BMW 1 Series 116i2004–present5 Engine Generations

BMW 116i Engine Replacement —Compare Prices &
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Name: BMW 116i UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: BMWEngines.uk

The BMW 116i has worn five different engines across its lifetime — from the naturally aspirated N45 and N43 to the turbocharged N13 and modern B38 three-cylinder. Get quotes from UK specialists for reconditioned, rebuilt and used units today.

Supply &Fit Available
12-MonthWarranty
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Supply &Fit Available
12-MonthWarranty
NationwideDelivery
20+Specialists

BMW 116i Engines — from £750 to £4,500Common codes: N45B16, N43B16, N13B16, B38A15

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No Obligation
100% Free
Reconditioned
Rebuilt
Used
Supply & Fit Available
UK-Wide Network

Instant Quotes
No Obligation
100% Free
Reconditioned
Rebuilt
Used
Supply & Fit Available
UK-Wide Network

BMW 116i Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£1,500 – £3,000
Fitted (Indie)£3,000 – £4,500
Warranty12–24 months
Best ForMost owners — best cost/warranty balance

Engine Type	Supply Only	Fitted (Indie)	Warranty	Best For
Used Engine	£750 – £1,800	£1,800 – £3,500	1–6 months	Budget priority; older N45/N43 examples
Reconditioned Engine	£1,500 – £3,000	£3,000 – £4,500	12–24 months	Most owners — best cost/warranty balance
Rebuilt Engine	£2,500 – £4,500	£4,000 – £6,000	12–24 months	Long-term ownership; 3+ year horizon
Main Dealer New	£5,000 – £8,000	£6,500 – £10,000	24–36 months	Insurance jobs, warranty claims

Figures above reflect the current market. Older generations (N45/N43) sit at the lower end of these ranges; newer B38 engines command a premium. See the Era Map above for generation-specific context.

Labour estimate: Fitting a 116i engine typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer).

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Common Problems With BMW 1 Series 116i Engines

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear(N45, N43, N13)

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start lasting 1–5 seconds, metallic ticking from the front of the engine, engine warning light, cam timing errors
Typical Mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles
Repair Cost: £600–£1,800 (timing chain, tensioner, and guide replacement)
Replacement Cost: £1,200–£3,000 (if chain jumps and causes valve interference)
Urgency: Immediate — any cold-start rattle on these engines requires immediate investigation

Our recommendation:

The N45, N43 and N13 engines share a well-documented timing chain weakness. The chain guides are plastic and can break, sending debris into the oil pickup. The N13 is particularly notorious. BMW did not formally recognise the issue in the UK/EU, making preventative replacement essential. At the first sign of cold-start rattle, book an inspection immediately. A £600–£1,800 preventative chain replacement is dramatically cheaper than a £1,200+ engine replacement.

Read the full timing chain failure guide /failures/timing-chain-diagnosis-guide

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear(N45, N43, N13)

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start lasting 1–5 seconds, metallic ticking from the front of the engine, engine warning light, cam timing errors
Typical Mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles
Repair Cost: £600–£1,800 (timing chain, tensioner, and guide replacement)
Replacement Cost: £1,200–£3,000 (if chain jumps and causes valve interference)
Urgency: Immediate — any cold-start rattle on these engines requires immediate investigation

Our recommendation:

Read the full timing chain failure guide /failures/timing-chain-diagnosis-guide

2. Direct Injection and Injector Issues(N43, N13)

Symptoms: Rough idle, vibration, hesitation on acceleration, misfire under load, engine warning light
Typical Mileage: 50,000–100,000 miles
Repair Cost: £400–£1,200 (injector replacement and cleaning)
Replacement Cost: N/A — repair only
Urgency: Monitor — book inspection soon

Our recommendation:

The N43's direct injection system is sensitive to fuel quality and injector condition. Injector failure causes vibration and rough running. The N13, being a direct-injection turbo engine, suffers similar issues. Use high-quality fuel and have injectors checked at around 80,000 miles. Catching a failing injector early prevents secondary damage to the catalytic converter.

Read the full injector failure guide /failures/n57-injector-seal

3. Oil Consumption and PCV Issues(N13, B38)

Symptoms: Oil level dropping between services, blue smoke on startup, rough idle
Typical Mileage: 60,000–120,000 miles
Repair Cost: £200–£600 (PCV valve replacement or oil separator service)
Replacement Cost: N/A — repair only
Urgency: Monitor — book inspection soon

Our recommendation:

The N13 is known for oil consumption, often caused by a failing PCV system or worn piston rings. The B38 can also suffer from excessive oil consumption. Check oil levels regularly — if you're topping up more than 1L between services, have the PCV system inspected. Ignoring oil consumption can lead to carbon build-up and, eventually, engine damage.

