BMW M140i Buyers Guide & 3 Year Ownership Review

Summary

This video offers an in-depth review of the BMW M140i, highlighting its position in the BMW lineup and the features of its rear-wheel drive and straight-six engine. The host addresses common issues such as oil filter fitment, coolant leaks, and PCV membrane problems. They also discuss engine oil leaks, injector failures in 2016-2017 models, and updates throughout the car's production. The video includes a dynamic road test, comparing the M140i's driving experience to modern standards, and provides tips for potential buyers, concluding with a reliability score of 8.5 out of 10.

Takeaways

• 🚗 The BMW M140i is praised for its rear-wheel drive and straight-six engine, offering an old-school BMW driving experience.
• 🔧 Common problems include oil filter fitment issues, coolant leaks from the coolant bottle lid, and PCV membrane failures.
• 💧 It's normal for this model to lose a small amount of coolant, which is usually not a cause for concern.
• 🔥 The PCV membrane can cause the car to smoke excessively if it fails or is damaged.
• 🛠️ Oil leaks are somewhat expected with BMWs, so vigilance during test drives and post-purchase checks is advised.
• 🚨 For 2016 and 2017 models, injector failures can be dramatic, potentially leading to engine replacement.
• 🌟 Post-2018 models have improved injectors, and these can be retro-fitted for earlier models to enhance reliability.
• 🔧 Mid-production updates included changes to the exhaust system with the addition of an OPF filter from June 2018 onwards.
• 💨 Exhaust valves and standard back boxes are prone to rattling or failure, leading to many owners upgrading to M performance back boxes.
• ❄️ Models with frameless windows may experience freezing issues in winter, but a specific product can prevent this.
• 🏎️ The M140i offers a sporty drive and is more connected to the road compared to some of its contemporaries like the RS3.

Q & A

What is the BMW m140i known for?

The BMW m140i is known for being the epitome of old-school BMW characteristics, featuring rear-wheel drive, a straight-six engine, and being available as a manual transmission.

What is a common misconception about the oil filter in the BMW m140i?

A common misconception is that the oil filters disintegrate, but it's often due to bad fitment rather than a quality issue with the oil filters themselves.

What is a common issue with the coolant system in the BMW m140i?

A common issue is the loss of a small amount of coolant, which is usually due to the lid on the coolant bottle and not a significant concern.

What is the main symptom of a failing PCV membrane in the BMW m140i?

The main symptom of a failing PCV membrane is the car blowing a lot of smoke.

What is a common engine problem in the BMW m140i from 2016 and 2017 models?

A common engine problem in the 2016 and 2017 models is the failure of the injectors, which can wear the engine out if they fail in a spectacular fashion.

What updates did BMW make to the m140i during its production run?

BMW made updates to the m140i platform, including changes to the exhaust system with the addition of an OPF filter from June 2018 onwards.

Why are BMW m140i models without fog lights?

BMW m140i models do not have fog lights due to the need for a charge cooler in the space where the fog light would be located.

What is a common issue with the rear lights of the BMW m140i?

Water ingress can be an issue with the rear lights, causing them to flicker and potentially affecting the light unit.

What is the difference between the 8-speed ZF gearbox and the 6-speed manual gearbox in the BMW m140i?

The 8-speed ZF gearbox is an automatic, while the 6-speed manual gearbox offers a more traditional and engaging driving experience. Both are reliable, but the manual gearbox is rarer and offers a more direct connection to the car.

How does the BMW m140i perform on the road by today's standards?

The BMW m140i still performs well on the road, offering a linear power delivery and a sporty driving experience. It feels lively and connected, though it's more of a sports car than a family car.

What is the reliability rating of the BMW m140i?

The BMW m140i has a reliability rating of 8.5 out of 10, reflecting its relatively new platform and the use of a well-known reliable engine.

