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MotorFiable

BMW B58 vs 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E carries less risk than the BMW B58: 30/100 versus 38/100 (both moderate risk). The BMW B58 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Failure of the oil pump with a plastic rotor housing»; the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

BMW B58

38

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E

30

Moderate 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 B58 reliable?

The B58 (3.0 turbo straight-six, since 2015) is considered robust and less troublesome than the N54/N55 it replaced, and the sources do not document widespread internal failures. The known faults are on the periphery: the plastic oil filter housing, crankcase ventilation, gaskets and coolant. On units built before 2021 there are also US reports of an oil pump with a plastic housing.[1][2][3][4]

See the 6 of the BMW B58 faults

Is the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E reliable?

The 1.8 and 2.0 litre Zetec-E engines in the Focus I are simple naturally aspirated petrol engines that, according to the sources, have no recurring serious fault. The most frequently mentioned issue is the plastic thermostat housing, which deforms and leaks coolant; in addition, Ford issued a recall in 2000 to replace the oil filler cap on 1.8 and 2.0 units built up to December 1999.[5][6][7]

See the 3 of the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW B58 and 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E
BMW B581.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement2,998 cm³—
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power290–441 hp115–130 hp
Productionsince 2015[8][9]1991–2004[5][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)38Moderate risk30Moderate risk
Documented faults63
Of high or critical severity10
Worst severityHigh severityMedium severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Failure of the oil pump with a plastic rotor housing
  2. Medium severity: Oil and coolant leak from the plastic oil filter housing
  3. Medium severity: Failure of the crankcase ventilation PCV valve (integrated in the valve cover)
  1. Medium severity: Plastic thermostat housing: coolant leaks
  2. Medium severity: Loose oil filler cap and oil leak onto the exhaust
  3. Low severity: Dirty idle control valve: unstable idle
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions
  • B58TU2 381 hp (B58B30M2, since 2022)[2][3]
None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • B58 326 hp (B58B30M0, 2015-2019)[2][3][12]
  • B58 340-360 hp (B58B30M0, 2016-2019)[2][3][12]
  • B58TU 333-340 hp (B58B30M1, since 2018)[2][3]
  • B58TU 374 hp (B58B30O1, M340i, M440i and M240i, since 2019)[3]
  • 1.8 Zetec-E 16v 115 hp (Focus I, 1998-2004)[5][6]
  • 2.0 Zetec-E 16v 130 hp (Focus I, 1998-2004)[5][6][13]
  • 1.6 Zetec-E 16v 90 and 95 hp (Mondeo II, 1996-2000)[10][14]
  • 1.8 Zetec-E 16v 115 hp (Mondeo II, 1996-2000)[14]
  • 2.0 Zetec-E 16v 131 hp (Mondeo II, 1996-2000)[14]
  • 1.6 Zetec-E 16v 88-90 hp (Escort, 1992-2000)[10]
  • 1.8 Zetec-E 16v 105-116 hp (Escort, 1992-1998)[10]
  • 1.6 Zetec-E 16v 88-90 hp (Mondeo I, L1F and L1J, 1993-1996)[10][14]
  • 1.8 Zetec-E 16v 112-115 hp (Mondeo I, RKA and RKB, 1993-1996)[14]
  • 2.0 Zetec-E 16v 132-136 hp (Mondeo I, NGA, 1993-1996)[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 B58

See the 16 models with the BMW B58

1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E

Other comparisons

With the BMW B58

With the 1.8 and 2.0 Zetec-E

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. The 5 Most Common BMW B58 Engine ProblemsBMW Tuning · Technical documentation · published 7 February 2020 · consulted 9 October 2026
  2. BMW B58 EngineFCP Euro · Technical documentation · consulted 9 October 2026
  3. The Popular BMW B58 Inline-Six Engine Has One Big Achilles HeelThe Autopian · Motoring press · published 14 June 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026
  4. ¿En qué se diferencian los motores B58 y S58 de BMW?Diariomotor · Motoring press · published 27 April 2024 · consulted 9 October 2026 · in Spanish
  5. Ford Focus MK1 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 October 2023 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  6. Fiabilité et pannes du Ford Focus 1 (1998-2004)fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
  7. Ford Focus recall R/2000/003: oil filler cap may become looseAutoinsider (datos DVSA) · Other source · published 20 March 2000 · consulted 2 November 2026
  8. BMW B58Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026
  9. BMW B58Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 9 October 2026 · in German
  10. Ford Zeta engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Ford FocusWikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in Spanish
  12. How A Plastic Part On BMW's B58 Engine Can Turn An Oil Change Into A $3,000 RepairThe Autopian · Motoring press · published 28 March 2025 · consulted 9 October 2026
  13. Ford Focus [MK1] [C170] (2002 - 2005) used car model guideExchange & Mart · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  14. Ford Mondeo 1993-2001: fiabilité et pannes (témoignages)fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French