BMW N13 vs 1.2 8v: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.2 8v carries less risk than the BMW N13: 36/100 (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 1.2 8v has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Damaged cylinder head gasket (coolant loss and overheating)».

Risk index

BMW N13

High risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

1.2 8v

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

Reviewed on 2 November 202611 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 1.2 8v reliable?

The 1.2 8v (D7F) is a simple naturally aspirated engine of 54 to 60 hp, with a timing belt, which Renault fitted from 1996 to the Twingo, Clio II and Kangoo. No catastrophic failures are documented; what owner reviews mention most often are the sensors, the cylinder head gasket, the coil packs and the occasional oil drip.^[4][5][6]

See the 5 of the 1.2 8v faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N13 and 1.2 8v
Item	BMW N13	1.2 8v
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	1,598 cm³	1,149 cm³
Timing	Chain	Timing belt (dry)
Power	102–177 hp	54–60 hp
Production	2011–2016^[1][2]	1996–2012^{[7][8][9][10]}
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	57High risk	36Moderate risk
Documented faults	4	5
Of high or critical severity	1	1
Worst severity	Critical severity	High 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: Damaged cylinder head gasket (coolant loss and overheating) Medium severity: Crankshaft sensor (TDC) and other engine sensor failure Medium severity: Ignition faults: coil packs, ignition harness and humidity
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]	1.2 8v 54-60 hp (D7F, 1996-2012)^{[4][5][6][11]}
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

1.2 8v

Other comparisons

With the BMW N13

With the 1.2 8v

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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) · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
BMW N13Wikipedia (alemán) · Encyclopedia · 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
Fiabilité Renault Clio 2 : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Renault Twingo 1993-2006 : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Fiabilité Renault Twingo 2 (2007-2014) : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Moteur D (Renault)Wikipédia (francés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in French
Renault Clio IIWikipedia (alemán) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Renault TwingoWikipedia (alemán) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Renault Twingo IWikipedia (alemán) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Renault Twingo (ab 1993): Schwachstellen laut TÜV-AuswertungAUTO BILD · Motoring press · published February 2002 · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German