Outlines

00:00

🚗 Overview of BMW M140i and Common Problems

The script introduces the BMW M140i, highlighting its rear-wheel drive and straight-six engine. It emphasizes the importance of the video for potential buyers, as it covers common issues with the car. The narrator discusses the car's place in the BMW lineup, starting from 2011 with the second generation one series. It addresses misconceptions about oil filters disintegrating, explaining that improper fitment is often the cause. The script also mentions coolant leaks, which are usually not serious and are caused by the coolant bottle lid. Another issue is the PCV membrane, which can fail or tear, causing the car to have trouble regulating crank case pressure, leading to excessive smoke. The video promises a road test to evaluate the car's performance by modern standards.

05:02

🔧 Engine and Mechanical Issues of the BMW M140i

This section delves into engine problems, particularly oil leaks that are common in BMWs. It advises viewers to be vigilant and check for leaks before and after test drives. The script then discusses injector failures in 2016 and 2017 models, which can be catastrophic, but were improved in later models. It suggests that owners of earlier models can replace their injectors for peace of mind. The video also covers updates to the M140i platform, including changes to the exhaust system from June 2018 onwards, which might require a remap if changed. It mentions that early M140i models did not come with fog lights due to the placement of the charge cooler. The script advises checking the charge cooler for damage and highlights the prevalence of rattling exhaust valves and the common upgrade to M performance back boxes.

10:05

🌧️ Exterior and Interior Considerations for the BMW M140i

The script addresses exterior and interior aspects of the BMW M140i. It points out that water ingress can affect the car's lights, causing them to flicker. It notes the absence of fog lights in M140i models due to the charge cooler's location. The video also discusses the susceptibility of the charge cooler to damage from rocks. Moving inside, it mentions that models with frameless windows can have issues with the glass freezing to the rubber seal, particularly in winter. A solution is suggested to prevent this issue. The script praises the interior's durability and reliability, advising viewers to check the air conditioning and the iDrive system. It also covers the gearbox options, detailing the characteristics of both the 8-speed automatic and the 6-speed manual, noting the rarity of the latter.

15:06

🏁 Road Test and Reliability Rating of the BMW M140i

The script describes a road test of the BMW M140i, focusing on its driving experience. It comments on the car's handling, power delivery, and the driver's connection to the vehicle. The video notes the car's linear power delivery and its ability to pull strongly in a straight line. It also discusses the car's adaptive suspension and the different driving modes, including a manual mode for the automatic gearbox. The script concludes with a reliability rating of 8.5 out of 10 for the M140i, attributing this score to its relatively new platform and the engine's known reliability. It encourages viewers to subscribe for more car buying guides and thanks them for watching.

Keywords

💡BMW m140i

The BMW m140i is a specific model of car produced by the German automaker BMW. It is known for its rear-wheel drive and straight-six engine configuration, which are hallmarks of traditional BMW performance vehicles. In the video, the m140i is presented as the epitome of old-school BMW, suggesting a focus on driving dynamics and mechanical purity. The script discusses various aspects of the car, including its common problems and performance characteristics, making it central to the video's theme.

💡Rear-wheel drive

Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is a vehicle configuration where the engine drives the rear wheels, as opposed to the front wheels. This layout is often associated with improved weight distribution and better handling, particularly in high-performance cars. The video emphasizes the BMW m140i's RWD as a key feature, suggesting that it contributes to the car's driving experience and performance, which is a significant aspect of the video's narrative.

💡Straight-six engine

A straight-six engine, also known as an inline-six engine, is an internal combustion engine with six cylinders aligned in a straight line. This type of engine is valued for its smooth operation and balance, which can lead to better performance and driving feel. The script mentions the BMW m140i's straight-six engine as a notable feature, indicating that it is an important part of the car's identity and a reason why enthusiasts might be interested in the model.

💡Manual transmission

A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox, is a type of transmission that allows the driver to manually change gears using a clutch and gear stick. This type of transmission is often preferred by driving enthusiasts for the greater control and engagement it offers. The video mentions the availability of a manual transmission in the BMW m140i, positioning it as a desirable feature for those who appreciate a more involved driving experience.

