BMW N13 vs BMW N62 / N63: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW N62 / N63 carries less risk than the BMW N13: 54/100 versus 57/100 (both high risk). The BMW N13 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner wear»; the BMW N62 / N63 has 3 documented serious faults, the main one being «N63 oil consumption from worn valve stem seals».

Risk index

BMW N13

High risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

BMW N62 / N63

High risk · 3 serious faults

Lower risk

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

Reviewed on 8 October 202614 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 N62 / N63 reliable?

The N62 (naturally aspirated V8, 2001-2010) is considered a solid engine, with the coolant hoses and valve stem seals as points to watch. The N63 (twin-turbo V8, since 2008) has a worse reputation: oil consumption from the seals, the timing chain and coolant loss; the post-July 2013 N63TU is considered more reliable.^{[4][5][6][7][8]}

See the 6 of the BMW N62 / N63 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N13 and BMW N62 / N63
Item	BMW N13	BMW N62 / N63
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	1,598 cm³	—
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	102–177 hp	272–450 hp
Production	2011–2016^[1][2]	since 2001^{[6][9][10][11]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	57High risk	54High risk
Documented faults	4	6
Of high or critical severity	1	3
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	High severity: N63 oil consumption from worn valve stem seals Critical severity: N63 timing chain stretch and guide breakage Critical severity: Additional turbo coolant pump with a risk of short circuit and fire
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	N62B48TU 4.8 naturally aspirated 355-367 hp (550i, 650i, 750i, X5 4.8i; 2005-2010)^[5][7]
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]	N62B36 3.6 naturally aspirated 272 hp (735i, 2001-2005)^[4][7] N62B40 4.0 naturally aspirated 306 hp (540i and 740i, 2005-2010)^[4][8] N62B44 4.4 naturally aspirated 320-333 hp (545i, 645Ci, 745i, X5 4.4i; 2001-2006)^[4][8][12] N62B48 4.8 naturally aspirated 360 hp (X5 4.8is, 2004-2006)^[13] N63B44O1 (N63TU) 4.4 twin-turbo 450 hp (2013-2019)^[6]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	N63B44O0 4.4 twin-turbo 408 hp (2008-2014)^[6][14]

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 N62 / N63

See the 12 models with the BMW N62 / N63

Other comparisons

With the BMW N13

With the BMW N62 / N63

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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 5er E60, E61 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 26 April 2024 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW X5 E70 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW 5er F10, F11: Typische Probleme und SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW 6er E63, E64 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 5 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW 650i: Gebrauchtwagen-TestAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published 4 December 2015 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW N62Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
BMW N63Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
BMW N62Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW 745i (E65): Test über 100.000 kmAUTO ZEITUNG · Motoring press · published 12 January 2018 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
BMW X5 E53 – Typische Probleme & SchwachstellenGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 4 January 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in German
Fiabilité Bmw Serie 5 (2010-2016) (252 témoignages)Fiches-auto.fr · Owners' forum · consulted 8 October 2026 · in French