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BMW B48 / B38 vs VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW B48 / B38 carries less risk than the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: 24/100 (low risk) versus 41/100 (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 VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower».

Risk index

BMW B48 / B38

24

Low risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

Risk index

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

41

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

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

10 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 VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 reliable?

The 2.0 TFSI EA113 (2004-2013) is a direct-injection turbo engine with one widely cited weak point: the high-pressure pump cam follower, which should be checked or replaced as a preventive measure. With the timing belt up to date, it is considered worth buying.[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW B48 / B38 and VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
BMW B48 / B38VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,998 cm³1,984 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power136–312 hp200–265 hp
Productionsince 2014[1][7][8]2004–2013[5][6][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)24Low risk41Moderate risk
Documented faults44
Of high or critical severity11
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: Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower
  2. Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves from direct injection
  3. Medium severity: PCV crankcase ventilation valve and oil consumption
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €900Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerPublished figure[6]
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][10]
  • B48 2.0 up to 302-312 hp, high performance (MINI John Cooper Works, BMW X1 M35i)[2]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious aboutNone
  • 2.0 TFSI 200 hp (AXX, BWA, BWE, BPY)[5][9]
  • 2.0 TFSI 230 hp (BYD, Golf GTI Edition 30)[6][9]
  • 2.0 TFSI 265 hp (BHZ, Audi S3 8P)[6][9]
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

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

See the 8 models with the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

Other comparisons

With the BMW B48 / B38

With the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

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. 2.0 TFSI EA113 upgrade bomba de alta presión BAR-TEK (seguidor de levas)BAR-TEK · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Audi A3 8P: puntos débiles y guía de compra (Schwachstellen)Gebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  6. 2.0 TFSI (EA113): problemas conocidosAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  7. BMW B38Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. BMW B48Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  9. List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (2.0 TFSI EA113)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  10. 5 BMWs That Prove the B48 Four-Cylinder Engine Is Better Than You ThinkBMWBLOG · Other source · published April 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026