BMW N20 Problems to Expect - Reliability Report

BMW N20 is one of the most popular engines in the BMW range. If you are looking at or own a BMW 228i, 328i, 428i, 528i or even the X1, X3 or X4 you most likely have the BMW N20 engine in that car. In this video, we will discuss common problems to see how reliable the N20 engine really is. This engine was used between 2011 and 2017 in BMW models and for the first few years it was not the most reliable engine. It had some timing chain issues, rod bearing issues, plastic valve cover that cracked or leaked oil, bad gasket on the oil filter housing and even the injectors that can malfunction and create stuttering condition on the engine.
BMW N20 Timing Chain: • Replacing BMW N20 Timi...
BMW N20 Teardown: • BMW N20 Teardown After...
BMW N20 Injectors: • BMW Fuel Injector Repl...
BMW N20 HPFP: • High Pressure Fuel Pum...
BMW N20 Wastegate Rattle fix: • BMW Wastegate Rattle F...
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[@dh1380]

Great video. I've had my 228i for three years now. 77k miles (of which 23k have been me running a stage 1 map) without a hiccup. But this video is good for making people aware of potential issues. Probably the best one I have seen. Apparently there are only 228 228i manuals registered where I live and they seem to be going up in value, so I am keen to look after mine. This video will definitely help.

[@nguy2032]

Thanks for the video. I like to add a few more issues to your list of issue. 1. Excessive carbon built up in the intake & exhaust of cylinder head. You also mentioned this on your other video. 2. Turbo inlet line allows oil leak into combustion and caused oil burn. There is a redesigned part for this. Search for the text below and you will find detail information on NHTSA “N20 ENGINE OIL FEED LINE TO THE TURBOCHARGER: LIMITED WARRANTY EXTENSION TO 10 YEARS/120,000 MILES” 3. Vanos actuators, solenoids, cam gears. My failed around 150k miles. 4. Oil pump chain & guide.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks for your items. The more people add the more comprehensive the list can be!

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

These things still have Vanos issues? Good grief, BMW must have their heads stuck up their collective asses.

[@rolo7487]

Yeah I replaced my intake vanos Gear and fixed the horrible fluttering idle.

[@brianreilly6523]

It is important to clarify that the N20 engines built in 2015 and forward have a revised chain guide with a different material. The later N20 engines are much less prone to chain guide failures.

[@alprkatrci]

The best N20 video I've ever seen on internet, appreciate your great effort!

[@keving4islife391]

I went from a N51 to N20 my god I’m so happy

[@captainmorgan5449]

What was wrong with the N51? It is essentially the N52 with the low emmision tech on it. I know it suffered from the same problems as the N52..value cover and oil housing leaks, water pump, etc. I heard the N51 cars has the sensors on the fuel tank and the radiator. If they go out you have to replace the tank and the radiator. My buddy has an 09 328xi that his dad brought in NY. He brought it barely used so I hope the car came from another state and it has the N52

[@Jabbablink2]

100k on mine - runs great - change oil 2 times a year ... dampers are on the docket though but I live in a bumpy town

[@2FTermination]

Thank you for taking the time to make this video!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks for watching!

[@cesaravelar6620]

This is true. I have a 2015 328i 100k miles it’s still powerful. But I needed to replace the valve cover. Besides that I’m really happy with the reliability

[@Richardv24]

Have you had any timing chain issues? I want to buy one that has 100k miles

[@cesaravelar6620]

@@Richardv24 no timing issues, i am at 107,000 miles. They always check it every time and is holding up. Although i believe i got the car right after the fixed the chain on future models. Mine was manufacture in may 2015

[@fl0w.-lp5ev]

Great video. Easy to understand speeking, good showing underhood elements etc. Mine is 228i 2104year, and i care about it. valve cover replacted, and still a little oil leak.

[@Vitor-Moraes]

Thank you for that video. Was thinking about buying a 228i but it seems to be more scary than the N54 I had. Gonna stop looking!

