BMW N46 engine report
BMW N46 · 320i (E90/E92)
2.0 LPetrolInline-42005–2013
58/100
[solid]
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.
Evidence
6 owner reports back this, confidence 45/100.
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.
Evidence
42 owner reports back this, confidence 50/100.
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.
Evidence
6 owner reports back this, confidence 45/100.
- Critical
- High
- Moderate
- Low
Timing chain stretch / guide wearfrom 124k km
Variable valve timing solenoid/actuator failurefrom 200k km
Fuel injector failurefrom 230k km
Buying checklist
0 of 4 checked
Sources
Updated 12 Sept 2026 · scoring v2.7
This report combines 69 owner posts, forum threads and official records. An issue only makes the list once the evidence is strong enough, an official recall on its own or several independent owner reports, and the score weighs how often each problem happens against how bad it is when it does.