BMW 116i (E87)
BMW 1 series 2007 1.6 petrol description
Hatchback BMW 116i has been produced from September, 2007 to 2011. It has four-cylinder petrol engine with displacement of 1.6 litres, which produces power of 122 horsepower on 6000 rpm and torque 160 Nm (Newton metres) on 4250 revolutions per minute.
This 4-cylinder 16-valve engine camshaft is driven by chain (What is an engine chain and belt? ). Engine has fuel injection system, this is an atmospheric engine (without turbine). Engine versions compliant with Euro 4 and Euro 5 emission standards available. Engine lifespan (mileage before major repairs or overhaul) can last from 210 up to 360 thousand kilometres. Note that engine life can be longer or shorter depending on maintenance.
More engine specs
The BMW N43B16 is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine developed from the larger N43B20 and used in BMW models with the 16i designation. Compared with the older N42B18, it received direct fuel injection, a higher 12:1 compression ratio, and a ...
This BMW 1 series 1.6 engine oil type is 5W-30 and oil capacity is 4.25 litres.
BMW 116i has classical rear wheel drive (RWD) and automatic gearbox with 6 gears.
BMW 116i accelerates to speed 100 kilometres per hour in 11 seconds. The maximum speed of this car is 202 km/h.
BMW 116i fuel consumption is 6.4 litres per 100km in combined city/highway mode (15.6 km/l), city fuel economy - 8.3 l/100km, fuel consumption on highway - 5.3 l/100km. Fuel tank capacity is 53 litres or 14 gallons, which gives a mileage up to 820 kilometers without refueling in urban cycle and even up to 1000 kilometers on highway.
According to user reviews, this BMW real everyday fuel consumption is 8.4 litres per 100 km, which is 31% more than the manufacturer's stated. More - Real BMW 1 series fuel consumption.

BMW 116i technical data
| Model: | BMW 116i | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Body style: | Hatchback | ||
| Production period: | 2007. September ... 2011. January | ||
| Engine: | 1599 cm3 Petrol, 4 cylinders | CO2 emissions: | 152 g/km |
| Power: | 122 HP ON 6000 RPM | Torque: | 160 NM ON 4250 RPM |
| Gearbox: | Automatic gearbox (6 gears) | Drive type: | Rear wheel drive (RWD) |
| Top speed: | 202 km/h | Acceleration 0-100 km/h: | 11.0 seconds |
| Fuel consumption (l/100km): | 6.4 (combined) 8.3 (urban) 5.3 (highway) | ||
| Real fuel consumption: | 8.4 l/100km (28 MPG) by user reviews from various sources | ||
| Fuel tank capacity: | 53 litres (14 gallons) | ||
| Car dimensions: | 4.24m (length) 1.75m (width) 1.42m (height) | ||
| Turning diameter: | 11 meters | ||
| Trunk capacity: | 330 litres | ||
| Trunk max capacity: | 1150 litres (with rear seats folded down, if possible) | ||
| Gross weight: | 1800 kg Net weight: 1375 kg Load capacity: 425 kg | ||
BMW 116i engine N43B16
Engine reliability and common problems:
The BMW N43B16 is a 1.6-liter four-cylinder gasoline engine developed from the larger N43B20 and used in BMW models with the 16i designation. Compared with the older N42B18, it received direct fuel injection, a higher 12:1 compression ratio, and a Siemens MSD 81.2 engine management system, but lost the Valvetronic valve lift system. The reduced displacement was achieved through a smaller cylinder bore and shorter-stroke crankshaft.Most of the engine’s problems are connected with its direct injection system. The injectors are expensive and very sensitive to fuel quality, so poor gasoline can quickly lead to rough running, vibration, lean mixture issues, and unstable engine operation. Ignition coils are another common cause of misfires and fluctuating idle.
The N43B16 also runs quite hot, which makes oil quality especially important. Cheap or unsuitable oil can degrade quickly, so it is best to use BMW-approved oil and replace it every 8,000–10,000 km. The cooling system also deserves close attention, as plastic flanges and pipes tend to crack with age. Radiator cleanliness and system tightness are important, because overheating can cause serious damage.
