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BMW N20 vs VW 2.0 TFSI EA113: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 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 VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower».

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Risk index

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

41

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

7 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 VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 reliable?

The 2.0 TFSI EA113 (2004-2013) is a direct-injection turbo engine with one widely cited weak point: the high-pressure pump cam follower, which should be checked or replaced as a preventive measure. With the timing belt up to date, it is considered worth buying.[3][4][5]

See the 4 of the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N20 and VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
BMW N20VW 2.0 TFSI EA113
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,997 cm³1,984 cm³
TimingChainTiming belt (dry)
Power156–245 hp200–265 hp
Production2011–2017[1][6]2004–2013[4][5][7]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)63High risk41Moderate risk
Documented faults54
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: Wear of the high-pressure pump cam follower
  2. Medium severity: Carbon build-up on the intake valves from direct injection
  3. Medium severity: PCV crankcase ventilation valve and oil consumption
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataup to €900Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerPublished figure[5]
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]
  • 2.0 TFSI 200 hp (AXX, BWA, BWE, BPY)[4][7]
  • 2.0 TFSI 230 hp (BYD, Golf GTI Edition 30)[5][7]
  • 2.0 TFSI 265 hp (BHZ, Audi S3 8P)[5][7]
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

VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

See the 8 models with the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

Other comparisons

With the BMW N20

With the VW 2.0 TFSI EA113

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. 2.0 TFSI EA113 upgrade bomba de alta presión BAR-TEK (seguidor de levas)BAR-TEK · Technical documentation · consulted 5 October 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Audi A3 8P: puntos débiles y guía de compra (Schwachstellen)Gebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 5 October 2026 · in German
  5. 2.0 TFSI (EA113): problemas conocidosAutoscore · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026
  6. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  7. List of Volkswagen Group petrol engines (2.0 TFSI EA113)Wikipedia · Other source · consulted 5 October 2026