BMW N20 engine repair costs
We have real owner-reported prices for 5 N20 repairs. Among those with at least two dealer or independent prices for this engine, the highest median is N20 / N26 Turbocharger Replacement at $5,488 and the lowest is Valve Cover Gasket Replacement at $750.
Specs and history from Wikipedia (revisions listed below) · every price links to its source on the repair page
N20 at a glance
| Production | 2011-2018 | [1] |
|---|---|---|
| Configuration | Inline-4 | [1] |
| Displacement | 1592 cc (97.1 cu in) / 1997 cc (121.9 cu in) | [1] |
| Fuel type | Gasoline | [1] |
| Forced induction | Single twin-scroll | [1] |
| Valvetrain | DOHC, with VVT & VVL | [1] |
| Block | Aluminium | [1] |
| Cylinder head | Aluminium | [1] |
| Fuel system | Direct injection | [2] |
Cars with the N20
2012–2016 328i, 428i, 228i, 528i, X1, X3 xDrive28i and Z4 sDrive28i (N20/N26), per our timing chain data. This line only lists cars our own repair data names for this engine.
Cars and chassis codes named in Wikipedia's article on this engine. It can include related or successor models, so treat it as a lead and check your exact car. Open a linked model to see its repair costs.
- 5 Series 520i (Turkey and Tunisia only) (F10)
- Z4 sDrive18i (E89)
- X3 sDrive18i (F25)
- X1 xDrive/sDrive20i (E84)
- X3 xDrive20i (F25)
- 3 Series 320i, 328i (F30)
- 3 Series 320i GT, 328i GT (F34)
- 4 Series 420i, 428i (F32)
- 5 Series 520i, 520Li, 525Li, 528i (F10)
- Z4 sDrive20i (E89)
- 2 Series 220i, 228i (F22)
- 1 Series 125i (F20)
- Z4 sDrive28i (E89)
- X1 xDrive/sDrive28i (E84)
Show 5 more
Model pages for the N20
Chassis pages whose cars, per Wikipedia, used this engine.
Known issues
From the engine's Wikipedia article, section named in each item. Links are the references attached to those sentences (archived copies where the original page is gone); where none is shown, the Wikipedia section is the source.
It has been well documented in online forums, that thousands of early production N20 engines were manufactured with faulty internal plastic timing chain guides. Evidence indicates that defective polycarbonate compositions were utilized in the manufacturing process for the timing chain guide, and as a result over a very short period of time the rigid plastic guides would break down and deteriorate in the engine with little or no warning.
Source: Wikipedia: BMW N20 (section "Class action lawsuit alleging timing chain guide failures") · See repair costs
Repairs we have prices for
Sorted by number of reported prices. "N20 only" rows use only prices that name this engine. "Whole job" rows use every price on that repair page, which also covers other engines, so read them as a general guide.
| Repair | Scope | Dealer | Independent | DIY | Prices |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| N20 Timing Chain & Guides | N20 only | $3,500–$7,000 | $2,000–$9,700 | $1,000–$1,700 | 14 |
| N55 Charge Pipe | Whole job | $600–$1,900 | $500–$1,400 | $250–$446 | 9 |
| N20 / N26 Turbocharger Replacement | N20 only | $4,800–$13,169 | $3,500 | $1,200–$1,400 | 7 |
| Valve Cover Gasket Replacement | N20 only | — | $400–$1,100 | $90–$280 | 4 |
| Water Pump Replacement | N20 only | — | $980–$2,383 | — | 2 |
Most expensive N20 repairs in our data
Ranked by the median of dealer and independent prices for N20 cars, for repairs with at least two such prices. Scope differs between reports, so open the page before comparing.
- N20 / N26 Turbocharger Replacement: median $5,488, range $3,500–$13,169 (5 prices)
- N20 Timing Chain & Guides: median $3,800, range $2,000–$9,700 (12 prices)
- Water Pump Replacement: median $1,682, range $980–$2,383 (2 prices)
- Valve Cover Gasket Replacement: median $750, range $400–$1,100 (2 prices)
Cheapest N20 repairs in our data
- Valve Cover Gasket Replacement: median $750, range $400–$1,100 (2 prices)
- Water Pump Replacement: median $1,682, range $980–$2,383 (2 prices)
- N20 Timing Chain & Guides: median $3,800, range $2,000–$9,700 (12 prices)
- N20 / N26 Turbocharger Replacement: median $5,488, range $3,500–$13,169 (5 prices)
Models these repairs appear on
Before and after
Related engines
- BMW N47 (2007–2014)
- BMW N13 (2011–2015)
- BMW B37 (2012–present)
- BMW B38 (2013–present)
- BMW N55 (2009–2021)
Related guides
- BMW Coolant Leak: Common Causes by Engine
- Are BMWs Expensive to Maintain?
- BMW N20 Common Problems and Repair Costs
- BMW F30 3 Series Buying Guide: What It Costs to Fix
Common questions
What are the most common BMW N20 repairs?
The N20 repairs owners have reported prices for are: N20 Timing Chain & Guides, Valve Cover Gasket Replacement, Water Pump Replacement, N55 Charge Pipe, N20 / N26 Turbocharger Replacement. These are repairs we have real prices for, not a measured failure rate.
What is the most expensive N20 repair?
Among N20 repairs with at least two dealer or independent prices, N20 / N26 Turbocharger Replacement has the highest median, at $5,488 ($3,500–$13,169, 5 prices).
What is the cheapest N20 repair?
Among N20 repairs with at least two dealer or independent prices, Valve Cover Gasket Replacement has the lowest median, at $750 ($400–$1,100, 2 prices).
Which BMWs have the N20 engine?
2012–2016 328i, 428i, 228i, 528i, X1, X3 xDrive28i and Z4 sDrive28i (N20/N26), per our timing chain data.
When was the BMW N20 engine produced?
2011-2018, per Wikipedia.
Sources
- Wikipedia: BMW N20 (revision 1347833017, read 2026-10-23)
- Wikipedia: List of BMW engines
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