BMW 1 Series F20 - F21 2012-2019 Service Manual

Cars.co.za's own buyer's guide flags a genuinely significant fact worth knowing before it fades from memory: "the subsequent F40-gen 1 Series that succeeded the F20 switched to a front-wheel-drive platform, ditching what had become the distinguishing feature of BMW's entry-level model." That makes the F20/F21 the final rear-wheel-drive 1 Series BMW will ever build — a genuine end-of-era machine for anyone who cares about that layout in a compact hatchback. Officially premiering in 5-door form at the September 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, the F20 code technically refers to the 5-door body, with F21 designating the 3-door — Wikipedia's own account notes both are commonly referred to collectively as simply "the F20."

The engine range spans genuinely enormous ground: entry-level diesel variants started around 94-95 hp from a 1.6-liter turbo-four, while the range-topping M140i (successor to the earlier M135i) delivered up to 335-340 hp from BMW's twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six, hitting 62 mph in 4.8 seconds with a 155 mph top speed. Cars.co.za's guide highlights the mid-range M135i specifically — its turbocharged 2.0-liter four made outputs (160 kW/310 Nm) that eclipsed the contemporary Volkswagen Golf GTI. In 2015, BMW added inline-three petrol and diesel engines to the range for the first time — the 118i switched from its original 4-cylinder to a 3-cylinder motor after the facelift, part of BMW's broader downsizing strategy across the lineup. Both a 6-speed manual and a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic were available across most of the range, and this generation marked the first 1 Series ever offered with BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system as an option.

Notably, this generation dropped the coupe and convertible body styles that had been part of the original E87-generation 1 Series — those were spun off into BMW's new 2 Series nameplate (F22/F23) starting in late 2013, leaving the F20/F21 as hatchback-only. MacPherson strut front suspension paired with multi-link rear suspension formed the chassis foundation across the entire range, riding on BMW's L7 platform shared conceptually with the contemporary 3 Series, 4 Series, and 2 Series. A 2012 facelift (arriving alongside the model's broader rollout) brought improved aerodynamics and refinements to various controls, plus new exterior colors, upholstery, and interior trim options.

This factory service manual covers the procedures, torque specs, and diagrams needed to keep a 2012-2019 BMW 1 Series F20/F21 running the way it was built to.