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BMW N13 vs 1.0 TCe / SCe: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.0 TCe / SCe carries less risk than the BMW N13: 41/100 (moderate risk) versus 57/100 (high risk). The BMW N13 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner wear»; the 1.0 TCe / SCe has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «LPG (ECO-G) system faults and tank recall».

Risk index

BMW N13

57

High risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

1.0 TCe / SCe

41

Moderate risk · 1 serious fault

Lower risk

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

10 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 1.0 TCe / SCe reliable?

The 1.0 TCe/SCe (H4D/H4Dt) is a simply designed three-cylinder with reasonable reliability. Its most-cited fault is a noise or vibration from the turbo wastegate; the ECO-G (LPG) version adds its own gas-management faults and a 2023 recall over a risk of leaks and fire from the tank. An isolated case of a failed high-pressure pump is also documented, and no oil consumption pattern.[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the 1.0 TCe / SCe faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N13 and 1.0 TCe / SCe
BMW N131.0 TCe / SCe
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,598 cm³999 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power102–177 hp65–117 hp
Production2011–2016[1][2]since 2019[7][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)57High risk41Moderate risk
Documented faults44
Of high or critical severity11
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: LPG (ECO-G) system faults and tank recall
  2. Medium severity: Metallic noise or vibration from the turbo wastegate
  3. Medium severity: Failed high-pressure fuel pump (isolated case)
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 1.0 SCe 65/75 (H4D, 2019-present)[4][9]
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]
  • 1.0 TCe 90/100 (H4Dt, 2019-present)[4][9]
  • 1.0 TCe 110 (H4Dt, 2021-present)[10]
  • 1.0 ECO-G 100 (H4Dt + LPG, 2020-present)[4][5][10]
  • 1.0 DIG-T / IG-T 100-117 (HR10DDT, Nissan, 2017-present)[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

BMW N13

1.0 TCe / SCe

See the 7 models with the 1.0 TCe / SCe

Other comparisons

With the BMW N13

With the 1.0 TCe / SCe

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. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia Sandero 3Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Dacia et Renault – nouveau rappel : fuite du réservoir GPL, risque d'incendie !Motorsactu · Motoring press · published 12 November 2023 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes du Nissan Juke 2Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Moteur H Renault-NissanWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Nissan JukeWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Fiabilité et pannes du Dacia JoggerFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French