn of the steering wheel/turn signal, the front headlights will guide the light into the turn;
• Parking Assist. The ultrasonic sensors of the automatic parking assistant will assist the driver in parking;
• Automatic overtaking prohibition and speed limit indicator;
• BMW xDrive. Now the hatchback can “ignore” the changeable weather and difficult conditions on the road. Intelligent system, quickly adapting to the changed conditions, redistributes torque and creates optimal stability, maximum grip on the pavement, good handling;
• Active cruise control with Stop&Go;

In addition, after the update on the F20 there is a rearview camera with dynamic markings, allowing you not to look in the mirrors when feeding the car back. Finally, you can install special applications for social networks, get online information about the traffic situation and get a wide range of Internet functionality.

Add to this the ability to remotely control the car from your phone. For example, to enter a garage.

The result is a unique driving assistant!

Faults

Every car, no matter how good it is, has weaknesses that show up in use after a certain amount of time. So let’s take a look at two or three major sore spots in the BMW F20.

There is a constant current draw. There are many reasons for this. It is better to contact a specialist.

• Drive error. Symptoms can be strong vibrations and rumbling. The most harmless cause is a coil malfunction. You can fix it yourself with the poke method. In other cases, contact a service station;
• Full power is not available. Symptom – loss of traction. It is necessary to replace the valve Vanos 9825813780. You can and not the original, from Peugeot similar valve. The difference in price is up to 40%. Self-replacement is possible, but the part is in a hard-to-reach place;
• Full power is not available. Symptom – the boost pressure is insufficient. Almost 40% of power is lost. First we check the condition of the tubes. If everything is OK, then the problem is in the Pierburg pressure transducer. № – 7.01777.17.0. Change it;
• The current is constantly consumed. There are many reasons for this. It is better to contact a specialist.

Generations and configurations

2 generation 09.2011 – 02.2015

2 generation – restyled 03.2015 – 05.2017

2 generation – 2nd restyling 06.2017 – present