BMW N13 (N13B16)Fuel pump and high-pressure pump
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the BMW N13
The high-pressure pump that feeds the N13's direct injection can fail. English Wikipedia generically documents several cases of extended-warranty replacement within the Prince family, with no specific figures or N13-specific recall.[1]
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency occasional: The only source we have been able to verify on this point is English Wikipedia, which states in general terms that there have been "several cases of recalls or extended warranty" over high-pressure pump failure in the Prince family the N13 belongs to, without giving figures or dates or distinguishing the BMW engine from the rest of the family. Because of the lack of concrete data, we rate the frequency as "occasional" rather than "frequent".[1]
Symptoms
- Slower or more difficult starting than normal, especially from cold, when the pump begins to lose performance.[1]Hard to start: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Engine warning light on due to a fuel-pressure-related code.[1]Engine warning light: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Jerking or rough running if the pump cannot maintain the pressure the direct injection needs.[1]Jerking: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
English Wikipedia documents, in general terms for the Prince family the N13 belongs to, "several cases of recalls or extended warranty" over high-pressure fuel pump failure, without detailing figures or distinguishing the BMW engine from the rest of the family.[1]
If it is not repaired: If the pump stops supplying the necessary pressure, the engine may run with jerking or, at worst, fail to start.[1]
Affected cars and years
The source we consulted does not distinguish between the different versions or years of the N13 when mentioning this fault.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 114i 102 hp (75 kW, 2012-2015) | 2012–2015 | N13B16 |
| 116i / 316i 136 hp (100 kW, 2011-2015) | 2011–2015 | N13B16 |
| 118i 170 hp (125 kW, 2011-2016) | 2011–2016 | N13B16 |
| 120i 177 hp (130 kW, 2015-2016) | 2015–2016 | N13B16 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
BMW
- BMW Serie 1 F202011–2016
- BMW Serie 3 F302012–2015
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Replacement of the high-pressure fuel pump.[1]
We have not found a verified quote in Spain or confirmation of an official campaign for the N13 specifically.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
- Check that the engine starts normally from cold and does not jerk when accelerating gently.[1]
Parts needed
The part or kit that fixes this fault, according to the sources.
High-pressure fuel pump[1]
Supplies fuel at the pressure the direct injection needs; its failure can leave the car jerking or unable to start.
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How to prevent it
- Use good-quality fuel and avoid regularly driving with the tank almost empty.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
What is the N13's high-pressure pump and what does it do?
It is the pump that raises fuel pressure to the level this engine's direct injection needs.[1]
Did BMW recall the N13 over this pump?
We have not found a formal N13-specific recall: English Wikipedia only generically documents several cases of extended warranty in the Prince family.[1]
What symptoms does a high-pressure pump that is starting to fail give?
Harder starting than normal, jerking when accelerating and the engine warning light on due to a fuel pressure code.[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other BMW N13 faults
- Critical severityFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain and tensioner wearYes: in 2013 BMW issued a technical bulletin on timing chain and tensioner wear on the N13, an engine related to PSA's 1.6 THP. The chain proved more durable than on the N43 it replaces, but the German workshops we consulted still point to it as a weak point.
- Medium severityFrequency: CommonLubricationHigh oil consumptionYes: like the rest of the Prince family (EP6/THP), the N13 can use oil between changes; the German publication Gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents extreme cases of up to 1 litre per 1,000 km and expressly cites the 114i, 116i and 316i among the affected models.
- Low severityFrequency: CommonInjectionCarbon build-up on direct injection injectorsYes: being direct injection, the N13 can build up carbon on the injectors over time, with loss of power and higher consumption. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de places this problem on almost the whole Prince family, apart from PSA's naturally aspirated EP6/EP6C variants.
Similar faults on other engines
More faults with the fuel pump on other engines and cars
- Critical severityFrequency: Common2.0 and 2.5 HybridLow-pressure fuel pump failure: loss of power and fire riskYes: a low-pressure fuel pump with a defective impeller (Denso) affects millions of Toyotas and Lexuses, including Corolla, C-HR, RAV4 and Camry models with these engines. It can cause loss of power or stalling, and in the EU there is also a risk of leaks and fire on 2018-2022 Corolla, C-HR and Auris models.
- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW N54/N55High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failureThe N54's high-pressure pump is one of its best-documented failures: most units will have had it replaced at some point. It warns of itself with long cranking and loss of power; the 2010 campaign was US-only.
- High severityFrequency: Common2.2/2.5 dCiInjection pump or injector failureThe 2.2 dCi's common rail injectors fail fairly often on the X-Trail and Almera, with cases of seizing and leaks; on the Almera with the older YD22DDT, the documented fault is in the injection pump electronics, not the injectors.
- High severityFrequency: CommonVW 2.0 TFSI EA113Wear of the high-pressure pump cam followerYes: the 2.0 TFSI EA113's high-pressure fuel pump is driven by the camshaft through a follower (tappet) that wears; if it wears through it can damage the pump or the camshaft, so it should be checked and replaced as a preventive measure.Repair (garage): €250–€900Appears at around 90,000 km
- Critical severityFrequency: Occasional1.8 TDCiBreakage of the timing belt or of the high-pressure pump's belt (running in oil)Yes: the 1.8 TDCi combines a dry belt for the camshafts with a second belt, running in oil, that drives only the Delphi high-pressure pump. If the tensioner fails or replacement is neglected, the engine can cut out suddenly or suffer serious internal damage.Appears at around 110,000 km
- High severityFrequency: Occasional1.5 BlueHDiSeizure of the high-pressure pump and injection systemSome early 1.5 BlueHDi engines have suffered seizure of the Bosch high-pressure pump, with juddering or the engine stalling on the road, sometimes before 50,000 km. The repair means replacing the entire injection system and the fuel tank.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- BMW N13Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026