[@TheZimberto]

One more thing to add... if the wastegate actuator port on the vacuum pump is unused (because the car has an electronic one), it has a one-way valve that tends to fail over time and leak oil around the back of the engine. Since this has identical symptoms to a leaky valve cover it can take an extended time to diagnose.

[@mihailomircic8903]

I see some oil on the wastegate actuator arm, its Electric. Could it be that or just valve cover leak

[@brianreilly6523]

Great overview. Clear and crisp. Thank you.

[@ronaldfoster1869]

We definitely DID have the lower powered N20 motor here in North America

[@c_wonder]

It’s a great car, only had to replace the engine once at 105k miles. Thankfully under my extended warranty

[@GymChess]

lol You have a strange definition of "great" if you think that replacing an engine at only 105K miles is acceptable.

[@BIMMERZEITT]

Nice work, I like your presentation style

[@anitajerkin]

You should also include the vacuum pump as that's one of the item that goes out around 80K miles.

[@klac8500]

Thank you so much for sharing this video. I am starting to have issues with mine (2015 f32 with 128k) and now I know what to look out for. Great information! Thanks again!

[@Krezo200]

Maybe its better to change the car

[@eternallord2256]

I’ve had my valvtronic servomotor replaced. 14 528xi 92k miles

[@yanivhag2746]

Nice overall guidelines, i have 135i n54 manual but i really enjoy your review on the n20. keep rocking

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thank you! I always wanted a 135i, but don't see a lot of them for sale.

[@BmwMe-uh9sy]

the 1 series is 2 ugly for me to own

[@MrBMW83]

Thanks for make this type of videos 👌🏽 I have a n20 engine on my 2013 328l looking forward on your videos to learn ✌🏾

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Glad to hear! Thanks for watching.

[@F80Klaus]

Same bro

[@ImranKhan-ej3fy]

Do you have an f30 mate? I’m having some whining sounds I need some advice with

[@aidencress5983]

same here

[@destiny-daily7044]

@@ImranKhan-ej3fy f30 is the body style all f30s dont have the same engine

[@romangora9519]

Great i got a 2014 428i 💀 with 90k miles

[@genuflext]

is 2014 428i doomed with timing change issue?

[@Richardv24]

💀🙏

[@genuflext]

@genuflext yes 😭

[@davec5237]

Thanks for posting 👍

[@mro9466]

that front is so elegant. great looking car. too bad they never made a coupe.

[@p.u.g3312]

That is a coupe. BMW z4

[@paynelcasey]

320i engine here. had to replace high pressure fuel pump, electric water pump.

[@danygarage8805]

Great video 👍🏻

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Glad you enjoyed

[@bimmer4755]

We actually got the 320i variant in the 🇺🇸

[@wushu7976]

Wow I wish I would've done some research on the my 13 bmw 328i I just bought all the videos are scary AF .

[@SilentEscape818]

just had to do timing chain 72 k miles, 3,600 job

[@jacindaaaron]

Literally just got my 2013 328i back from the dealership today timing chain guides broke which made my timing skip which them bent the exhaust valves $10.5k in parts and labor happened at 72k miles. Luckily I have a warranty and only had to pay my deductible.

[@MikeLi1019]

Had a 2013 328 and 2012 X6, so many problems, never buying another BMW again!

[@mulyadirusli]

Awesome video. Very easy to follow and informative. Big 👍. Quick question on rod bearing issue. Instead of waiting until it starts making whipping sound to find out, is there other symptoms we can watch out for before it ruins the engine or any preventive action we may take? Love the channel. New sub

[@Mtree40]

Might be buying a 2015 328xi with 77k miles for 16k USD. Good idea or bad?

[@vancebison]

Good! I just got a 2014 328xi with 76k miles for 14.5k, and just make sure to take good care of it. Also check previous history!!