Oil consumption is considered normal by the manufacturer up to a fairly high level, but in real use it still requires regular monitoring. Around 50,000–80,000 km, the vacuum pump may begin to leak and need replacement. The timing system is not especially long-lived either, and the Double VANOS components can become noisy or begin to malfunction relatively early. In some cases, noises and mechanical sticking are linked to wear inside the VANOS mechanism, and repair can be costly because individual parts are not always replaced separately.
Overall, the N43B16 is a decent but rather demanding engine. It can work well when serviced carefully, but it does not tolerate poor fuel, cheap oil, overheating, or neglected maintenance. Regular oil changes, high-quality gasoline, cooling system control, and early attention to injectors, coils, the vacuum pump, and VANOS are essential for keeping it reliable.
Overall, this engine can last around 210,000 to 360,000 km if properly maintained, using the correct quality oil and fuel, and carrying out regular checks and maintenance.
The engine has hydraulic valve tappets (lifters), which provide quieter operation and do not require periodic adjustment, but are more complex in design and can cause serious engine damage in the event of failure.
| Engine displacement | 1599 cm3 |
|---|---|
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Bore (cylinder diameter) | 82 mm |
| Stroke length (piston move) | 75.7 mm |
| Compression ratio | 12 : 1 |
| Camshaft drive | Timing chain Chain motors are considered more reliable, chain replacement usually is required less often than a timing belt, but they are often louder and vibrate more. More service info |
| Timing chain change interval | 150,000 km (recommended) Sometimes manufacturers do not specify timing chain replacement intervals and design chains for engine life. However, once the recommended change interval has been reached, it is recommended to periodically check the condition of the chain and to change the chain if excessive stretching is detected or if unusual noises from the engine or other symptoms occur. |
| Fuel system | Injection |
| BMW 116i oil type | 5W-30 |
| Oil capacity | 4.25 litres (4.5 quarts) More service info |
| Coolant capacity | 7.6 litres (8 quarts) |
| Power | 122 HP ON 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 160 NM ON 4250 RPM |
| Start of production (year) | 2007 |
| Duration of production | 6 years |
Often in the first years of production, engines tend to have various constructive problems, so it is recommended to choose a car with this engine from 2010 onwards. |
|
| Engine also used on | BMW 3 sērija |
Most often compared to
All BMW 1 series hatchback [2007 - 2011] modifications
| Modification | Engine | Power | Consumption | Gearbox |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BMW 116i Sep 2007 — Jan 2011 | 1.6 Petrol | 122 HP | 7.5 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| BMW 116i Sep 2007 — Jan 2011 | 1.6 Petrol | 122 HP | 6.4 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
|
BMW 1 sērija 116i
Jan 2009 — Dec 2011 Most fuel efficient petrol version by real consumption |
2.0 Petrol | 122 HP | 6.1 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| BMW 1 sērija 116i Jan 2009 — Dec 2011 | 2.0 Petrol | 122 HP | 6.6 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
|
BMW 118i
Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 Most fuel efficient petrol version |
2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 5.9 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| BMW 118i Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 | 2.0 Petrol | 143 HP | 6.2 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
| BMW 120i Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 | 2.0 Petrol | 170 HP | 6.4 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| BMW 120i Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 | 2.0 Petrol | 170 HP | 6.3 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
|
BMW 1 sērija 116d
Jan 2009 — Dec 2011 Most fuel efficient diesel version |
2.0 Diesel | 115 HP | 4.4 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| BMW 118d Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 | 2.0 Diesel | 143 HP | 4.5 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| BMW 118d Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 | 2.0 Diesel | 143 HP | 5.4 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
| BMW 120d Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 | 2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 4.8 l/100km | Manual (6) |
| BMW 120d Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 | 2.0 Diesel | 177 HP | 5.4 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
|
BMW 123d
Sep 2007 — Jan 2011 Most powerfull diesel version (204 HP) |
2.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 5.5 l/100km | Manual (6) |
|
BMW 123d
Feb 2008 — Jan 2011 Most powerfull diesel version (204 HP) |
2.0 Diesel | 204 HP | 5.5 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
|
BMW 130i
Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 Most dynamic version - 100 km/h in 6.1 seconds |
3.0 Petrol | 265 HP | 8.3 l/100km | Manual (6) |
|
BMW 130i
Mar 2007 — Jan 2011 Most powerfull petrol version (265 HP) |
3.0 Petrol | 265 HP | 8.3 l/100km | Automatic (6) |
