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BMW N20 vs 1.8 TCe: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.8 TCe carries less risk than the BMW N20: 32/100 (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 1.8 TCe has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars».

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

1.8 TCe

32

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

9 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 1.8 TCe reliable?

The 1.8 TCe (M5P) in the Alpine A110 and the Mégane R.S. IV has no documented endemic faults. What has been published are recalls for the A110: the oil pressure solenoid valve (2019) and the fuel pump (2021 and 2023). We have found no recalls or complaints about this engine in the Mégane R.S.[3][4][5][6]

See the 2 of the 1.8 TCe faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N20 and 1.8 TCe
BMW N201.8 TCe
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,997 cm³1,798 cm³
TimingChain—
Power156–245 hp252–350 hp
Production2011–2017[1][7]2017–2026[6][8][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults52
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityHigh 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. High severity: A110 oil pressure solenoid valve sticking in 2018–2019 cars
  2. High severity: A110 fuel pump that can leave the car unable to start when hot
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 1.8 TCe 280–300 hp (M5P, Mégane R.S. IV, 2018–2023)[3][5][6]
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]
  • 1.8 TCe 252–350 hp (M5P, Alpine A110, 2017–2026)[3][5]
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

1.8 TCe

Other comparisons

With the BMW N20

With the 1.8 TCe

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. Rappels Alpine A110 (2019). Risque de casse moteurL'argus · Motoring press · published 28 August 2019 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  4. Rappel Alpine A110. La pompe à essence de 2 849 exemplaires remplacéeL'argus · Motoring press · published 7 September 2021 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  5. Alpine A110. Un nouveau rappel pour remplacer des pompes à essenceL'argus · Motoring press · published 25 October 2023 · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  6. Renault Mégane IVWikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French
  7. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026
  9. Alpine A110 (2017)Wikipedia (fr) · Other source · consulted 31 October 2026 · in French