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BMW B48 / B38 vs 1.8 TCe: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW B48 / B38 carries less risk than the 1.8 TCe: 24/100 (low risk) versus 32/100 (moderate 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 1.8 TCe has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars».

Risk index

BMW B48 / B38

24

Low risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

Risk index

1.8 TCe

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

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 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 1.8 TCe reliable?

The 1.8 TCe (M5P) in the Alpine A110 and the Mégane R.S. IV has no documented endemic faults. What has been published are recalls for the A110: the oil pressure solenoid valve (2019) and the fuel pump (2021 and 2023). We have found no recalls or complaints about this engine in the Mégane R.S.[4][5][6][7]

See the 2 of the 1.8 TCe faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW B48 / B38 and 1.8 TCe
BMW B48 / B381.8 TCe
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,998 cm³1,798 cm³
TimingChain—
Power136–312 hp252–350 hp
Productionsince 2014[1][8][9]2017–2026[7][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)24Low risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults42
Of high or critical severity12
Worst severityHigh severityHigh 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. High severity: A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars
  2. High severity: A110 fuel pump that can leave the car unable to start when hot
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]
  • 1.8 TCe 280–300 hp (M5P, Mégane R.S. IV, 2018–2023)[4][6][7]
With cautionVersions to be cautious aboutNone
  • 1.8 TCe 252–350 hp (M5P, Alpine A110, 2017–2026)[4][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

BMW B48 / B38

See the 20 models with the BMW B48 / B38

1.8 TCe

Other comparisons

With the BMW B48 / B38

With the 1.8 TCe

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. Rappels Alpine A110 (2019). Risque de casse moteurL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 August 2019 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  5. Rappel Alpine A110. La pompe à essence de 2 849 exemplaires remplacéeL'argus · Motoring press · published 7 September 2021 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  6. Alpine A110. Un nouveau rappel pour remplacer des pompes à essenceL'argus · Motoring press · published 25 October 2023 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  7. Renault Mégane IVWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  8. BMW B38Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. BMW B48Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026
  11. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  12. 5 BMWs That Prove the B48 Four-Cylinder Engine Is Better Than You ThinkBMWBLOG · Other source · published April 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026