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1.0 PureTech vs BMW N20: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the 1.0 PureTech carries less risk than the BMW N20: 57/100 versus 63/100 (both high risk). The 1.0 PureTech has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Excessive oil consumption through the piston rings»; the BMW N20 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)».

Risk index

1.0 PureTech

57

High risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

Risk index

BMW N20

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

The index (0–100) weights the severity and frequency of the three most serious documented faults. How it is calculated

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.0 PureTech reliable?

It is a simple naturally aspirated three-cylinder, but with two documented weak points: oil consumption through the piston rings, which Stellantis acknowledges across its entire production (2012-2016), and the oil-bath timing belt it shares with the 1.2. It is only recommended with a full service history, a consumption test and a checked belt.[1][2][3][4]

See the 2 of the 1.0 PureTech faults

Is the BMW N20 reliable?

The BMW N20 (2011-2017) was the first turbocharged four-cylinder with which BMW replaced its naturally aspirated six-cylinders in models such as the 320i, 328i and X3, and it is generally mechanically sound. Its best-documented weak point is the timing chain guides and tensioner on units built before 2015; oil leaks, the electric water pump and, to a lesser extent, the turbo and the high-pressure fuel pump are also known issues.[5][6]

See the 5 of the BMW N20 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.0 PureTech and BMW N20
1.0 PureTechBMW N20
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement999 cm³1,997 cm³
TimingWet belt (belt-in-oil)Chain
Power68 hp156–245 hp
Production2012–2016[2][3][7][8]2011–2017[5][9]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)57High risk63High risk
Documented faults25
Of high or critical severity22
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. High severity: Excessive oil consumption through the piston rings
  2. Critical severity: Degradation of the oil-bath timing belt
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain guide and tensioner wear (2011-2015)
  2. Critical severity: Electric water pump failure (BMW campaign in the US over fire risk)
  3. Medium severity: Oil leaks from the rocker cover gasket and the filter housing
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,200Degradation of the oil-bath timing beltPublished figure[10][11]No reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • N20B20 156 hp (115 kW, 2013-2016)[6]
  • N20B20B 184 hp (135 kW, 2011-2017)[6]
  • N20B20 218 hp (160 kW, 2012-2015)[6]
  • N20B20A 245 hp (180 kW, 2011-2017)[6]
AvoidVersions to avoidNoneNone

Severity of each fault: green, low; amber, medium; red, high; dark red, critical. How we rate them

Cars that each one is fitted to

1.0 PureTech

BMW N20

See the 8 models with the BMW N20

Other comparisons

With the 1.0 PureTech

With the BMW N20

Compare other engines

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Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Citroën, DS, Opel, Peugeot 1.2 PureTech. Nouvelle prise en charge pour la consommation d'huileL'argus · Motoring press · published 30 March 2024 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  2. Moteur EBWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  3. PSA inaugure son « trois-pattes »L'argus · Motoring press · published 28 December 2011 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  4. Moteurs PureTech - Stellantis prend a minima ses responsabilitésUFC-Que Choisir · Consumer association · published 18 January 2025 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  5. BMW N20Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. BMW N20 Engine: Pros, Cons, Reliability, Tuning, and Maintenance GuideBMW BLOG · Motoring press · published 8 June 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026
  7. Peugeot 208 5p Access 1.0 PureTech 68 (2012-2015): precio y ficha técnicakm77 · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Prueba de consumo (126): Peugeot 208 1.0-VTi 68 CVkm77 · Motoring press · published 5 August 2013 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  9. BMW N20Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  10. 1.2 PureTech: precio y cambio de correa de distribuciónAutopista · Motoring press · published 2 August 2026 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Motor ZMZ EB0 Citroën Peugeot C3 II 208 I 1.0 VTi 68 CV usado y reconstruidoFair Motors · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish