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BMW B48 / B38 vs 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) carries less risk than the BMW B48 / B38: 14/100 versus 24/100 (both low risk). The BMW B48 / B38 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain on the early units (2014-2018), redesigned in the B48TU»; the 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

BMW B48 / B38

24

Low risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)

14

Low risk · 0 serious faults

Lower risk

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

14 sourcesHow we work

Is the BMW B48 / B38 reliable?

The BMW B48 (2.0 turbo, from 2014) and its three-cylinder sibling, the B38 (1.5), have a reputation as reliable engines within BMW's modern range: there is no serious, widespread fault on record, unlike the timing chain on the N47 diesel or the EGR fire risk on the B47. Keep an eye on the cooling circuit, the oil seals near the turbo and the VANOS, and the carbon build-up typical of direct injection; BMW revised the timing chain in 2018 (B48TU update).[1][2][3]

See the 4 of the BMW B48 / B38 faults

Is the 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) reliable?

Nissan's three-cylinder 1.2 (80 hp naturally aspirated or 98 hp DIG-S with supercharger) has a reputation for simplicity and durability. The only documented item is a recall over the ignition coil on DIG-S units built between 2015 and 2016; the CVT gearbox is a separate matter.[4][5][6]

See the of the 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR) fault

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW B48 / B38 and 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)
BMW B48 / B381.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,998 cm³1,198 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power136–312 hp80–98 hp
Productionsince 2014[1][7][8]2010–2017[9][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)24Low risk14Low risk
Documented faults41
Of high or critical severity10
Worst severityHigh severityMedium severity
Main faults
  1. Medium severity: Deterioration of hoses and seals in the cooling circuit, with coolant loss
  2. Medium severity: Oil leaks or seepage from seals and covers, near the turbo and the VANOS
  3. High severity: Timing chain on the early units (2014-2018), redesigned in the B48TU
  1. Medium severity: Short-circuited ignition coil: the engine stalls and will not restart
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • B38 1.5 136 hp (MINI Cooper, 118i)[2]
  • B48 2.0 178-197 hp (120i, 220i, 320i, 520i, X1/X2/X3 20i, MINI Cooper S)[2]
  • B48 2.0 252-258 hp (330i, 530i, X3/X4 xDrive30i)[2][12]
  • B48 2.0 up to 302-312 hp, high performance (MINI John Cooper Works, BMW X1 M35i)[2]
  • 1.2 HR12DE 80 hp (Micra K13 and Note E12, 2010-2017)[4][5]
With cautionVersions to be cautious aboutNone
  • 1.2 DIG-S HR12DDR 98 hp with supercharger (Micra K13 and Note E12, 2011-2017)[6][13][14]
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

BMW B48 / B38

See the 17 models with the BMW B48 / B38

1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)

Other comparisons

With the BMW B48 / B38

With the 1.2 HR12DE and 1.2 DIG-S (HR12DDR)

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. BMW B48Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Motor BMW B48: defectos, mantenimiento y guía de compraRecambios y Accesorios BMW (blog) · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. BMW Reliability Has Changed, But the Internet Hasn't Caught UpBMWBLOG · Other source · published January 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. Nissan Micra K13: bezawaryjne auto miejskieOtomoto · Motoring press · published 30 October 2020 · consulted 30 October 2026 · in another language
  5. Nissan Micra (K12, K13, K14): Probleme, Schwachstellen und Krankheitencarwiki.de · General press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in German
  6. Nissan Note: problemas comunes y llamadas a revisióncar-recalls.eu · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. BMW B38Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. BMW B48Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. Nissan HR engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  10. Nissan MicraWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  11. Nissan NoteWikipedia · Other source · consulted 30 October 2026
  12. 5 BMWs That Prove the B48 Four-Cylinder Engine Is Better Than You ThinkBMWBLOG · Other source · published April 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026
  13. Nissan Micra (K13/E12): el motor se apaga estando en funcionamientoHELLA · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish
  14. Il motore si spegne improvvisamente anche durante la marcia (Nissan Micra K13)Carpedia · Technical documentation · consulted 30 October 2026 · in another language