BMW N13 (N13B16)Oil consumption
High oil consumption on the BMW N13
Yes: like the rest of the Prince family (EP6/THP), the N13 can use oil between changes; the German publication Gebrauchtwagenberater.de documents extreme cases of up to 1 litre per 1,000 km and expressly cites the 114i, 116i and 316i among the affected models.[1]
Why this rating?
Medium severity: It can leave you stranded or get worse if ignored, without destroying the engine.
Frequency common: Gebrauchtwagenberater.de describes oil consumption as a known problem of the whole Prince family, with extreme cases of up to 1 litre per 1,000 km, and expressly cites the BMW 114i, 116i (F20) and 316i, 320i ED (F30) -- built on this same engine -- among the affected models. The same source documents this consumption at family level, not with an isolated figure for the N13, so we interpret the frequency with that caveat and do not raise it to "very frequent" as there is no specific campaign or extended warranty.[1]
Symptoms
- Needing to top up oil between changes more often than expected.[1]Uses oil: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
- Bluish smoke from the exhaust if oil ends up burning in the combustion chamber.[1]Blue smoke: other faults that cause it · Garage soon
Why it happens
Gebrauchtwagenberater.de describes oil consumption as a known problem of the whole Prince family -- with extreme cases of up to 1 litre per 1,000 km -- without detailing in the source the exact internal mechanism (piston rings, seals or turbo) for the N13 in particular.[1]
If it is not repaired: Unmonitored consumption can end up damaging the engine if the level drops too low between services.[1]
Affected cars and years
Gebrauchtwagenberater.de places this consumption at the level of the whole Prince family, with the BMW N13 -- through the 114i, 116i, 316i and 320i ED -- expressly mentioned among the affected engines.[1]
| Version | Years | Codes |
|---|---|---|
| 114i 102 hp (75 kW, 2012-2015) | 2012–2015 | N13B16 |
| 116i / 316i 136 hp (100 kW, 2011-2015) | 2011–2015 | N13B16 |
| 118i 170 hp (125 kW, 2011-2016) | 2011–2016 | N13B16 |
| 120i 177 hp (130 kW, 2015-2016) | 2015–2016 | N13B16 |
Models fitted with the affected versions
BMW
- BMW Serie 1 F202011–2016
- BMW Serie 3 F302012–2015
How much it costs to repair
Includes: Diagnosis of the source of the oil consumption; the source we consulted does not detail the exact mechanism for the N13.[1]
We have not found a verified quote in Spain for this diagnosis on the N13.
Prices in Spain, including VAT. A workshop hour costs on average €38–66 at independent garages and €77–134 at dealerships in Spain, depending on the region and the brand. How we calculate costs
How to check for it before buying a used car
How to prevent it
- Check the oil level regularly, especially before long journeys, and do not wait for the scheduled change if you notice a low level.
Recalls, campaigns and claims
As of 27 September 2026, we have no record of recalls, campaigns or extended manufacturer warranties for this fault. Check with an official dealer using the chassis (VIN) number: they will tell you whether the car has any outstanding campaign.
What owners say
Frequently asked questions
Does the BMW N13 use oil between changes?
According to Gebrauchtwagenberater.de, it is a known trait of the whole Prince family it belongs to, with extreme cases of up to 1 litre per 1,000 km.[1]
Has BMW acknowledged this consumption with a campaign or extended warranty?
We have not found a specific BMW campaign or extended warranty for N13 oil consumption.[1]
Which BMW models with this engine are documented with this problem?
The source we consulted expressly mentions the 114i, 116i (F20) and 316i, 320i ED (F30).[1]
What can you do now?
We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.
Other BMW N13 faults
- Critical severityCommonFrequency: CommonTimingTiming chain and tensioner wearYes: in 2013 BMW issued a technical bulletin on timing chain and tensioner wear on the N13, an engine related to PSA's 1.6 THP. The chain proved more durable than on the N43 it replaces, but the German workshops we consulted still point to it as a weak point.
- Medium severityOccasionalFrequency: OccasionalInjectionHigh-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failureThe high-pressure pump that feeds the N13's direct injection can fail. English Wikipedia generically documents several cases of extended-warranty replacement within the Prince family, with no specific figures or N13-specific recall.
- Low severityCommonFrequency: CommonInjectionCarbon build-up on direct injection injectorsYes: being direct injection, the N13 can build up carbon on the injectors over time, with loss of power and higher consumption. Gebrauchtwagenberater.de places this problem on almost the whole Prince family, apart from PSA's naturally aspirated EP6/EP6C variants.
Similar faults on other engines
More faults with oil consumption on other engines and cars
- Critical severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequent2.0/2.2 D-4DWarped cylinder head gasket and oil consumption on the 2.2 D-4DYes: the 2.2-litre block (2AD-FTV and 2AD-FHV D-CAT) has numerous documented cases of warped cylinder head gaskets and oil consumption or dilution in the Avensis, RAV4, Auris, Corolla Verso and Verso, with repairs that sometimes require replacing the engine.Appears at around 40,000 km
- Critical severityCommonFrequency: Common1.2 and 1.4 TSIPiston breakage and oil consumption in the 1.4 TSI twinchargerThe 1.4 TSI twincharger (turbo and supercharger) built up to 2012 can crack the pistons between the rings, with oil consumption, misfires and loss of compression. Volkswagen strengthened the pistons and rings on the 2012 CTHD engines.
- Critical severityCommonFrequency: Common1.2 TCeExcessive oil consumption and engine failure1.2 TCe and 1.2 DIG-T engines built from 2012 to mid-2016 can burn more than 1 litre of oil per 1,000 km because the piston rings do not seal properly; carbon damages the valves and the engine can fail. There was no recall: the dealer network reprograms and replaces rings or the engine.Repair: €5,000–€10,000
- Critical severityCommonFrequency: Common1.33 Dual VVT-iExcessive oil consumption from piston wearYes: 1.33 Dual VVT-i (1NR-FE) units built before 2013 can use far more oil than normal because of a factory defect in the pistons, acknowledged by Toyota in a technical bulletin. In the most serious cases it ends in engine replacement. Toyota corrected it with revised parts from 2013.Appears at around 130,000 km
- High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequent1.2 PureTechExcessive oil consumption from carbon on the piston rings or oil separator failureThe 2014 to 2023 1.2 PureTech turbos can use too much oil: those from 2014-2018 through carbon blocking the piston rings and those from 2018-2023 through a defective oil separator. Stellantis considers more than 0.3 l per 1,000 km abnormal and includes it in its cover.
- High severityVery frequentFrequency: Very frequent1.0 PureTechExcessive oil consumption through the piston ringsYes. Stellantis acknowledges that naturally aspirated 1.0 and 1.2 EB engines built between June 2012 and November 2016 can use excessive oil because of fouling of the piston rings; depending on consumption and mileage, its network replaces the water outlet housing or the whole engine.
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Sources
Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.
- 1.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