💡Oil filter fitment

Oil filter fitment refers to the correct installation of an oil filter in a vehicle's engine. The script discusses an issue with the oil filter on the BMW m140i, where improper fitment can lead to the filter disintegrating. This is an important maintenance consideration for potential owners, as it highlights a common problem that can be easily avoided with proper care and attention to detail.

💡Coolant system

The coolant system in a vehicle is responsible for regulating the engine's temperature, preventing overheating. The script mentions that the BMW m140i can sometimes lose coolant, which might cause concern due to its pressurized system. However, the video clarifies that the issue is usually with the coolant bottle lid, not a significant leak, which is a relief for potential buyers worried about engine reliability.

💡PCV membrane

The PCV (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) membrane is a component of an engine's ventilation system, which helps regulate crankcase pressure and prevent oil leaks and emissions. The video describes a common issue with the PCV membrane in the BMW m140i, where it can fail or get a tear, leading to excessive smoke. This is an important maintenance item for owners to be aware of, as it can affect the car's performance and emissions.

💡Injectors

Injectors are the components in a fuel injection system that spray fuel into the engine's combustion chamber. The script discusses a problem with the injectors in certain model years of the BMW m140i, where they can fail dramatically, potentially causing engine damage. This is a significant issue for potential buyers to consider, as it can be costly to repair. The video also notes that later models addressed this issue, providing a potential solution for earlier cars.

💡LCI

LCI stands for 'Life Cycle Impulse' and is a term used by BMW to describe mid-cycle updates to their vehicles. The script mentions LCI updates to the BMW m140i, indicating that the car received improvements and changes throughout its production run. This is relevant to potential buyers, as it can affect the car's features, performance, and value.

💡Exhaust system

The exhaust system in a vehicle is responsible for expelling the combustion gases produced by the engine. The script discusses changes to the exhaust system in the BMW m140i, including the addition of an OPF (Oxygen Storage Particulate Filter) from June 2018 onwards. This change can affect the car's performance and may require a remap if the exhaust is modified, which is important information for potential buyers interested in modifying their car.

💡Reliability leaderboard

A reliability leaderboard is a ranking system that evaluates the dependability and durability of vehicles. The video concludes with a rating of the BMW m140i on a reliability leaderboard, giving it an 8.5 out of 10. This score is based on the car's relatively new platform and its well-known reliable engine, providing potential buyers with an assessment of the car's expected reliability.

Highlights

The BMW m140i is praised for its old-school BMW characteristics, including rear-wheel drive and a straight-six engine.

The video offers a comprehensive guide for potential buyers, covering common problems and a road test.

The m140i is part of the second generation one series, with the B58 engine introduced in 2016.

A common misconception about the oil filter disintegrating is clarified; it's often due to bad fitment rather than quality issues.

Coolant loss is typically not a major concern, often due to the coolant bottle lid, not a systemic leak.

The PCV membrane can fail or tear, causing the car to smoke excessively, but it's an easy fix.

BMW's oil leaks are somewhat expected and buyers should be vigilant during test drives.

For 2016 and 2017 models, injectors can fail dramatically, potentially leading to engine replacement.

From 2018, updated injectors were introduced, and can be retrofitted into earlier models for improved reliability.

The m140i received several updates throughout its production, including an exhaust system change with the addition of an OPF filter from June 2018.

Exhaust valves and standard back boxes are prone to rattling or failure, leading to many owners upgrading to M performance back boxes.

Water ingress in the front and rear lights can cause flickering, and should be checked for during inspection.

The m140i lacks fog lights due to the placement of the charge cooler.

Later models from 2018 onwards have additional protection for the charge cooler.

The interior of the m140i is durable, with the iDrive system and air conditioning being reliable features.

Both the 8-speed ZF automatic and 6-speed manual gearboxes are reliable, with the choice coming down to personal preference.

The road test highlights the car's strong performance, with good grip and a linear power delivery.

The video concludes with a reliability rating of 8.5 out of 10 for the m140i, reflecting its robust engine and relatively few issues.

