Cheap BMW 1 Series Turbo

The BMW 1 Series ran as the E87/E81/E82/E88 generation from 2004 to 2013, and the F20/F21 generation from 2011 to 2019 with a facelift in 2015 — these two generations use entirely different engines and turbos and will not interchange. Even within the F20/F21 generation, whether a pre-2015 turbo crosses the facelift boundary cleanly depends on your exact engine code, so confirm this with the breaker against your registration. The engine code, found on your V5 or via a VIN check, is the detail that matters most here.

No — the N47 and N57 are different engine families, and their turbos are not interchangeable even though both are BMW diesel units. Always match the turbo to your specific engine code rather than just fuel type or displacement, as the N47 (used in four-cylinder 116d, 118d, and 120d models) and the N57 (a six-cylinder unit) have different turbo configurations and mountings. Give the breaker your engine code and registration to make sure you get the right unit.

Yes — despite both being petrol 1 Series models, the 116i and 120i typically use different engine variants with different turbo specifications, so the badge does matter here as a guide to the engine fitted. The engine code (visible on your V5 or from a VIN check) is the most reliable way to confirm exactly which turbo you need, as BMW sometimes used the same engine in different states of tune across the range. Supply your engine code to the breaker rather than just the model badge to avoid getting the wrong unit.

Trim level — whether SE, Sport, M Sport, or M140i — does not affect turbo fitment on the standard engine-for-engine basis, because turbos follow the engine code, not the trim designation. An M Sport and an SE sharing the same engine code should take the same turbo, though be aware that purely cosmetic differences like badging or interior finish are irrelevant to the mechanical part. The exception is a genuine M Performance model such as the M140i, which uses a different engine entirely, so always confirm the engine code with the breaker.

Both 2009 and 2012 fall within the E87/E81 generation (2004–2013), so there is a reasonable chance of compatibility if the engine codes match — the N47 engine ran across much of that period in 118d and 120d variants. However, ancillary and mounting details can vary across production years even within the same generation, so you should confirm the fit with the breaker using both registrations rather than relying on the year alone. Supplying your engine code alongside your registration gives the breaker the best chance of finding you the correct unit.

No — petrol and diesel turbos are not interchangeable, as they are engineered for completely different combustion pressures, temperatures, and airflow characteristics. Fuel type is one of the fundamental fitment filters for any turbo, regardless of how similar the cars may look from the outside. Always make sure the turbo you are sourcing matches your exact fuel type and engine code.