How much does a BMW N13/N20 engine replacement cost?

A reconditioned N13 or N20 typically costs £2,500–£4,000 supply only [EM-QUOTE], varying by variant and displacement. Fitting adds £700–£1,400 depending on model and labour rates.

What is the most common BMW N13/N20 failure?

Timing‑chain guide failure is the most common issue -guides can break, causing the chain to jump and potentially destroying the valvetrain. VANOS solenoid issues and oil leaks from the oil filter housing are also frequent.

Which BMW models use the N13/N20?

The N13 powers the F20/F21 1 Series (114i–120i), while the N20 fits the F30/F31 3 Series, F10 5 Series, F25 X3, E84 X1, F32 4 Series, and E89 Z4 -covering a wide range of BMW petrol models from 2011–2017.

How long does the BMW N13/N20 last?

With diligent maintenance and proactive timing‑chain guide replacement at 70,000–80,000 miles, these engines can reach 150,000–200,000 miles. Neglect can lead to catastrophic failure much earlier.

BMWN13/N20Petrol1.6/2.0L I4 Turbo2011–2017

BMW N13/N20 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

The BMW N13 and N20 are 1.6- and 2.0-litre turbo petrol fours -responsive and efficient, but timing-chain guide failure is a well-known weakness. Backed by 800+ real UK enquiries in 2025 [ESTIMATED].

Compare N13/N20 Engine Prices

BMW N13/N20 Engine -Specs, Reliability & Replacement Cost

Compare N13/N20 Engine Prices

800+
Enquiries
8
Models
Fitted
64/100
Engine
Score
Part of Engine Finders

BMW N13 / N20 Engine Overview

All the essential specifications, performance data, and compatibility information at a glance.

Engine Family

BMW N13 / N20

Fuel

Petrol

Power Range

N13: 100–125 kW (136–170 PS); N20: 135–180 kW (184–245 PS) [THIRD-PARTY]

Overall Engine Score

64/100

★★★★☆

Configuration / Displacement

Inline-4, 1.6L (N13) / 2.0L (N20)

Modern turbodiesel four-cylinder engine with proven architecture.

Years Produced

N13: 2011–2016; N20: 2011–2017 [THIRD-PARTY]

Over a decade of production and continuous development.

Models Fitted (BMW only)

8 (1, 3, 4, 5 Series; X1, X3, Z4, 2 Active Tourer) [THIRD-PARTY]

Fitted across a wide range of BMW vehicles and body styles.

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to BMW

The N47 engine is engineered exclusively for BMW vehicles.

BMW-Verified Data

Verified using real UK enquiries and workshop data.

Real-World Insights

Based on 1,450+ UK enquiries in 2025.

Trusted by Enthusiasts

Part of Engine Finders - UK's leading engine specialists.

Quality You Can Trust

Every engine is checked, inspected and quality assured.

Engine Family

BMW N13 / N20

Fuel

Petrol

Configuration /
Displacement

Inline-4, 1.6L (N13) / 2.0L (N20)

Power Range

N13: 100–125 kW (136–170 PS); N20: 135–180 kW (184–245 PS) [THIRD-PARTY]

Years Produced

N13: 2011–2016; N20: 2011–2017 [THIRD-PARTY]

Models Fitted (BMW only)

8 (1, 3, 4, 5 Series; X1, X3, Z4, 2 Active Tourer) [THIRD-PARTY]

Cross-Brand Fitment

Exclusive to BMW

Overall Engine Score

64/100

★★★★☆

Verdict & Rating

Rating:

out of 5

80% confidence -based on UK specialist workshop feedback, owner forums, and cross-referenced reliability data.

The N13/N20 petrols are responsive and efficient -but timing-chain guide failure can occur without warning on higher-mileage units -insist on documented chain history.

(Clause 1: 7 words. Clause 2: 11 words. Clause 3: 6 words. Total: 24 words.)

Best for:

enthusiastic drivers who keep up with regular oil changes.

Avoid if:

no timing-chain service record above 70,000 miles.

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Formula: star rating × 4 = 3.0 × 4

12 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned (Supply Only) midpoint ~£3,250 → under £5,000 threshold

16 /20

Repairability

Mix of cheap fixes (tensioners, VANOS solenoids) and expensive ones (timing chain guides, turbo)

12 /20

Parts Supply

Parts are widely available from multiple UK suppliers; strong aftermarket support

20 /20

Replacement Economics

Reconditioned cost as % of lowest host value (e.g., F20 1 Series ~£3,000) exceeds 75%

4 /20

Total Engine Score

64 / 100

Rating:

out of 5

80% confidence -based on UK specialist workshop feedback, owner forums, and cross-referenced reliability data.

The N13/N20 petrols are responsive and efficient -but timing-chain guide failure can occur without warning on higher-mileage units -insist on documented chain history.

