Engines Market

BMW 116i SPECIALISTS

BMW 1 Series 116i Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 1 Series 116i engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for your BMW 116i - covering the 1.6 N45 and N43 naturally aspirated engines in the first-generation E8x cars, through to the N13 turbo and B38 three-cylinder units in the F20/F21.

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BMW 1 Series 116i Engine
from£1,495 to £2,600
  • Usedfrom £750
  • Reconditionedfrom £1,495
  • Common codesN45B16, N43B16, N43B20

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How it works

3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine

Clear information first, then the right engine and specialist for your exact vehicle.

Variant History

BMW 1 Series 116i Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The BMW 116i has been the entry-level petrol model across three generations of the 1 Series in the UK. Launched with the first-generation E87 in 2004, it has evolved from a naturally aspirated 1.6-litre four-cylinder to a turbocharged 1.6-litre, and finally to an efficient 1.5-litre three-cylinder. The 116i badge represents accessible BMW ownership without compromising the rear-wheel-drive dynamics the 1 Series is known for.

BMW 1 Series 116i
  1. 2004

    N45B16, 1.6L naturally aspirated I4, 115 hp, launched with the E87 five-door and E81 three-door 1 Series

  2. 2007

    N43B16, 1.6L naturally aspirated I4 with direct injection, 122 hp, introduced as part of the E87/E81 LCI update

  3. 2009

    N43B20, 2.0L naturally aspirated I4, 122 hp, replaces the 1.6L N43 in some markets

  4. 2011

    N13B16, 1.6L turbocharged I4, 136 hp, launched with the second-generation F20/F21 1 Series

  5. 2015

    B38B15, 1.5L turbocharged I3, 109 hp, introduced as part of the F20/F21 LCI update

  6. 2019

    F20/F21 generation ends; the 116i badge is discontinued in the UK

Every engine fitted to the BMW 1 Series 116i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

BMW 1 Series 116i Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.

N45B16 — 1.6L Naturally Aspirated Petrol (2004-2007) engine

N45B16 — 1.6L Naturally Aspirated Petrol (2004-2007)

Power Output
115 hp (85 kW)
Years Fitted
2004-2007

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for N45B16 BMW 1 Series 116i engine replacement

-> Get quotes for N45B16 BMW 1 Series 116i engine replacement

Common Problems

BMW 1 Series 116i Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The BMW 1 Series 116i has been powered by five different petrol engines across its production life, each with its own character and weaknesses. Early cars (2004-2007) use the N45B16 - a simple, reliable unit that can suffer from oil consumption. The N43 engines (2007-2012) introduced direct injection but brought timing chain guide fragility. The N13 turbo (2011-2015) offered more power but inherited timing chain problems. Later B38-powered cars (2015-2019) are the most reliable of the bunch. Replacement demand for the BMW 116i is driven primarily by N43 and N13 timing chain failure. Every rebuilt engine supplied through EnginesMarket includes upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Common failure points and repair options

Timing Chain Guide Failure

Affected
BMW 1 Series 116i (N43B16 / N43B20 / N13B16, 2007-2015)
Typical failure mileage
60,000-100,000 miles (N43); 50,000-80,000 miles (N13)
Root cause
The timing chain guides on BMW's N43 and N13 petrol engines were made of plastic that becomes brittle with age and heat. The guides can break, allowing the chain to become slack. Because both engines are of interference type, a stretched or snapped timing chain can cause pistons to collide with valves - resulting in catastrophic engine failure.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Timing Chain Replacement (preventative)£1,200-£1,800£800-£1,300
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine£3,200-£4,800£2,300-£3,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt pricing)
Our recommendation
If you hear the characteristic rattling noise from the timing chain on cold start in your N43 or N13-powered BMW 116i, act immediately. An £800-£1,300 specialist timing chain replacement is far cheaper than a full engine rebuild. If the chain has already snapped, the repair bill often exceeds the car's value - in that scenario, compare rebuilt engine prices through EnginesMarket against the cost of replacing the car. For owners planning to keep their 116i for 2+ years, a reconditioned N43 or N13 with upgraded timing components and warranty offers genuine peace of mind.
-> Compare rebuilt N13B16 BMW 1 Series 116i engine prices

Oil Consumption & Valve Stem Seal Wear

Affected
BMW 1 Series 116i (N45B16 / N43B16 / N43B20, high-mileage examples)
Typical failure mileage
80,000-120,000 miles
Root cause
The N45 and N43 engines can suffer from worn valve stem seals, leading to excessive oil consumption. This is often accompanied by blue smoke on start-up and a gradual increase in oil usage between services.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Valve Stem Seal Replacement£1,000-£1,500£700-£1,100
Full Replacement - rebuilt engine£3,200-£4,800£2,300-£3,500
Our recommendation
Oil consumption of 1 litre per 1,000 miles or more warrants investigation. A specialist valve stem seal replacement using the "in-situ" method (without cylinder head removal) is often the most cost-effective solution for the BMW 1 Series 116i. If combined with timing chain wear, a full rebuilt engine with upgraded components may offer better long-term value.
-> Compare rebuilt BMW 1 Series 116i engine prices

Coil Pack and Injector Failure

Affected
BMW 1 Series 116i (N43B16 / N43B20, 2007-2012)
Typical failure mileage
50,000-90,000 miles
Root cause
The N43 engine's direct injection system is sensitive to carbon build-up and component wear. Coil packs and injectors can fail, causing misfires, rough running and reduced power.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Coil Pack and Injector Replacement£400-£700£250-£450
Full Replacement - rebuilt engine£3,200-£4,800£2,300-£3,500
Our recommendation
Coil pack and injector issues on the N43 are usually repairable without replacing the entire engine. A diagnostic scan will identify which cylinder is misfiring. Replace faulty components individually - this is significantly cheaper than a full engine replacement. However, if the timing chain is also showing signs of wear, consider the cumulative repair cost against a rebuilt engine.
-> Compare rebuilt BMW 1 Series 116i engine prices

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 1 Series 116i

The N43 and N13 engines in your BMW 116i have known timing chain weaknesses - but with the right specialist, these can be addressed before catastrophic failure occurs. Later B38-powered cars are more reliable but should still be maintained properly. Whether you need a preventative timing chain replacement or a full rebuilt engine with upgraded components and a 12-month warranty, EnginesMarket connects you with vetted UK specialists who know the 116i inside out. Compare prices today and keep your BMW on the road.

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FAQ

BMW 1 Series 116i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything BMW 1 Series 116i owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

Why Choose Us

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Comparing quotes for your BMW 1 Series 116i engine replacement is completely free and carries no obligation. Enter your registration above, tell us your preferred engine condition - used, reconditioned or rebuilt - and receive tailored quotes from vetted UK specialists who know the N45, N43, N13 and B38 petrol engines inside out. No spam, no pressure, just genuine prices from trusted BMW 116i experts.

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