BMW 1 Series 116d Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 1 Series 116d engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for your BMW 116d - covering the 1.6-litre N47D16 four-cylinder diesel in the F20/F21 generation, through to the 1.5-litre B37 three-cylinder unit in later LCI models.
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12-Month Warranty
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From £1,250 to £2,700
Used from £1,250 · Reconditioned from £1,250 · Common codes: N47D16A, N47D16U1, B37D15A, B37D15U0
From £1,250
Tested, bare/short engine
From £1,250
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best BMW 1 Series 116d Replacement Engineto Finding the Best BMW 1 Series 116d Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryBMW 1 Series 116d - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW 116d was introduced in 2011 as the entry-level diesel model in the second-generation (F20/F21) 1 Series range. It replaced the earlier 118d as the most affordable way into BMW diesel hatchback ownership, using a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that delivered strong economy with sufficient real-world performance. In 2015, the 116d badge was carried over into the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) update with a switch to BMW's newer B37 three-cylinder diesel engine.
Variant HistoryBMW 1 Series 116d - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW 116d was introduced in 2011 as the entry-level diesel model in the second-generation (F20/F21) 1 Series range. It replaced the earlier 118d as the most affordable way into BMW diesel hatchback ownership, using a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine that delivered strong economy with sufficient real-world performance. In 2015, the 116d badge was carried over into the Life Cycle Impulse (LCI) update with a switch to BMW's newer B37 three-cylinder diesel engine.
BMW 1 Series 116d
Fuel TypeDiesel
Engine Size Range1.6L (1,598 cc) - 1.5L (1,496 cc)
Power Output Range116 hp (85 kW) across all productionEngine History Timeline
N47D16A / N47D16U1 1.6L turbocharged diesel, 116 hp, launched with the F20 five-door and F21 three-door 1 Series
BMW 116d receives the LCI update; engine switches to B37D15A / B37D15U0 1.5L three-cylinder turbo diesel, 116 hp, for F20/F21 models
F20/F21 generation ends; the 116d badge continues into the F40 generation with the B37C15 engine
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypeDieselEngine Size Range1.6L (1,598 cc) - 1.5L (1,496 cc)Power Output Range116 hp (85 kW) across all productionYears Produced2011-presentEvery engine fitted to the BMW 1 Series 116d is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
BMW 1 Series 116d Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostBMW 1 Series 116d Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
1.6L Turbo Diesel (2011-2015)
Power Output116 hp (85 kW)Years Fitted2011-2015
Compatible Trim Levels
- 116d
- 116d SE
- 116d Sport
- 116d Urban
- 116d M Sport
- 116d EfficientDynamics
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,250-£1,600
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,250-£1,800
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£1,700-£2,400
Common Failure
The N47 engine family is prone to timing chain tensioner and guide failure. The original tensioner was too short, allowing the chain to become slack and rub against the guides. Because the N47 is an interference engine, a snapped timing chain can cause pistons to collide with valves - resulting in catastrophic engine failure. Typical failure mileage: 60,000-100,000 miles.
The BMW 1 Series 116d is powered by two different diesel engines across its production run. Early cars (2011-2015) use the N47D16 four-cylinder - a member of BMW's notoriously timing-chain-troubled N47 family. Later cars (2015-2019) use the B37 three-cylinder, which is more reliable but not without its own issues, particularly around EGR and carbon buildup. Replacement demand for the BMW 116d is driven primarily by N47 timing chain failure and EGR cooler issues on both engines. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.
Why the BMW 1 Series 116d N47 Engine Fails Prematurely
Affected Vehicles
BMW 1 Series 116d (N47D16A / N47D16U1, 2011-2015)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root Cause
The timing chain, guides, and tensioners on BMW's N47 diesel engine were poorly designed and constructed. The original tensioner was too short and allowed the chain to become slack, which would then rub and clatter against the guides. Because the N47 is an interference engine, a stretched or snapped timing chain can cause pistons to collide with valves - resulting in catastrophic engine failure.