Transcripts

[Music]

this is a BMW m140i and it is the

epitome of old-school BMW rear-wheel

drive straight six engine available as a

manual now if you're thinking about

buying one of these you've done yourself

a favor clicking on this video because

I'm going to take you through all the

common problems show you everything that

tends to go wrong and also we'll get it

out on the road for a rep and see how it

drives by today's standards let's go

[Music]

all right

so first let's talk about how this car

fits into the BMW lineup and what it

actually is so if we rewind back to 2011

Along Came the second generation one

series now it wasn't until 2016 that the

shoehorned in the b-58 335 brake

horsepower engine and made this little

beast let's clear up this idea that the

oil filters disintegrate because what

this is more often than not is bad

fitment of the oil filter so the oil

filter actually lives down the back here

and what happens is a lot of mechanics

don't realize but on the lid of the oil

filter those two little logs now the

intention of those logs are you take

your new filter you lock it into those

logs on the lid and then you place the

filter in if you're not aware of that

what you might be tempted to do is just

drop the new filter into the housing and

then as you put the lid back on it

starts to crush that filter so more

often than not it's a fitment issue

rather than a quality issue with these

oil filters so something else that can

be really common on these engines is

losing a little bit of coolant now that

seems to be quite a big worry for a lot

of people and understandably so as we

found out when we rebuilt our crashed

BMW M4 it's a pressurized system so any

coolant gone missing you would expect

you're going to see it leaking out of

the car it's not that big a concern

because the culprit is right here it's

the lid on the coolant bottle and to

confirm that more often than not you'll

be able to look around the filler cap

here and you'll see the Dryden residue

of the coolant leaking out so usually

nothing to worry about so the next

problem is one that looks absolutely

catastrophic but again it tends to be

quite an easy fix and what I'm referring

to here is the PCV membrane now what

happens there is this either fails or

gets a little tear in it and the car has

trouble regulating how much pressure

it's pulling through the crank case now

the main symptom you're going to get

that is blowing tons of smoke something

that you're not going to mess when you

view a car the most important thing to

mention here is although it's an easy

fix you want to do it sooner rather than

later probably going to get a better

hate for saying this but BMW's oil leaks

can sometimes come as standard so just

be vigilant there's I didn't close

so yes be vigilant check now before you

go the test drive and check when you

return just in case we get a Savvy

seller trying to pull the wool over your

eyes and mopping up any mess before

you've arrived now the final engine

problem to refer to here is with the

injectors now specifically this relates

to the 2016 and 2017 model year cars now

these can fail and when they do

Unfortunately they can fail in

spectacular fashion wearing the jam

fully open and sometimes they can take

the engine with it you need to replace

the entire engine now the good news is

from 2018 onwards the injectors were

superseded and replaced by BMW and those

later injectors you can get hold of them

and put them into an earlier car for

peace of mind as well so there was a

couple updates to the m140i platform

throughout its production run as well

BMW liked to turn these as LCI it's an

update to the rest of us I'm going to

add the main changes that happened on

screen now

now the only other thing you might want

to be aware of mid production run was a

change to the exhaust system this is

when they added in the OPF filter it's

got a few different names as well we can

maybe add them at the bottom but

effectively it was a filter added to the

exhaust from June 2018 onwards and what

you need to know is if you plan on

changing the exhaust out you'll probably

require a remap when you do so if you

buy one of the post June 2018 cars and

Here Comes the Sun so speaking of

exhausts one thing that was really

