How much does a BMW 116i engine replacement cost in the UK?

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.

Is the BMW 116i engine reliable?

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.

What are the common problems with the BMW 116i?

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.

Is it worth replacing a BMW 116i engine, or should I scrap the car?

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.

How do I find my BMW 116i engine code?

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.

Can I repair the 116i timing chain, or does it need replacement?

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.

BMW 1 Series 116i2004–present5 Engine Generations

BMW 116i Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

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.

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

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

Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide Network

The 116i THROUGH TIME - Era Map

Four generations. Four eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

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 TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£750–£1,800£1,800–£3,5001–6 monthsBudget priority; older N45/N43 examples

Reconditioned Engine£1,500–£3,000£3,000–£4,50012–24 monthsMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£2,500–£4,500£4,000–£6,00012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£5,000–£8,000£6,500–£10,00024–36 monthsInsurance 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).

→ Compare 116i engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems With BMW 320d 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)

🔴 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

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)

🔴 Immediate - any cold-start rattle on these engines requires immediate investigation

Our recommendation:

Read the full timing chain failure 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

🟡 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

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

🟡 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

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116i - Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

116i - Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Can It Be Repaired?

ProblemRepairable?Typical CostWhen It Makes SenseTiming chain tensioner (preventative, N45/N43/N13)✅ Yes£600–£1,800Far cheaper than a full engine - the single most important investmentTiming chain failure (engine damage)❌ Usually NoEngine replacementIf chain jumps and valves hit pistons, replacement is the only optionInjector failure (N43/N13)✅ Yes£400–£1,200Well-understood job; catch it before catalyst damageOil consumption (PCV, N13/B38)✅ Yes£200–£600Simple PCV replacement - much cheaper than a rebuildCooling system wear (B38)✅ Yes£400–£1,000Electric 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.

Don't guess.Get the right engine at the right price.

→ Compare 116i engine prices before you buy

Don't Guess. Compare.

Get real quotes from vetted UK specialists and make the right call for your 320d.

→ Compare 116i engine prices before you buy

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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)

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

BMW 320d Engine Codes

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

N45B16

Years2004–2007

Power115 hp

2025 Enquiries[PATTERN DATA]

Avg. Recon Cost£1,200–£2,200 [BMW-QUOTE]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

N45B162004–2007115 hp[PATTERN DATA]£1,200–£2,200 [BMW-QUOTE]

N43B162007–2011122 hp[PATTERN DATA]£1,500–£2,500 [BMW-QUOTE]

N13B162011–2015136 hp[PATTERN DATA]£1,800–£3,000 [BMW-QUOTE]

B38A152015–2019109 hp[PATTERN DATA]£2,500–£4,000 [BMW-QUOTE]

B38A152019–present109 hp[PATTERN DATA]£2,500–£4,500 [BMW-QUOTE]

Technical Specs

B38A15 - current generation

Displacement1,499cc (1.5-litre)

Cylinders3-cylinder inline

Compression Ratio11:1

Fuel SystemDirect injection

TurbochargerSingle-scroll turbocharger

→ Compare 116i engine prices for your BMW

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

Timing 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

London20%

South East18%

North West12%

PATTERN DATA

Regional Demand Breakdown

20%London

18%South East

12%North West

BMW 320d - Frequently Asked Questions

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.

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.
Compare 116i Engine Replacement Companies
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.

Find the best BMW 116i engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

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No hidden fees

No Obligation

Get quotes with zero pressure

UK Specialists

20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available