Coolant leaks (hoses / thermostat)
usually 60,000–160,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Coolant level warning
Fix: Replace hose or thermostat
€150–500
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.2 / 1.5 3-cyl petrol (BMW / MINI B38)
Petrol · 1,198 / 1,499 cm³ · 55–100 kW
18
model generations
1
known faults
1,762,000
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 18 model generations, among them: MINI Hatch (F56), BMW X1 (U11), BMW 1 Series (F20), BMW 1 Series (F40), BMW X1 (F48), MINI Countryman (F60) and 12 more.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,198 / 1,499 cm³ |
| Power | 55–100 kW |
| Years | 2014–2027 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 0W-20 / 5W-30 · BMW LL-17FE+ / LL-01 · ~4.25 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | B38A15, B38B15, B38A12 |
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.
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the BMW 3 Series (F30) as an example. The app gives the exact plan for your car.
| Item | Interval | Typical price |
|---|---|---|
| Engine oil + oil filterEngine | every 15,000 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.
BMW 1 Series (F20) 2011–2019BMW 1 Series (F40) 2019–2024BMW 1 Series (F70) 2024–BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) 2014–2021BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (U06) 2021–BMW 2 Series Coupé (F22) 2014–2021BMW 2 Series Gran Coupé (F44) 2020–2024BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer (F46) 2015–2022BMW 3 Series (F30) 2012–2019BMW X1 (F48) 2015–2022BMW X1 (U11) 2022–BMW X2 (F39) 2018–2023BMW X2 (U10) 2023–MINI Clubman (F54) 2015–2024MINI Countryman (F60) 2017–2024MINI Countryman (U25) 2023–MINI Hatch (F56) 2014–2023MINI Hatch (F66 / J01) 2024–
Common questions
Does the 1.2 / 1.5 3-cyl petrol (BMW / MINI B38) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.2 / 1.5 3-cyl petrol (BMW / MINI B38) engine take?
0W-20 / 5W-30 · BMW LL-17FE+ / LL-01 · ~4.25 L · every 15,000 km.
Which cars have the 1.2 / 1.5 3-cyl petrol (BMW / MINI B38) engine?
MINI Hatch (F56), BMW X1 (U11), BMW 1 Series (F20), BMW 1 Series (F40), BMW X1 (F48), MINI Countryman (F60) and 12 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