✓ The faults of this engine were checked against sources (10/2026). Each item has at least two independent sources or an official recall or parts-maker technical note.
Main and big-end bearing damage (low oil pressure at idle)
usually 150,000–250,000 km · High risk
Signs: Knocking from the bottom of the engine, metal particles in the oil, oil pressure warning only when damage is already done
Fix: Keep oil changes short (about 10,000-15,000 km) with LL-04 oil; at the first knock stop driving and have the bearings and oil pump checked
€3,000–7,000
Timing chain, guides or tensioner wear at the gearbox end (rare)
usually 150,000–280,000 km · High risk
Signs: Metallic rattle or scraping from the back of the engine, mostly at cold start or low revs
Fix: Check chain stretch with diagnostics at the first noise; replace chain, guides and tensioner (usually engine out); keep oil intervals short
€2,500–5,000
Intake swirl flaps jam with soot or break
usually 130,000–220,000 km · High risk
Signs: Swirl flap fault codes, rough running or power loss; a broken flap can enter a cylinder and damage the engine
Fix: Inspect and clean the intake manifold at high mileage; replace the manifold or flaps if they are sticking or loose
€400–1,200
EGR cooler recall: coolant leak, risk of melted intake or fire
usually 0–250,000 km · High risk
model years 2010–2017 only
Signs: Often none; coolant loss without a visible leak, white smoke when accelerating or a burning smell
Fix: Have a BMW dealer check by VIN whether the recall was done; the EGR cooler is checked and replaced free of charge
free / recall
EGR valve and intake soot build-up
usually 100,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Power loss, rough idle, smoke, EGR fault codes; worse with short trips
Fix: Clean or replace the EGR valve and clean the intake manifold
€300–1,000
DPF clogging on short-trip cars
usually 100,000–250,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: DPF warning, frequent or failed regenerations, limp mode
Fix: Check the differential pressure sensor first, then forced regeneration, cleaning or replacement
€100–1,800
Oil leaks at oil filter housing or valve cover gasket
usually 120,000–220,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Oil smell, oil sweating on the engine
Fix: Replace the leaking gasket
€200–700