BMW N13 vs BMW N20: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW N13 carries less risk than the BMW N20: 57/100 versus 63/100 (both high risk). The BMW N13 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner wear»; the BMW N20 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)».

Risk index

BMW N13

High risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

Risk index

BMW N20

High risk · 2 serious faults

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

Reviewed on 27 September 20266 sources How we work

Is the BMW N13 reliable?

The BMW N13 (2011-2016), BMW's first turbocharged four-cylinder in three decades, powered the 114i, 116i, 118i and 120i (F20/F21) and the 316i (F30). It derives from the Prince engine developed with PSA, the same origin as the 1.6 THP. In 2013 BMW issued a technical service bulletin over timing chain and tensioner wear; oil consumption and carbon build-up on the injectors are other weak points shared with that family.^[1][2][3]

See the 4 of the BMW N13 faults

Is the BMW N20 reliable?

The BMW N20 (2011-2017) was the first turbocharged four-cylinder with which BMW replaced its naturally aspirated six-cylinders in models such as the 320i, 328i and X3, and it is generally mechanically sound. Its best-documented weak point is the timing chain guides and tensioner on units built before 2015; oil leaks, the electric water pump and, to a lesser extent, the turbo and the high-pressure fuel pump are also known issues.^[4][5]

See the 5 of the BMW N20 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N13 and BMW N20
Item	BMW N13	BMW N20
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	1,598 cm³	1,997 cm³
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	102–177 hp	156–245 hp
Production	2011–2016^[1][2]	2011–2017^[4][6]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	57High risk	63High risk
Documented faults	4	5
Of high or critical severity	1	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	Critical severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear Medium severity: High oil consumption Medium severity: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure	Critical severity: Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015) Critical severity: Electric water pump failure (BMW campaign in the US over fire risk) Medium severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover gasket and the filter housing
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	114i 102 hp (75 kW, 2012-2015)^[2][3] 116i / 316i 136 hp (100 kW, 2011-2015)^[2][3] 118i 170 hp (125 kW, 2011-2016)^[2][3] 120i 177 hp (130 kW, 2015-2016)^[2][3]	N20B20 156 hp (115 kW, 2013-2016)^[5] N20B20B 184 hp (135 kW, 2011-2017)^[5] N20B20 218 hp (160 kW, 2012-2015)^[5] N20B20A 245 hp (180 kW, 2011-2017)^[5]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

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 N13

BMW N20

See the 8 models with the BMW N20

Other comparisons

With the BMW N13

With the BMW N20

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

BMW N13Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
BMW N13Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
Tickende Zeitbombe: So zuverlässig ist der Prince-Motor von PSA und BMWGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 13 March 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
BMW N20Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
BMW N20 Engine: Pros, Cons, Reliability, Tuning, and Maintenance GuideBMW BLOG · Motoring press · published 8 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026
BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German