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BMW N13 vs E-Tech Híbrido: which engine is more reliable?

According to our risk index, the E-Tech Híbrido carries less risk than the BMW N13: 32/100 (moderate risk) versus 57/100 (high risk). The BMW N13 has 1 documented serious fault, the main one being «Timing chain and tensioner wear»; the E-Tech Híbrido has 2 documented serious faults, the main one being «Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)».

Risk index

BMW N13

57

High risk · 1 serious fault

Risk index

E-Tech Híbrido

32

Moderate 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

11 sourcesHow we work

Is the BMW N13 reliable?

The BMW N13 (2011-2016), BMW's first turbocharged four-cylinder in three decades, powered the 114i, 116i, 118i and 120i (F20/F21) and the 316i (F30). It derives from the Prince engine developed with PSA, the same origin as the 1.6 THP. In 2013 BMW issued a technical service bulletin over timing chain and tensioner wear; oil consumption and carbon build-up on the injectors are other weak points shared with that family.[1][2][3]

See the 4 of the BMW N13 faults

Is the E-Tech Híbrido reliable?

The E-Tech combines a combustion engine (1.6 H4M naturally aspirated or 1.2 HR12 turbo) with electric motors and a multi-mode gearbox with no clutch or torque converter. Its best-documented weak point is the gearbox itself: reports from the Clio, Captur, Arkana, Austral, Duster and Jogger describe warnings of a risk of breakage, and Renault has launched two campaigns since 2020 (an electrical fault and a primary shaft seal). The 12 V battery also fails fairly often.[4][5][6]

See the 4 of the E-Tech Híbrido faults

Side-by-side comparison

Comparison of BMW N13 and E-Tech Híbrido
BMW N13E-Tech Híbrido
Technical data
TypeEngineEngine
FuelPetrolPetrol
Displacement1,598 cm³1,598 cm³
TimingChainChain
Power102–177 hp140–200 hp
Production2011–2016[1][2]since 2020[4][7][8]
Reliability
Risk index (what is it?)57High risk32Moderate risk
Documented faults44
Of high or critical severity12
Worst severityCritical severityHigh severity
Main faults
  1. Critical severity: Timing chain and tensioner wear
  2. Medium severity: High oil consumption
  3. Medium severity: High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
  1. High severity: Multi-mode gearbox failure (risk of breakage)
  2. High severity: Stalling and injection warnings on the 1.2 E-Tech 200 (HR12)
  3. Medium severity: Hybrid system electrical fault with "DANGER" warning and car won't start
Most expensive documented repairNo reliable dataNo reliable data
Which versions to buy
BuyRecommended versionsNoneNone
With cautionVersions to be cautious about
  • 114i 102 hp (75 kW, 2012-2015)[2][3]
  • 116i / 316i 136 hp (100 kW, 2011-2015)[2][3]
  • 118i 170 hp (125 kW, 2011-2016)[2][3]
  • 120i 177 hp (130 kW, 2015-2016)[2][3]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Full Hybrid 140-145 (H4M, 2020+)[5][9]
  • 1.6 E-Tech Plug-in Hybrid 160 (H4M, 2020-2023)[10]
  • 1.2 E-Tech Full Hybrid 200 (HR12 turbo, 2022+)[6][11]
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

BMW N13

E-Tech Híbrido

See the 11 models with the E-Tech Híbrido

Other comparisons

With the BMW N13

With the E-Tech Híbrido

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. BMW N13Wikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. BMW N13Wikipedia (alemán) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  3. Tickende Zeitbombe: So zuverlässig ist der Prince-Motor von PSA und BMWGebrauchtwagenberater.de · Motoring press · published 13 March 2026 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in German
  4. Renault Clio VWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité et pannes de la Renault Clio 5Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  6. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault AustralFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  7. Renault Captur IIWikipedia (francés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  8. Renault AustralWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  9. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault ArkanaFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  10. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Captur IIFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  11. Fiabilité et pannes du Renault Espace 6Fiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French