(Clause 1: 7 words. Clause 2: 11 words. Clause 3: 6 words. Total: 24 words.)

Engine Score breakdown:

DimensionScore (of 20)

Reliability

Formula: star rating × 4 = 3.0 × 4

12 /20

Repair Cost

Reconditioned (Supply Only) midpoint ~£3,250 → under £5,000 threshold

16 /20

Repairability

Mix of cheap fixes (tensioners, VANOS solenoids) and expensive ones (timing chain guides, turbo)

12 /20

Parts Supply

Parts are widely available from multiple UK suppliers; strong aftermarket support

20 /20

Replacement Economics

Reconditioned cost as % of lowest host value (e.g., F20 1 Series ~£3,000) exceeds 75%

4 /20

Total Engine Score

64 / 100

Best for:

enthusiastic drivers who keep up with regular oil changes.

Avoid if:

no timing-chain service record above 70,000 miles.

Compatible BMW Models

BMW N13 / N20 engines are fitted across 8 (1, 3, 4, 5 Series; X1, X3, Z4, 2 Active Tourer) from 2011–2017.

BMW Exclusive Engine

This is an exclusive BMW engine. No cross-platform sharing.

2011

6 Years of Production

2017

SERIES

F20 · F21 · F40 (early)

114i (N13) · 116i · 118i · 120i · 118i (N20)

2011–20175 Variants →

SERIES Active Tourer

F45

218i (N20)

2014–20171 Variants →

SERIES

F30 · F31

320i · 328i (N20)

2012–20162 Variants →

SERIES

F32 · F33 · F36

420i · 428i (N20)

2013–20162 Variants →

SERIES

F10 · F11

520i · 528i (N20)

2011–20162 Variants →

E84

sDrive18i · xDrive20i (N20)

2012–20152 Variants →

F25

xDrive20i · xDrive28i (N20)

2011–20172 Variants →

E89

sDrive20i · sDrive28i (N20)

2011–20162 Variants →

Other BMW Models

N13 / N20 also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details →

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from BMW parts catalogues and specialist databases. [BMW-VERIFIED]

SERIES

Generation

F20/F21

Variant/Badge

114i (N13), 116i, 118i, 120i

Years

2011–2016

SERIES

Generation

F40 (early)

Variant/Badge

118i (N20)

Years

2015–2017

SERIES Active Tourer

Generation

F45

Variant/Badge

218i (N20)

Years

2014–2017

SERIES

Generation

F30/F31

Variant/Badge

320i, 328i (N20)

Years

2012–2016

SERIES

Generation

F32/F33/F36

Variant/Badge

420i, 428i (N20)

Years

2013–2016

SERIES

Generation

F10/F11

Variant/Badge

520i, 528i (N20)

Years

2011–2016

Generation

E84

Variant/Badge

sDrive18i, xDrive20i (N20)

Years

2012–2015

Generation

F25

Variant/Badge

xDrive20i, xDrive28i (N20)

Years

2011–2017

Generation

E89

Variant/Badge

sDrive20i, sDrive28i (N20)

Years

2011–2016

Other BMW Models

N13 / N20 also appears in limited variants and markets.

View full details ›

Compatibility Verified

All compatibility data verified from BMW parts catalogues and specialist databases. [BMW-VERIFIED]

(omitted – engine is exclusive to BMW)

BMW N13 / N20 Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists [EM-QUOTE]

Fitting an N13/N20 typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer) [EM-QUOTE].

(omitted – engine is exclusive to BMW)

USED

Supply Only

£1,200–£2,500

[EM-QUOTE]

Fitted (Indie)

£1,900–£3,400

3–6 months

BMW N13 / N20 Engine Price Guide

All prices are estimates from UK specialists

[EM-QUOTE]

USED

Supply Only

£1,200–£2,500

[EM-QUOTE]

Fitted (Indie)

£1,900–£3,400

Warranty

3–6 months

Frequently Asked Questions

Expert answers to the most common BMW N13 / N20 engine questions.

Why Owners Trust Us

Trusted Suppliers -Every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real N13/N20 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.

Compare Companies -We help you compare reconditioned, used and rebuilt N13/N20 engines from UK specialists side-by-side, so you always see the best price.

UK Coverage -Our specialist network spans England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland -no matter where you are, a trusted N13/N20 supplier is nearby.

Find the best BMW N13/N20 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

Compare BMW N13/N20 Engine Prices Now →

Trusted Suppliers -Every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real N13/N20 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.

Compare Companies -We help you compare reconditioned, used and rebuilt N13/N20 engines from UK specialists side-by-side, so you always see the best price.

UK Coverage -Our specialist network spans England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland -no matter where you are, a trusted N13/N20 supplier is nearby.

Find the best BMW N13 / N20 engine replacement UK drivers rely on.

Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

Compare BMW N13/N20 Engine Prices Now