The BMW N43B16 engine is a small 1.6-liter four-cylinder powerplant that succeeded its predecessor, the N42B18, albeit somewhat belatedly. It was developed based on the older N43B20 engine.
Notable differences from its predecessor include a reduction in cylinder diameter from 84 mm to 82 mm, the installation of a short-stroke crankshaft with a stroke of 75.7 mm (compared to the previous 90 mm), and these changes resulted in a reduced displacement.
Additionally, the N43B16 is equipped with pistons that have an increased compression ratio of 12. It features direct fuel injection and lacks the Valvetronic valve lift system. The engine management system for the N43B16 was replaced with the Siemens MSD 81.2.
The N43B16 engine was primarily used in BMW cars with the designation 16i. Related models, the N45B16 and N46B18, were also produced to power less expensive versions of BMW vehicles.
Characteristics of the engine N43B16
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | BMW Plant Hams Hall |
| Engine Brand | N43 |
| Years of Manufacture | 2007-2011 |
| Cylinder Block Material | Aluminum |
| Supply System | Injector |
| Type | In-line |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Piston Stroke, mm | 75.7 |
| Cylinder Diameter, mm | 82 |
| Compression Ratio | 12 |
| Engine Capacity, cc | 1599 |
| Engine Power, hp/rpm | 122/6000 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 160/4250 |
| Fuel | 95 |
| Environmental Standards | Euro 4-5 |
| Engine Weight, kg | — |
| Fuel Consumption (116i E87) | City: 7.5 l/100 km, Highway: 4.8 l/100 km, Mixed: 5.8 l/100 km |
| Oil Consumption, g/1000 km | Up to 700 |
| Engine Oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Oil Capacity, l | 4.25 |
| Recommended Oil Change, km | 10,000 km |
| Engine Life, thousand km | According to the plant: —, In practice: 250+ |
| Tuning (hp) | Potential: 130+, Without Loss of Resource: n.a. |
| The engine was installed | BMW 116i E87, BMW 316i E90 |
N43B16 Engine Common Problems and Disadvantages
As the N43B16 engine is essentially a smaller version of the N43B20, it shares similar problems with the older modification. For a more detailed exploration of the malfunctions and issues of BMW N43 engines, it’s recommended to refer to dedicated resources with in-depth information about this engine family.
Tuning for the BMW N43B16 Engine
Given that the N43B16 engine is typically designed for urban driving and not intended for high-performance applications, there are limited tuning options available for it. Typical modifications might include:
- Chip Tuning: Modifying the engine control unit (ECU) through a trip to a tuning office. Alongside this, you could consider upgrading the intake and installing a sports exhaust. These changes can potentially provide a modest increase in power, typically in the range of 10-15 horsepower. However, significant changes in driving dynamics are unlikely.
It’s important to recognize that this engine is not ideal for extensive performance enhancements. If you’re seeking substantial power gains, it may be more practical to consider a BMW model with a more potent engine from the outset.
