BMW N46 engine report, 320i E90
BMW N46 · 320i (E90/E92)
2.0 LPetrolInline-42005–2013
46/100
Checked by hand
[risky]
Manageable with the chain and Valvetronic documented
Worth buying, but only on the right car. Requires documented proof of recent timing chain and tensioner replacement, no blue smoke or excessive oil consumption (valve stem seals), and clean diagnostics with zero Valvetronic eccentric shaft or VVT fault codes.
ExcellentGoodSolidRiskyAvoid
- Known issues
- 4
- Critical
- 0
- Sources
- 69
Verdict
This is a buyable engine as long as you know what it likes to throw at you.
Sensor failures and the VANOS solenoid or actuator are the frequent ones, both low severity, both worth having in the budget. Chain stretch and guide wear is only occasional here but it is the one to hunt for in the service records, and a documented replacement is a genuine reason to prefer one car over another. Injectors fail now and then, so be wary of any car with a misfire the seller has not bothered to chase.
Specs
- Displacement
- 2.0 L
- Layout
- Inline-4
- Fuel
- Petrol
- Production
- 2004-2015
- Chassis
- E90/E92
- Generation
- Pre-LCI
- Fitted
- 2005–2013
Known issues
4 confirmed · sorted by severity
ModerateTiming chain stretch / guide wear
Timing chain elongates or plastic guides wear prematurely, causing rattle, incorrect valve timing, or in severe cases chain failure.
Symptoms
- Knocking Noise
- Cold Start Rattle
- Warning Light
How often
Occasional · Age-related wear. Does not normally destroy the engine. Still drivable.
LowVariable valve timing solenoid/actuator failure
VANOS/VTEC/VVT-style variable valve timing solenoids or actuators fail or clog, causing rough idle, rattle on start, or reduced power.
Symptoms
- Rough Idle
- Reduced Power Mode
- Warning Light
How often
Very common · Age-related wear. Does not normally destroy the engine. Still drivable.
LowEngine sensor failure
Crankshaft, camshaft, MAP, lambda/O2, or MAF sensor failure causing rough running, stalling, or incorrect fueling.
Symptoms
- Warning Light
- Rough Idle
- Misfire
How often
Common · Age-related wear. Does not normally destroy the engine. Still drivable.
Evidence
18 owner reports back this, confidence 45/100.
LowFuel injector failure
Injector wear, sticking, or seal failure causing misfires, rough running, or fuel leaks.
Symptoms
- Misfire
- Rough Idle
- Fuel Smell
How often
Occasional · Age-related wear. Does not normally destroy the engine. Still drivable.
- Critical
- High
- Moderate
- Low
Variable valve timing solenoid/actuator failurefrom 199k km
Check the car you're looking at
Owners rarely say at what mileage this engine's problems start, so they aren't sorted by mileage here. These are the ones to ask the seller about, the ones it's best known for first.
Buying checklist
BMW N46 (320i E90) · Buying checklist
Sources
Updated 12 Sept 2026 · scoring v2.7
Behind this report sit 69 owner posts, forum threads and official records. Nothing gets on the list on one person's word. It takes a recall, or owners on separate platforms describing the same fault. The score then sets how often a problem turns up against the damage it does.