BMW N13 (N13B16)InjectorsCarbon build-up in the intake
Carbon build-up on direct injection injectors on the BMW N13
Yes: 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.[1]
Why this rating?
Low severity: A nuisance or wear. It does not immobilise the car or damage other parts.
Frequency common: Gebrauchtwagenberater.de states that, because of direct petrol injection, Prince engines -- apart from PSA's naturally aspirated EP6 and EP6C variants, which do not have it -- "have to deal with coked injectors"; the N13, with direct injection in all its versions, falls within that general description. We have not found a source giving an incidence figure or a typical mileage specific to the N13 for this problem, so we do not raise it to "very frequent".[1]
Symptoms
- Gradual loss of power as the injectors become clogged.[1]Less power: other faults that cause it · Monitor
- Increased fuel consumption if the injectors' spray pattern deteriorates.[1]Uses more fuel: other faults that cause it · Monitor
Why it happens
Gebrauchtwagenberater.de states that, because of direct petrol injection, Prince engines -- apart from PSA's naturally aspirated EP6 and EP6C variants -- "have to deal with coked injectors"; the N13, with direct injection in all its versions, falls within that general description.[1]
If it is not repaired: According to the same source, carbon on the injectors causes loss of power and an increase in fuel consumption.[1]
Affected cars and years
According to the source we consulted, it affects almost the whole Prince family with direct injection -- including the N13 in all its versions -- with the exception of PSA's naturally aspirated EP6 and EP6C variants.[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: Cleaning or decarbonising the injectors/intake depending on the degree of build-up.[1]
We have not found a verified quote in Spain for this cleaning on the N13.
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 acceleration is smooth, with no jerking or noticeable loss of power.
- Ask whether any injector or intake cleaning has been carried out.
Parts for this fault
The affected part, searched for your car or engine. Use the diagnosis to confirm what is failing before you buy it.
Affiliate links: if you buy from these shops, MotorFiable may receive a commission at no cost to you. Check compatibility against the registration plate or VIN before ordering. Affiliate links
How to prevent it
- Use good-quality fuel and avoid making only very short journeys, which encourage carbon build-up.
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
Does the BMW N13 build up carbon?
According to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, yes: because of its direct injection, it is included among the Prince engines that have to deal with coked injectors.[1]
What are the consequences of carbon on the injectors?
Loss of power and an increase in fuel consumption, according to the source we consulted.[1]
Does any version of the N13 escape this problem?
The source we consulted excludes only PSA's naturally aspirated EP6 and EP6C variants, which have no direct injection; the N13, which has it in all its versions, is included.[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.
- Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalInjectionHigh-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failureThe 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.
More faults with the injectors on other engines and cars
- High severityFrequency: Very frequentOM651Delphi piezo injector failure (220/250 CDI)Yes: 220 and 250 CDI models built between 2008 and 2011 had Delphi piezo injectors that were prone to failing and seizing in the cylinder head. Mercedes-Benz replaced them under warranty in 2009 and switched the 220 CDI to solenoid injectors from 2010-2011, but the 250 CDI kept them.Repair (garage): €3,600–€5,900
- High severityFrequency: CommonBMW N52 / N53N53 piezoelectric injector failureThe N53's piezoelectric direct injectors fail frequently and cause misfires, rough idle and limp mode; replacing them is expensive and they must be coded.
- High severityFrequency: CommonMZR-CDOil dilution from leaking injector seals and DPF regenerationsOn the 2.0 and 2.2 MZR-CD, injector seals that age badly and incomplete particulate filter regenerations on short journeys can let unburnt diesel into the sump, diluting the oil and leaving the engine with less lubrication.
- High severityFrequency: CommonOM642Wear and failure of the Bosch piezo injectorsThe OM642's Bosch piezo injectors can fail from around 150,000-200,000 km, especially with poor-quality diesel; they cannot be repaired, only replaced. Because it is a V engine, those on the rear bank are harder to reach, which pushes up labour costs.Repair: €4,500–€6,500
- High severityFrequency: Common2.2 CDI (OM646)Injector seal leak with carbonisation around the seatYes: the copper washer that seals each injector can harden and let combustion gases through, forming a black crust of carbon around it. It is a known fault on Mercedes CDI diesels of this era, with injectors described as fragile on both the OM611 and the OM646.
- 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.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- Tickende Zeitbombe: So zuverlässig ist der Prince-Motor von PSA und BMWGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 13 March 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German