Read the full oil consumption guide /failures/n63-oil-consumption

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116i — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Not every issue means a new engine.Here’s what can be repaired, when it makes sense, and what to check before you buy.

Can It Be Repaired?

Problem	Repairable?	Typical Cost	When It Makes Sense
Timing chain tensioner (preventative, N45/N43/N13)	Yes	£600 – £1,800	Far cheaper than a full engine — the single most important investment
Timing chain failure (engine damage)	Usually No	Engine replacement	If chain jumps and valves hit pistons, replacement is the only option
Injector failure (N43/N13)	Yes	£400 – £1,200	Well-understood job; catch it before catalyst damage
Oil consumption (PCV, N13/B38)	Yes	£200 – £600	Simple PCV replacement — much cheaper than a rebuild
Cooling system wear (B38)	Yes	£400 – £1,000	Electric water pump and thermostat are known wear items

ProblemRepairable? · Typical Cost

Timing chain tensioner (preventative, N45/N43/N13)

Yes£600 – £1,800

Far cheaper than a full engine — the single most important investment

Timing chain failure (engine damage)

Usually NoEngine replacement

If chain jumps and valves hit pistons, replacement is the only option

Injector failure (N43/N13)

Yes£400 – £1,200

Well-understood job; catch it before catalyst damage

Oil consumption (PCV, N13/B38)

Yes£200 – £600

Simple PCV replacement — much cheaper than a rebuild

Cooling system wear (B38)

Yes£400 – £1,000

Electric water pump and thermostat are known wear items

Buying This 116i? Check These First

Buy if:

Post-2015 B38-engined car — the most reliable 116i generation by some margin
N45/N43/N13 with documented timing chain work — evidence of the upgrade is essential
Full service history with correct BMW-spec oil (5W-30 LL-01 or equivalent)
Evidence of regular maintenance and quality fuel (especially important for N43/N13)

Avoid if:

Pre-2015 N45/N43/N13 with no proof of timing chain work — you're buying a known risk
Any cold-start rattle — this is almost certainly timing chain tensioner wear
Evidence of oil consumption or rising oil levels — indicates PCV or ring issues
Poor service history — these engines are unforgiving of neglect

Closing verdict

The 116i badge spans five very different engines. The early N45 and N43 are simple but aging — timing chain work is the defining question. The N13 turbo is quick but has a reputation for timing chain and oil consumption issues. The B38 three-cylinder is the pick of the bunch — modern, efficient, and genuinely reliable. Buy on history, not on price alone.

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used BMW 116i (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1. Cold Start
Listen for rattles lasting more than 1–2 seconds (timing chain warning on N45/N43/N13)
2. Service History
Including which engine era (N45, N43, N13, or B38) and oil change intervals
3. Oil Level
Check for rising oil level (diesel in oil — not applicable to petrol) or excessive consumption
4. Idle Quality
Any vibration or roughness? (injector or PCV issues on N43/N13)
5. Engine Warning Light
Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?
6. Coolant Level
Any loss? (cooling system wear on B38)
7. Turbo Performance (N13/B38)
Test acceleration; any hesitation or whistling?
8. MOT History
Check for emissions-related failures (catalyst, O2 sensors)

Why this matters

A 10-minute check now can save you thousands later. The right 1 Series 116i is a superb long-term car — the wrong one can be expensive fast.

Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used BMW 116i (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1
Cold Start
Listen for rattles lasting more than 1–2 seconds (timing chain warning on N45/N43/N13)
2
Service History
Including which engine era (N45, N43, N13, or B38) and oil change intervals
3
Oil Level
Check for rising oil level (diesel in oil — not applicable to petrol) or excessive consumption
4
Idle Quality
Any vibration or roughness? (injector or PCV issues on N43/N13)
5
Engine Warning Light
Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?
6
Coolant Level
Any loss? (cooling system wear on B38)
7
Turbo Performance (N13/B38)
Test acceleration; any hesitation or whistling?
8
MOT History
Check for emissions-related failures (catalyst, O2 sensors)

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 1 Series 116i pitfalls.

Engine Codes

This table's rows match Section 1B's Era Map exactly — five engine codes across the 116i's history.

