1.9 TDI 105hp BXE / BLS
2006–2010 · diesel · 1896cc · 105hp
Engine codes: BXE, BLS
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Seat Leon II 1.9 TDI 105hp BXE / BLS. Check this before you buy used.
Capable and economical, but BXE/BLS have a documented connecting-rod bearing weakness (independently flagged for the Leon: 'avoid BXE if possible, especially high-mileage'). Safe with frequent oil + proactive bearing renewal; risky blind. Plus the generation's DMF/clutch failures.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (BLS) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- Škoda Octavia II— 1.9 TDI 105hp BXE / BLS105hp
- Volkswagen Golf V— 1.9 TDI 105hp BKC (pre-DPF, 2004–2006)105hp
- Volkswagen Golf V— 1.9 TDI 90hp (BRU / BXF)90hp
- Volkswagen Passat B6— 1.9 TDI 105hp (BXE / BKC)105hp
- Audi A3— 1.9 TDI 105hp BKC (pre-DPF)105hp
- Volkswagen Touran— 1.9 TDI 105hp (BXE / BKC)105hp
- Audi A3— 1.9 TDI 105hp BXE / BLS105hp
- Seat Altea— 1.9 TDI 105hp (BXE / BKC)105hp
- Škoda Roomster— 1.9 TDI (BSW) / 1.6 TDI (CAYB)105hp
- Škoda Octavia II— 1.9 TDI 105hp BKC (pre-DPF)105hp
- Volkswagen Caddy— 1.9 TDI (BLS / BJB)105hp
- Volkswagen Golf V— 1.9 TDI 105hp BXE / BLS (DPF era, 2006–2009)105hp
- Seat Ibiza— 1.9 TDI (PD, 2008–2009)105hp
- Škoda Fabia II— 1.9 TDI (PD, BLS/BSW)105hp
- Seat Leon II— 1.9 TDI 105hp BKC (pre-DPF)105hp
Known Issues
Poor bearing shells throw the rod (often #3). Can put a rod through the block.
Fix / Workaround: Oil every ~15,000 km; renew rod bearings + bolts ~160,000 km (~€150–500).
Repair cost: €150–€500
Typically appears after: 150,000 km
Notorious on this generation.
Fix / Workaround: Replace DMF + clutch together.
Repair cost: €700–€1200
Mileage Thresholds
After 150,000 km: Conrod risk rises — proactive renewal advised.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐Oil history is everything
- ☐Prefer BKC over BXE
- ☐Ask if rod bearings/bolts renewed
- ☐DMF/clutch condition
Frequently asked questions
Is the Seat Leon II 1.9 TDI 105hp BXE / BLS reliable?
History-Dependent — Capable and economical, but BXE/BLS have a documented connecting-rod bearing weakness (independently flagged for the Leon: 'avoid BXE if possible, especially high-mileage'). Safe with frequent oil + proactive bearing renewal; risky blind. Plus the generation's DMF/clutch failures.
What are the common problems and reviews for the Seat Leon II 1.9 TDI 105hp BXE / BLS?
The most commonly reported problems: Connecting-rod bearing failure (#3 rod), DMF / clutch failure.
Is a used Seat Leon II 1.9 TDI 105hp BXE / BLS worth buying?
The engine itself is OK; condition is everything. Unknown or patchy history = walk away.