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BMW N20 vs 2.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE): which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 2.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE) 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 2.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE) has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «1GR-FE 4.0 V6 head gasket failure».

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

2.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE)

32

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

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 2.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE) reliable?

The sources consulted describe them as robust chain-driven engines with few documented faults: on the 4.0 V6 (1GR-FE), the water pump, head gasket on early units and the coils; on the 2.7 (2TR-FE), the front crankshaft seal in the early years. Almost all the data comes from technical websites, not official campaigns.[3][4][5][6]

See the 5 of the 2.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE) faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N20 and 2.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE)
BMW N202.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE)
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,997 cm³—
TimingChainChain
Power156–245 hp151–281 hp
Production2011–2017[1][7]since 2002[8][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity21
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: 1GR-FE 4.0 V6 head gasket failure
  2. Medium severity: 1GR-FE 4.0 V6 water pump leaks
  3. Medium severity: 2.7 2TR-FE oil leaks from the front crankshaft seal
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNone
  • 2.7 Dual VVT-i (2TR-FE, from 2015)[5][6]
  • 4.0 V6 Dual VVT-i (1GR-FE, from 2009)[3][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]
  • 2.7 VVT-i (2TR-FE, 2,693 cc, 2004-2014)[5][6]
  • 4.0 V6 VVT-i (1GR-FE, 3,956 cc, from 2002)[3][4][10]
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

2.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE)

Other comparisons

With the BMW N20

With the 2.7 and 4.0 gasolina (2TR-FE and 1GR-FE)

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. 1GR-FE Toyota 4.0L 236 hp: ficha del motor, puntos débiles y fiabilidadAutoHints · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026
  4. The 4 Most Common Toyota 1GR-FE Engine Problems8020 Automotive · Technical documentation · published 29 December 2020 · consulted 2 November 2026
  5. Toyota 2TR-FE 2.7L: ficha del motor, problemas y fiabilidadMotorReviewer · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026
  6. Toyota 2TR-FE Engine Guide - Specs, Reliability, & Mods8020 Automotive · Technical documentation · published 2 February 2023 · consulted 2 November 2026
  7. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  8. Toyota TR engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  9. Toyota GR engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026
  10. Toyota 1GR-FE 4.0L V6: ficha del motor, problemas y fiabilidadMotorReviewer · Technical documentation · consulted 2 November 2026