BMW 316i E46 — Reliability

E46 Sedan Compact 2001–2006 1 engine

Reliability Summary

Engine N42/N45/N46 — 55/100 CAUTION
Known Issues 4

Engine in this model

CAUTION 55

N42/N45/N46

1.6-2.0L NA I4

BMW four-cylinder of the E46/E87/E90 era. The timing chain and its short original tensioner are the ...

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Known Issues Across All Engines

Issue Engine Severity Onset
Valvetronic eccentric shaft wear / actuator motor failure (N42, N46 — not N45) N42/N45/N46 high —
Timing chain and tensioner wear N42/N45/N46 high 100,000 km – 160,000 km
Oil consumption and leaks — valve stem seals, crankcase breather, vacuum pump, rings N42/N45/N46 high 50,000 km – 150,000 km
VANOS solenoid and seal faults N42/N45/N46 moderate —