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1.6 TDI vs BMW M57: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.6 TDI carries less risk than the BMW M57: 45/100 (moderate risk) versus 63/100 (high risk). The 1.6 TDI has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing belt and water pump»; the BMW M57 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Broken intake swirl flaps».

Risk index

1.6 TDI

45

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

BMW M57

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

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

13 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 M57 reliable?

The BMW M57 (1998-2010) is a six-cylinder diesel with a reputation for great mechanical longevity, capable of exceeding 500,000 km when well maintained, but a good share of the versions built before 2008 -especially with an automatic gearbox- have metal swirl flaps in the intake that can break and wreck the engine; check whether the car has them and what condition they are in before buying.[5][6][7]

See the 5 of the BMW M57 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.6 TDI and BMW M57
1.6 TDIBMW M57
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,598 cm³—
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power75–120 hp150–286 hp
Productionsince 2009[3][4][8]1998–2010[5][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)45Moderate risk63High risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityHigh severityCritical 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. Critical severity: Broken intake swirl flaps
  2. High severity: Crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failure
  3. Medium severity: Cracked exhaust manifold
Most expensive documented repairup to €3,000Clogged particulate filter (DPF)Published figure[10][11]up to €300Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power)Published figure[12]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.6 TDI common rail EA189 (2009-2015)[1][2]
  • M57D25, 2.5 litres (150-197 hp, 2000-2010 depending on application)[6]
  • M57D30, first-generation 3.0 litres (177-193 hp, 1998-2006 depending on application)[6]
  • M57D30TU, first revision 3.0 litres (201-272 hp, 2001-2006)[6]
  • M57D30TU2, second revision 3.0 litres, aluminium block (204-286 hp, 2004-2010)[6]
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 M57

See the 10 models with the BMW M57

Other comparisons

With the 1.6 TDI

With the BMW M57

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. BMW M57Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Motor BMW M57 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. BMW M57D30 engine specifications, problems and reliabilityBimmerPulse · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. List of Volkswagen Group diesel enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. BMW M57Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 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. Caudalímetro o sensor MAF: qué es, cómo funciona y cuáles son las averías más frecuentesDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  13. 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