Known issues

BMW engine problems by mileage

Known problems of the BMW engines covered so far, with the models they are fitted to. Each engine page has the symptoms, fault codes, tests and fixes. More engines are added over time.

BMW N47 2.0 and 1.6 diesel

Diesel · 2007–2018

BMW models: 1 Series (E81, E82, E87, E88, F20, F21) 114d to 123d; 3 Series (E90 to E93, F30, F31) 316d to 320d; 5 Series 520d (E60, E61, F10, F11); X1 (E84); X3 (E83 from 2007, F25)

Problem	Typical mileage
Timing chain stretch and guide failure high severity	100,000–220,000 km 60,000–135,000 miles
EGR cooler leaking coolant (recall) high severity	60,000–200,000 km 35,000–125,000 miles
Crankshaft pulley (vibration damper) failure medium severity	120,000–250,000 km 75,000–155,000 miles

BMW/PSA 1.6 THP and VTi "Prince" (N14, N18, EP6)

Petrol · 2006–2018

BMW models: 1 Series (F20, F21) 114i, 116i, 118i; 3 Series (F30) 316i

Problem	Typical mileage
Timing chain stretch, tensioner and guides high severity	60,000–160,000 km 35,000–100,000 miles
Oil consumption and carbon build-up medium severity	60,000–160,000 km 35,000–100,000 miles
High-pressure fuel pump wear (turbo engines) medium severity	80,000–180,000 km 50,000–110,000 miles
Coolant leaks: water pump and thermostat housing medium severity	60,000–150,000 km 35,000–95,000 miles

Real BMW repair cases

Browse BMW cases

Reviewed cases from colleagues: complaint, measurements, tests and the repair that fixed it.