[@tinali9200]

You are the only one i have heard suggest that changing the timing chain tensioner was “easy” or even possible without getting well into the internals and setting all the timing locks to prevent movement unintended timing adjustments. Would you please verify this is actually possible? Feels like bad info but if not great!

[@aqib2000]

The more common issue is the plastic guides just breaking apart and cracking

[@AlexSilva-kb5ib]

Great video! Thanks for the info

[@tallersolveh6585]

hola soy de colombia, tengo en mi taller un vehiculo BMW X3 N20 que arroja fallos de combustion en los cilindros 2 y 3, ya se cambiaron vanos, cadena de sistribucion , valvetronic, inyectores y la averia persiste, si desconectan los actuadores de los vanos se quita la falla y el ralenti del motor se estabiliza. podrias ayudarme? gracias y quedo atento

[@deltaforce5000]

I beg you please make a comprehensive N54 35i engine video

[@bimmerfan6538]

Same!

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I'll work on it!

[@aqib2000]

Conrod bearing failure and knocking even with average oil change intervals

[@blaisecolumberg2261]

I have a BMW 228i manual gearbox from the end of 2015 and it has 161,000km. Could there be problems with it in the future?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Sounds like a pretty solid car. 2015 should be fine and manual gearboxes are solid. Change your oil at least every 5k miles or 8k kilometers!

[@jeremyainsley3522]

my n20 on my 2014 f10 is ticking a little bit, not sure if it’s normal

[@ColinPopoviciu]

the biggest problem with this engine is that it's missing two cylinders

[@Niaaal]

It's for people who want to save on gas

[@nyccontrabass3489]

Also oil cap leaking issues.

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Thanks for you feedback!

[@sahinlerinozan]

amazing video

[@esacert]

hi my name is Marco, I am writing to you from Italy, I follow your channel, I want to ask you for advice, I bought a used z4 e89 20i a few months ago, it is registered on 06/2014, this noise that my mechanic has increased for a few weeks he identified it as a problem with the hydraulic tappets, but the sound you describe in your video at 3:20 minutes is very similar to that of my car, can I have some advice, can I send you the video? Thanks Marco

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Hi Marco, I saw the video you sent me, very helpful! It's very hard to say for sure from a video, but it sounds less 'slappy' so it can be either an early stage of a failing rod bearing or it can be a timing chain getting loose or like your mechanic said the hydraulic valve lifters. It sounds like it's coming more from the back of the engine, so we can probably rule out the timing chain. Next, listen closely to see if it's coming from the top or the bottom. Mine was bottom and it was the rod bearing.

[@turbocharge1962]

@@SimpleCarGuy Remember also that the injectors are very noisy

[@P44TKO]

Wanted to ask if the cooling fan should be on in these days which is like 5~7 degrees ?? I changed thermostat and still when I open the bonnet and check fan is turning…?. Is this normal for N20??

[@sfbluedevil8588]

I need help to change the power steering fluid where is it?? Thanks

[@aqib2000]

Dealer services to the book means it has been inadequately serviced!!!!!!

[@Taun24]

I have a 228i Xdrive I that it was N20. Or is it F22 I’m a new buyer and would like to know

[@jfox24]

F22 is the model code for the first generation 2 series coupe (new one is G42). I have an F23 which means it's a convertible F22. It's a way for BMW fans to differentiate generations of a model. The 28i F22's produced from 2014-2016 have the N20, and the timing chain issue on N20 engines was fixed for 2015 and later models. That engine was replaced by the B48 for 2016-2021 F22 models and the name was changed to the 230i. The current 228i name was transferred to a front wheel drive, 4 door compact car.