common when these cars were new were the

exhaust Valves and the standard back box

starting to Rattle or fail and here

comes a bloody plane pause so yes

standard back boxes starting to Rattle

the exhaust valves now what happened

there is a lot of owners who had bought

them new it went back to BMW

understandably said this ain't good

enough I want it replaced which BMW then

offered to replace like for like give

them another standard back box and they

went ah hang on a minute that same

problem is just going to reoccur isn't

it to which the admitted yes it probably

is so an awful lot of owners got a free

upgrade to the m performance back box

that's why there's so many of these on

the market with M performance back boxes

fitted second hand so another thing

worth being aware of and this is a great

point to bring up with a seller

negotiate yourself a bit of money off

and it's to do it with both the rear and

the front lights water Ingress can be

quite bad and unfortunately it does

start to affect the light unit where it

can start to Flicker and such as well

something else you'll notice also m140is

never ever got fog lights even although

lesser models in the same range did the

reason for that is perform space because

it needs a charge cooler where this fog

light would have been now something else

worth mentioning here as well because of

its placement it gets a bit of abuse

pretty prone to having rocks hurled at

it because it's down low here later 2018

onwards m140is got a bit extra

protection here whereas these earlier

ones it really only had these fins so

check it all looks okay in there and the

charge cooler doesn't have substantial

damage

so hopping into this interior here one

thing to be aware of is on models that

had the frameless Windows now you're not

going to notice this unless you're

buying in winter so it could be easily

overlooked but the window can sometimes

freeze to the rubber you know the way it

has to drop in order to clear the door

and allow you to get in well it can

freeze and then you can't get in believe

me climbing through your boot is going

to get old after a couple of times

thankfully there is a little trick of

the trade and if you apply some of this

stuff I will add the name of it below

you can stop the window from sticking to

the rubber you're welcome

so hoping into this interior there's

really not too much to tell you about

these things are holding up really well

obviously goes without saying check the

usual stuff check the AC is blown cold

have a play with the iDrive and so on

now on the gearbox front two options

here you can't really go wrong with

either by the way it's really down to

personal preference first Up This

brilliant 8-speed ZF gearbox tough is

all boots tend not to have any problems

with these not a dual clutch as an

automatic but great gearbox nevertheless

now if you're looking to extract every

bit of that end of era old skill BMW

feel that this car provides then chances

are you might be interested in the six

speed manual gearbox be aware however

for every one manual on sale there's

about 10 or 11 automatics so finding one

they're quite rare can be quite

Troublesome to try and find a good one

but overall whatever one you choose

you're not going to be disappointed

right I think it's time to get this

thing out in the road for a rep and see

how it drives by today's standards

[Music]

they're very very very

after the end of when I was on a first

year start right so we partnered their

gearbox map I'm gonna be starting to

think you know

and you prefer that much yeah but

if I can do it's not enough if we do

start stopping in you I'll feel it

I mean

and you find it grips pretty good on

days like this so a nice sunny day hot

tarmac yes

the scene there went unripe and it's

only two or three degrees constantly

basically I can't take the carrot even

when you just try to take off it's

spinning the clutch control weight

flashing

last

have you driven an RS3 I haven't really

the faster

RS3 or anything but I would love to try

it

I mean right away I would say

Steven wise there's a lot more going on

in this than there is with the rs3s I

find that a lot as well I find it's

quite a hard car you keep in a straight

line it follows the camera

was because

[Music]

