Timing chain stretch
usually 80,000–160,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start, timing codes
Fix: Replace chain, tensioner and guides
€600–1,200
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.4 / 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16)
Petrol · 1,397 / 1,598 cm³ · 70–90 kW
21
model generations
4
known faults
598,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
Enter your VIN and mileage and get a plan built for your exact engine and gearbox.
Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 21 model generations, among them: MINI Hatch (R56), Peugeot 207, Citroën C3 Picasso, Citroën C3 II, Citroën C4 II, Peugeot 208 I and 15 more.
The most expensive known risk is timing chain stretch: it usually appears at 80,000–160,000 km and costs €600–1,200 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,397 / 1,598 cm³ |
| Power | 70–90 kW |
| Years | 2006–2018 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 / 0W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / BMW LL-04 · ~4.25 L · every 10,000 km |
| Engine codes | EP3, EP6, EP6C, 8FP, 8FS, 5FW, 5FS, 5FR, 5F01, 5F02, N12B14, N12B16, N16B16 |
Known engine faults
Faults that belong to the engine itself. They apply to every model with this engine, and each model has its own extra faults on its model page.
Valve stem seals — oil consumption
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Blue smoke on start, oil use
Fix: Replace valve stem seals
€500–1,100
Water pump / thermostat housing leak
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Coolant loss
Fix: Replace pump / housing
€200–500
Valvetronic (VVL) motor
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Rough idle, engine light
Fix: Replace motor
€300–700
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the Peugeot 208 I as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 10,000 km or every 12 months | €70–150 |
| Air filterEngine | every 30,000 km or every 24 months | €15–45 |
| Spark plugsIgnition | every 60,000 km or every 48 months | €50–160 |
| Auxiliary (serpentine) beltEngine | every 120,000 km | €70–180 |
| Coolant replacementCooling | every 150,000 km or every 96 months | €70–150 |
| Timing chain inspection (listen on cold start)Engine | every 150,000 km | €0–120 |
Models with this engine
Model generations this engine is fitted to.
Citroën Berlingo II 2008–2018Citroën C3 II 2009–2016Citroën C3 Picasso 2009–2017Citroën C4 I 2004–2010Citroën C4 II 2010–2018Citroën C4 Picasso I 2006–2013DS 3 2009–2019DS 4 2011–2018MINI Clubman (R55) 2007–2014MINI Countryman (R60) 2010–2016MINI Hatch (R56) 2006–2013MINI Paceman (R61) 2013–2016Peugeot 207 2006–2014Peugeot 208 I 2012–2019Peugeot 308 I 2007–2013Peugeot 308 SW / RCZ 2008–2015Peugeot 508 I 2010–2018Peugeot 2008 I 2013–2019Peugeot 3008 I 2009–2016Peugeot 5008 I 2009–2017Peugeot Partner II / Tepee 2008–2018
Common questions
Does the 1.4 / 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.4 / 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16) engine take?
5W-30 / 0W-30 · PSA B71 2290 / BMW LL-04 · ~4.25 L · every 10,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.4 / 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: timing chain stretch (80,000–160,000 km, €600–1,200); valve stem seals — oil consumption (100,000–180,000 km, €500–1,100); water pump / thermostat housing leak (80,000–160,000 km, €200–500).
Which cars have the 1.4 / 1.6 VTi (EP3 / EP6, also MINI N12 / N16) engine?
MINI Hatch (R56), Peugeot 207, Citroën C3 Picasso, Citroën C3 II, Citroën C4 II, Peugeot 208 I and 15 more.
Sources and notes
Faults, intervals and prices are indicative and collected from public sources and owner experience; always rely on the service book and a qualified workshop. Test statistics: DVSA – Anonymised MOT tests and results, Open Government Licence v3.0. Dutch tests: RDW Open Data (CC0). Engine versions: EEA, monitoring of CO₂ emissions from new passenger cars (CC BY 4.0, DG CLIMA). Owner complaints: NHTSA ODI (public domain). Recalls: DVSA Vehicle Safety Branch Recalls Database, OGL v3.0. Brand and model names are trademarks of their owners and are used only to describe the vehicles.
Updated 08/10/2026