BMW introduced the N13B16 engine as part of its new generation of four-cylinder engines, often referred to as “Prince.”
Developed in collaboration with the French PSA Group, this engine made its debut in 2011, effectively replacing all naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, such as N43B16, N43B20, N45B16, N45B20S, N46B18, and N46B20, in BMW’s production lineup.
Characteristics of the N13 engine
| Production | BMW Plant Hams Hall |
| Engine make | N13 |
| Years of manufacture | 2011-present |
| Cylinder block material | aluminum |
| Supply system | injector |
| Type | in-line |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 85.8 |
| Cylinder diameter, mm | 77 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Engine capacity, cc | 1598 |
| Engine power, hp/rpm | 102/4000 136/4400 170/4800 177/5000 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 180/1100-3900 220/1350-4300 250/1500-4500 250/1500-4500 |
| Fuel | 95-98 |
| Environmental standards | Euro 5-6 |
| Engine weight, kg | — |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km (for 116i F20) – city – highway – mixed. |
7.2 4.8 5.7 |
| Oil consumption, g/1000 km | up to 700 |
| Engine oil | 5W-30 5W-40 |
| How much oil is in the engine, l | 4.25 |
| When replacing, pour, l | 4 |
| Oil change carried out, km | 10000 |
| Engine operating temperature, degrees. | — |
| Engine life, thousand km – according to the plant – in practice |
— 250+ |
| Tuning, hp — potential — without loss of resource |
200+ ~200 |
| The engine was installed | BMW 114i F20 BMW 116i F20 BMW 118i F20 BMW 316i F30 BMW 320i F30 Efficient Dynamics Edition |
Key Engine Specifications
- Cylinder Block: The N13’s cylinder block is constructed from aluminum alloy and features dry cast iron liners.
- Crankshaft: The engine boasts a forged crankshaft with eight counterweights, ensuring smooth operation.
- Connecting Rods: The connecting rods measure 138.5 mm in length, contributing to the engine’s durability.
- Pistons: Mahle pistons with a diameter of 77 mm are employed.
- Cylinder Head: The N13 comes equipped with a new cylinder head featuring Valvetronic III, a continuously variable valve lift system also found in the N55 and N20 engines.
- Variable Valve Timing: It incorporates the well-known variable valve timing system on two Double-VANOS camshafts.
- Direct Fuel Injection: The engine utilizes direct fuel injection for enhanced efficiency.
- Turbocharger: A twin-scroll Garrett MGT1549ZDL turbocharger, producing a boost pressure of 0.7 bar, contributes to improved performance.
- Engine Management: The engine is managed by the Bosch MEVD17.2.4 engine management system.
- Applications: The N13B16 engine was used in various BMW models with designations such as 14i, 16i, 18i, and 20i.
Variants of the BMW N13B16 Engine
- N13B16M0: This is the basic version with a liquid-oil heat exchanger and a central and rear exhaust section with a 65 mm pipe. It delivers 170 horsepower at 4800 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 1500-4500 rpm. Found in BMW models with the 18i and 20i designations.
- N13B16U0: This variant lacks a heat exchanger and has a central and rear exhaust section with a 52 mm pipe. It is programmatically restricted to 136 horsepower at 4350 rpm and generates 220 Nm of torque at 1350-4300 rpm. Used in models with the 16i designation.
- N13B16K0: This is a less powerful variant with an exhaust system similar to the 116i. It produces 102 horsepower at 4000 rpm and 180 Nm of torque at 1100-3900 rpm. Typically installed in BMW models with the 14i designation.
Common Issues and Disadvantages of BMW N13B16 Engines
- Engine Vibration: Engine vibration issues are often attributed to dirty injectors. Regular maintenance, including injector cleaning, can help resolve this problem.
- RPM Fluctuations: Fluctuations in engine RPM are frequently caused by a dirty idle air valve and throttle valve. Cleaning these components can often alleviate the issue.
- High Fuel Consumption: If you notice high fuel consumption, consider checking the air flow meter, as it might be causing the problem.
In addition to these common issues, it’s important to note that the N13 engine performs best when it receives frequent changes of working fluids, and it’s essential not to skimp on the quality of fuel and oil used. Using high-quality gasoline, preferably with an octane rating of 98, and the oil recommended by BMW can help ensure optimal engine performance and longevity.
BMW N13B16 Engine Tuning
If you’re looking to boost the power and performance of your BMW N13 engine, chip tuning is a straightforward and reliable option. Numerous companies specialize in N13 engine tuning, allowing you to increase power output to approximately 200 horsepower.
This can be an affordable way to enhance your BMW’s dynamic performance. For those planning on more active usage, consider installing a heat exchanger from a BMW 118i to maintain consistent engine performance.
