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BMW N20 vs Skyactiv-G: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the Skyactiv-G carries less risk than the BMW N20: 25/100 (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 Skyactiv-G has no documented serious faults.

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

Skyactiv-G

25

Moderate risk · 0 serious faults

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 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 Skyactiv-G reliable?

The Skyactiv-G is a naturally aspirated petrol engine that the German specialist press consistently describes as reliable, with no documented pattern of serious engine faults in any Mazda model reviewed. Its weak point, shared with almost any direct-injection petrol engine, is carbon build-up in the intake; in addition, 2017-2020 units had recalls for software and for the fuel pump, since fixed by the manufacturer.[3][4][5][6]

See the 5 of the Skyactiv-G faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N20 and Skyactiv-G
BMW N20Skyactiv-G
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,997 cm³—
TimingChainChain
Power156–245 hp75–187 hp
Production2011–2017[1][7]since 2011[3][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk25Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity20
Worst severityCritical severityMedium 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. Medium severity: Intake shut-off valve software issue and engine stalling
  2. Medium severity: Micro-cracks in the fuel pump impeller
  3. Medium severity: ECU programming and loss of power (CX-5 II and Mazda3 IV)
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
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]
None
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

Skyactiv-G

See the 9 models with the Skyactiv-G

Other comparisons

With the BMW N20

With the Skyactiv-G

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. SkyactivWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. Mazda 3 (BM/BN, 2013-2019) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  5. Mazda 6 (GJ, III) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  6. Mazda CX-5 II (KF) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. List of Mazda enginesWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Mazda 2 (DJ) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. Mazda 3 IV (BP) – Erfahrungen & ProblemeGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German