Which BMW Has the N13 Engine?
Photo by Christian Wiediger on Unsplash
BMW owners have a habit of learning about engines the hard way. Not because they want to, but because the engine is usually the first thing that decides whether a car is cheap to live with or quietly expensive.
That’s where the N13 engine comes in.
On paper, the BMW N13 engine appeared to be a smart move. A compact, turbocharged petrol engine designed to replace older naturally aspirated units, offer better fuel economy, and still feel lively enough for everyday driving. In reality, it became one of those engines that splits opinions — not terrible, not perfect, but very dependent on how it’s been looked after.
If you’re searching for which BMW has the N13 engine, or you’ve come across listings for used BMW engines for sale and want to understand what you’re really buying, this guide explains it properly.
What Is the BMW N13 Engine?
The BMW N13 engine is a 1.6-litre, four-cylinder, turbocharged petrol engine introduced by BMW in 2011 and used until approximately 2016, depending on the model and market. It arrived at a key moment for BMW, when the brand was moving away from older naturally aspirated petrol engines and beginning its shift towards smaller, turbocharged units aimed at improving fuel efficiency and emissions.
The N13 was developed during BMW’s early turbo era and was produced at BMW’s Hams Hall engine plant in the UK, alongside other petrol engines of the same generation. It was designed to sit below the larger N20 engine and became one of BMW’s most reliable petrol options for entry-level and mid-range models throughout the early F generation years.
From a technical point of view, the N13 was considered modern for its time. It features direct fuel injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger for improved low-end response, Valvetronic variable valve lift, and Double VANOS variable cam timing. The engine uses an aluminium block and head to keep weight down, helping smaller BMW models feel light and responsive on the road.
BMW fitted the N13 to models such as the 1 Series (114i, 116i, 118i, 120i) and the 3 Series (316i and certain 320i EfficientDynamics variants) between 2012 and 2015, with a small number of late examples running slightly beyond that. Power outputs varied depending on tune, ranging from just over 100 horsepower in entry-level versions to around 170–177 horsepower in higher-output trims, all from the same basic engine design.
In everyday terms, the N13 acted as a bridge engine. It allowed BMW to modernise its petrol range before the arrival of the newer modular engines, such as the B38 and B48, which eventually replaced it. While no longer current, the N13 remains a common sight today, both on the road and in listings online, if you search for BMW engines for sale, making it an important engine to understand for anyone buying or repairing a BMW from this era.
Which BMW Models Use the N13 Engine?
This is where most confusion starts. BMW reused the same engine across several models and power outputs, often without changing the badge.
Below is a clear table showing which BMWs were fitted with the N13 engine from the factory.
BMW Models With the N13 Engine
Important: Two cars, both labelled “116i” or “118i”, do not automatically have the same engine setup. The engine code is what matters, not the badge.
N13 Engine Codes Explained (In Real-World Terms)
BMW engine codes can look intimidating, but once you understand them, they make sense.
Common N13 Variants You’ll See
N13B16K0 — Lower-output version, usually found in the 114i. Built for economy, not performance.
N13B16U0 — Mid-level version used in the 116i and some 3 Series models. This is the most common N13 engine on the road.
N13B16M0 — Higher-output variant found in the 118i, 120i and some EfficientDynamics models. Same base engine, tuned harder.
How the N13 Is Written in the Trade (And Why It Matters)
When you see BMW engines for sale, the N13 is usually listed in a very specific, practical way. For example:
BMW 1 Series 116i F20 E6 4 DOHC 2012–2015 1598 ENGINE PETROL FULL N13B16U
That wording isn’t pretty — but it tells a buyer everything at once:
Model and chassis
Emissions standard
Engine layout
Production years
Capacity and fuel
Engine code
This is exactly how professional breakers avoid mistakes and how you can understand what you are buying.
Is the BMW N13 Engine Reliable?
This is where honesty matters. The N13 isn’t a disaster. But it’s also not one of BMW’s strongest engines. When serviced properly, many N13 engines reach high mileage without major internal failures. Owners regularly report smooth running and good fuel economy. However, there are known weak points.
Common Issues Seen With the N13 Engine
Oil leaks and oil consumption (gaskets and seals)
Timing chain and tensioner wear on poorly maintained cars
Ignition coil and injector problems
Turbo-related faults on higher mileage engines
None of these are guaranteed failures. But together, they mean history matters more with an N13 than with newer BMW engines.
N13 vs Newer BMW Engines
BMW moved away from the N13 for a reason.
The engines that replaced it, such as the B38 and B48 engines, are:
Lighter
More modular
Generally smoother
Better supported long-term
That doesn’t make the N13 “bad”. It simply means it belongs to an earlier generation of BMW turbo engines.
Buying a Used BMW With an N13 Engine
If you’re looking to buy a car fitted with an N13 or just searching to buy a BMW engine, here’s what actually matters:
Confirm the exact engine code
Check service history carefully
Ask about timing chain work
Inspect for oil leaks
Don’t buy purely on price
A cheap N13 with no history is rarely a bargain.
Is the N13 Engine Still Worth Considering?
It can be, but with the right expectations.
The N13 suits:
Light daily driving
Short commutes
Owners who service on time
It does not suit:
Neglect
Extended oil intervals
Buyers hoping for “fit and forget” ownership
Approached properly, it can still be a perfectly usable BMW engine in today’s market.
Quick Summary: Which BMW Has the N13 Engine?
BMW 1 Series: 114i, 116i, 118i, 120i (F20/F21)
BMW 3 Series: 316i, 320i ED (F30)
Conclusion About N13 Engine
The BMW N13 engine sits in an awkward middle ground. It was advanced for its time, but it arrived just before BMW’s newer, more refined modular engines took over. It’s not an engine to fear, but it is one to understand.
If you know which BMWs use it, understand the engine codes, and buy with proper checks, the N13 can still make sense. Ignore those details, and it’s an engine that can quickly become frustrating.
As with most BMW engines, knowledge makes all the difference.
Disclaimer: This article is intended as general guidance only. BMW engine specifications can vary by market, year, and emissions standard. Always confirm engine codes, compatibility, and condition before purchasing a vehicle or a used engine. Delivery and warranty terms apply (T&C apply).
