318i / 320i 2.0 (N46)
2005–2007 · petrol · 1995cc · 150hp
Engine codes: N46
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Bmw 3 Series E90 318i / 320i 2.0 (N46). Check this before you buy used.
The earlier 4-cylinder petrol (port/early injection). Reasonably solid but needs attention: timing-chain/VANOS wear, oil leaks (valve cover/sump) and occasional coil issues. Less troublesome than the later direct-injection N43, but underpowered and unremarkable.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (B48) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- BMW 1 Series E87— 116i / 118i / 120i (N46, 2004–2007)150hp
- BMW X3 G01— xDrive20i / 30i (B48 2.0 turbo)252hp
- BMW 3 Series G20— 318i / 320i / 330i (B48 2.0 turbo)258hp
- BMW X1— 18i / 20i / 28i (N46 / N20 petrol)184hp
- BMW 3 Series F30— 320i / 328i (N20 turbo)245hp
- BMW X3— xDrive20i / 28i (N20 turbo)245hp
- BMW 5 Series G30— 520i / 530i (B48 2.0 turbo)252hp
- BMW X2— sDrive18i / 20i / xDrive20i (B38 / B48)192hp
- BMW 2 Series— 218i / 220i / 230i (B38 / B48 turbo)184hp
- BMW 4 Series— 420i / 430i (B48 / N20 2.0 turbo)252hp
Known Issues
Chain guides and VANOS units wear with age → rattle.
Fix / Workaround: Address rattle; replace guides/VANOS seals.
Repair cost: €400–€1200
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
Valve cover and sump gaskets leak.
Fix / Workaround: Replace gaskets.
Repair cost: €150–€500
Mileage Thresholds
After 150,000 km: Chain/VANOS and leaks appear.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Cold-start rattle check
- ☐Inspect for oil leaks
- ☐Prefer over the N43 2.0 petrol
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bmw 3 Series E90 318i / 320i 2.0 (N46) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The earlier 4-cylinder petrol (port/early injection). Reasonably solid but needs attention: timing-chain/VANOS wear, oil leaks (valve cover/sump) and occasional coil issues. Less troublesome than the later direct-injection N43, but underpowered and unremarkable.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Bmw 3 Series E90 318i / 320i 2.0 (N46)?
The most commonly reported problems: Timing chain / VANOS wear, Oil leaks.
Is a used Bmw 3 Series E90 318i / 320i 2.0 (N46) worth buying?
Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.