Timing chain stretch
usually 60,000–140,000 km · High risk
Signs: Rattle on cold start
Fix: Replace the chain kit
€900–1,600
Engine: common problems, timing drive and oil
1.6 turbo petrol (BMW N13)
Petrol · 1,598 cm³ · 75–125 kW
2
model generations
3
known faults
67,000
new cars in the EU (2010–2025)
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Fuel: Petrol. Timing drive: chain.
In our database this engine is fitted to 2 model generations, among them: BMW 1 Series (F20), BMW 3 Series (F30).
The most expensive known risk is timing chain stretch: it usually appears at 60,000–140,000 km and costs €900–1,600 to fix.
Key facts
| Fuel | Petrol |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,598 cm³ |
| Power | 75–125 kW |
| Years | 2011–2016 |
| Timing drive | Chain |
| Oil | 5W-30 · BMW LL-01 · ~4.25 L · every 10,000 km |
| Engine codes | N13B16 |
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.
High-pressure fuel pump / injectors
usually 80,000–160,000 km · Medium risk
Signs: Hesitation, misfire
Fix: Replace pump or injectors
€400–1,200
Carbon build-up
usually 100,000–180,000 km · Wear part
Signs: Rough idle
Fix: Valve cleaning
€300–600
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 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.
Common questions
Does the 1.6 turbo petrol (BMW N13) engine have a timing chain or a timing belt?
Chain.
What oil does the 1.6 turbo petrol (BMW N13) engine take?
5W-30 · BMW LL-01 · ~4.25 L · every 10,000 km.
What are the known problems with the 1.6 turbo petrol (BMW N13) engine?
The faults with the highest risk: timing chain stretch (60,000–140,000 km, €900–1,600); high-pressure fuel pump / injectors (80,000–160,000 km, €400–1,200).
Which cars have the 1.6 turbo petrol (BMW N13) engine?
BMW 1 Series (F20), BMW 3 Series (F30).
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