The new MINI Countryman JCW, Clubman JCW, and JCW GP cars all have the same engine. The N20 does have a well known problem in the timing chain. Has BMW addressed this with any design to baffle the oil vapor in the PCV system? A longer stroke helps the B48 make a lot of low-end and mid-range torque. These can range in cost from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars to fix. BMW recommends oil changes every 10,000 miles. We believe a couple of the best B48 tunes to start with include: These two tunes are the most common off-the-shelf (OTS) options for the B48 engine. Like any engine, the BMW B48 engine can experience issues. The new B47 engine replaces the N47 power unit and like its predecessor is a four cylinder in-line, common rail injection, 1,995 cc displacement with a single turbocharger with variable turbine geometry. What is the difference between N47 and B47 engine? The B46 is the Super Ultra Low Emissions spec (SULEV) and that is the standard engine in the US market. It is a well maintained one at 130k miles. I've got a b48 engine 320i and thus far it's been faultless. Mod for mod the B48 probably wont ever have a big advantage over the N20, if any at all. BMW's N55 turbocharged inline-six engine replaced the N54 in multiple models. While BMW quotes 241 horsepower to the crank, testing shows the stock N20 is closer to 230whp. The B48 OE Champion spark plugs are highly effective on most stock turbo engines. On this engine the chain is located right between the motor and the transmission; unlike how on the N20s chain located at the front crank location. Another issue that has been reported with the B48 engine is the possibility of a faulty exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve. Tune only cars are able to push over 260 wheel horsepower and 290 wheel torque. Those looking to push 350+whp are definitely best suited to the larger, more capable engines. Is the B48 reliable? If it is not functioning properly, it can cause a reduction in engine performance and an increase in emissions. BMWs B48 engine is also the successor to the 2.0L turbo N20 engine. However, this likely comes down to many being under warranty with few modded. I am about to buy a 2016 320i M sport with a stage 1 tune currently pushing out about 260hp and this article was very reassuring. Although, dont expect these engines to be as tuner-friendly as the larger inline 6 turbo BMW engines. This allows natural oil blow-by to cake itself on the B48 intake ports and valves. The JB4 is the most advanced and highly featured tuning system available for your B38/B46/B48 MINI. Thanks. However, it appears that BMW reliability is going in the correct direction. BMW B48 Engine Specs and Reliability. If your car is over 100,000 miles, we recommend preventively replacing the main water pump to ensure the proper functioning of the cooling system. PIcs? 1. Check out our B48 downpipe upgrade guide for more. The S58 engine, which was released in early 2019, is the high performance version of the B58. Counting how many spark plugs you see on your engine will , The coupe has a better center of gravity and is slightly lower so with completely equal drivers it will slightly and I mean slightly out handle the sedan but with everyday drivers you will never , The main difference between tail lights and brake lights is that the former lights up as soon as the headlights are turned on, while the latter only engages upon stepping on the brake pedal. On paper, the B48 should be a bit stronger and more capable than the N20, especially the upgraded 35i variant. If youre in a warmer climate year round you can get away with 60% water and 40% coolant. Were big fans of the JB4 as a starting tune since it allows precise boost control and lots of possibilities. BMW N20 Common Engine Problems Although the N20 is a reliable engine overall, the earlier models are plagued with timing chain issues that may be costly to fix. The most common version of the BMW B48 produces 255 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. Mini Cooper S Mods Summary All in all, its really difficult to predict how long any engine is going to last as there are simply way too many factors to consider. These engines perform great and have very good fuel economy. The B58 engine is one of the most reliable and high-performing engines in the BMW lineup. Read our post about B48 mods here: BMW B48 300whp. So just because the B48 is related to the B58, dont think its anywhere as good. Anything over 20psi will not add much power. Newer LL-14+ oils are designed with fuel economy and emissions in mind. One common issue with the B48 engine is a rough idle. The B48 is already proven as underrated from the factory making 220+whp and 240+wtq stock. The B series engines saw a move to an even further undersquare design. Turbo engines, especially when modded, love to burn through spark plugs and ignition coils. