N13
BMW · 1.6L Turbo I4
2011–2015
"Prince engine (BMW/PSA). Timing chain issues. Adequate power but questionable long-term."
Mileage Risk Timeline
When problems typically appear — enter your mileage to see your risk zone
Known Issues 3
Timing chain + tensioner — notorious from 50k miles
▸Rattle from early mileage, check engine light, rough running
BMW-PSA Prince engine. Inherited PSA chain stretch issues. Can fail catastrophically.
Any N13 purchase must verify chain status. Avoid pre-2013 production if possible.
Turbo oil feed line blockage
▸Smoke, oil consumption, loss of boost
Small oil feed line to turbo can restrict or block. Combined with chain issues makes this engine problematic.
If chain not done and turbo showing signs: avoid or negotiate heavily.
Carbon buildup on intake valves
▸Rough idle, hesitation, cold start misfires
Direct injection without port injection = rapid carbon accumulation. Worse than B48 due to base design quality.
Walnut blast needed at 60-80k km typically.
Models with N13 5
Other BMW Engines
Tuning Potential
Limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the BMW N13 reliable?
The BMW N13 scores 55/100 with a verdict of CAUTION. It has 3 documented issues with total repair costs between €1,900 and €4,300.
What are the common problems with the N13?
The most common issues are:
- Timing chain + tensioner — notorious from 50k miles — critical, repair cost €1,200–€2,500, 50,000 km–100,000 km
- Turbo oil feed line blockage — high, repair cost €400–€1,200, 60,000 km–120,000 km
- Carbon buildup on intake valves — moderate, repair cost €300–€600, 60,000 km–120,000 km
What cars use the BMW N13?
How much does it cost to repair the N13?
Total potential repair costs for all 3 known issues range from €1,900 to €4,300. The most expensive issue is typically .
What years was the N13 produced?
The BMW N13 was produced from 2011 to 2015. It is a 1598cc I4 petrol turbo engine.
Verdict and scores are editorial opinions based on aggregated data. Learn about our methodology. Not a substitute for professional inspection.