BMW 1 (F21)
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Car battery by model
With Start-Stop, the BMW 1 Series (F20/F21, 2011-2019) always takes a battery like the Varta A6: AGM, 80 Ah and 800 A, in case size L4. The same battery fits every engine in the table.
- 2011-2019
- 17 engines
- AGM
- Case L4
Check with your number plateWe show you only the batteries that fit your exact version.
Recommended batteries for the BMW 1 Series F20/F21
For Start-Stop versions
AGM 80 Ah · 800 A (EN)
Case L4 · 315 × 175 × 190 mm · + right
Recommended for 17 of 17 engines
See price and specs Varta A6BMW 1 Series F20/F21 battery by engine
Each row groups the versions that share an engine. When an engine lists more than one battery, it is because the battery changes with the version or equipment: your number plate settles it.
| Engine | Power | Years | Fuel | With Start-Stop |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 114 dB37 D15 A, N47 D16 A | 70 kW (95 hp) | from 2012 | Diesel | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 114 iN13 B16 A | 75 kW (102 hp) | 2012-2015 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 116 dB37 D15 A, N47 D16 A, N47 D20 C | 85 kW (116 hp) | from 2011 | Diesel | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 116 iB38 B15 A, N13 B16 A | 80-100 kW (109-136 hp) | from 2011 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 118 dB47 D20 A, N47 D20 C | 100-110 kW (136-150 hp) | from 2011 | Diesel | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 118 d xDriveB47 D20 A, N47 D20 C | 105-110 kW (143-150 hp) | from 2013 | Diesel | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 118 iB38 B15 A, N13 B16 A | 100-125 kW (136-170 hp) | from 2011 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 120 dB47 D20 A, N47 D20 C | 120-147 kW (163-200 hp) | from 2011 | Diesel | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 120 d xDriveB47 D20 A, N47 D20 C | 135-147 kW (184-200 hp) | from 2012 | Diesel | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 120 iB48 B20 A, N13 B16 A | 130-135 kW (177-184 hp) | from 2015 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 125 dB47 D20 B, N47 D20 D | 155-165 kW (211-224 hp) | from 2011 | Diesel | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 125 iB48 B20 B, N20 B20 A | 160-175 kW (218-238 hp) | from 2011 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| 125 i Active FlexN20 B20 A | 160 kW (218 hp) | from 2014 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| M 135 iN55 B30 A | 235-240 kW (320-326 hp) | from 2011 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| M 135 i xDriveN55 B30 A | 235-240 kW (320-326 hp) | from 2012 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| M 140 iB58 B30 A | 250 kW (340 hp) | from 2015 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
| M 140 i xDriveB58 B30 A | 250 kW (340 hp) | from 2015 | Petrol | Varta A6AGM · 80 Ah · 800 A · L4 · + right |
With Start-Stop: versions with automatic engine stop-start, or that leave the factory with an EFB or AGM battery. Ah = capacity; A = cold cranking current (EN standard); + right/+ left = side of the positive terminal. Under each engine you will find its engine codes, handy for identifying your version.
What you should know about the BMW 1 Series F20/F21
The 1 Series F20 (five-door) and F21 (three-door) is one of the simplest cases: all its engines, petrol and diesel, take the same factory battery, an 80 Ah, 800 A AGM in an L4 case. So even if you switch brands, the replacement must be an AGM in that case size, and it should be registered with the car when it is fitted.
- Model fact: the BMW 1 Series F20/F21 mainly uses case sizes L4 (315 × 175 × 190 mm). A battery of a different size will not sit securely in the car’s battery tray.
- General tip: if your car came from the factory with an AGM battery, replace it with another AGM; if it has an EFB, with an EFB or an AGM. A conventional battery in a Start-Stop car wears out much sooner and the system may stop working.
- General tip: BMWs with intelligent battery management need the new battery to be registered with a diagnostic tool; if you change capacity or technology, that has to be coded as well.
- General tip: in a compact car that mixes town and open-road driving, the battery suffers most in winter and with lots of equipment switched on (heated rear window, heated seats). If cold starts become sluggish, have it checked before it leaves you stranded.
Frequently asked questions
Which battery does the BMW 1 Series (F20/F21, 2011-2019) take?
With Start-Stop, the BMW 1 Series (F20/F21, 2011-2019) always takes a battery like the Varta A6: AGM, 80 Ah and 800 A, in case size L4. The same battery fits every engine in the table.
Can I fit a standard battery in my BMW 1 Series with Start-Stop?
It is not recommended. If it came from the factory with an AGM battery, such as the Varta A6, the replacement should also be AGM: with an EFB or a conventional battery it wears out sooner and the Start-Stop system may stop working.
What size battery does the BMW 1 Series take?
Depending on the engine, the BMW 1 Series F20/F21 uses these case sizes: L4 (315 × 175 × 190 mm); dimensions are length × width × height. Also check that the positive terminal is on the same side as on your current battery.
Does the Varta A6 fit the BMW 1 Series F20/F21?
Yes, the Varta A6 (AGM, 80 Ah and 800 A) is one of the recommended batteries for all 17 engines of the BMW 1 Series F20/F21 in the table. Your number plate confirms the right one for your version.
How do I find out exactly which battery my BMW 1 Series takes?
Enter your number plate or chassis number (VIN) in our battery finder: it identifies the exact engine and shows you only the compatible batteries. You can also check the label on your current battery: capacity (Ah), cold cranking (A, EN standard) and technology (AGM, EFB or conventional).
Updated: · Source: battery application data by engine (KType TecDoc), the same data our number plate search uses, plus the datasheet of each battery.