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1.2 and 1.4 TSI vs BMW N20: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW N20 carries less risk than the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI: 63/100 (high risk) versus 84/100 (very high risk). The 1.2 and 1.4 TSI has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)»; the BMW N20 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)».

Risk index

1.2 and 1.4 TSI

84

Very high risk · 3 serious faults

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

19 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI reliable?

It depends on the generation. The chain-driven 1.2 and 1.4 TSI EA111 engines (2006-2015) carry a recognised problem of chain stretch and tensioner failure, and the 1.4 twincharger engines from before 2012 can break pistons. The belt-driven EA211 engines (from 2012) are considerably more reliable: their typical fault is a leaking water pump.[1][2][3][4][5]

See the 5 of the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI faults

Is the BMW N20 reliable?

The BMW N20 (2011-2017) was the first turbocharged four-cylinder with which BMW replaced its naturally aspirated six-cylinders in models such as the 320i, 328i and X3, and it is generally mechanically sound. Its best-documented weak point is the timing chain guides and tensioner on units built before 2015; oil leaks, the electric water pump and, to a lesser extent, the turbo and the high-pressure fuel pump are also known issues.[6][7]

See the 5 of the BMW N20 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.2 and 1.4 TSI and BMW N20
1.2 and 1.4 TSIBMW N20
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,997 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power85–185 hp156–245 hp
Productionsince 2006[8][9][10][11][12]2011–2017[6][13]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)84Very high risk63High risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity32
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)
  2. Critical severity: Piston breakage and oil consumption in the 1.4 TSI twincharger
  3. Medium severity: Water pump and thermostat housing leak (EA211)
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)
  2. Critical severity: Electric water pump failure (BMW campaign in the US over fire risk)
  3. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover gasket and the filter housing
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,400Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure (EA111)Published figure[14][15]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • 1.2 TSI 86-110 hp (EA211, CJZA/CJZB/CJZC/CJZD, CYVA/CYVB, 2012-2019)[3][16]
  • 1.4 TSI 122-150 hp (EA211, incl. ACT/COD; CMBA, CXSA, CZCA, CHPA, CPTA, CZDA, CZEA…, from 2012)[3][5]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.2 TSI 86/90/105 hp (EA111, CBZA/CBZC/CBZB, 2009-2015)[2][17]
  • 1.4 TSI twincharger revised 160-185 hp (EA111, CTHD/CTHE/CTHG, from 2012)[2][4]
  • 1.4 TSI 122/125 hp (EA111, CAXA/CAXC, from 2007)[2][18]
  • N20B20 156 hp (115 kW, 2013-2016)[7]
  • N20B20B 184 hp (135 kW, 2011-2017)[7]
  • N20B20 218 hp (160 kW, 2012-2015)[7]
  • N20B20A 245 hp (180 kW, 2011-2017)[7]
AvoidVersions to avoid
  • 1.4 TSI twincharger 140-185 hp (EA111, BMY/BLG/CAVD/CAVE…, 2006-2012)[2][4][19]
None

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.2 and 1.4 TSI

See the 31 models with the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI

BMW N20

See the 8 models with the BMW N20

Other comparisons

With the 1.2 and 1.4 TSI

With the BMW N20

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. VW 1.2 TSI & 1.4 TSI Steuerkette: VW kassiert Kulanz-VersprechenAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 1 June 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  2. Probleme und Schwachstellen beim 1.2 TSI, 1.4 TSI (EA111)Gebrauchtwagenberater · Other source · published 1 September 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  3. VW EA211: Typische Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Other source · published 26 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  4. Volkswagen CAVD 1.4 Litre TSI Engine ProblemsGrant Walker (taller, Australia) · Other source · published 28 June 2018 · consulted 26 September 2026
  5. VW Golf 7: Probleme, Mängel & Schwachstellencarwiki.de · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  6. BMW N20Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. BMW N20 Engine: Pros, Cons, Reliability, Tuning, and Maintenance GuideBMW BLOG · Motoring press · published 8 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Self-Study Programme 359: 1.4l TSI Engine with Dual-chargingVolkswagen AG (copia alojada en volkspage.net) · Manufacturer · published March 2006 · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Volkswagen EA111 engine (1.2 TSI/TFSI)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  10. Volkswagen EA211 engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  11. Audi A1Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  12. International Driving Presentation of the new Polo BlueGTVolkswagen Newsroom · Manufacturer · published 2 July 2012 · consulted 26 September 2026
  13. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  14. Coste de cambiar la cadena de distribución: guía VW Audi TSISkanyx · Other source · published 25 June 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  15. Problemas en la cadena de distribución: casos y costeGT Autos (Málaga) · Other source · published 22 December 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  16. VW: Austritt von Motoröl möglichautoservicepraxis.de · Motoring press · published 16 August 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  17. Bei älteren VW 1.2 TSi-Motoren: Gefahr einer Längung der Steuerkettefebi bilstein (blog técnico) · Technical documentation · published 28 January 2022 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  18. ADAC Pannenstatistik 2019 (anexo: defectos por encima de la media por modelo)ADAC e.V. · Reliability study · published 2019 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  19. Bulletin – Volkswagen 1.4 Piston FailureSouthside Cylinder Heads (taller, Australia) · Other source · published 6 December 2017 · consulted 26 September 2026