What distinguishes this version
1,995 cc four-cylinder diesel turbo, B47 family (ADAC engine code B47C20B): 140 kW (190 PS) and 400 Nm. Gearbox: eight-speed Steptronic automatic only. BMW quotes 0–100 km/h in 7.3 s and 231 km/h for the 120d, 7.0 s and 230 km/h for the 120d xDrive. WLTP combined consumption on BMW’s 03/2021 sheet: 5.6–4.9 l/100 km (120d), 5.8–5.1 l/100 km (120d xDrive). The 120d xDrive arrived at launch in 2019 with all-wheel drive; the front-wheel-drive 120d followed in March 2020. Engine and output are identical, and both have the eight-speed automatic as standard.
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Engine oil: quantity and approvals
Oil change: 5.5 l according to BMW’s 03/2021 specification sheet (“oil change”). The 05/2019 sheet gives the same quantity for the 120d xDrive. For top-ups, the handbook allows up to 1 litre of BMW Longlife-04 or Longlife-12 FE, SAE 0W-30, 5W-30, 0W-40 or 5W-40 (ACEA C2 or C3 if unavailable), with no additives. The level is measured electronically: it is monitored while driving, and a detailed measurement can be started with the car stationary, level and warm, under CAR › Vehicle status › Engine oil level. Only add oil when the car asks for it, by the quantity it displays.
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What the service display tracks
The car calculates each due date from how it is used (Condition Based Service) and briefly shows the next date or remaining distance when switched on; details are under CAR › Vehicle status › Service required. BMW’s regular maintenance covers engine oil, brake fluid, a vehicle check, the air filter, the cabin microfilter and the fuel filter. Brake fluid is counted in time and periods with the battery disconnected are not counted: have the workshop update the time-based items. AdBlue comes on top: at least 5 litres at the yellow warning, 10 litres if the tank is empty (ISO 22241-1 fluid). Neither the handbook nor BMW’s list sets a mileage or period for these items: the dates are the ones your car displays.
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Timing drive
The BMW documents consulted do not describe this engine’s timing drive. It appears neither in the handbook nor in BMW’s regular maintenance list: no replacement is scheduled. An unusual noise at start-up or idle still calls for a diagnosis.
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Prepare the next service
Check the power on the registration document (140 kW) and the first-registration date. Note the items and dates shown under “Service required”. Give the service advisor the key the car was last driven with: the car stores its service data in it. Ask for 5.5 l of a BMW-approved oil, then check that the work is entered in the electronic service history, which a later owner can view. Also check the AdBlue level (CAR › Vehicle status › AdBlue): BMW expects one top-up between services as a rule.
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