N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 vs E-Tech Híbrido: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0: 32/100 (moderate risk) versus 57/100 (high risk). The N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear»; the E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0

High risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

E-Tech Híbrido

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

Reviewed on 2 November 202616 sources How we work

Is the N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 reliable?

The N42 (2001-2004, E46) and the N45 (2003-2011, 116i and 316i) are four-cylinder 16-valve petrol engines with double VANOS and a timing chain; only the N42 has Valvetronic. The most cited weakness is chain stretch caused by the tensioner, followed by oil leaks and, on the N42, Valvetronic faults.^[1][2][3]

See the 5 of the N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 faults

Is the E-Tech Híbrido reliable?

The E-Tech combines a combustion engine (1.6 H4M naturally aspirated or 1.2 HR12 turbo) with electric motors and a multi-mode gearbox with no clutch or torque converter. Its best-documented weak point is the gearbox itself: reports from the Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral, Duster and Jogger describe warnings of a risk of breakage, and Renault has launched two campaigns since 2020 (an electrical fault and a primary shaft seal). The 12 V battery also fails fairly often.^[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0 and E-Tech Híbrido
Item	N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0	E-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
Type	Engine	Engine
Fuel	Petrol	Petrol
Displacement	—	1,598 cm³
Timing	Chain	Chain
Power	115–143 hp	140–200 hp
Production	2001–2011^{[1][2][7][8][9][10]}	since 2020^[4][11][12]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)	57High risk	32Moderate risk
Documented faults	5	4
Of high or critical severity	1	2
Worst severity	Critical severity	High severity
Main faults	Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner wear Medium severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover and oil consumption Medium severity: Eccentric shaft sensor and Valvetronic motor faults (N42)	High severity: Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage) High severity: Stalling and injection warnings on the 1.2 E-Tech 200 (HR12) Medium severity: Hybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't start
Most expensive documented repair	No reliable data	No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versions	None	None
With cautionVersions to be cautious about	N42B18, 1.8 litres with Valvetronic (115 hp; 2001-2004)^[1][3] N42B20, 2.0 litres with Valvetronic (143 hp; 2001-2004)^[1][3][13] N45B16 and N45NB16, 1.6 litres without Valvetronic (116 hp; 2003-2011)^[2]	1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)^[5][14] 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)^[15] 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)^[6][16]
AvoidVersions to avoid	None	None

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 12 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the N42 and N45 1.6, 1.8 and 2.0

With the E-Tech Híbrido

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

BMW N42 Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
BMW N45 Probleme und HaltbarkeitGebrauchtwagenberater · Motoring press · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
BMW N42 Engine Guide: Reliability, Efficiency, Tuning, Pros and ConsBMWBlog · Motoring press · published 21 November 2025 · consulted 2 November 2026
Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
BMW N42Wikipedia (inglés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026
BMW N42Wikipedia (alemán) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
BMW N45Wikipedia (inglés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026
BMW N45Wikipedia (alemán) · Encyclopedia · consulted 2 November 2026 · in German
Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Encyclopedia · consulted 27 September 2026
N42 2.0 Motoru: kronik sorunlarAraclo · Other source · consulted 2 November 2026 · in another language
Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French