BMW/N13B16

BMW · Naturally aspirated

N13B16

1 Series·F20·2011–2015

"Heard terrible things about these engines like timing chain issues and excessive oil consumption — forum user researching F20 118i purchase"

RISKY

42/ 100

"Cheap to buy, expensive to own"

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Max HP

—

Torque Nm

10,000

Oil interval km

Recalls

Known issues

Known Issues

Timing Chain Wear and Stretch€800-2,500 · 60,000-120,000 kmCRITICAL

The N13B16 shares its Prince-family architecture and is associated with premature timing chain stretch and guide wear. Forum reports document chains stretching or breaking as early as 78,000 km, even on well-maintained examples. Failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage.

Rattling noise on cold start

Rough idle

Check engine light

Engine shaking at idle or traffic lights

DIY: Expert only

Excessive Oil Consumption€300-1,500 · 50,000-130,000 kmHIGH

Multiple forum reports and Honest John data confirm the N13B16 can consume oil at a rate considered excessive for its age and displacement. One forum post describes blue-white smoke on cold start with concurrent oil loss. Piston ring and valve stem seal wear are commonly implicated.

Blue-white smoke on cold start or warm-up

Oil level dropping between service intervals

Fouled spark plugs

DIY: Moderate to Expert

Rough Idle and Engine Vibration (VANOS / Camshaft / Coil Faults)€200-1,200 · 40,000-100,000 kmHIGH

Forum threads specifically for the F20 N13 report rough idle, vibration at traffic lights, and fault codes related to VANOS operation and camshaft sensors. Ignition coil degradation compounds the issue. Cold-start shaking that persists beyond 30 seconds is a common complaint.

Rough idle especially when cold

Vibration at standstill

Fault code 133710

Hesitation under light throttle

DIY: Moderate

EGR Cooler Potential Leak€300-900 · 60,000-150,000 kmMODERATE

Honest John data references a DVSA recall covering BMW and MINI vehicles for potential EGR cooler leaks. The N13B16 installed in F20 variants falls within the affected family. EGR cooler failure can introduce coolant into the intake or cause overheating.

Coolant loss without visible external leak

White smoke from exhaust

Overheating warning

Rough running

DIY: Moderate

Buying Checklist

Perform a cold-start test and listen for timing chain rattle in the first 10–30 seconds of running

Check oil level and condition on the dipstick; ask owner how often oil is topped up between services

Run an OBD-II full system scan to check for VANOS, camshaft, timing, and misfire fault codes

Verify full BMW service history and specifically confirm whether timing chain has been replaced

Check VIN against open recalls (DVSA, NHTSA) for seat belt, engine, and EGR cooler campaigns

Inspect exhaust at cold start and warm idle for blue-white smoke indicating oil burning

Service Reality

Community oil interval10,000 km

Oil specificationBMW Longlife-01 or LL-04 compliant 5W-30 fully synthetic (e.g., Castrol Edge 5W-30 LL)

Est. ownership cost (2yr)€1,500–4,000 over 3 years if timing chain and oil consumption issues are present and unaddressed at purchase

Real mix fuel consumptionNo data

Also Found In

BMW 316i (F30)BMW 116i (F20)BMW 118i (F20)MINI Cooper (R56/R60 – related Prince family)Peugeot 308 (related Prince family)Citroën C4 (related Prince family)

Buying Advice

The N13B16 is an affordable entry into BMW ownership but carries well-documented timing chain and oil consumption risks that can turn a bargain into a money pit. Only buy a pre-inspected example with full service history and confirmed timing chain replacement — if chain work has not been done, factor €800–2,500 into your offer price immediately. Avoid high-mileage examples above 100,000 km unless the chain kit, VANOS solenoids, and coils have all been recently serviced. This engine rewards diligent maintenance but punishes neglect severely.