Why It Happens
The timing chain, guides, and tensioners on BMW's N47 diesel engine were poorly designed and constructed. The original tensioner was too short and allowed the chain to become slack, which would then rub and clatter against the guides. Because the N47 is an interference engine, a stretched or snapped timing chain can cause pistons to collide with valves - resulting in catastrophic engine failure.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,200-£1,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£800-£1,300
What it involves
Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets
Suitability
Best if caught early - rattle present but engine still running
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£3,200-£4,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,300-£3,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt pricing)
What it involves
Supply & fit, upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty
Suitability
When chain has snapped or engine is already damaged
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Timing Chain Replacement (preventative) Minor | £1,200-£1,800 | £800-£1,300 | Replace timing chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets | Best if caught early - rattle present but engine still running | 1 - 2 days |
 Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £3,200-£4,800 | £2,300-£3,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt pricing) | Supply & fit, upgraded timing components, 12-month warranty | When chain has snapped or engine is already damaged | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical 2011-2015 BMW 1 Series 116d is currently valued at approximately £3,000-£7,000 depending on mileage and condition [THIRD-PARTY - Auto Trader / Parkers market observation]. This places the 116d in the "repair or used engine typically makes more sense than a full rebuilt unit" bracket for lower-value examples. If your 116d is worth under £4,000 and the engine has suffered catastrophic timing chain failure, evaluate scrap value first - replacement cost may approach or exceed the car's market value. For well-maintained, higher-spec examples (M Sport, low mileage) worth £5,000+, a reconditioned or rebuilt engine with warranty is a viable investment.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If you hear the characteristic "death rattle" from the timing chain on cold start in your N47-powered BMW 116d, act immediately. An £800-£1,300 specialist timing chain replacement is far cheaper than a full engine rebuild. If the chain has already snapped, the repair bill often exceeds the car's value - in that scenario, compare rebuilt engine prices through EnginesMarket against the cost of replacing the car. For owners planning to keep their 116d for 2+ years, a reconditioned N47 with upgraded timing components and warranty offers genuine peace of mind.
Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 1 Series 116d
The N47 engine in your early BMW 116d has a well-known timing chain weakness - but with the right specialist, this can be addressed before catastrophic failure occurs. Later B37-powered cars are more reliable but should be checked for outstanding EGR recalls. Whether you need a preventative timing chain replacement or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded components and a 12-month warranty, EnginesMarket connects you with vetted UK specialists who know the 116d inside out. Compare prices today and keep your BMW on the road.
Compare rebuilt N47D16A BMW 1 Series 116d engine prices
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
Best Price GuidanceImportant Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific BMW 1 Series 116d. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
BMW 1 Series 116d Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW 1 Series 116d engine replacement cost-
A BMW 1 Series 116d engine replacement typically costs £1,250-£2,700 for a reconditioned or rebuilt unit supply-only, depending on the engine code. With supply and fit, expect £2,300-£3,500 depending on the specialist and location.
- Used N47D16A engines: £1,250-£1,600
- Reconditioned N47D16A: £1,250-£1,800
- Rebuilt B37D15A with warranty: £2,000-£2,700
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain failure in a BMW 116d-
The most common warning signs of N47 timing chain failure in a BMW 1 Series 116d include a rattling noise from the engine on cold start (the "death rattle"), rough idling, poor engine performance, and in later stages, the engine management light illuminating.
- Rattling noise lasting 1-2 seconds on cold start is the earliest warning
- Ignoring the rattle can lead to chain skipping or snapping
- A snapped timing chain on an N47 engine usually means catastrophic engine damage
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a BMW 1 Series 116d-
A 2011-2015 BMW 1 Series 116d is typically valued at £3,000-£7,000. If your 116d is worth under £4,000, a full rebuilt engine may not be economically viable - consider a used engine or scrap the car. If your car is worth £5,000+ (low mileage, M Sport spec, good condition), a reconditioned engine with warranty is a sound investment.
- Vehicle value is the key factor in the decision
- Used engines offer a budget-friendly alternative
- Rebuilt engines with warranty suit owners keeping the car 2+ years
Question 4How long does a BMW 1 Series 116d engine replacement take-
A BMW 1 Series 116d engine replacement typically takes 2-3 days for a specialist to complete, including removal of the old unit and fitting the replacement. Timing chain replacement alone (without full engine removal) can be completed in 1-2 days.
- Supply-only: engine delivered next working day in many cases
- Supply and fit: allow 2-3 working days
- Mobile fitting options available through some specialists
Question 5What's the difference between the BMW 116d and 118d-
Both the BMW 116d and 118d use similar engine families but with different power outputs and engine sizes. The 116d uses a 1.6-litre N47D16 or 1.5-litre B37 producing 116 hp, while the 118d uses the 2.0-litre N47D20 producing 143 hp. The 116d was positioned as the entry-level diesel model.
- Same N47/B37 engine families - many parts are not interchangeable due to different capacities
- 116d: 116 hp, 260 Nm torque
- 118d: 143 hp, higher torque output
Question 6Does a BMW 1 Series 116d rebuilt engine come with a warranty-
Yes - every rebuilt BMW 1 Series 116d engine supplied through EnginesMarket comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty. This covers the engine against manufacturing defects and component failure, giving you peace of mind when investing in a replacement N47 or B37 unit.
- 12-month warranty is standard on all rebuilt engines
- Some specialists offer extended warranty options
- Always confirm exact warranty terms with your chosen supplier
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