The BMW 116i is a compact premium hatchback with a 1.6L turbocharged petrol engine (N13), rear-wheel drive, and either a 6-speed manual or 8-speed automatic gearbox.
Key specs for the 2014 model:
- Power: 136 hp (100 kW)
- Torque: 220 Nm
- 0–100 km/h: about 8.8–8.9 seconds
- Fuel economy: roughly 5.5–6.0 L/100 km depending on transmission
- Body styles: 3-door (F21) and 5-door (F20)
Common issues reported by owners and mechanics:
- Timing chain wear/noise
- Oil consumption
- Ignition coil and spark plug failures
- Turbo-related power loss
- “Drivetrain malfunction” warnings
- Suspension bush wear and steering vibrations
- Electrical glitches (iDrive, sensors, windows)
If you’re considering buying one, the biggest things to check are:
- Full service history
- Cold-start engine noise (timing chain)
- Oil leaks or excessive oil use
- Smooth turbo acceleration
- Gearbox shifting quality
- Suspension noises over bumps
- Diagnostic scan for hidden drivetrain faults
The car drives very well for its class because of the rear-wheel-drive setup, but maintenance can become expensive if previous owners skipped servicing.
If you want, I can also help with:
- Current market price in Kenya
- Fuel consumption in real-world driving
- Reliability vs Audi A3/Mercedes A-Class
- Common engine codes
- Buying checklist
- Maintenance costs in Nairobi
- Best engine version to buy
- Automatic vs manual comparison
