Timing chain stretch
usually 120,000–200,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start, timing codes
Fix: Replace chain, guides and tensioner
€900–1,800
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 petrol (BMW N42 / N45 / N46)
Petrol · 1,596 / 1,796 / 1,995 cm³ · 85–110 kW
8
model generations
3
known faults
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 8 model generations, among them: BMW 3 Series (E91/E92/E93), BMW 3 Series (E90), BMW 1 Series (E81/E82/E88), BMW 3 Series (E46), BMW 1 Series (E87), BMW X1 (E84) and 2 more.
The most expensive known risk is timing chain stretch: it usually appears at 120,000–200,000 km and costs €900–1,800 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,596 / 1,796 / 1,995 cm³ |
| Power | 85–110 kW |
| Years | 2001–2012 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 · BMW LL-01 · ~4.25 L · every 15,000 km |
| Engine codes | N42B18, N42B20, N45B16, N46B18, N46B20, N46NB20 |
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.
Oil consumption / valve stem seals
usually 120,000–200,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Blue smoke, low oil
Fix: Replace valve stem seals
€500–1,200
Valvetronic motor / eccentric shaft sensor
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Rough idle, limp mode
Fix: Replace motor or sensor
€300–700
Engine-related service
Intervals and typical prices, using the BMW 3 Series (E91/E92/E93) 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 (E81/E82/E88) 2007–2013BMW 1 Series (E87) 2004–2011BMW 3 Series (E46) 1998–2006BMW 3 Series (E90) 2005–2012BMW 3 Series (E91/E92/E93) 2005–2013BMW X1 (E84) 2009–2015BMW X3 (E83) 2003–2010BMW Z4 (E85) 2002–2008
Common questions
Does the 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 petrol (BMW N42 / N45 / N46) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 petrol (BMW N42 / N45 / N46) engine take?
5W-30 · BMW LL-01 · ~4.25 L · every 15,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 petrol (BMW N42 / N45 / N46) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: timing chain stretch (120,000–200,000 km, €900–1,800); oil consumption / valve stem seals (120,000–200,000 km, €500–1,200); valvetronic motor / eccentric shaft sensor (100,000–180,000 km, €300–700).
Which cars have the 1.6 / 1.8 / 2.0 petrol (BMW N42 / N45 / N46) engine?
BMW 3 Series (E91/E92/E93), BMW 3 Series (E90), BMW 1 Series (E81/E82/E88), BMW 3 Series (E46), BMW 1 Series (E87), BMW X1 (E84) and 2 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). 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