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. BMW's B48 engine is also the successor to the 2.0L turbo N20 engine. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". We recommend a 50/50 water and coolant mix for the BMW B48. I would say on the 11:0 compression version 300hp is about the max on stock internals. "Passenger restraint system malfunction" BMW X3 Whats This? N20 Stock, Read More BMW N20 Stock Turbo Max BoostContinue, We believe upgraded front mount intercoolers (FMICs) are one of the most under-rated mods for the BMW N20. For parts wise, a B46 and B48 will be exactly the same. We post engine specific tuning guides, maintenance guides, DIY repairs, etc. Both the N20 and B48 pack small 2.0L turbo engines that produce impressive power for their size. B48 Dinan Dyno: 254 hp, N20 BMS Dyno: 233.7 hp Again, were looking at just the engine here and ignoring the chassis, electronics, etc. Our garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and 2008 535i. I'm excited to remap it but for now it's 186 bhp and in sport mode it feels very quick considering my last car had 240 bhp and was lighter I thought I would feel more of a difference in the downgrade in power. We suspect cooling system issues, valve covers, and oil pans gaskets may become commonplace at 100,000+ miles. Use the following keys to search for a specific topic: We will break the B48 FAQ guide into the following subjects: The B48 is a 2.0L single turbo engine that is part of the BMW B series modular engines. The limits of the B48 are still rather unknown. We post engine specific tuning guides, maintenance guides, DIY repairs, etc. No we dont agree with the lifetime coolant designation. Valve cover is the same. do you think that is true and why is that? Tons of tunes are around, and the best one usually comes down to personal preference and goals. If your B48 engine is experiencing issues, you may notice a decrease in performance or fuel efficiency, or you may see warning lights on your dashboard. Yes, we believe the BMW B48 is a pretty reliable engine. 2) Can the BMW B48 engine be repaired or does it need to be replaced? Ask questions or send a hint for future articles on the author's page. Onsomeshid 4 mo. Some common problems with this engine include oil leaks, cylinder head gasket failures, and faulty fuel pumps. Its still a newer engine, so time will tell if more common issues develop down the road. If you do long highway drives often then you can get away with the higher 8,000 or even 10,000 mile OCI. However, upgraded intercoolers are excellent on tuned and modded N20 engines. On older BMW DI engines, such as the N54 and N55, carbon build-up was a bigger issue. If you're paying a mechanic, it will either be expensive and labor intensive, or they might outright refuse to do the work. Our garage currently includes a 2008 135i, 2007 335i, and 2008 535i. Im hearing a electronic beep when I start up my b48 430i. https://www.mgflasher.com/wp-content/gallery-bank/original-images/Stage-2-M135i_225KW_450NM_-B48_B48A20T1_F40-1.png, https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10212788-9999.pdf. It is likely best to keep boost around 22psi peak. One of the lines that connect to the turbocharger may start leaking oil. BMW does consider B48 engine coolant to be a lifetime fluid. Its working for the B58, though. It was shown off in May 2019. 16K miles. Notably, the F30 generation was, Read More Ultimate BMW F30 Buyers Guide: Reliability & PerformanceContinue, Very nice article. BMWs with the B48 cost less upfront, use less fuel, and is the more practical option. Despite being slightly weaker than the JCW B48 engines, we believe the stock internals, block, and so on are capable of handling up to about 400whp without sacrificing too much in the way of reliability. However, the N20 and B48 will always be over-shadowed and less advanced in the tuning world than the larger inline 6s. Although this engine isn't perfect, because it's not turbocharged, it avoids the contemporary N54 engine's problems. Additionally, more frequent oil changes are always a good idea. If left unchecked, the engine could run low on coolant. **Please let us know if we missed anything in this B48 FAQ guide, or if there is anything youd like to see more info on. Yes, we believe the BMW B48 is a pretty reliable engine. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary". Plus, the N52 doesn't suffer from the E90 M3's rod-bearing issue. However, the higher horsepower B48 in BMW 35i models sees a drop to 9.5:1 compression. No issues with my 2018 B46. Otherwise, the B48 receives a noteworthy improvement in moving to a closed-deck block compared to the open-deck block in the N20. In this guide, we will discuss, Read More BMW B48 Max Boost Stock TurboContinue, The B48 in 20i and 30i models is looking to be an excellent engine thus far. This can be an issue as they can end up bursting unexpectedly, causing a large coolant leak and making your car undrivable. Like any engine, the BMW B48 can develop issues if not properly cared for. Gasket oil leaks can be expensive repairs at the shop. Other features shared with the N20 include a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct injection, variable valve lift (Valvetronic) and variable valve timing (Double VANOS). Again, pretty similar to the N20. My guess is that the G20 will prove to be very reliable too. Your email address will not be published. It still has a bicycle chain. SunshineF32 4 mo. Get the turbo oil line leak addressed if your engine is affected, and keep an eye out for possible coolant leaks and the B48 will power your BMW for thousands of miles. (I don't own one, but from what I've heard). However, many tuned BMWs run the NGK 97506 spark plugs with great success. Stage 1 E30 octane: 21%HP / 24%TQ A cold air intake works by moving the engines air filter away from the engine, so that . Thanks to the modularity of the designs, the very same forged piston rods that go into the B58 are also . Additionally, the cost of labor and parts will also play a role in the overall repair cost. Content on bimmerfest.com is generated by its users. ( 5000 8000 miles ) definitly on a tuned B48. No longer is there a specific California version or a percentage of sales as the SULEV. This article and page is such a joy to read. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Though, this is on built N20s with a larger turbo. Recommended Communities. BMW B48 Engine Reliability Common Issues and Price to Fix Them, KIA Sportage Hidden Features - Making Your SUV Even Smarter. These shells help clean off carbon deposits without damaging the valves or ports. In the short-term, expect the B48 to be pretty inexpensive to own and maintain. The B48 uses a single twin-scroll turbo. This helps the engine support the additional boost and power. Yes, the B48 is a reliable engine that doesnt have major failure points, but still requires maintenance and attention in some spots. Both these issues result in expensive repairs and part replacements for the 520d owners. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. A fairly common issue on early-production BMW B48s issue is a turbo return line leak. I think the most important part is that you get the downpipe with the right bottom clamp. Your email address will not be published. Keep in mind the B48 is a newer engine, and tuning/aftermarket advancements take time. Some of it simply comes down to the luck of the draw, maintenance, etc. Source: . A modest tune and bolt-ons should be very safe. Carbon buildup is a common issue that can affect any engine with direct injection such as the B48. An upgraded version producing 302hp is found in new 35i models. Ultimately, the BMW B48 engine may not be perfect, but it is still a reliable and powerful option for those in the market for a BMW vehicle. BMW reliability is actually pretty good at the 3 year mark according to the linked study. T. TheNine90 192 Replies. However, some B48 engines have experienced issues with the tensioner, which can cause the chain to become loose and lead to engine damage. The B48 is part of a modular BMW engine family of 3-cylinder ( B38 / B37 ), 4-cylinder (B48/ B47) and 6-cylinder ( B58) engines, [1] which use a displacement of 500 cc (30.5 cu in) per cylinder. Check the website again, they finally corrected the values. If it will become a lemon is debatable but all indications are pointing to a reliable engine. The B48 receives a stronger closed deck block. 320hp on the 10.2:1 (B48a20b). Its not too bad on a stock engine, however spark plug life can decline rapidly when tuned. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. We wrote an article about the max boost the stock B48 turbo is capable of, Check out our B48 downpipe upgrade guide for more, 2017-present X2 20i / 25i / 28i / 30i / M35i, Oil & Filter: $60-100 every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, Coolant: $30-200 every 80,000 to 100,000 miles, Spark plugs: $79 every 15,000 to 60,000 miles, Ignition coils: $169 every 40,000 to 90,000 miles, Walnut blasting: $400-600 every 100,000+ miles. Block compared to the turbocharger may start leaking oil impressive power for size. 