The BMW N45B16 engine, a 1.6-liter powerplant, was developed in 2004 as a successor to the N42B18. This new engine featured several modifications, including a different crankshaft with a shorter piston stroke (72 mm compared to the previous 81 mm), updated connecting rods, and modified pistons.
Notably, the N45B16 did not incorporate the Valvetronic valve lift system. It also featured changes in the cylinder head, a new generator, and updated spark plugs. The engine management system used for this powerplant was the Bosch ME 9.2.
In 2007, the engine underwent an update, receiving a new Bosch ME17.4.5 control unit, and the name was revised to N45NB16.
The N45B16 engine was primarily used in BMW cars with the designation 16i. Alongside the N45, related models, the N43B16 and N46B18, were produced to power basic and more affordable versions of BMW vehicles.
In addition to the standard N45B16, a limited-edition 2-liter sports variant, the N45B20S, was also produced in the N45 series.
Characteristics of the N45B16 engine
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Production | BMW Plant Hams Hall |
| Engine Make | N45 |
| Years of Manufacture | 2004-2011 |
| Cylinder Block Material | Aluminum |
| Supply System | Injector |
| Type | In-line |
| Number of Cylinders | 4 |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 |
| Piston Stroke, mm | 72 |
| Cylinder Diameter, mm | 84 |
| Compression Ratio | 10.2 |
| Engine Capacity, cc | 1596 |
| Engine Power, hp/rpm | 116/6000 |
| Torque, Nm/rpm | 150/4300 |
| Fuel | 95 |
| Environmental Standards | Euro 4-5 |
| Engine Weight, kg | — |
| Fuel Consumption (116i E87) | City: 8.8 l/100 km, Highway: 4.9 l/100 km, Mixed: 6.2 l/100 km |
| Oil Consumption, g/1000 km | Up to 700 |
| Engine Oil | 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Oil Capacity, l | 4.5 |
| Recommended Oil Change, km | 10,000 km |
| Engine Life, thousand km | According to the plant: —, In practice: 250+ |
| Tuning (hp) | Potential: 120+, Without Loss of Resource: n.a. |
| Engine Installed In | BMW 116i E87 |
Common Problems and Disadvantages
- Engine Knock: Frequent engine knocking issues are often related to the timing chain tensioner. The timing chains themselves can also become stretched after covering approximately 100,000 kilometers.
- Vibration: Vibrations at idle are typically associated with the Vanos system. Cleaning the system can help resolve this problem.
The N45B16 engine is sensitive to detonation, and the quality of fuel and oil is essential. It’s crucial to use the recommended oil specified by BMW to avoid potential major problems, including costly repairs.
Tuning for the BMW N45B16 Engine
The N45B16 engine was not originally designed for high-performance purposes, and as a result, there are limited tuning options available. Typical modifications include:
- Chip Tuning: Modifying the engine control unit (ECU) to optimize performance parameters. This can provide a modest power increase of around 10 horsepower and a slight improvement in driving dynamics.
- Low-Resistance Air Filter: Replacing the stock air filter with a low-resistance variant can contribute to a minor boost in performance.
- Sports Exhaust: Upgrading to a sports exhaust system can enhance engine efficiency and provide a sportier engine note.
However, it’s important to note that due to the engine’s inherent limitations, significantly increasing its power output would require extensive modifications and may not be cost-effective. For substantial power gains, it’s often more practical to consider a BMW model with a more powerful engine from the outset.
In conclusion
the BMW N45B16 engine is a reliable power unit with its own set of advantages and limitations. While there are some tuning options available to enhance performance, they are limited in scope, and significant power gains may necessitate more substantial modifications.
Always adhere to recommended maintenance practices and use the specified oil and fuel to keep the engine running smoothly and avoid potential issues.
