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BMW N20 vs 2.3 EcoBoost: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.3 EcoBoost carries less risk than the BMW N20: 41/100 (moderate risk) versus 63/100 (high risk). The BMW N20 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)»; the 2.3 EcoBoost has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Focus RS cylinder head gasket and block: coolant entering the cylinders».

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

2.3 EcoBoost

41

Moderate risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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

11 sourcesHow we work

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.[1][2]

See the 5 of the BMW N20 faults

Is the 2.3 EcoBoost reliable?

The 2.3 EcoBoost is the turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine that Ford has fitted since 2015 to the Focus RS (350 hp), the fourth-generation Focus ST (280 hp) and the Ranger. Its documented fault is the cylinder head gasket on Focus RS cars built up to July 2017, which Ford repaired free of charge. We have found no evidence that it affects the ST, which uses a variant derived from the Mustang.[3][4][5][6]

See the 3 of the 2.3 EcoBoost faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N20 and 2.3 EcoBoost
BMW N202.3 EcoBoost
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,997 cm³2,261 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power156–245 hp270–350 hp
Production2011–2017[1][7]since 2015[3][6][8][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk41Moderate risk
Documented faults53
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)
  2. Critical severity: Electric water pump failure (BMW campaign in the US over fire risk)
  3. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover gasket and the filter housing
  1. Critical severity: Focus RS cylinder head gasket and block: coolant entering the cylinders
  2. High severity: Engine wiring harness damaged by the gearbox housing (fourth-generation Focus)
  3. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the filler cap, the oil cooler and the sump
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 2.3 EcoBoost 280 hp (Focus ST, 2019-2025)[6][10]
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • N20B20 156 hp (115 kW, 2013-2016)[2]
  • N20B20B 184 hp (135 kW, 2011-2017)[2]
  • N20B20 218 hp (160 kW, 2012-2015)[2]
  • N20B20A 245 hp (180 kW, 2011-2017)[2]
  • 2.3 EcoBoost 350 hp (Focus RS, 2016-2018)[4][5]
  • 2.3 EcoBoost 270 hp (Ranger T6.2, Mexico, from 2023)[9]
  • 2.3 EcoBoost PHEV 281 hp (Ranger plug-in hybrid, from 2025)[9][11]
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 N20

See the 8 models with the BMW N20

2.3 EcoBoost

Other comparisons

With the BMW N20

With the 2.3 EcoBoost

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 N20Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. BMW N20 Engine: Pros, Cons, Reliability, Tuning, and Maintenance GuideBMW BLOG · Motoring press · published 8 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026
  3. Ford EcoBoost engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. Ford Focus RS (Mk3) | PH Used Buying GuidePistonHeads · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. Ford Focus RS engine problems: owners promised free repairsevo · Motoring press · published 23 January 2018 · consulted 2 November 2026
  6. Ford Focus ST (Mk4) | PH Used Buying GuidePistonHeads · Motoring press · published 19 November 2023 · consulted 2 November 2026
  7. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Ford Focus RS (tabla del Focus RS Mk3, 2015-2018)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
  9. Ford Ranger (T6)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Used Ford Focus ST (Mk4, 2019 to date) review and buyer's guideevo · Motoring press · published 4 August 2022 · consulted 2 November 2026
  11. Ford Ranger (tabla del Ranger Plug-in-Hybrid)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German