Skip to content
MotorFiable

2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30v vs BMW N13: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30v carries less risk than the BMW N13: 25/100 (moderate risk) versus 57/100 (high risk). The 2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30v has no documented serious faults; the BMW N13 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner wear».

Risk index

2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30v

25

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

BMW N13

57

High risk · 1 serious fault

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 2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30v reliable?

The 30-valve V6 engines of the Volkswagen Group (2.4, 2.8 and 3.0) have few documented faults: there are few owner reviews, and they mention coils, the thermostat and oil leaks. The most sensitive item is the timing belt, which on the 2.8 also drives the water pump: Audi and VW ask for it to be changed every 120,000 km, and the job takes 2.9 to 3.5 hours.[1][2][3][4]

See the 4 of the 2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30v faults

Is the BMW N13 reliable?

The BMW N13 (2011-2016), BMW's first turbocharged four-cylinder in three decades, powered the 114i, 116i, 118i and 120i (F20/F21) and the 316i (F30). It derives from the Prince engine developed with PSA, the same origin as the 1.6 THP. In 2013 BMW issued a technical service bulletin over timing chain and tensioner wear; oil consumption and carbon build-up on the injectors are other weak points shared with that family.[5][6][7]

See the 4 of the BMW N13 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30v and BMW N13
2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30vBMW N13
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,598 cm³
TimingTiming belt (dry)Chain
Power136–220 hp102–177 hp
Production1996–2006[8][9][10]2011–2016[5][6]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)25Moderate risk57High risk
Documented faults44
Of high or critical severity01
Worst severityMedium severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Timing belt, tensioner and water pump on the 30v V6
  2. Medium severity: Faulty ignition coils
  3. Medium severity: Thermostat and water pump leaking or seized
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear
  2. Medium severity: High oil consumption
  3. Medium severity: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 2.4 V6 30v 136-170 hp (ALW, ARN, ASM, APZ, AMM, AJG, AGA, AML, ALF, APS, ARJ, BDV; 1997-2005)[2][3]
  • 2.8 V6 30v 190-193 hp (ACK, APR, AMX, AQD, ALG, ATQ, BBG; 1996-2006)[1][3][11][12][13]
  • 3.0 V6 30v 220 hp (ASN, AVK; 2000-2005)[3][4]
  • 114i 102 hp (75 kW, 2012-2015)[6][7]
  • 116i / 316i 136 hp (100 kW, 2011-2015)[6][7]
  • 118i 170 hp (125 kW, 2011-2016)[6][7]
  • 120i 177 hp (130 kW, 2015-2016)[6][7]
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

2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30v

BMW N13

Other comparisons

With the 2.4, 2.8 and 3.0 V6 30v

With the BMW N13

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. Installation tips: changing timing belts. Detailed instructions for the 2.8L 30V engine in the Audi A4, A6, A8 and VW PassatContiTech (Power Transmission Group) · Technical documentation · published December 2010 · consulted 2 November 2026
  2. Zahnriemenwechsel Audi » Intervalle • Kosten • WerkstättenFairGarage · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  3. Tous les problèmes sur Audi A6 1997 - 2004 (186 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  4. Tous les problèmes sur Audi A4 2001-2007 (446 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  5. BMW N13Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. BMW N13Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Tickende Zeitbombe: So zuverlässig ist der Prince-Motor von PSA und BMWGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 13 March 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. List of discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Audi A6 C5Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  10. Audi A6Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Tous les problèmes sur Volkswagen PASSAT 1996-2004 (310 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  12. Tous les problèmes sur Skoda SUPERB 2002 - 2008 (47 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  13. 2.8 V6 30V engine reliabilityMotorsforum · Owners' forum · published April 2006 · consulted 2 November 2026