Skip to content
MotorFiable
en

1.3 Multijet vs BMW M57: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the BMW M57 carries less risk than the 1.3 Multijet: 63/100 versus 64/100 (both high risk). The 1.3 Multijet has 4 documented serious faults, the main one being «Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure»; the BMW M57 has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Broken intake swirl flaps».

Risk index

1.3 Multijet

64

High risk · 4 serious faults

Risk index

BMW M57

63

High risk · 2 serious faults

Lower risk

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

12 sourcesHow we work

Is the 1.3 Multijet reliable?

The 1.3 Multijet is a reliable diesel in the basics, but it has a known weak point across all its brands: the timing chain and its tensioner can stretch or fail if oil changes are neglected, with a risk of serious damage. In urban use, the EGR valve, the particulate filter and the variable-geometry turbo add to the list.[1][2][3][4]

See the 5 of the 1.3 Multijet faults

Is the BMW M57 reliable?

The BMW M57 (1998-2010) is a six-cylinder diesel with a reputation for great mechanical longevity, capable of exceeding 500,000 km when well maintained, but a good share of the versions built before 2008 -especially with an automatic gearbox- have metal swirl flaps in the intake that can break and wreck the engine; check whether the car has them and what condition they are in before buying.[5][6][7]

See the 5 of the BMW M57 faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of 1.3 Multijet and BMW M57
1.3 MultijetBMW M57
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelDieselDiesel
Displacement1,248 cm³—
TimingChainChain
Power69–105 hp150–286 hp
Production2003–2024[8][9][10]1998–2010[5][11]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)64High risk63High risk
Documented faults55
Of high or critical severity42
Worst severityCritical severityCritical severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain stretch and tensioner failure
  2. High severity: Incomplete particulate filter regenerations and oil dilution
  3. High severity: Seized variable-geometry turbo
  1. Critical severity: Broken intake swirl flaps
  2. High severity: Crankcase ventilation (PCV) valve failure
  3. Medium severity: Cracked exhaust manifold
Most expensive documented repairup to €1,200Injector and high-pressure pump wear from contaminated fuelPublished figure[3]up to €300Faulty air flow meter on the BMW M57 (loss of power)Published figure[12]
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 1.3 Multijet 8v (69-105 hp, 2003-2009)[1][2][3]
  • 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 5 (75-95 hp, 2009-2015)[2][4]
  • 1.3 Multijet II 16v Euro 6 (95 hp, 2015-2020)[2][4]
  • M57D25, 2.5 litres (150-197 hp, 2000-2010 depending on application)[6]
  • M57D30, first-generation 3.0 litres (177-193 hp, 1998-2006 depending on application)[6]
  • M57D30TU, first revision 3.0 litres (201-272 hp, 2001-2006)[6]
  • M57D30TU2, second revision 3.0 litres, aluminium block (204-286 hp, 2004-2010)[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

1.3 Multijet

See the 20 models with the 1.3 Multijet

BMW M57

See the 10 models with the BMW M57

Other comparisons

With the 1.3 Multijet

With the BMW M57

Compare other engines

That is the comparison you are viewing: change one of the two engines.

Sources

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

  1. Fiat 1.3 Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  2. 1.3 CDTi Opel (Z13DT) Multijet: ficha técnica, problemas y tuningMotordinámico · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  3. Fiat 1.3 Multijet: problemas, fallos y averías más frecuentesTotalrenting · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  4. Fiat 1.3 JTD/Multijet: corrente folgada e entupimento dos canais de lubrificaçãoProvmec · Technical documentation · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Portuguese
  5. BMW M57Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  6. Motor BMW M57 - Reparación EspecializadaDasercars · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026 · in Spanish
  7. BMW M57D30 engine specifications, problems and reliabilityBimmerPulse · Technical documentation · consulted 27 September 2026
  8. Fiat JTD engineWikipedia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026
  9. Moteur Fiat 1.3 MultiJetWikipédia · Other source · consulted 26 September 2026 · in French
  10. Motor Fiat 1.3 JTD 16v: más información sobre el motorkm77 · Technical documentation · published September 2002 · consulted 26 September 2026 · in Spanish
  11. BMW M57Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  12. Caudalímetro o sensor MAF: qué es, cómo funciona y cuáles son las averías más frecuentesDiariomotor · Motoring press · consulted 30 October 2026 · in Spanish