F40 · 2020–2024
Built from 2020 to 2024, the 120i uses the 131 kW B48 four-cylinder petrol engine. Identify it by the kW figure on the registration document; an oil change takes 5.25 l, and the car itself calculates its service dates.
Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.
Specification source : [3] BMW Group [4] BMW Group
1,998 cc four-cylinder petrol turbo, B48 family (ADAC engine code B48A20A): 131 kW (178 PS) and 280 Nm. Gearbox: seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch only. BMW quotes 7.0 s for 0–100 km/h and a top speed of 235 km/h. WLTP combined consumption on BMW’s 03/2021 sheet: 6.9–6.0 l/100 km. Added in November 2020 with the 116i, it is the four-cylinder below the 128ti: 2.0-litre B48, dual-clutch gearbox as standard, no manual.
Oil change: 5.25 l according to BMW’s 03/2021 specification sheet (“oil change”). For top-ups, the handbook allows up to 1 litre of BMW Longlife-12 FE or Longlife-17 FE+, SAE 0W-20 or 0W-30 (ACEA C2 or C5 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.
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 spark plugs. Brake fluid is counted in time and periods with the battery disconnected are not counted: have the workshop update the time-based items. Neither the handbook nor BMW’s list sets a mileage or period for these items: the dates are the ones your car displays.
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.
Check the power on the registration document (131 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 5.25 l of a BMW-approved oil, then check that the work is entered in the electronic service history, which a later owner can view.
Source : [6]
Due date calculated by CBS
Oil change at the date the car displays; do not run past it. Top-up: up to 1 litre of BMW Longlife-12 FE or Longlife-17 FE+ oil, SAE 0W-20 or 0W-30 (ACEA C2 or C5 if unavailable). No additives.
Source [6]As the service requirement dictates
BMW lists as regular maintenance: brake fluid, a vehicle check to BMW specifications, air filter, cabin microfilter and spark plugs. Each item is triggered by the service requirement the car calculates.
Source [7]Calendar-based (CBS)
Counted in time, not kilometres. Periods with the battery disconnected are not counted: have the workshop update the time-based items (brake fluid, and where applicable oil and microfilter). The handbook does not state the period.
Source [6]Regular check, engine cold
Level between the Min and Max marks in the filler neck, engine cold. BMW recommends coolant to BMW LC-18, mixed 50:50 with water; do not mix additives of different colours. Up to two expansion tanks depending on the engine.
Source [6]Four cylinders and 1,998 cc instead of three and 1,499 cc: 131 kW and 280 Nm against 100 kW and 220 Nm, 0–100 km/h in 7.0 s against 8.9 s. It takes 5.25 l of oil instead of 4.5 l.
Source : [4]
No: BMW’s 11/2020 and 03/2021 sheets list the 120i only with the seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch gearbox.
BMW’s handbook specifies Super RON 95; the minimum is unleaded RON 91, and petrol with up to 25 % ethanol (E10, E25) is allowed. The engine is knock-controlled, but the published performance and consumption assume the recommended grade.
Source : [6]
Electronically: the level is monitored while driving and shown under CAR › Vehicle status › Engine oil level after about 30 minutes of normal driving. For a detailed measurement, park on level ground with the engine warm and the gearbox in neutral or P, then start the measurement in the same menu.
Source : [6]
BMW (UK) Ltd. · EN · United Kingdom · pp. 1–2: dimensions compared with the predecessor, front-wheel-drive architecture, luggage capacity · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe (German base data) · pp. 4–5 and summary table: BMW 116i and BMW 120i from November 2020 · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe (German base data) · pp. 1–18; footnote 1) oil change volume · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe (German base data) · pp. 1–18; footnote 1) oil change volume; consumption in NEDC and WLTP · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Germany · Press release: fourth generation in production, third-generation deliveries to end of June 2024 · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW AG (online copy: Kfz-Handbuch.de) · DE · Germany · p. 182 (Servicebedarf), pp. 349–357 (Kraftstoff, AdBlue, Motoröl, Kühlmittel), pp. 360–361 (Condition Based Service, Service Historie) · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW AG · DE · Germany · Section “Die Leistungen von BMW Service Inclusive” · Accessed 08/10/2026
ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende · Accessed 08/10/2026
ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende; Schadstoffklasse · Accessed 08/10/2026
BMW Group · EN · Europe · Press kit summary: 48-volt mild hybrid technology introduced with the fourth generation · Accessed 08/10/2026