EngineCreep
DE

BMW N20
vs B48

N20 45–52/100 · B48 79–82/100

On our scores the BMW B48 is the safer buy: 79–82/100 against 45–52/100 for the BMW N20.

Same car, either engine

The F30 was sold with both.

  1. BMW N20 in the 328i F302012–2015

    52/100Risky

    12 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil pump wear / sludge buildup · from 100k km · €1,500–4,000

  2. BMW B48 in the 320i F302015–2018

    79/100Good

    12 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil filter housing coolant leak · from 80k km · €700–1,800

The F20 was sold with both.

  1. BMW N20 in the 125i F202012–2015

    49/100Risky

    11 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil pump wear / sludge buildup · from 79k km · €1,500–4,000

  2. BMW B48 in the 120i F20 LCI2016–2019

    82/100Good

    13 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemWater pump failure · from 112k km · €300–900

Version by version

BMW N20

  1. BMW N20 in the 328i F302012–2015

    52/100Risky

    12 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil pump wear / sludge buildup · from 100k km · €1,500–4,000

  2. BMW N20 in the 125i F202012–2015

    49/100Risky

    11 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil pump wear / sludge buildup · from 79k km · €1,500–4,000

  3. BMW N20 in the 428i F322013–2016

    45/100Risky

    11 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil pump drive chain failure · from 79k km · €1,500–4,000

BMW B48

  1. BMW B48 in the 120i F20 LCI2016–2019

    82/100Good

    13 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemWater pump failure · from 112k km · €300–900

  2. BMW B48 in the 320i F302015–2018

    79/100Good

    12 confirmed issues

    Best-known problemOil filter housing coolant leak · from 80k km · €700–1,800

The problems they share

Reported on both

  • Oil pump wear / sludge buildup
  • Timing chain stretch / guide wear
  • High-pressure fuel pump failure
  • Water pump failure
  • Oil leak from seals or gaskets
  • Fuel injector failure
  • Wastegate / boost actuator failure
  • Thermostat / temperature sensor failure
  • Variable valve timing solenoid/actuator failure
  • Head gasket failure
  • Excessive oil consumption

Only on the BMW N20

  • Vacuum pump failure
  • Dual-mass flywheel / clutch wear
  • Intake valve carbon buildup
  • Oil pump drive chain failure

Only on the BMW B48

  • Piston ringland failure
  • Intercooler failure or leak
  • ECU fault or wiring issue
  • Oil filter housing coolant leak

A problem missing from a version may be rarer there, or have fewer owner reports behind it so far.

Head to head