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M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9 vs 1.8 TCe: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.8 TCe carries less risk than the M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9: 32/100 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 1.8 TCe has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars».

Risk index

M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9

42

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

1.8 TCe

32

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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

13 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 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 M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9 and 1.8 TCe
M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.91.8 TCe
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement—1,798 cm³
TimingChain—
Power102–118 hp252–350 hp
Production1993–2002[2][8][9]2017–2026[7][10][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)42Moderate risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults52
Of high or critical severity12
Worst severityHigh severityHigh 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. 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 versionsNone
  • 1.8 TCe 280–300 hp (M5P, Mégane R.S. IV, 2018–2023)[4][6][7]
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][12]
  • M43TUB19, 1.9 litre (105 hp; 1998-2002)[1][3][13]
  • M43TUB19, 1.9 litre (118 hp; 1998-2002)[1][3][13]
  • 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

M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9

1.8 TCe

Other comparisons

With the M43 1.6, 1.8 and 1.9

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 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 · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  3. BMW M43: problemas conocidosEnginescope · Other source · consulted 2 November 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 M43Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. BMW M43Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 2 November 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. BMW 3 Series E36 Reliability Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before BuyingEuro Premium Parts · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026
  13. 316i M43: 17 Jahre, Standhaftigkeit erhöhen (E46)BMW-Syndikat (foro) · Owners' forum · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German