N13 vs M50

Side-by-side reliability comparison

Higher reliability score
M50 BEST 88/100
+33 points over N13
0 / 100
CAUTION N13 BMW
0 / 100
BEST M50 BMW

Specifications

N13
M50
Brand
BMW
BMW
Verdict
CAUTION
BEST
Reliability
55
88
Years
2011--2015
1990--1996
Displacement
1598 cc
2494 cc
Layout
I4
I6
Type
Petrol Turbo
Petrol Na
Power
136--170 hp
150--192 hp
Known Issues
3
2
Total Risk Cost
€1,900--€4,300
€400--€1,100

Character

N13

"Prince engine (BMW/PSA). Timing chain issues. Adequate power but questionable long-term."

M50

"Cast iron block legend. One of BMW's most reliable ever. M50TU added single VANOS. Strong internals handle 300k+ km. Cooling plastics only weakness."

Issues Comparison

N13 3

◆ CRITICAL
Timing chain + tensioner — notorious from 50k miles €1,200--€2,500 50,000 km--100,000 km
▲ HIGH
Turbo oil feed line blockage €400--€1,200 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
Carbon buildup on intake valves €300--€600 60,000 km--120,000 km

M50 2

▲ HIGH
Water pump plastic impeller failure €200--€500 60,000 km--120,000 km
● MODERATE
VANOS unit wear (M50TU) €200--€600 100,000 km--200,000 km

Models

N13 5

1 Series F20 2012--2015 1 Series F20 2012--2015 3 Series F30 2012--2015 1 Series F20 2012--2015 1 Series F20 2012--2015

M50 0

No models listed.

Full N13 Report Full M50 Report