N45B16

Years: 2004–2007
Power: 115 hp
2025 Enquiries: [PATTERN DATA]
Avg. Recon Cost: £1,200–£2,200[BMW-QUOTE]

Engine Code	Years	Power	2025 Enquiries	Avg. Recon Cost
N45B16	2004–2007	115 hp	[PATTERN DATA]	£1,200–£2,200[BMW-QUOTE]
N43B16	2007–2011	122 hp	[PATTERN DATA]	£1,500–£2,500[BMW-QUOTE]
N13B16	2011–2015	136 hp	[PATTERN DATA]	£1,800–£3,000[BMW-QUOTE]
B38A15	2015–2019	109 hp	[PATTERN DATA]	£2,500–£4,000[BMW-QUOTE]
B38A15	2019–present	109 hp	[PATTERN DATA]	£2,500–£4,500[BMW-QUOTE]

Technical SpecsB38A15 — current generation

Displacement: 1,499cc (1.5-litre)
Cylinders: 3-cylinder inline
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Fuel System: Direct injection
Turbocharger: Single-scroll turbocharger

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Market Intelligence

Real data from thousands of 1 Series 116i enquiries in 2025.

Most Common FailureTiming chain wear

Affects N45, N43 and N13 engines; the defining risk of pre-2015 116i models

Average Enquiry Mileage

70,000–110,000

miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£1,500–£3,000

reconditioned, supply only

[BMW-QUOTE]

Most Requested Engine Code

N13B16

The turbocharged Prince engine

[PATTERN DATA]

Peak Enquiry Season

Winter

Cold starts expose timing chain issues

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

London: 20%
South East: 18%
North West: 12%
Other Regions: 50%

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand Breakdown

20%London18%South East12%North West50%Other Regions

Frequently Asked Questions

A reconditioned 116i engine typically costs £1,500–£3,000 supply only depending on generation, with used units available from £750–£1,800. Fitting adds £800–£1,500. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

It depends entirely on which generation. The early N45 and N43 are simple but suffer from timing chain issues. The N13 turbo has a reputation for timing chain and oil consumption problems. The B38 three-cylinder (2015 onwards) is genuinely reliable. Check the Era Map above for your specific car.

Timing chain wear on N45, N43 and N13 engines, injector issues on N43 and N13, oil consumption on N13 and B38, and cooling system wear on B38. The B38 is significantly more reliable than its predecessors.

Depends on vehicle value and generation. Against a well-kept £5,000–£8,000 F20 116i, a £2,000 recon is 25–40% of the car's value — worth it. Against a tired £2,000 E87 example, the same recon exceeds our 70% BMW threshold — get a scrap valuation first.

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. As a rule of thumb: 2004–2007 is N45B16, 2007–2011 is N43B16, 2011–2015 is N13B16, 2015 onwards is B38A15. Tell us your registration date and we'll confirm it for free.

Yes — if caught early. A preventative chain and tensioner replacement (£600–£1,800) is far cheaper than a catastrophic chain snap (£1,200–£3,000 engine replacement). At the first sign of cold-start rattle on any pre-2015 116i, book an inspection immediately.

Disclaimer: All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists.
Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes.
Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty — always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

Why UK BMW 1 Series 116i Owners Trust BMWEngines.uk

Trusted 116i Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real 116i owners, as part of the Engine Finders network, across all five engine generations from N45 to B38 — no matter which era your 1 Series belongs to.
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see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit, with specialists who genuinely understand the timing chain, injector, and oil consumption nuances of each 116i generation.
UK Engine Replacement Services for 116i
supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide, covering every generation of this badge since 2004 with a 12‑month warranty as standard.

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BMW 116i Engine Replacement —Compare Prices &Get Quotes

BMW 116i Engine Replacement Costs

Common Problems With BMW 1 Series 116i Engines

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear(N45, N43, N13)

2. Direct Injection and Injector Issues(N43, N13)

3. Oil Consumption and PCV Issues(N13, B38)

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear(N45, N43, N13)

2. Direct Injection and Injector Issues(N43, N13)

3. Oil Consumption and PCV Issues(N13, B38)

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116i — Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Can It Be Repaired?

Buying This 116i? Check These First

Buying Checklist

Buying Checklist

Engine Codes

Market Intelligence

Regional Demand Breakdown

Frequently Asked Questions

Why UK BMW 1 Series 116i Owners Trust BMWEngines.uk

Trusted 116i Engine Suppliers

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UK Engine Replacement Services for 116i

BMW 116i Engine Replacement —Compare Prices &
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