EngineCreep
DE

BMW N20
in every car

3 cars · scores 45–52/100

We score the N20 in 3 cars. The best is the 328i F30 at 52/100, the weakest the 428i F32 at 45/100.

What the N20 is known for

The N20's timing chain runs on plastic guides that can break up with little warning. Once the chain goes slack it can jump a tooth, and the valves meet the pistons. BMW changed the guide material in 2015, so the engines to be careful with are the 2012–2015 ones, which covers every N20 we score. On our owner reports trouble starts from around 80,000 km, and a chain and guide job runs €800–2,500. Listen for a whine from the front of the engine, loudest around 1,500–2,500 rpm, and ask whether the chain kit has been replaced.

The second chain, which drives the oil pump and the balance shafts, fails on the same engines. If it slips, the oil pressure goes and the engine with it: on our data from around 80,000–100,000 km, at €1,500–4,000. In the US both chains were the subject of a class action, which BMW settled in 2020 with an extended warranty for American owners.

Version by version

  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

The problems they share

Reported on all 3

  • Timing chain stretch / guide wear
  • High-pressure fuel 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
  • Intake valve carbon buildup

Only reported on the 328i F30

  • Vacuum pump failure
  • Water pump failure
  • Dual-mass flywheel / clutch wear

Only reported on the 428i F32

  • Oil pump drive chain failure

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

Before and after

It replaced the BMW N52, which scores 74/100.

It replaced the BMW N46, which scores 46/100.

It was replaced by the BMW B48, which scores 79–82/100 across 2 cars.