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M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9 vs Skyactiv-G: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Skyactiv-G carries less risk than the M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9: 25/100 versus 42/100 (both moderate risk). The M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Failure of the plastic parts in the cooling system»; the Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9

42

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

25

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 M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9 reliable?

The M43 (1993-2002) is an 8-valve petrol four-cylinder with a timing chain that Autohints describes as one of BMW’s most durable engines of the nineties. The faults the sources cite are with ancillaries: plastic cooling parts, oil leaks from the gaskets, rough idle, ignition and, in some versions, the DISA valve.[1][2][3]

See the 5 of the M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9 faults

Is the Skyactiv-G reliable?

The Skyactiv-G is a naturally aspirated petrol engine that the German specialist press consistently describes as reliable, with no documented pattern of serious engine faults in any Mazda model reviewed. Its weak point, shared with almost any direct-injection petrol engine, is carbon build-up in the intake; in addition, 2017-2020 units had recalls for software and for the fuel pump, since fixed by the manufacturer.[4][5][6][7]

See the 5 of the Skyactiv-G faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9 and Skyactiv-G
M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9Skyactiv-G
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement——
TimingChainChain
Power102–118 hp75–187 hp
Production1993–2002[2][8][9]since 2011[4][10]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)42Moderate risk25Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity10
Worst severityHigh severityMedium severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Failure of the plastic parts in the cooling system
  2. Medium severity: DISA intake manifold valve with play and noise
  3. Low severity: Oil leaks from gaskets (rocker cover, front cover and crankcase breather)
  1. Medium severity: Intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling
  2. Medium severity: Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller
  3. Medium severity: ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • M43B16, 1.6 litre (102 hp; 1993-1999)[1][2][3]
  • M43B18, 1.8 litre (115 hp; 1993-1999)[1][13]
  • M43TUB19, 1.9 litre (105 hp; 1998-2002)[1][3][14]
  • M43TUB19, 1.9 litre (118 hp; 1998-2002)[1][3][14]
None
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

M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9

Skyactiv-G

See the 9 models with the Skyactiv-G

Other comparisons

With the M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9

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. BMW M43B18 1.8L 115hp inline-4 cylinder engineAutoHints · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026
  2. Der BMW M43 Motor: Technische Daten, Probleme, Haltbarkeit & FahrzeuglisteCarWiki.de · Buying guide or workshop · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  3. BMW M43: problemas conocidosEnginescope · Buying guide or workshop · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
  5. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. BMW M43Wikipedia (inglés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. BMW M43Wikipedia (alemán) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  10. List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
  11. Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  12. Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  13. BMW 3 Series E36 Reliability Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before BuyingEuro Premium Parts · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026
  14. 316i M43: 17 Jahre, Standhaftigkeit erhöhen (E46)BMW-Syndikat (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German