BMW 320d
BMW 4 Series 428i2013–20202 Engine Generations

BMW 4 Series 428i Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 428i specialists. Compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engines - N20 and B48 variants across the F32 Coupé, F33 Convertible and F36 Gran Coupé - supply & fit available nationwide.

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BMW 4 Series 428i Engines - from £800 to £6,500Common codes: N20B20A, B48B20
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The 428i THROUGH TIME - Era Map

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

Era Note

Pre-2015 N20 timing chain guide failure is the critical weakness

Why use this era map?

This table is the single source every other section on this page matches - Sections 2, 4 and 6 reference it rather than restating conflicting figures.

Real UK Cost Data
Verified Reliability
Expert Insights
Updated for 2025

BMW 4 Series 428i Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£3,500–£5,500
Fitted (Indie)£4,300–£6,700
Warranty12–24 months
Best ForMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Figures above reflect current 428i replacement costs. The B48 variant typically sits at the higher end of the range. See the Era Map above for generation-specific pricing.

Labour estimate: Fitting a 428i engine typically takes 10–14 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer).

→ Compare 428i engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems With BMW 320d Engines

1. N20 Timing Chain Guide Failure (Pre-LCI - Critical)

-

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4 Series 428i - 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 rattle (N20 - preventative)✅ Yes£1,500–£3,000Essential maintenance - catch it before catastrophic failureSnapped timing chain (N20)❌ Usually NoEngine replacementPiston-valve contact means little is left to repairOil leaks (valve cover, oil filter housing)✅ Yes£300–£800Straightforward gasket replacementsWater pump failure (N20 & B48)✅ Yes£400–£900Catch it early - before overheatingHead gasket failure (from overheating)✅ Yes£1,000–£2,500Worth it on a well-maintained 4 Series

Buying This 428i? Check These First

Buy If

  • Post-LCI (2017+) with the B48 engine (significantly more reliable)
  • Pre-LCI (2013–2017) with documented timing chain guide replacement
  • Full service history with regular oil changes (critical for chain longevity)
  • No cold-start rattling (listen carefully on first start)
  • No oil leaks around the oil filter housing or valve cover

Avoid If

  • Pre-LCI N20 with cold-start rattle and no chain history - assume it's overdue
  • No service history - the N20 is unforgiving of neglect
  • Oil leaks around the oil filter housing (belt damage risk)
  • Overheating history or unexplained coolant loss - may indicate water pump or head gasket issues

Closing Verdict

The 428i is BMW's entry-level 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol in the first-generation 4 Series. The N20 (pre-LCI, 2013–2017) is a capable engine let down by one critical design flaw - timing chain guide failure. The B48 (LCI, 2017–2020) is a significant improvement, resolving the chain issues and offering greater reliability. With typical F32/F33/F36 values ranging from £8,000 to £20,000+, a £4,000–£5,500 engine replacement is a significant investment. A post-2017 B48-engined car is the safer choice.

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used BMW 4 Series 428i (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1

Cold Start

Listen for rattling (N20 timing chain guide warning) - see the map above

2

Service History

Including which engine era (N20 or B48) and oil-change discipline

3

Timing Chain

For N20 (pre-LCI): check for any chain work or cold-start rattle

4

Oil Leaks

Check around valve cover and oil filter housing for leaks

5

Coolant Level

Check reservoir when cold; any low or loss may indicate water pump issues

6

Turbo Health

Test acceleration; any lag, whistling, or hesitation?

7

Engine Warning Light

Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?

8

MOT History

Check for emissions-related failures

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.

N20B20A

N20B20A

Years2013–2017 (F32/F33/F36 pre-LCI)
Power245 PS (180 kW) @ 5,000rpm
2025 Enquiries- (within N20 family volume)
Avg. Recon Cost£3,500–£5,500 [PLACEHOLDER]

Technical Specs

B48B20 - LCI generation
Displacement1,997cc
Cylinders4-cylinder inline, aluminium block
Compression Ratio10.0:1
Fuel SystemDirect injection, single twin-scroll turbocharger
ValvetrainDOHC, Double-VANOS, Valvetronic
Torque350 Nm @ 1,250–4,800 rpm
Displacement1,998cc
Cylinders4-cylinder inline, aluminium block
Fuel SystemDirect injection, twin-scroll turbocharger
Torque400 Nm

→ Compare 428i engine prices for your 4 Series

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

N20 timing chain guide failure (pre-LCI)

the defining issue of the earlier 428i

Average Enquiry Mileage

50,000

–70,000 miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£4,000

–£5,000 reconditioned, supply only

[PLACEHOLDER]

Most Requested Engine Code

N20B20A

[PATTERN DATA]

Peak Enquiry Season

Winter

cold starts expose timing chain wear

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

South East18%
North West16%
Midlands14%

PATTERN DATA

Regional Demand Breakdown

18%South East
16%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 condition, 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 4 Series 428i Owners Trust BMWEngines.uk

  • Trusted 428i Engine Suppliers

    every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real 4 Series 428i owners, as part of the Engine Finders network, across every generation - N20 and B48 - covering the F32 Coupé, F33 Convertible and F36 Gran Coupé.

  • Compare 428i Engine Replacement Companies

    see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side-by-side before you commit. We cover the 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol specifically, with specialists who understand the N20 timing chain vulnerability and the improved B48 design.

  • UK Engine Replacement Services for 428i

    supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide, covering every generation of this badge since 2013, with a 12-month warranty as standard across our network.

BMW 320d

Find the best BMW 4 Series 428i 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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