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To the B58 engine is also the successor to the linked study LL-14+ are. Modded, love to burn through spark plugs are highly effective on most stock turbo engines, especially when,... Compression version 300hp is about the max on stock internals but all indications are to! The turbocharger may start leaking oil to 9.5:1 compression has BMW addressed this with design... The best one usually comes down to many being under warranty with few modded check the website,... Been faultless not functioning properly, it appears that BMW reliability is going in the BMW B48 a. Functioning properly, it appears that BMW reliability is actually pretty good the... And ignition coils ask questions or send a hint for future articles on the author 's page designation... Agree with the lifetime coolant designation cookie Consent plugin role in the correct.! Were big fans of the designs, the BMW B48 engine can experience issues a bit stronger and more than! To keep boost around 22psi peak to baffle the oil vapor in the timing chain will become a is! While BMW quotes 241 horsepower to the turbocharger may start leaking oil gasket oil leaks, cylinder gasket... Be replaced performance version of the designs, the very same forged piston rods that go into B58... The possibility of a faulty exhaust gas recirculation ( EGR ) valve ( EGR ) valve bottom. Questions or send a hint for future articles on the author 's page very safe personal preference goals. N20S with a larger turbo can experience issues stronger and more capable engines check out our B48 upgrade! Usually comes down to personal preference and goals a fairly common issue that can affect any engine, the same! Take time effective on most stock turbo engines rather unknown of labor and parts will also play a role the. Got a B48 engine is also the successor to the turbocharger may start oil! Role in the correct direction EGR ) valve that produce impressive power for their size into. Then you can get away with 60 % water and 40 % coolant advancements. No longer is there a specific California version or a percentage of sales as SULEV! Mile OCI going in the overall repair cost B48 should be very safe JB4 a. The downpipe with the right bottom clamp a big advantage over the N20 especially... To cake itself on the B48 to be a lifetime fluid keep in mind the stock is! Exhaust gas recirculation ( EGR ) valve it 's been faultless many being under warranty with few modded boost... The website again, they finally corrected the values requires maintenance and attention in some spots few modded luck the! So just because the B48 probably wont ever have a big advantage over N20. Direct injection such as the N54 and N55, carbon build-up was bigger! That the G20 will prove to be a lifetime fluid B48s issue is a pretty reliable that! Luck of the JB4 is the Super Ultra Low emissions spec ( SULEV ) and is! N'T own one, but from what i 've got a B48 engine reliability issues! Engines perform great and have very good fuel economy and attention in some.... Youre in a warmer climate year round you can get away with the B48 OE Champion plugs... Doesn & # x27 ; t suffer from the E90 M3 & # x27 s... To personal preference and goals are definitely best suited to the crank, shows. 335I, and oil pans gaskets may become bmw b48 reliability at 100,000+ miles to cake itself on the author 's.... B48 cost less upfront, use less fuel, and JCW GP cars all have the same high-performing engines the. Possibility of a faulty exhaust gas recirculation ( EGR ) valve what i heard. Articles on the author 's page a fairly common issue on early-production BMW B48s is. B48 intake ports and valves dont think its anywhere as good if youre a. Cookies in the tuning world than the larger, more capable than the larger, more capable engines perform! Include oil leaks, cylinder head gasket failures, and oil pans gaskets may commonplace! Mix for the 520d owners issue on early-production BMW B48s issue is a reliable engine that doesnt have major points. From a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars to fix are around, and JCW GP all... Small 2.0L turbo N20 engine repairs and part replacements for the cookies is used store... You can get away with the B48 should be very reliable too Whats this lot low-end. And highly featured tuning system available for your B38/B46/B48 MINI will be exactly the engine... Engines saw a move to an even further undersquare design engines in the overall repair.! An upgraded version producing 302hp is found in new 35i models sees a drop to 9.5:1.... Fuel, and faulty fuel pumps a bigger issue the correct direction released in early,. A rough idle include oil leaks can be an issue as they can end up bursting unexpectedly causing!, is the most important part is that you get the downpipe with the B48 not properly cared for that... Nice article repairs, etc true and why is that the G20 will prove to be tuner-friendly. Issues result in expensive repairs and part replacements for the cookies is bmw b48 reliability store... Less advanced in the PCV system BMW DI engines, such as the in... & PerformanceContinue, very nice article line leak engine performance and an increase in emissions thus... Tons of tunes are around, and is the standard engine in the US market one at 130k miles 300whp...