Problems with the injectors on BMW: affected models and engines

In 19 models from BMW there are 6 documented faults with the injectors. The most important: N53 piezoelectric injector failure, blocked and seized injectors and N54 piezoelectric injector failure.

Reviewed on 30 October 2026How we work

Documented faults, from most to least important

Severity × frequency. Below each one, the BMW models it appears in.

- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW N52 / N53N53 piezoelectric injector failureThe N53's piezoelectric direct injectors fail frequently and cause misfires, rough idle and limp mode; replacing them is expensive and they must be coded.
In Serie 3 E90, Serie 5 E60 and Serie 5 F10
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW M47Blocked and seized injectorsOver the miles, carbon builds up around the M47's injector seats and can seize them; a German used-car guide adds that the high-pressure pump on the first common rail units (before the first facelift) is relatively prone to failure.
In Serie 1 E87, Serie 3 E46, Serie 3 E90, Serie 5 E60 and X3 E83
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N54/N55N54 piezoelectric injector failureThe N54's piezoelectric injectors can clog or leak and cause intermittent misfires. The N55 has solenoid injectors, so it does not share this weak point.
In Serie 3 E90, Serie 5 E60, X6 E71 and Z4 E89
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonBMW N43/N46Injector, ignition coil and NOx sensor failures (N43)On the direct-injection BMW N43, failures of the injectors, ignition coils (mainly in 2007-2008 units, now rare after a BMW service action) and the NOx sensor of its lean-burn combustion have been documented. The indirect-injection N46 does not have that sensor and does not suffer these failures.
In Serie 1 E87 and Serie 3 E90
- Low severityFrequency: CommonBMW N13Carbon build-up on direct injection injectorsYes: being direct injection, the N13 can build up carbon on the injectors over time, with loss of power and higher consumption. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de places this problem on almost the whole Prince family, apart from PSA's naturally aspirated EP6/EP6C variants.
In Serie 1 F20 and Serie 3 F30
- Low severityFrequency: OccasionalBMW B38 / B37Carbon build-up on the B38's intake valves and injectorsAs a direct-injection engine, the B38 builds up carbon deposits on the intake valves and injectors, like other direct-injection petrol engines. The German press cites it as the point to watch in an otherwise trouble-free engine, and it is noticed mainly on short journeys.
In i8 I12, Serie 1 F20, Serie 1 F40, Serie 2 F22, Serie 2 Active Tourer F45 and Serie 2 Active Tourer U06 and 5 more models

By BMW model

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it, by engine and by year.

Engines and gearboxes involved

Parts for your BMW for faults with the injectors

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Injector
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Frequently asked questions

What faults with the injectors do BMW cars have?

In 19 models from BMW there are 6 documented faults with the injectors. The most important: N53 piezoelectric injector failure, blocked and seized injectors and N54 piezoelectric injector failure. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the symptoms and the repair cost.

Which BMW models have the most problems with the injectors?

BMW Serie 3 E90 (4 faults), BMW Serie 5 E60 (3 faults), BMW Serie 1 E87 (2 faults) and BMW Serie 1 F20 (2 faults).

Which BMW engines have faults with the injectors?

BMW B38 / B37 (1 fault), BMW M47 (1 fault), BMW N13 (1 fault), BMW N43/N46 (1 fault) and BMW N52 / N53 (1 fault).