Which BMW Has the N13 Engine? Full Model List Explained
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The BMW N13 is a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine, and one that confuses a lot of BMW owners. It doesn't have the profile of the N47 diesel or the N55 straight-six, but it powered a surprisingly broad range of BMW models in the early F generation. If you're looking for N13 BMW engine parts, trying to confirm what's under the bonnet of a car you're considering, or simply trying to understand how it fits into BMW's engine family, this is the guide.
What Is the BMW N13 Engine?
The N13 is a 1.6-litre turbocharged inline-four petrol engine introduced by BMW in 2011. It was developed jointly by BMW and PSA (Peugeot-Citroën) under a joint venture, which means a version of this engine also appears in the Peugeot 308 and Citroën DS4, something that surprises BMW owners who discover it. Despite the shared development, the N13 as fitted to BMWs uses BMW's own Valvetronic variable valve lift system and TwinPower Turbo branding.
The N13 replaced the older N45 and N46 naturally aspirated four-cylinders in BMW's smaller model range. It represents BMW's move toward smaller displacement turbocharged engines for the entry-level petrol market. It was produced from 2011 to approximately 2017, at which point it was phased out in favour of the B38 three-cylinder and B48 four-cylinder as part of BMW's B-series modular engine family.
N13 vs B38 and B48: The N13 is an older-generation engine not part of BMW's current B-series modular platform. It shares no significant architecture with the B38 three-cylinder or B48 four-cylinder that replaced it. BMW parts are not interchangeable. If you're sourcing N13 BMW engine parts, confirm you're looking at N13-specific components rather than B-series parts.
BMW N13 Engine Specifications
Displacement: 1,598cc (1.6 litres).
Configuration: Inline-four, turbocharged.
Valve system: BMW Valvetronic with Double VANOS.
Turbocharger: Single twin-scroll turbocharger.
Fuel system: Direct injection (DI).
Power output: 136bhp (N13B16A) or 170bhp (N13B16O0, as fitted to 116i with higher tune).
Production years: 2011–2017 (BMW application).
Which BMW Models Have the N13 Engine?
The N13 was used primarily in the entry-level petrol variants of BMW's F generation. Here is the complete model list.
Worth noting: the 320i and 420i moved from the N13 to the B48 four-cylinder from approximately 2015 onwards, so mid-generation cars on these models can have either engine depending on production date. Always confirm by checking the engine code on the block rather than assuming from the model name.
Common BMW N13 Engine Problems
1. Timing chain — rear-mounted, similar concern to N20
The N13 shares the rear-mounted timing chain design with the N20. The chain sits at the back of the engine, behind the gearbox, making it expensive to access and replace. Wear on the chain, tensioner, and guides is the most significant long-term reliability concern on the N13. The symptom is a rattle on cold start from the rear of the engine that disappears as the engine warms up.
On N13 engines over 80,000 miles with no timing chain history in the service record, treat this as an upcoming cost. The B-series engines that replaced the N13 moved the chain to the front, one of the clearest engineering improvements from the N-series to the B-series generation.
A cold-start rattle on the N13 that clears as the engine warms is not something to monitor. it is something to address. The cost of a timing chain replacement is high on a rear-chain engine; the cost of a chain failure is a replacement engine.
2. Electric water pump reliability
Like several BMW engines of this generation, the N13 uses an electrically driven water pump. These have a finite service life, typically 60,000 to 80,000 miles, and can fail without much warning. A failing pump presents as poor cabin heating, inconsistent temperature gauge readings, or, in a sudden failure, rapid overheating. Proactive replacement on any N13 approaching 70,000 miles without a pump history is a sensible precaution.
3. Carbon buildup on intake valves
The N13's direct injection system doesn't wash the intake valves with fuel, leading to carbon deposits over time. On cars used predominantly for short journeys, this builds faster than average. Rough idle, hesitation, and reduced response under load are the symptoms. A walnut blast clean at around 80,000 miles is the standard remedy.
4. Valve cover and oil filter housing leaks
Oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing are common on higher-mileage N13 engines. These are standard maintenance repairs, inexpensive and straightforward at any independent BMW specialist. Ignored, oil on hot exhaust components creates a burn smell and a fire risk.
5. High-pressure fuel pump and injector wear
Some N13 engines show HPFP and injector wear on higher-mileage examples, presenting as hesitation under acceleration, rough running, and fuel pressure fault codes. Caught early through a diagnostic scan, individual injector replacement is manageable. Left until a complete HPFP failure, the repair cost increases significantly.
Is the N13 a Good Engine?
The N13 is an adequate but not exceptional engine. It delivers reasonable performance for its class, the 136bhp 116i is a capable small car, but its reliability profile is marked by the timing chain concern it shares with the N20, which is a serious fault if left unaddressed.
Owners who maintain their N13 with short oil change intervals, address the chain proactively, and stay on top of the water pump see reasonable longevity. Those who run the car on BMW's factory service intervals without the additional attention this engine benefits from are more likely to encounter problems.
The B38 and B48 that replaced it are more refined engines with better long-term reliability profiles. If you have the choice between an N13-powered model and a B38 or B48 equivalent, the newer engine is the lower-risk purchase.
Finding N13 BMW Engine Parts
The N13 is now old enough that parts supply from main dealers is thinning for some items. The used genuine parts market is increasingly the most practical source for N13 owners, particularly for complete units and major components.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which BMW has the N13 engine?
The N13 was fitted to the BMW 114i, 116i, and early 118i in the F20/F21 1 Series; the 216i and 218i in the F45 2 Series Active Tourer; the 316i and early 320i in the F30 3 Series; the early 420i in the F32/F33 4 Series; and the X1 18i (F48). Production dates varied — the 320i and 420i switched to the B48 from approximately 2015.
Is the BMW N13 engine reliable?
Conditionally. Well-maintained N13 engines with regular oil changes and proactive timing chain attention can cover significant mileage. The rear-mounted timing chain is the primary reliability concern. On engines over 80,000 miles without documented chain history, this is the key risk. The electric water pump is also a known finite-life item.
What is the difference between the N13 and N20?
The N13 is a 1.6-litre four-cylinder; the N20 is a 2.0-litre four-cylinder. Both share the rear-mounted timing chain design that makes chain replacement expensive, and both use an electric water pump. The N20 produces more power and is fitted to higher-specification models. Parts are not interchangeable between the two engines.
How long does an N13 engine last?
With correct maintenance, oil changed every 6,000 to 8,000 miles, timing chain addressed before failure, water pump replaced proactively, an N13 can reach 120,000 to 150,000 miles without catastrophic failure. The engines that fail early almost always have either neglected oil change intervals or an unaddressed timing chain rattle.
Did PSA also use the N13 engine?
Yes. The N13 was developed jointly between BMW and PSA under a long-running engine partnership. PSA used a version of this engine family in the Peugeot 308, 3008, 208 GTI, and Citroën DS4, among others. The BMW version uses BMW's own Valvetronic system and calibration, making it distinct in its BMW application despite the shared block and architecture.
What oil should I use in a BMW N13?
BMW LL-01 specification fully synthetic oil, 5W-30 or 5W-40. Change interval should be every 6,000 to 8,000 miles rather than BMW's factory CBS interval, which most N13 specialists consider too long for a turbocharged engine with a rear-mounted timing chain.
Disclaimer: engine fitment information in this article is based on standard UK market specifications. Some markets received different engine options for the same model. Always confirm your specific engine code via the label on the engine block or your V5C before ordering BMW parts.