[@Taun24]

@@jfox24 you help me out tremendously and luckily for me according to your assessment I have a 2015 so I may be good as far as the timing chain issue is concerned but I love the car and will continue to take care of it

[@jfox24]

@@Taun24 happy to help. I love mine but it's been the most expensive car I've owned. No catastrophic timing chain issues, but I've had valve cover gasket leaks which was not a cheap fix. Also, if you're new to driving a turbo car you need to let it warm up for about a minute (RPMs will drop) before driving off. You also need to let the turbo cool down for a minute or 2 before shutting the engine off completely if you drove it hard. This includes the automatic start/stop function which cuts your engine to save fuel. I don't use that feature just in case.

[@Taun24]

@@jfox24 so I’ve noticed that when I start it the rpm gauge basically lets me know that it’s not ready to pull off yet, typically right over 1000 then it stabilizes below 1000 when it’s ready, but I am new to driving a turbo car so are you saying even in warm weather before I cut the car off I should put it in park and set for a minute and then shut it off? And also 😂 it’s definitely the most expensive I’ve ever had the gas alone is out of control but I really do appreciate you I love learning and you seem like a good person so I hope all is well with yours

[@Taun24]

@@jfox24 and I don’t like the automatic start stop function but I do make a mistake sometimes when I get home from work by just cutting it off as soon as I pull up thanks to you ik not to do that anymore

[@Dansk55]

smh... I'll just get a ES350. Thanks for the info

[@Dinksonly21]

If I have a 2015 328i built in 2014 should I be safe for timing chain? Thanks.

[@Richardv24]

Have you had any problems? Miles?

[@sheldondrewett4123]

I just bought a 2013 x1 from auction 145k miles, is it safe to say the timing chain has been replaced and if so how much more reliable are the components, how long do they last?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I wouldn't say that it's guaranteed that the timing chain has been replaced. It's a common issue, but it doesn't mean it will go on each engine. I would check history to make sure and check the chain for stretching as well. At the very least, I would replace the timing chain tensioner.

[@sheldondrewett4123]

@@SimpleCarGuy well I got it today, put a new camshaft sensor got it started, it idled then dark gray smoke came from exhaust and it died within 10 seconds 😭

[@djgaboreneromunoz2232]

I have the same doubt, because I have a BMW 328i 2015, check the year of manufacture but mine says that my car was manufactured in the year 05/2014, does that mean that my BMW does have the problems of 2011? Or if I was saved from everything changing like 2015, how do you explain?

[@stenzackrisson3538]

The new timing chain came january 2015, so all before new years eve 2014 have th old an bad timing chain.

[@benjamin4394]

I have a 2017 X3 sDrive28i. Does this year model still have timing chain issues?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

No

[@benjamin4394]

@@SimpleCarGuy thank God. I absolutely love my Bimmer but I do NOT like the idea of having to come out of pocket for a timing chain job. I think I may hit a tree or deep ditch to bend the frame and call it "accident" rather than foot that bill! Just kidding. Or am I?

[@ashen1425]

Is a 2016 bmw 328i n20 with 60k mile’s reliable?

[@S420merc]

Yes by “2016” the timing chain prob is gone

[@genuflext]

what about 2014 428i? 40k

[@youseftheyoungwolf1223]

How is you’re car I just got mine at 79k

[@ashen1425]

@@youseftheyoungwolf1223 went for a 2014 428i with a n20 instead, picked it up at 58k miles currently at 72k. Car has been treating me well have done 2 oil changes so far, maintenance cost isn’t too bad ordering parts from fcp euro helps.

[@aidenp5768]

The early N20 engines are just shitty engines, people say the N62 is bad, or the S85, or the early S63 but this is the worst because its a damn 4 cylinder, you'd expect problems like this on the bigger engines, what's worse is that most N20 owners are just normal people who don't really know what engine they have, so they're stuck and forced to pay a even heavier bill at the dealer or shop. There's a reason why 328i or 528is are in the low teens, don't take the bait.

