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BMW N20 vs 1.6 THP: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW N20 carries less risk than the 1.6 THP: 63/100 versus 64/100 (both high risk). The BMW N20 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)»; the 1.6 THP has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)».

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

1.6 THP

64

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

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 1.6 THP reliable?

The 1.6 THP turbo and its naturally aspirated sibling, the 1.6 VTi, make up the Prince family, developed together with BMW and also used by MINI: they do not have a reputation for reliability. Turbo versions built before 2012 carry a known problem of timing chain stretch, and the whole block shares a water pump described as fragile; the turbo versions add oil consumption and high-pressure fuel pump failures.[3][4][5][6]

See the 5 of the 1.6 THP faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N20 and 1.6 THP
BMW N201.6 THP
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,997 cm³1,598 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power156–245 hp120–270 hp
Production2011–2017[1][7]2006–2018[3][8][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk64High risk
Documented faults55
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: Timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012)
  2. High severity: Fragile water pump and heat exchanger
  3. Medium severity: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versions
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
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]
  • 1.6 VTi 120 / 1.6 16v (EP6/EP6C, N12/N16, naturally aspirated)[6]
  • 1.6 THP medium output (EP6DT/EP6DTS/EP6CDT, N14/N18; 140-190 hp)[4][5][10]
  • 1.6 THP high performance (EP6CDXD/EP6FDTR/EP6CDTR, John Cooper Works N14/N18; 200-270 hp)[4][5][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 N20

See the 8 models with the BMW N20

1.6 THP

See the 16 models with the 1.6 THP

Other comparisons

With the BMW N20

With the 1.6 THP

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. Prince engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Moteurs essence qui consomment de l'huileFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2024 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Liste des moteurs qui ont des soucis de refroidissementFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Peugeot 308Wikipedia (español) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Peugeot RCZWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  10. BMW Recalls Fuel Pumps. Mini Does NotMotoringFile · Motoring press · published 27 October 2010 · consulted 27 September 2026