Verdict
A 2-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine with a timing chain, successor to the N20, fitted to BMW 20i and 30i models and the Mini Cooper S. It fixes the N20's fragile chain without being bulletproof: the chain sits at the back of the block, so it is expensive to work on, and oil changes every 10,000 to 15,000 km are advised rather than the manufacturer's long interval. The first 2014-2015 Minis were covered by a service action on the crankshaft bearing.
Years to favour or avoid
- To favour
- No year particularly to favour
- To avoid
- 2014, 2015
Known faults
Crankshaft guide bearing (first 2014-2015 Minis)
Severity 3/3 · SeriousBMW issued a service action (not a formal recall) for premature wear of the crankshaft guide bearing on B46/B48 engines in Mini F55/F56 built from June 2014 to May 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-b48
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Coolant leak at the oil filter housing
Severity 1/3 · AnnoyingThe plastic oil filter housing can warp or crack and leak coolant: overheating, loss of power and engine warning light; the part must be replaced. Mini issued technical bulletins on the first F56 (built from November 2013 to March 2014).
- Versions
- bmw-b48
- Onset
- not documented
- Repair
- not documented
Models fitted
Good choice, check firstPhoto: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0
Buy with carePhoto: Wikisympathisant, CC BY-SA 4.0
Mini Hatch
2014–2024 · Petrol, Diesel, Electric
- Estimated monthly cost
- €411/month
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.