[@mcmlvi6953]

I took the bait unfortunately.. 2014, 52k miles, 20 year old student.. :( no financial help from parents either. definitely worried

[@aidenp5768]

@@mcmlvi6953 don’t get worried then you’ll make it happen, just be super smart. The issues these BMWs have are avoidable for some time. The stupid plastic guides on n20s can last if you change the oil on which is 5k miles, most people extend their luck and go 7k and beyond.. don’t. I recommend 5w 30 instead of the bullshit 5 20. Add liquid moly anti friction just half the bottle every oil change it’s just 9 dollars. So change the oil, when you do go for liquid moly 5 30 or Mobil 1, get liquid moly anti friction agent thats easy to find like at autozone. And drive low rpms all the time, don’t be revving it out passed 5k for no reason, drive it like a normal car, 5 minutes to warm up the engine in the morning so the oil can get viscosity. When the car is warm like going to supermarket and coming back give it like 45 seconds so the oil flows everywhere in the engine. You should be fine, reason why people don’t go far is because again they do the complete opposite. OHH and I almost forgot do not tune and mod this car smh

[@mcmlvi6953]

@@aidenp5768 I'm so glad you stated this.. I installed H&R Super Sports and was planning on getting BM3 actually but, a few people told me not to tune my N20, that it's not a great platform to tune in the sense of reliability/longevity with a tune. Great information about the oil changes as well, because I paid $300 one time to get "lifetime" oil changes at BMW every 7.5k miles which I found odd, considering my last BMW which was N52, multiple mechanics told me to change the oil every 3-5k miles if possible. thanks for the help brother.

[@aidenp5768]

@@mcmlvi6953 Glad I can help bro, if I had an n20 bmw, I would be happy still because knowing how to keep the car healthy is an under estimated advantage. If I had your car id still have fun with it, getting tints, paint protection, new suspension parts, new wheels, lip spoiler, still can enjoy it without tuning. Instead of tuning the motor you still have the opportunity to make a good handling build. I have an X5 with the m54 for example, it has 225hp and it weighs nearly 5,000lbs I don't have it tuned and I always smile while driving it, there is so much character to a car than just being fast. Ive driven the M cars they're thrilling but I have just as much fun in a big luxury suv which I also off-road and do winter donuts, trust me bmws are flexible in so many lifestyles. Off-road builds, track builds, drag builds, street racing builds, luxury builds, cosmetic builds, stance builds, restoration builds etc.. in your case, upgrade the interior to your liking, make it cosmetically tasteful outside, put some sticky tires on it, get in an LSD, and maybe just maybe if you like you save some money to swap in a N55 or B58 into your car.

[@mcmlvi6953]

​@@aidenp5768 That's so ironic you said this because that was my exact plan. Build the suspension, cosmetic mods. Drive the N20 into the ground, or until I can afford a B58 swap. Car handles like a dream, and is super torquey in city driving, the only time the car lacks is on highways, it's slow as shit haha, but hey it's a great daily, good mpg's, and sporty around town. Also love the way the F3x chassis' look, super aggressive yet subtle.

[@shuangshuang3837]

320i with n20b20b, z4 20i with n20b20a

[@tiiger1271]

good evening for the n20 2017 120i engine has timing chain problems?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Not really, they have fixed it by 2017. Should be good to go

[@markkamner6562]

I have a 2013 f30 328i. Can i replace my engine with a newer N20? will it be compatible with an older f30

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Yes, you can. That's what I did on my Z4. However, you WILL have to swap a lot of items for it work since it's the block that remains the same.

[@markkamner6562]

@@SimpleCarGuy wow that's amazing to hear I really appreciate the Info. Are you able to share what you need to swap in order for it to work? Is it in your video?

[@konstantinosptk4816]

I have a bmw 320i F30 and it drop me to screen the too low oil presure check ...I replace the oil valve but the problem is still there..What can i do?

[@taemitchell7419]

What did u do bro ?

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

Does my 2015 428i have upgraded timing chain components?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

Yes, it does.

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

@@SimpleCarGuy thanks for letting me know. Figured I did since it’s the 4 series.

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

@@SimpleCarGuy didn’t know if you meant 2015 as in model year or year in general since mine was made 9/14.

[@djgaboreneromunoz2232]

@@SimpleCarGuy I have the same doubt, because I have a BMW 328i 2015, check the year of manufacture but mine says that my car was manufactured in the year 05/2014, does that mean that my BMW does have the problems of 2011? Or if I was saved from everything changing like 2015, how do you explain?

[@mahmoudshalaby4925]

You have to check your car manufacture date If it 03/2015 then yes it has the updated timing components

[@jonatansteven4905]

5:11 on fan see a crap... ?

[@Lucid.Nightmares]

How much did the new 2015 n20 engine cost you?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

It was over 2 years ago, but if I remember correctly around $3500 for a 2015 engine with 30k miles.

[@norbertfecko8659]

hello there how I can fix problem with rattling wastegate flap?

[@SimpleCarGuy]

I replaced mine to fix it in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZnTdpYKkidCdqNU Some weld the flapper and others also replace it with an aftermarket flapper.

[@EduardoHernandez-wj6uu]

Expect engine failure at around 100-110k This is not a reliable engine ,it's probably the worst one in BMWs history They arel class actions outthere regarding this . The defect : Valvetronic and timing chains

[@8rasiks167]

Yep, engine went out due to timing chain at 90000 miles

[@charlese.websterjr.8373]

I LIKE ,BUT, IAM BUYING 2018 X2. SHOULD BE GOOD. 😉

[@sosoapy8154]

Can you explain eu5 and eu6 injectors. Also you said 2015 and later switched back to eu5 from eu6. Just confused 🤔

[@SimpleCarGuy]

When I swapped the engine from a 2015 car into my 2012 Z4, the engine came with the EU6 injectors. Since the ECU/DME was from the 2012 engine, the engine ran lean at full boost or on very hard acceleration. Once I swapped the injectors from the old engine into the replacement, all lean conditions went away. The EU6 is an updated EU5 injector to make sure the engine can meet European emission standards, but for us it means the pattern is slightly different and you can cause lean/rich codes.

[@paulista9862]

My 328i got most of these problems 😂 German quality

[@jack28399]

BMW N20 engine has defective design that leads to permanent engine failure. Hundreds of customers have faced engine issues ranging from timing belt to fuel pump low pressure resulting to engine Blow outs. BMW dealers are quoting anything in the range of 15k to 20 k for engine replacement with no major recalls on this issue. There is also a class action suite for these defective engines for which BMW was asked try the courts to compensate the affected customers. Absolutely horrific quality control and servicing by BMW and pathetic response from BMW customer relations that customers need to be aware of.

[@JamalRaja-wt4cn]

To be honest, I feel like this is just a bad engine with lots of issues. Has a timing chain put yet it rattles and can cause engine failure? What a fail.

[@user-fg1xz5wt9l]

3:19

[@gegervary]

“What to do if you already have that engine in the car” 😂 It’s absolute garbage.

[@minnus222]

Buy Mercedes Benz w212

[@evdorn]

Oil leaks. Oil leaks everywhere.

[@michaelcoogan3473]

wow never realized bmw make such crap engines

[@abspeedy1779]

Bmw just full of problems

[@saucon751]

If you can't afford to pay you can't afford to play bud

[@Theeeeea]

@@saucon751what fun is a car if you can’t drive it lmao

[@EmpraMcdade]

Depends on the model my guy lmao 😅

[@OMGWTFLOLSMH]

Thanks. That is a sexy car, in a great colour. I had a 2005 Z4 3.0i for a few years but sold it because it didn't see much use and I got tired of driving a stick. It was minty with rare options, and looked great too, but not as great as yours. That newer body style with the hardtop is the way to go.

[@SLF53M]

Damnn I got a 12 528i I replaced everything he said but the rob bearings🥲 I’m at 145k miles