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BMW B38 (1.5 petrol three-cylinder) engine: reliability and faults

Petrol · 1,499 cm³ · 109, 136, 140, 156 hp · since 2013

Buy with care
Reliability
3.5/5

3 known faults

Verdict

A 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine with a timing chain, fitted to the BMW 116i, 118i and 218i and the Mini Cooper. It is economical and fairly reliable when oil changes and the cooling system are looked after. The first 2014-2015 builds were covered by service actions on the crankshaft bearing and the oil filter housing; the chain can stretch with mileage. Listen to the engine from cold.

Years to favour or avoid

To favour
No year particularly to favour
To avoid
2014, 2015

Known faults

Crankshaft guide bearing (first 2014-2015 builds)

Severity 3/3 · Serious

BMW issued service actions (not a formal recall) for premature wear of the crankshaft guide bearing on the first Mini F55/F56 with the B38 engine, built from December 2014 to June 2015: engine warning light, crankshaft sensor fault, noises from the gearbox side, and possible engine damage. Check with the VIN at a dealer.

Versions
bmw-b38
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Timing chain stretch

Severity 2/3 · Costly

The three-cylinder's chain can stretch with mileage: rattling from cold and a fault warning. Chain jumps remain very rare according to Caradisiac, but a noise on start-up should be diagnosed and priced before buying.

Versions
bmw-b38
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Coolant leak at the oil filter housing

Severity 1/3 · Annoying

The plastic oil filter housing can warp or crack and leak coolant (first Mini F56 from late 2013 to early 2014): overheating, loss of power and engine warning light; the part must be replaced.

Versions
bmw-b38
Onset
not documented
Repair
not documented

Models fitted

Maintain and diagnose this engine

Read fault codes

An OBD scanner plugged in under the steering wheel shows stored fault codes, even with warning lights off: useful during the test drive.

Parts and maintenance

Compare prices of car parts (timing, brakes, filters) to estimate the repairs to plan for.