BMW · 2007–2015
Common BMW 1 Series problems, and how to check them
These are the 2 faults owners and garages report most often on the BMW 1 Series, from the most common down. For each one: what goes wrong, how to check it yourself, and the usual fix, so you know what you’re dealing with before you buy parts.
Fact-checked by a licensed car technician · last reviewed 28 September 2026
Problem 1
BMW 1 Series: Timing chain rattle on the N47 diesel
What goes wrong
The N47’s timing chain sits at the back of the engine; its guides and tensioner wear and the chain stretches. Left alone it can snap and destroy the engine.
How to check it yourself
Listen at the back of the engine (gearbox end) for a rattle or whine, worst from cold and when coming off the throttle. Any rattle means stop and get it inspected; there’s no reliable DIY test.
The usual fix
Replace the chain, guides, and tensioner with the revised kit; the engine or gearbox usually has to come out. Change the oil every 15,000 km or yearly to protect the new chain.
Signs: Rattle on cold start, Check engine light
Problem 2
BMW 1 Series: Timing chain rattle on the 1.6 turbo petrol
What goes wrong
The N13 petrol has similar timing chain guide and tensioner wear as its Peugeot/Citroen sister engine, giving a rattle on cold starts and cam timing faults.
How to check it yourself
Listen for a rattle at a cold start and read the cam and crank correlation codes.
The usual fix
Replace the chain, guides, and tensioner with updated parts and keep oil changes short.
Signs: Rattle on cold start, Rough idle, Check engine light
Fault codes: P0016, P0015, P0012
Recalls for the 1 Series
The most recent recalls registered with the RDW, the Dutch vehicle authority, across all generations of the 1 Series. Not every recall covers every car: a dealer can check yours with the VIN (chassis number), and recall repairs are free.
Driver's airbag gas generator may burst
The gas generator in the driver's airbag may burst.
Possible consequence: If the airbag is activated in an accident, the gas generator may burst. Metal parts can cause fatal injuries under certain conditions. BMW strongly advises not to use your vehicle!
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer before further use of the vehicle; they will replace the airbag.
Driver's airbag gas generator may burst
The gas generator in the driver's airbag may burst.
Possible consequence: If the airbag is activated in an accident, the gas generator may burst. Metal parts can cause fatal injuries under certain conditions. BMW strongly advises not to use your vehicle!
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer before further use of the vehicle; they will replace the airbag.
Driver's airbag gas generator may burst
The gas generator in the driver's airbag may burst.
Possible consequence: If the airbag is activated in an accident, the gas generator may burst. Metal parts can cause fatal injuries under certain conditions. BMW strongly advises not to use your vehicle!
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer before further use of the vehicle; they will replace the airbag.
Driver's airbag gas generator may burst
The gas generator in the driver's airbag may burst.
Possible consequence: If the airbag is activated in an accident, the gas generator may burst. Metal parts can cause fatal injuries under certain conditions. BMW strongly advises not to use your vehicle!
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer before further use of the vehicle; they will replace the airbag.
Driver's airbag gas generator may crack
The gas generator in the driver's airbag may crack.
Possible consequence: When an airbag is deployed in an accident, the gas generator may crack. Metal parts can cause fatal injuries under certain conditions. The manufacturer strongly advises not to use your vehicle!
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer before further use of the vehicle; they will replace the airbag.
Driver's airbag gas generator may crack
The gas generator in the driver's airbag may crack.
Possible consequence: When an airbag is deployed in an accident, the gas generator may crack. Metal parts can cause fatal injuries under certain conditions. The manufacturer strongly advises not to use your vehicle!
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer before further use of the vehicle; they will replace the airbag.
Driver's airbag gas generator may crack
The gas generator in the driver's airbag may crack.
Possible consequence: When an airbag is deployed in an accident, the gas generator may crack. Metal parts can cause fatal injuries under certain conditions. The manufacturer strongly advises not to use your vehicle!
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer before further use of the vehicle; they will replace the airbag.
Driver airbag gas generator failure
The gas generator of the driver airbag may malfunction if exposed to high absolute humidity and temperature fluctuations over the years.
Possible consequence: In the event of airbag deployment after a collision, excessive pressure may build up in the gas generator, and if it explodes, flying metal parts can cause serious injuries or even death.
The fix: The vehicle owner is requested to contact the brand dealer. The relevant airbag will be replaced.
Source: RDW open data, translated automatically from Dutch.
General guidance, not a professional inspection. Confirm faults with measurements before buying parts, and use a qualified mechanic for brakes, steering, fuel leaks, airbags, and other safety-critical work. Terms and disclaimer