Skip to content
MotorFiable

1.6 TDI vs BMW B57: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW B57 carries less risk than the 1.6 TDI: 22/100 (low risk) versus 45/100 (moderate risk). The 1.6 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump»; the BMW B57 has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «EGR cooler leaks on the B57 (limited action on the 540d xDrive)».

Risk index

1.6 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

BMW B57

22

Low risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

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

12 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.6 TDI reliable?

It depends on the generation. The EA189 (2009-2015, 75-105 hp) is one of the dieselgate engines: it needs the software update and, unlike the 2.0 TDI, an air flow stabiliser, on top of the typical EGR, particulate filter and turbo faults. The later EA288 (from 2012, 80-120 hp) is not singled out by the scandal, but it shares the need to keep an eye on the timing belt and the water pump.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.6 TDI faults

Is the BMW B57 reliable?

The BMW B57 (2015 onwards) is the six-cylinder diesel that succeeded the N57. The sources consulted document no widespread faults: its most cited weak point is the AdBlue/SCR system, and it was left out of the big EGR campaigns that hit the N47 and N57. The timing chain is still at the back, next to the gearbox.[5][6]

See the 4 of the BMW B57 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 TDI and BMW B57
1.6 TDIBMW B57
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,598 cm³2,993 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power75–120 hp265–400 hp
Productionsince 2009[3][4][7]since 2015[8][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)45Moderate risk22Low risk
Documented faults54
Of high or critical severity23
Worst severityHigh severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Manipulated emissions software (dieselgate) and air flow stabiliser
  2. High severity: Timing belt and water pump
  3. High severity: Variable-geometry turbo seized or with play
  1. Medium severity: AdBlue/SCR system fault (NOx sensors, heater and pump)
  2. High severity: EGR cooler leaks on the B57 (limited action on the 540d xDrive)
  3. High severity: Timing chain wear on the gearbox side
Most expensive documented repairup to €3,000Clogged particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[10][11]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • B57D30 265 hp, single turbo (B57D30O0, 2015-2020)[5]
  • B57D30 286-340 hp, twin turbo with 48 V (B57D30O2/T2, 2020 onwards)[5]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 TDI common rail EA189 (2009-2015)[1][2]
  • B57D30 320 hp, twin turbo (B57D30T0, 2015-2020)[5]
  • B57D30 400 hp, four turbos (B57D30S0, 2016-2020)[5]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

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

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.6 TDI

See the 26 models with the 1.6 TDI

BMW B57

See the 9 models with the BMW B57

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 TDI

With the BMW B57

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

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

  1. Escándalo de emisiones contaminantes de vehículos VolkswagenWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Información sobre el motor EA189Volkswagen España · Manufacturer · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. VW EA189Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  4. VW EA288Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in German
  5. Motor BMW B57: fiabilidad y averíasDasercars · Motoring press · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Motor BMW N57: diferencias con el B57Dasercars · Motoring press · consulted 4 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. List of Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  8. BMW B57 (Wikipedia en)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 4 October 2026
  9. BMW B57 (Wikipedia de)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 4 October 2026 · in German
  10. Cuánto cuesta sustituir el filtro de partículas de un coche diéselDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Filtro de partículas: ¿mejor limpiar o sustituir?Autofácil · Motoring press · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Bomba de agua del coche: la avería de más de 1.500 euros que arrastra la correa de distribuciónMotor16 · Motoring press · published 21 September 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish