Worst BMW Motor

Test drive left me stranded. Avoid buying a BMW with this motor. What to know..
- BMW 4 cylinder ( n20/26 ) issues and reliability.
- What to avoid and how to prevent.
- Includes raw footage of: engine blowing and leaving me stranded. Watch till end.
- This is not a bash on BMW. They are known for their exceptional engineering in performance and design. Though I love the brand, It is also my job to look out for you the customer and consumer.
----- follow on instagram mikemds_
------ Content corrections -------
-This engine is not in the X5 but in the X3. Vid clip shows X3 but I said X5.
- The X Drive vehicles with this engine have an aluminum oil pan not plastic.

[@ItsJustMeMcKee]

I had a 428i with the N20. I bought it at 87k miles and never had an issue. I changed the oil every 5k. I'd say whoever had it before me took good care of it. I got hit by some teenage girl that was texting and the insurance totalled it. I was heartbroken. I went out and bought me an M4 lol

[@Freddiejr12]

I have a 2013 328i with 110,000 every part on the engine is original except the oil and oil filter so far no issues runs perfect.

[@MikeMDs]

So happy to hear that! Keep doing what you're doing.

[@andreschmitz1548]

Just like mine!! Zero issues until now... 81.000 km... 5 years of intense use...

[@dylanaguirre8242]

I have a 2014 428i with 105K miles. I launch at almost every red light and do oil changes once every 18K miles. Only issue I've had was my thermostat, it went out at 89K miles. Good luck I guess, let me knock on wood.

[@javy0820]

@@dylanaguirre8242 Christ all mighty! that poor machine. change the effing oil more often

[@dylanaguirre8242]

javy0820 will do!

[@adnaanwise1359]

I experienced the exact same thing, stranded. Car is being checked out by the mechanic. N20 is a total fail. Once fixed, I’m planning on selling the car and exposing BMW every opportunity I get!

[@jbcarsvids4128]

They already tried to fix the problem in 2015 and passed that your engine would be fine what year was your car?

[@tariqmiah2258]

2016 BMW series 3 always did oil change at the BMW dealer. Went for an oil change at 76,600 mile at the dealer. They said the oil casket was leaking and needed to be replaced. I didn't see any oil leakage but agreed to do it for $1,230. Came home in a loaner vehicle and got a phone call from BMW that my timing chain is "loose." Loose at 76,000 miles. Both timing chain and oil casket leakage will cost around $7,000. I told them this is too expensive for me and just do the oil casket repair for $1,230. After the oil casket repair I sold this 2016 BMW series 3 for $15,600 at a local dealer (used cars are gold now!). Went out and bought a brand new Honda Accord EX-L. I will never buy a BMW again.

[@isarkisov]

Who takes BMW to dealership? Most likely, they lied about timing chain. 2015+ N20s have updated timing chain which doesn’t have these problems. Don’t buy BMW if you cant DIY.

[@Yahgiggle]

7k for new timing chain and sump gasket lol they are scamming people, i had a Honda Accord and had problems with it, the harmonic balancer craped out at only 40,000k aircon at around 90,000, alternator at 130,000k and motor at 230,000, door locks also craped out, back window motor, yeah Hondas are not what they used to be.

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

Lol bro everything you said sounded like the stealership tryna scam the absolute mess out of you.

[@HAGA7793]

If you didn't see any leaks you shouldn't have agreed to gasket change. Makes you wonder if they even changed the gasket at all or simply detailed the engine. How did they confirm timing chain was loose? Were any sensors going off? The dealer job is to rip you off. You need to ask the right questions and learn things the along the way yourself if you want to drive BMWs.

[@gionet1234]

Quitter 😂

[@LuisGee]

115,000 miles on my n20 with original timing guides, dontr trust the oil change intervals bmw says to do. I change my oil every 3,000 miles

[@kylarhowe9262]

Same here and that's one of the best ways to prevent this issue

[@pennyparker6025]

Nice to hear someone besides me that changes oil every 3000 miles. I have n52 e90 I do everything I can and still money n time

[@javy0820]

thats good to hear, recently been freaking out about this issue again. i change my every 6-8 months, which is about 3k miles for me. i'm at 54k miles atm.

[@powdermik]

@@BrandonLeTran that is around $4,500 - $5,000 . It's a huge job .

[@sonofcold]

@BMW F25 X3 R Spec 400hp on the n20/n26?! how many miles you got on it?

[@matthoward1174]

Thank you Brother! You have saved me a ton of aggravation on a 328GT I was looking at.

[@MikeMDs]

Glad I could help

[@axeljonsson151]

What about the n13 engine, does it have similar issues?

[@MrWaheedulHaque]

hello my friend i have a 2013 320i x drive m sport, 85k mileage and timing chain and gaskets and pumps were all done 15k miles ago, the car makes that whining noise you mentioned when accelerating, could the chain be failing again or is it the turbo

[@davec5237]

Thanks for posting. I've got a 2012 328i n20 with 73km no issues yet.

[@MikeMDs]

That's what I like to hear!

[@robertbeazley6412]

Great video I wonder if BMW in the uk have the extended warranty you speak about. I have just bought a Z4 28i with 49k miles so am a bit concerned , thanks for your info

[@arthurdorianamoakon4033]

Hi mike Like your video very explicit Iam thinking to buy a 5 series f10 model but quite scared for fuel in the in line 6 you advise to own. So could you please tell me what's the best engine to own in terms of power, reliability, and consuption with the f10 4 cylinder, i dt mind a diesel or petrol. Thanks

[@Orlandobori]

I have a 2013 bmw 328i with with 70k miles now running great but I went to my bmw dealer many times to get the tire recall treatment but they say no ??? It has been 7 years they said ?

[@johnjohn-xo5gl]

It the 06 330xi a good car to get? Got one in my area for $1500 and wanna know if its worth the buy

[@pranaychowdharychirumavill6635]

I have 428 i drive with 120,000 miles right now and if i start in the morning i am observing some white smoke coming from the exhaust when i reverse the car. Can you explain wht might went wrong with it. It happened after i serviced the car with BMW dealers.

[@andrewjasienski7890]

Like the presentation. Great guy.

[@Tony-ow3if]

As always - Gr8 honest content. Do you have a video on the BMW N47 D20 Engine

[@MikeMDs]

Thank you!. Not yet

[@pinakidas397]

How through was the oil change? A pair of ramps and a filter and oil doesn't cost much. I have been using a salvage yard N20 for over 2 years and no issues till now - oil changed about every 5k miles.

[@820performancecomptonbro4]

What’s the reason that these engine lose compression or have low compression? I have a 2015 BMW 528 I randomly had a no start checked everything and found low compression on four cylinders didn’t leak down test and I could hear it coming out the crank case car only has 95k miles

[@rishiagarwal11]

I have a 320D - F30. 2013 with 78,000 kms.I have a jerking issue when the car is cold. I have got the ecg valve cleaned and done the walnut cleaning at the dealership. The issue is not resolved. Please can you recommend further checks to resolve the issue.

[@torsteinaa]

Bought a 2013 F34 with n20b20 after owning a E39 m54b22 car for 8 years with no major engine problems. Rust killed that car. Did not find out the issues surrounding the turbo, oil draining pipe before after buying the car. In Europe, or at least Norway where I am from - there are no information or "known" issues regarding this when I checked multiple garages and BMW directly. So now I just live in slightly worried, with a buffer on the account in case this blow up. Next car will probably be electric. Wonder if that will give less worries or more. :D Drive the car very little, but see a small "puff" of white smoke occationally when we have left the car for a couple of days with no driving.

[@tylertyler965]

i mean if your BMW motor failed because of a broken timing chain, does the fee of rebuild the engine include in the BMW timing chain warranty?

[@hanisalhab7685]

What did you tell the customer and how did they reacted

[@corkscrewlifestyle]

Get a well kept M54 like the one on my 2002 325i E46. Those straight sixes will run to the moon if you change the oil every 5k miles or 12 months if you drive less than 5k miles in a year. And change the cooling system every 5-10 years. It'll run forever. Sad part about the N20 is it shares similar issues to the old BMW M62/M62tu V8 engine for the timing guides failing from being made from plastic. Only way to keep those engines from failing is changing the oil sooner like 5k miles or every 12 months if you drive less than 5k miles. Wish bmw kept an updated version of the M54 or the N52 straight six. Those motors are better made than the N20. Great video.

[@isarkisov]

Yeah they will go to the moon so long as you don’t overheat it.

[@pklifter]

Is this vid referring to the B48B20O1 engine with 190kw and 400nm of torque?

[@Artyfil]

I had a 2013 328i sedan with the n20 engine. Got rid of it a month ago despite having the timing chain guides replaced under that extended warranty. 59k miles and I was getting an intermittent low oil pressure light. Loved the car but that occasional warning light scared me too much.

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

They didn’t install the oil pump chain or guide right.

[@oshiawase]

regular oil changes are a must with the N20. I have a 2013 328i xDrive and change oil every 5000km to 6000km. I wonder what the oil change interval was for that car, the engine bay looked dirty as hell.

[@SmokeySingh101]

The engine oil was super blacl aswell

[@heyitsjel]

Completely agree. It's a very reliable engine, especially once the timing chain fixes are carried out. Our 2013 328i with N20 receives oil changes between 5000 - 10000 km, and our car doesn't make excessive noise even at 155,000km (96,000 miles). I'm currently in the process of changing the timing chain & guides and oil pump drive sprockets/chain/tensioners.

[@jamesmccallion4526]

My N20 is pretty reliable then again its a 2015 so most of the issues were with earlier models with these plastic parts. Highly recommend 5k oil changes NOT 10,000 miles oil changes way to long for this motor which may contribute to these issues.

[@MikeMDs]

Your input is pure Gold. I wish everyone realized the importance of doing oil changes every 5000 mi.

[@Dcc357]

Same with my VW. They want 10k/1 year oil changes for the first 2 free services, so I secretly change the oil myself with VW filters and VW 508 oil at 5000 miles lol. Then they can do the next change, then I do 15k, then they do 20k. Oil is changed often and Input some service history with them

[@mat_v]

@@MikeMDs can you confirm this issue was addressed after 2015 or have you seen it happen on newer n20’s as well. Thank you for the video and keep up the good work!

[@ZelenKai]

There was a revised timing chain and guides on the 2016+ N20/N26 engines. N26 SULEV engines also are covered under the emissions warranty for up to 150K miles or 15 years.

[@mattbuffo9967]

that's sweet i have a 2016 328i so I shouldn't have that issue

[@sonofcold]

When I learned this, I was amazed, wonder if anyone has any expirience with this.

[@shrmtales]

2014

[@donnihotti74]

How do we convince bmw of this

[@ashen1425]

is a 2016 n20 with 60k miles reliable?

[@ambroz2779]

Fijuuu... When i saw picture of X1... i have X1 E84 4/2012 18d, 105KW/143HP...Engine is N47D20C... Also lot of plastic... Also motor oil have to be changed depend of driving habits as you said, also where you drive-long/short distance... Now, when is COVID, i do less kilometers per day, and i changed oil after 3500kilometers(about 2200 miles)... And now engine run more smoothly... Question: For summer is recommended motor oil 5W-40 ? ...for engine i have... Thanks a lot for presentation and share your experiences to us!

[@m-s.t.l9386]

We had our timing chain guide break apart recently, had to have it towed home but did the repair ourselves in our apartment parking lot for $750 (parts and tools). Shop quoted minimum $6,200 w/ 35 mile tow bill to them.

[@bilalahmed2123]

You did the whole job with all the guides, gaskets and oil pump for $750 in your apartment Parking lot ?

[@m-s.t.l9386]

@@bilalahmed2123 Sure did, we shopped around for parts so we didn’t get stuck over paying on them which helped keep that cost down.

[@bilalahmed2123]

@@m-s.t.l9386 Cool, I had my share of N20 engines. Good experience with most of them but now I would just get one with the updated B48 motor.

[@brutonano9521]

Great job. I'm sure you learned a lot. I applaud you.

[@stilltippin214]

Have you ever had to deal with any shudder coming from transmission on a bmw 328i sedan 2011? If so any solutions you recommend?

[@lyte561]

Wdym by shudder

[@israelquijano2161]

Hey mike could I ask you a question?

[@KlaytonHerminio]

The key point with N20 is, SERVICE! Every 6000-8000 miles do the oil and filter change.Stick with Bmw LL01 spec 5W40 Full syntetic oil, Mann or Hengst oil filters(They are OEM) and you are good to go.

[@tywilliams3138]

How much is this service

[@ozarkdaredevils]

@@tywilliams3138 Do it yourself your looking at 40 bucks

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

@@tywilliams3138 literally like 50 ish 55 bucks

[@romankozlovskiy7899]

Every 3k miles dipshit

[@Muhammad-fw9vl]

I have a rattling noise when idling cold , along with a whine when driving 2013 bmw 528i

[@chanlarking3]

Had my 2012 328i serviced at the dealership FREQUENTLY with all factory parts and fully synthetic oil. Timing chain broke and ruined the motor at 100k miles. Bought a new motor...it was a nightmare. But otherwise I still love it.

[@smittysmat7826]

I currently own a beautiful 2012 328i boat anchor. Everything you described..from replacing the oil line to replacing the turbo to replacing the timing chain guide, has been done to my car. Then, after all that, just like you, the motor took a big dump while the mechanic took it for post-repair a test drive.(It was also running fine when I took it in). Oh! I forgot the time there was a tiny oil leak that(unknown to me..as there was never oil under the car), saturated the serpentine belt..causing it to deteriorate and break then wrap around the crank... ripping out the front oil seal .(Sounds crazy I know, but It gets better). Then remains of shredded belt were sucked/drawn into the oil pan..clogging the oil pickup tube. I even had that repaired. Now, I’m finally ready to cut my losses and move on. I hate that engine with a purple passion. Unless I’m forced at gunpoint, I will NEVER own another one...and even then, I’d have to think about it.

[@ChromeN9ne]

damn dude my heart is crushed now :( no fast beamer for me :(

[@nattawatausc6973]

How did it happen if it's not the chain guide? Thank you.

[@smittysmat7826]

@@nattawatausc6973 I already had the chain and guide replaced. So, I don’t know why it happened. My only theory is that after the whole shredded belt incident(see story in my original post), when they went in and attempted to clear the oil pickup tube and oil pan of shredded belt remnants, they must not have gotten it all. Which possibly re-clogged the pickup tube and/or oil filter. Maybe one day, if I tear into the engine I’ll find out definitively.

[@nattawatausc6973]

@@smittysmat7826 Much much appreciate your reply, sir. What a horrible story. Tbh I was thinking about getting one, with n20 made after 2/2015. Fine, love the car tho.

[@smittysmat7826]

@@nattawatausc6973 This was only my experience. Others in this video’s comments have had no issues with the same engine. I loved the car. That’s why I kept putting $ into it. It’s unfortunate because it still looks almost new. If I can obtain a low-miles replacement motor at a decent price, I will get it. But until then I just had to break away from it and get something more dependable. Who knows why everything happened. Maybe mine was just a lemon. Who knows?

[@gioesto14]

Hi from Colombia 🇨🇴 I have a 520i 2012 n20 engine , my engine has 78000 kilometers about 48.000 miles . Is there any advertising before the timing chain get broken.?

[@MikeMDs]

It will start making a whining noise when revving the engine. It wounds like a super charger whine.

[@sadatx101]

2012 N20 with 100K miles running 300HP. Oil changes every 5k. Take care of your engine and it will take care of you.

[@powerboatguy2308]

I just picked up a 2015 XI 28I, that was previously a commuter car--with a good vehicle service report with the prior owner doing schedule maintenance, it does have 158k miles,, should I go ahead and replace the timing chain and other belts out of an abundance of caution? It looks like on the reports belts were replaced, no mention of timing chains.

[@MikeMDs]

Being a 2015 you should be fine. The failure rate is less. Just do oil services in half intervals or every 5-6000 miles.

[@rnd2k]

N20 is awesome engine. I have 2 one on 120.000 miles, one on 70.000 miles. no issues so far. 120k miles will got timing chain replaced. Normal wear. No oil leak on both cars. Super reliable compared to competitors. The worst BMW engine is definitely N47D20A and N54 :)

[@MikeMDs]

Thanks for sharing

[@osanshouo1684]

N54 is the solenoids and injectors. The engine itself has forged internals, same engine as the M series. Once the electronic side is addressed, it is bullet proof highly tuneable engine.

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

@@osanshouo1684 yeah it’s just plastic on plastic on plastic with all these BMW motors. That reason is why they’re more prone to electronics failing.

[@patrickobrien9900]

It seems like most of the issues with the N20/N26 timing chains are with cars used in the USA. This would lead you to believe that fuel issues are a contributing cause. I wonder how many of these cars used 'cheap' gas--ie 87 octane versus the minimum recommended?

[@alisakran7063]

The fuel type comes down to a molecular level. This motor just had cheap timing guides and a terrible quality chain.

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

@@alisakran7063 nah it’s just the guides. They aren’t really that good.

[@victoriadaly8734]

I have one with 115k miles getting timing replaced now, would you consider it to be a good car after timing is replaced?

[@MikeMDs]

Yes, Just perform oil services every 6,000 miles. Make sure to always use a factory oil filter.

[@donaldbarron7916]

Awesome show !!

[@m.mccabe9391]

Hi Mike, what year was this customers car? I just purchased a 2016 328i X-drive with 16,000 miles. It was manufactured toward the end of that year. My understanding is that the timing chain guide was redesigned or at least made from different material starting in 2015? Do you still see the same timing chain issues in the 2016/2017 model years? Thanks for your input, I think your channel content is great!

[@beeweezee71888]

Thank you so much for this information. I am noticing noise from the engine bay. Also I hear a wind type of noise when the AC on ans it doesn't sound the same. I am very concerned. I have a comprehensive warranty I hope they cover this jesus. I knew I should brought the inline 6.

[@nsflarna]

I have the same exact noise it scares me all the time lol, it whines like a broken timing chain plastic guide... I think it's no big deal, but let me know !

[@beeweezee71888]

Well so far the engine is okay from what I was told. I do change my oil alot honestly more than what recommended. I dont wait until 12k miles to change it. I literally change my oil every 3 to 4 months depends on my driving habits. I think that what saving mines. I have a 2014 328i xdrive. Fingers cross this engine can last me one more year by 2022 I will upgrade to something more stronger.

[@pedrogonzalez9943]

So, before that engine chain/oil pump failed and at the time of the drive test, did not have the whining noise in the engine?

[@MikeMDs]

This one did not make the noise, but most do before failing.

[@pedrogonzalez9943]

@@MikeMDs That is scary for me. Mine still under 70K miles. If it does not fail at 70K, I am going to replace the chain and oil pump chain as preventive maintenance.

[@shanepowers7414]

now they have the b48/b46. super reliable and lots of torque. proves that low power cars can be fast

[@alisaleh1000]

2012 f10 with N20 engine, value cover replaced.. 200k kilometres. Not great engine but not to bad

[@mykbuph]

100% agree. We work on all euros. I've seen two motors locked up. It's good practice at every oil change stick a pick in the oil fill hole and slightly wiggle the chain. Any kind of movement get the 75k warranty done for free. I've sold two chain jobs and sent two to the dealer for the warranty. One customer just came from the dealer and they were shocked I found it and they didn't. Dealer just tried to sell them a valve cover. All four of those cars had no running problems or noises. I used FCP EURO for timing kit. Check ya chains boys and girls!!!!

[@MikeMDs]

Right on! I've worked at the BMW dealer for 12 years. They can only fix what the customer complained about. The dealer gets dinged and audited for any add-on repair lines. We are told to look the other way unless its safety related. It's a sad reality.

[@mykbuph]

@@MikeMDs damn that sucks. Glad I don't work for a dealership then

[@MikeMDs]

Yes. One of the reasons I opened my own shop. We really need to look out for the best interest of the customer. Thanks for watching Michael.

[@iAlwaysSpeakTheTruth]

2013 328i xDrive, I’m at 130k miles. Original chain and guides, auto start stop turned off, OCI every 5k if not slightly sooner. Car has been good to me, but long term I don’t plan to keep it. Maybe 2-3 years max.

[@aaronsiew7965]

What about the b48 engine...? Are most of the issues from the n20 engine solved on the b48?

[@AndiPirlogea]

I'm trying to find the same answer , good question !

[@jeneanekoch7134]

Hi Mike, I need your advice on the 2012 320i F30, got 200k? Full service history - will it be worth buying?

[@MikeMDs]

I wouldn't. But if its a killer deal then it's hard to pass up.

[@jeffreycardoza8983]

I got a 2016 F22 228ix with an N20 at 115,000 miles and since ownership I have only replaced brake pads, and replaced valve cover gasket. It’s almost a full year, $2000 in repairs a year so far.

[@Red05200]

I just bouth a 2018 bmw 320i xdrive with 28xxx miles still in warantie, do you think i should be worry?

[@MikeMDs]

No you're good. Enjoy it !

[@sharisees]

Can anyone tell me if I have to worry about this in a 2018 x5 xDrive 40e? 2.0L 4-Cylinder Turbo Hybrid Gas/Electric Engine. I was hoping to buy a Certified Pre-Owned. Advice?

[@MikeMDs]

If It is a Hybrid then the engine won't be working as hard, or as often. So you will be fine. Once the CPO expires, dump it.

[@user-phearle]

That oil look like it has never been changed. Depending on how i drive, I change oil every 5-7000km with 5w40... Have 2012 328i, did timing chain at 140km and still going without issue.

[@mcdeelo7]

Does this apply to 2014 N26 Motors with SULEV as well?

[@MikeMDs]

We have also seen 2014 n26 with this issue. Even after the update. But not as many.

[@thekiller500099]

How do you feel about the b58? Thinking about getting a 2016 340i

[@MikeMDs]

The B58 is badass! It is built more solid. I have a X3 M4.0i with that engine and it has balls! My suggestion is keep up with any oil leaks. This engine hase modular components, lots of plastic in a tight package. So any oil leaks will get in to all that and compromise things.

[@IasonCSGO]

I have a 2022 bmw 430i and my 2nd cylynder has 0 pressure. Only at 4k miles, internal engine failure. I might just be cursed

[@pranavk8293]

I've got an N26 at 90K miles and while there's no issues yet, it's been burning through a ton of oil (runs from Max to min in 1.5K ish miles) with some spirited driving. I get the Oil Pump whine. I was told it might have been the Turbo but that was replaced at around 40K miles. Any ideas?

[@MikeMDs]

For oil consumption it's usually one of two things on that engine. The valve cover has a faulty crank case breather and needs to be replaced with the valve cover, or the turbo is eating oil. Usually noticed on cold starts you may see a puff of smoke. Thats the indicator the turbo is to blame. Or maybe both.

[@Dan-gj1hz]

Ours is a lightly driven 2014 328xi with the turbo4 and was purchased in early 2016. Has almost 67k miles and no issues.

[@hesitanimanganyi4744]

Sell it before the motor plan expires

[@napoleannealy1537]

I have a 2012 528 and the Engine transmission malfunction light come on at every start up. It cause the vehicle to go into safety mode and doesn’t allow the car to perform as it should, has this happen to anyone.

[@MikeMDs]

There are many things that can cause that. You will need to have it diagnosed.

[@GokuTheHusky]

I mean how often would the owners change the oil. Ive worked for dealers and have seen people get their first oil literally past 20,000 and not to sound sexist you said daughter which is someone to most likley never change the oil.

[@JumboJimbo100]

I understand with 2 car engines ruined while you were testing them would make you dislike the engine for sure, however did you miss the sound that a stretched timing chain makes? It is supposed to be easy to hear.

[@pasiutrial]

These engines' injectors are so loud you could get mistaken easily.

[@user-phearle]

Initial start you hear the chain slap around and the sound is different from the injectors. He should jave checked seeing the car was high milage and seemed unkept.

[@fredwknapp]

Would love to know what you think about the B46 2.0 Just picked up a CPO 2018 430i couple with only 14K miles... anything to look out for on these.... I hope they fixed the issues you noted

[@MikeMDs]

The B46 is a well made engine. We are seeing less issues such as oil leaks and mechanical failure with higher mileage engines so far.

[@fredwknapp]

@@MikeMDs Thanks! Appreciate you taking the time to reply. Looking forward to learning more about B46... really not much out there on the internet other than oil changes.

[@larrykay6606]

@@MikeMDs I am getting ready to buy a 2017 330i wagon w/ 63k miles. Do you still think the B46 engine is reliable in the long term? Great videos BTW!

[@Aftonrhodes]

At the end you say that you would buy one with an inline 6 from 2012 onwards - which models from 2012 onwards have an inline 6? I didn't think any f30s did.

[@MikeMDs]

The 340 has an inline 6

[@ryanstrauss6575]

Is bmw the only company with a more reliable 6 cyl than 4 cyl?

[@ashwynwatkins]

This video saved me from buying a second hand BMW 320i ... There are extended warranties available on the car but who wants to purchase a car waiting for it to break... any advice on the B48?

[@davidjacobs8558]

there is no guarantee that they will honor extended warranty. they always come up with bs excuse to not pay.

[@bakar111]

How can i know by vin number that my engine had that manufacture update already ? By vin no my car production is 5.2015

[@paradiseprod6153]

theres some website you can look the vin up on or call a dealer and see if your vin/ man date is under the extended warranty. If it isnt under the warranty you should be good

[@MrGiomig]

I have the 2013 n26 same engine almost, 92,000 miles stage 2 tune, downpipe and everything else is stock, no issues yet

[@mcdeelo7]

Do you still have original timing chain guids?

[@uk7866]

How's it holding up now?

[@rnd2k]

One of the reasons for brake down in my opinion is that it appears on earliest models with vaccum actuator. Combination of hig oil temperature when cruising ( for lower emissions ) and start stop system in the city help to kill the plastic guides. Also i noticed BMW released new part for the timing chain, but the guides are the same from the beginning. Probably the problem start from a worn timing chain which somehow destroy the guides. Also some models has very high oil change intervals 25.000-30.000km this is also an issue...

[@MikeMDs]

Good information Asen, Thanks for sharing.

[@br0mley597]

I do change oil at 5k km, very very max at 7k 😂 what the heck... 30k? 😮

[@rnd2k]

@@br0mley597 Factory interval in europe is 23.000km

[@br0mley597]

@@rnd2k Dunno, in my country its not that expensive, i use 0w40 bmw longlife and its not that expensive… Saves engine greater

[@koslan2646]

i have the n20 engine too in a 2012 f30 Rwd .about 130,000km now. I change the oil about every 5 -7 K km . hope I don't get this issue. it would be great if bmw had a recall to change the chain's and guide's with the new types.

[@paradiseprod6153]

no recall just extended warranty to 7yrs/70k miles, aka, when it does go out youre paying out of pocket

[@TheGamingNorwegian]

Obviously BMW wants these to fail and couldnt care less about their customers lol. Its a shame that BMW adopted the "pre mature fail" strategy, theyre not even trying to hide the fact that they earn more money on repairs and spare parts than actually selling the car. If only laws for car makers where stricter... BMW CAN make much more reliable engines, but why would they when there are so few customer protection laws.

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

@@TheGamingNorwegian it’s bmw itself but the engineers are cool.

[@nathaniel6465]

My car has done 63000 miles, drive train malfunction come up on iDrive with a misfire and no compression on cylinder 1. Now gotta have the head off to check the valves. Car is 5 years old.

[@emadahmed6697]

I just got my 2018 320i does it have the same issue?

[@MikeMDs]

No you are safe

[@sportassweikata]

Mines bmw f30 stage 1 remap 66k no issues all Europiean version N20 engine are better timing chain gides tensor been updated from 2013 and no issues

[@kamilrasulov6734]

How about N26 engine? Is it a problematic like N20?

[@MikeMDs]

Yes the same issues.

[@bigman5025]

i have a 13 328i n26. Just hit 100k this weekend, and its been nothing but good to me. As long as you do oil changes at least every 5k, and never drive with auto start/stop, you'll be fine unless youre a 1%er

[@MikeMDs]

On point!

[@gergelyszucs7069]

Do you have any experience on B48B20A?

[@MikeMDs]

Yes the B engines are proving to be superior.

[@PACOTECKtoy]

Anyone has dealt with the SULEV BMW warranty when it comes to either the timing chain or oil pump?

[@MikeMDs]

The extended warranty for the chain is the same for both.

[@bilalahmed2123]

What happened with the customers with the engines seized ? What’s your opinion on the B48 2017+ revised 4cyl engine ?

[@MikeMDs]

The customer was surprisingly very understanding. Luckily the dealership covered the repair. The b48 is a fantastic engine. Far superior in craftsmanship and overall reliability.

[@bilalahmed2123]

@@MikeMDs Great. I’m in the market for one and keep it in mind.

[@claudioagmfilho]

I have 80 miles 90 miles in my n20 engine and it never broke Except for the average thing that you have to change when the time comes but other than that the engine is fine...

[@urtrippinn4686]

This guy is 100% correct but at 5:21 you can clearly see the oil color and minor sludge. Owners don't properly maintain their bmws based of my expereincne

[@MikeMDs]

Thanks for your comment. You are correct as well. I can't tell you how many times we see new customers overdue by thousands of miles on their oil services. It's just so painful to see!

[@andreschmitz1548]

5 years of use and 81.000 km in my BMW N20 motor... All the oil changes and maintenance job done at BMW autorized dealer and at the specified time by the IDrive... Zero problems until now... ZERO... Just don't know how people come to have so many issues as mentioned in the vídeo...🙄

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

Lack of maintenance. It’s the most used engine in the BMWs and that has a wide variety on types of customers for em from ones that do great maintenance DIY to ones that don’t care about maintenance or don’t even know how to or care to know how to and beat the crap out of them.

[@Centralflorida22]

I have a 2011 bmw 328ixi n51 engine with 200k miles and it's the best. I take care of it and do all the work on it myself. I used to own a 2007 bmw 328i n52. Only difference I'd the n51 have a 3 system manifold with disa valves.

[@MikeMDs]

Right on!

[@arborharbor7408]

Hey, can you do a N20 timing chain DIY video? Would be really nice. Thanks

[@TK-gd9td]

Arbor Harbor fcp euro just released a 2 part DIY

[@javy0820]

not really a DIY project. its a ~15 hour job for a mechanic with all the tools, experience, and lift.

[@TedSchoenling]

@@javy0820 FCP Euro made the vid... it is detailed... and worth it to save 5500 bucks

[@arborharbor7408]

@@javy0820 Yeah sorry but almost anything is diyable these days. Definitely not going to pay stealership prices.

[@javy0820]

@@arborharbor7408 oof best of luck then. you do not have to go to a dealership can go to a BMW specialist mechanic.

[@teddybear1370]

320i 2013 have same problem?

[@MikeMDs]

Yes. Unfortunately

[@ajmal5484]

Is n13 engine ok at 140xxxmiles??

[@MikeMDs]

Unfortunately we did not get that engine here in the states that Im aware of. I don't have any experience with that engine.

[@georgesmiley6166]

Is the N52 engine reliable ?

[@MikeMDs]

The N52 is a very good engine and one of my favorites. Main internals are solid. The engine suffers from oil leaks as mileage increases. But what BMW engine doesn't. )

[@shanehosein8585]

Would love to see a B48 engine review from you.

[@CookiesUnleashed]

Its Slightly less powerful than n20’s but I’d imagine much more reliable

[@shanehosein8585]

@@CookiesUnleashed hmm not so sure about less powerful. Most tuners are not pushing them but some reached 320whp on stock turbo, stock internals. Few people claiming 375whp.

[@CookiesUnleashed]

shane hosein ive heard from people that it feels a lot less peppy than the 328 maybe its just the way they are set up from factory and not the engine itself

[@One_don2612]

I have both my I’ll say the n20 more peppy at lower speed but the b48 has a smoother feeling power band

[@shoman24v]

You didn't mention that the timing chain was revised for cars built after 1/2015.

[@MikeMDs]

Thank you for that. I will add that in.

[@shoman24v]

@@MikeMDs for sure. I don't think I've read about any failure with the updated parts, but time will tell. I specifically purchased our X3 SDrive28i as a 2017 model to hopefully avoid timing chain issues on earlier N20's.

[@trilliedon8728]

Actually it was 11/2014

[@Boasandpythons]

Thankfully, BMW is having luck with their B series engines. Its a shame that you have to treat the n20 chain like its a timing belt, and replace it at belt like service intervals

[@benvaldovinos1612]

Brother my n20 428i just hit 100k. Absolutely no issues so far beyond a fuel pump malfunction , got it replaced under warranty, and I change my oil every 4000 miles.

[@MikeMDs]

I love hearing this! Thanks for watching.

[@johnnycro1275]

On my 2012 bmw 528i xdrive , @ 91.000 miles , oil pump seized up

[@CookiesUnleashed]

It seems like if you have x drive or N26 SULEV a lot of those bad parts could be metal instead such as little pieces like even the drain bolt. Maybe the N20 RWD experience most of those issues?

[@CookiesUnleashed]

I also heard some dealerships goodwill the timing chain replacement up to 100k miles since its not the customer’s fault

[@MikeMDs]

Yes it depends what BMW will allow them to get away with. We haven't had such lick over here. Im personal friends with the local dealerships Foreman, and Warranty administrator. Their hands are tied right now.

[@MikeMDs]

I had forgot to mention, that the oil pans for the X vehicles are metal. I'll fix that.

[@CookiesUnleashed]

@@MikeMDs sucks to hear that man. I'm actively keeping my OCIs frequent (5k) and hopefully that'll keep my n26 ticking. 95k miles later with heavily scrutinized maintenance and she runs like new lol.

[@Pkmnrocks08]

Good to know! I have an 16 xdrive N26 SULEV and getting ready to do an oil change soon. Preventive maintenance for my cars is a line I live by.

[@hanssolo501]

Good info Mike. Have they improved the internals post 2017 on the newer N20's?

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

Yes ones made in the layer year of 2014 started to have the improvements meaning the 2015 model year and up. Mines is a 2015 428i not the 3 series or 5 and it’s at 74k miles and I bought it when it had 58k miles and I don’t hear any bit of the timing chain and only injectors are loud but I keep good maintenance on it.

[@sunzalea3257]

@@DuckMcDuckinson source?

[@igor21s]

I own a 2013 bmw 320i xdrive with 91k miles, runs fantastic! No issues so far.

[@MikeMDs]

I like to hear that! Best too you Igor

[@gottgaame]

@@MikeMDs you only had issues because whoever has owned it was speeding. I have owned a 2013 528i x drive had the timing chain replaced under warranty because I noticed it was a complaint.

[@kaiirre]

Hey , I’m thinking about purchasing about a 430i 43k miles , I had an Audi and haven’t had any problems for 3 years from 22k miles to 70k miles but switching to bmw I’m very scared ! Please let me know if I should get the 43k miles 2017 bmw 430i! , I’ve seen so many videos saying it’s unreliable but so is Audi and Mercedes they say so I can’t make up my mind

[@MikeMDs]

German cars in general trade off reliability for performance and luxury. The 2017 N20 has been updated so it is more reliable. Its a good around town engine and commuter. For being a 4 cylinder it does have good power. You will enjoy it.

[@fastboatster]

You just didn’t get to the mileage when Audi 4 cylinders need to have their timing chains replaced. And it might start consuming oil, too. In my experience, Audi folks tend to sweep their car problems under the rug so as not to hurt the resale. You might have just been blissfully unaware of what would come ahead of you were to keep that car for another 30-40 kmiles

[@kaiirre]

fastboatster I’m pretty sure that every German car my friends bmw is awful and is embarrassed to tell us that it’s at the shop , and Mercedes is alright imo

[@fastboatster]

Monde Rae I’m just saying that your Audi had low miles, you are not likely to see many issues at that mileage. After that, it will start folding down like a house of cards. I had a chance to look at few b8 and b8.5 Audi a4s, and b8s were all burning oil and b8.5 (2014 year car) had its timing chain stretched near the limit at 70 kmiles. It would be fine for another 10kmiles but then might go boom. In short, 43kmile 430i would not be worse than some 2.0t Audi of the same mileage and vintage

[@dfreeLFC]

I have 125k on my 2015 528i with the updated N20. Build date 07/2014. The only “problem” I have ever had with this car is the wastegate actuator making a slight rattle sound, which doesn’t affect the performance or fuel economy, just an annoying noise lol But if you have an N20 with a build date from February 2013 or sooner, you’re fucked! 😂

[@hellswindstaff91]

hows it running now man? i looked at a 2016 5 series with that engine to buy but i am kind of hesitant.

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

@@hellswindstaff91 get it. I own a 2015 428i and the engine has been remarkable. The best sports gas saver engine on the planet 100%. I can run with mustangs and I can then get 34 mpg with eco mode or even normal mode after running it hard. Please use synthetic oil that meets the BMW LongLife-01 Spec. Castrol, Liqui Moly are among the best for them!!!!!!! I run AMSOIL which is prolly the best oil on the planet with their European Formula series of oil with full SAPs which is what the Longlife-01 spec sets the baseline standard for in an oil.

[@jockobacumbo623]

Hi, is that the build date of the vehicle on the VIN plate or the build date on the engine?

[@AlvinBiju]

@@DuckMcDuckinsonhey man I see ur comments a lot and you seem to know a good bit about the n20s. I’m looking to get a 428i here soon could I maybe dm you about some stuff? If not could I ask some questions here?

[@DuckMcDuckinson]

@@AlvinBiju you can make a few paragraphs worth of questions for me right here regarding the N20

[@maro255i]

Does B48 have the same issues?

[@MikeMDs]

Not yet. It is a better built engine so far.

[@dh1380]

For all the N20s you hear about going bad I wonder what percentage of cars with that engine are still running absolutely fine.

[@iAlwaysSpeakTheTruth]

Most will make it to 200k.

[@jza66]

I’ve got 90k on mine. No problems so far. Been awesome. Going to change the timing chain and guide, dealership to pay 60% and the remainder 40% since the class action settlement.

[@justso1823]

Problem is people buy them on lease purchase. kick there heads on cheap fuel without maintenance then take them back after 3 year's. So the new owner gets a low mileage 1 owner car that's trash

[@dh1380]

@@justso1823 fair point. 76k on mine and 0 dramas so far 😁

[@jafarhon]

I buy only N20 bmw's from auction because i know how to fix them, and guess what, i buy them under 100K miles with blown timing chains. in my opinion, this engines will never make it to 200K with original timing chain.