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BMW N13 vs 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW N13 carries less risk than the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo: 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 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo».

Risk index

BMW N13

57

High risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

Risk index

2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

63

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

7 sourcesHow 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 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo reliable?

Mazda's 2.3 DISI Turbo (L3-VDT, 2005-2013) is powerful but demanding: the timing chain, the turbo and oil sludge are its weak points; only buy one with a good oil service history.[4][5][6]

See the 3 of the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N13 and 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo
BMW N132.3 MZR DISI Turbo
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,598 cm³2,261 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power102–177 hp256–263 hp
Production2011–2016[1][2]2005–2013[4][7]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)57High risk63High risk
Documented faults43
Of high or critical severity12
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear
  2. Medium severity: High oil consumption
  3. Medium severity: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and VVT actuator failure on the 2.3 DISI Turbo
  2. High severity: Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI Turbo
  3. Medium severity: Oil consumption and sludge in the 2.3 DISI Turbo engine
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €2,200Premature turbocharger wear from poor lubrication on the 2.3 DISI TurboPublished figure[5]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
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]
  • 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo 256-260 hp (L3-VDT, 2005-2009)[4][5]
  • 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo (L3-VDT, 2010-2013)[4][5]
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 N13

2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

Other comparisons

With the BMW N13

With the 2.3 MZR DISI Turbo

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 N13Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. BMW N13Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. 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
  4. Mazda L engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  5. Problemas Mazda CX-7Totalrenting · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  6. 2009 Mazda CX-7 engine problemsCarComplaints · Owners' forum · consulted 5 October 2026
  7. Mazda CX-7Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026