"This is a known issue with THP 155hp 1.6 prince engine — timing chain stretch, carbon buildup, and oil consumption are all on the menu."
RISKY
42/ 100
"Clever engine, notorious for costly failures"
208
Max HP
280
Torque Nm
10,000
Oil interval km
0
Recalls
6
Known issues
Known Issues
Timing Chain Stretch and Failure€800-2,500 · 60,000-150,000 kmCRITICAL
The EP6 THP engine suffers from well-documented timing chain stretch, particularly the secondary chain. A stretched or failed chain can cause catastrophic engine damage. Multiple forum threads confirm this is a known issue on the THP 155hp Prince engine, with owners actively replacing chains and tensioners as preventive maintenance.
Rattling noise on cold start from front of engine
Rough running or misfires
Check engine light with timing-related fault codes
Forum data confirms severe oil consumption on EP6 engines, with one report of 400ml lost per 400km. This is linked to valve stem seals, piston rings, and VANOS seal wear. Left unchecked, it accelerates timing chain wear and catalytic converter damage.
Frequent need to top up oil between services
Blue smoke from exhaust on startup or acceleration
Oil level dropping rapidly between oil changes
Burning smell from engine bay
DIY: Moderate
Carbon Buildup on Intake Valves and Ports€300-900 · 60,000-120,000 kmHIGH
As a direct injection engine, the EP6 does not wash intake valves with fuel. Forum reports describe intake ports 'caked in carbon with chunks coming off,' causing sluggish performance and misfires. Oil catch cans are widely recommended by the community as preventive measures.
The VANOS system on the EP6 is prone to oil guide seal ring failure and solenoid faults. Forum data mentions replacement of VANOS oil guide seal rings on intake cams. Fault codes P1336 and P1339 are reported repeatedly on the 308 1.6 Turbo and are linked to VVT system failures.
P1336 or P1339 fault codes
Rough idle and poor throttle response
Hesitation at low RPM
Rattling from cam cover area
DIY: Moderate
Head Gasket and Block/Head Interface Issues€600-2,000 · 100,000-180,000 kmMODERATE
Forum data references head gasket replacement on the EP6 125 THP variant. The all-aluminium construction is sensitive to overheating, and oil consumption can compound thermal stress on the head gasket over high mileage.
Coolant loss without visible external leak
White smoke from exhaust
Milky oil on dipstick or filler cap
Overheating warning light
DIY: Expert
Camshaft and Valve Train Wear€500-1,800 · 100,000-200,000 kmMODERATE
Forum data references potential broken camshaft causing incorrect valve timing on EP6 variants. Combined with oil consumption and VANOS issues, the valve train is a wear-sensitive area requiring regular inspection.
Ticking or tapping from top of engine
Loss of power on specific cylinders
Misfires on one or more cylinders
Fault codes pointing to cam position errors
DIY: Expert
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Buying Checklist
Cold-start the engine and listen for timing chain rattle lasting more than 2-3 seconds
Check oil level and condition — look for rapid consumption signs or milky emulsification
Scan for fault codes especially P1336 and P1339 related to VANOS and cam timing
Request full service history and confirm oil changes every 10,000 km or less with correct spec oil
Ask specifically if timing chain kit has been replaced and inspect for any recent chain-related work
Borescope or ask a workshop to inspect intake ports for heavy carbon deposits before purchase
Service Reality
Community oil interval10,000 km
Oil specification5W-30 fully synthetic, ACEA A5/B5 or BMW Longlife-01 compliant
Est. ownership cost (2yr)€1,500–4,000 over 50,000 km including timing chain, VANOS seals, carbon cleaning, and increased oil consumption costs
Real fuel consumptionNo data
Also Found In
BMW Mini Cooper S R56Citroën DS3 THPCitroën C4 THPPeugeot 207 THPPeugeot RCZ THPMINI One/Cooper R55/R56/R57
Buying Advice
The EP6 THP is a technically impressive engine let down by serious real-world reliability issues that are well-documented across owner communities. Timing chain failure, oil consumption, and carbon buildup are not rare edge cases — they are expected maintenance items on this engine. Only buy a used 308 with EP6 if you can verify full service history with short oil change intervals, confirmed timing chain replacement, and no active fault codes. Budget €1,500–3,000 on top of purchase price for preventive work if chain history is unknown, and fit an oil catch can immediately after purchase.
Parts People Buy
EP6 THP Timing Chain KitLink unavailable
VANOS Oil Guide Seal Ring Set EP6Link unavailable
Oil Catch Can Kit EP6 THPLink unavailable
5W-30 Fully Synthetic Oil BMW Longlife-01Link unavailable
VANOS Solenoid EP6 Prince EngineLink unavailable
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