oh yeah I mean Quattro these are pretty

planted

can I get that room Corner Spot

we either have something to eat

we've got something in your life to

scare you know

I feel like with this it's a little bit

more

there's less between you and the car if

we're comparing it with like an RS3

history was a bit more it's not like

Mana machine

there's less cushioning there's less

kind of rocking I think yes and then you

get a big big long Bonnet in that as

well it kind of

he's in that b-58 one born eight car but

I'll give you a similar to see

much more connected for sure yeah

so problem-wise I think we actually

missed something didn't we so the washer

Jets you got a little tip for that as

well don't you so the washer just what

do they do they block up clog up and

then it's uh but yeah for getting the

arch leaning right off you're reeling

that off to get to the pump but I've

heard the quickest way you do is the

Melt and sterilizing fluid for babies

right either food and concentrate or

stick one in a tablets and leave it

overnight and then empty it it's fairly

random not crazy it's absolutely crazy

don't expect tk9s to happen but hey ho

yep makes it feel quite Lively I make it

easier to catch them and it all goes

wrong if you tend to drive it manual at

all hey a bit of wolf yeah they make

noises and sports more than manual yeah

are we in sports mods we are new so we

get Sports sweet CE Sport and then

Sports Plus oh Christ which gives you a

little bit more slap right but it's up

to you Sport Plus Sport Plus built in

hey you want to give it a manual mode go

for it there you go Bud

we go

the first year of launches team

oh it's still changing up

is it one of these you're in manual but

not fully in manual if the car wants to

change

I mean that's not and you can feel it

getting a little livelier maybe I say

it's all good fun yeah

guess you need to be ready and get some

quick steamingos in there don't you yeah

definitely you always need to keep your

head in the game with us

so if you've got the Adaptive

suspensional right I think they made

that standard from 2018 on the LC line

two I think we saw I think so because

the LCI tourism

as well the shadow editions or not but

not that just means there's a speech you

know what that definitely said that so

we've probably got quite a good

compromise in this because it's soft

enough that you can drive it day-to-day

it's quite happy I'm sure you see we've

been up to losing me for a few weeks ago

yeah I don't feel it I don't know it's

definitely a driver's perspective

dignity

yeah whilst you move that my bike we're

starting to get me a bit sore you know

what I mean but it was a long day it was

a three and a half hour driving it was

so like yeah it's been a 140. it's

predominantly going to be it's a sports

car yes and it's a sports car first and

foremost yes before it has a family car

yep yeah

two kids love it

yeah wife knows so much because

I wanted my attention goes to it but uh

I actually love driving it as well

actually just guilty she comes out in

you know what I mean

there's a nice guy

shift as well you'll hear it

nice and Noise with that double

wrestling

oh yeah changes are so silky smart as

that xhp it makes night in the

difference

the gearbox is totally transformed so I

was a stage three xhp Flash and just the

noise it makes

Darkness the noise when it changes as

well you know I mean it's proper

entertaining through stuff for an Emily

if you want to call it that

yep

there's a question for you would you

have liked one of these on manual

tough one year I'd like a show of a

manual

I don't think

this is the first Auto I've had and for

that reason

I love it see just getting tea put in

they have no option in a manual mode I

know it's definitely feeling about

follow manual gearbox but that's enough

for me I put my short air manual film

manual but I don't think I could have a

manualized marker right

fair enough yeah because uh it's like

you just focus on driving the thing you

know what I mean well you've already got

quite a lot going on here you have rear

wheel drive pretty high power even today

with a bone dry attractions as good as

it's going to get yes there's still

quite a lot going on there's a lot of

stuff

so to have one hand off

work in a manual box as well yes you've

got a like a 60 bike at the the farm

you've got to think one game driving

this yes it's Eagle that's down a

strange Road and it's got a bump in it

halfway around a corner you're a

passenger yeah

but put it in a straight line it'll just

keep pulling up pull that tree in that

edge I'll just pull all day

that's talking enough that it gives you

that kind of dizzy feel

um

my next feel on it basically you got it

prepared like you do when you're driving

how's your nerves feeling it full trust

I know that I showed you okay

all good

is that that's how you don't get many

miles per gallon because that noise is

too moish yeah in the pool and

everything

see right around that three and a half

thousand inferior and era

it turns on yeah it's got that same sort

of characteristic that I feel the end

forehead we are

spite

being double charged it feels quite it

feels very linear as you say it's really

linear yes it's a lovely lovely delivery

in a pillow just to show up so much

about a small place to be

cool place to be

so thank you so much for watching if you

have got value from this please do hit

the like button that's how YouTube Works

it'll recommend this video to other

prospective 140i buyers so yeah it helps

them out as well and also if you tend to

buy second hand then please do consider

subscribing to this channel because we

create these bios guides for literally

every type of car but yes overall thank

you for watching how do we rate the 140i

on a reliability leaderboard then well

it's still a relatively new platform

that coupled to the fact that it's got a

well-known reliable engine means it's

always going to score pretty high and

it's for that reason we give it an 8.5

out of 10 on the reliability leaderboard

now thank you once again please do that

subscribe and we'll see you in the next

video

[Music]

foreign