BMW 116d (F20) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 116d in the second 1 Series five-door generation (F20, built 2011–2019) was built with 2 different engines over its life: the N47D16 (116 hp, 2010–2015) and the B37C15 (116 hp, 2014–2021).

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your 116d, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.

• Generation: second 1 Series five-door, 2011–2019
• Body styles: F20 (hatchback)
• Engines: N47D16, B37C15
• Output: 116 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 132 from 1.205,00 €

Which engine is in your 116d?

N47D16 in the 116d

The N47D16 was used in the F20 116d, built 2010–2015. It is a 1.6 L turbocharged diesel inline-4 with 116 hp and 260 Nm. It has the same output as the B37C15, so the build date decides which one your car has.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 47 is the family number; D stands for diesel; 16 is the capacity in decilitres, so 1.6 litres.

B37C15 in the 116d

The B37C15 was used in the F20 116d, built 2014–2021. It is a 1.5 L turbocharged diesel inline-3 with 116 hp and 270 Nm. It has the same output as the N47D16, so the build date decides which one your car has.

Reading the code: B marks a B-series code, BMW's modular engine family introduced from 2013 with 500 cc per cylinder; 37 is the family number; C stands for diesel, transverse installation for front-drive cars; 15 is the capacity in decilitres, so 1.5 litres.

116d engines by model year

The engine changed 2 times during the F20 run, in 2014 and 2016. Changes usually come with BMW's mid-life update (LCI) or a new emissions standard, so a car registered early in a year can still have the older engine. The VIN settles it.

Other cars with the same engine as the 116d

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 116d. These models left the factory with the same engine code, so a unit from any of them is a candidate donor once the sump, mounts and ancillaries are matched to your car.

N47D16: BMW F20 114d, BMW E87 116d.

B37C15: BMW F40 116d, BMW F45 216d, Mini Cooper D.

How to confirm your engine code

Because the 116d used more than one engine, the badge alone does not tell you which one your car has. The build date is the first clue; the VIN is the proof. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we read the engine code from BMW's records, or look for the code stamped on the block. How to find your BMW engine code.

Known 116d engine problems

N47D16 (N47 family)

The N47D16 in the 116d shares the known weak points of the N47 family. Full N47 guide.

Timing chain. The timing chain stretches and in the worst case breaks, causing major engine damage. Engines built before 2011 are most affected.

Swirl flaps. Swirl flaps can stick or break.

EGR cooler. The EGR cooler can leak coolant; BMW issued a recall for some cars.

Diesel particulate filter. The DPF clogs on short-trip cars.

Injectors. Injectors leak or fail.

B37C15 (B37 family)

The B37C15 in the 116d shares the known weak points of the B37 family. Full B37 guide.

EGR system. The EGR valve and cooler clog and leak.

Diesel particulate filter. The DPF clogs on short-trip cars.

Engine mounts. Three-cylinder vibration finishes mounts.

Symptoms to watch for on the 116d

Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start. The classic sign of a weak timing chain tensioner or stretched chain. It must be checked quickly: a chain that jumps a tooth can bend valves.

Rattle or whine from the gearbox end. On engines with the timing chain at the rear, a rattle or whine from the back of the engine is the warning sign of chain stretch or guide wear.

Whistle, loss of boost or limp mode. A split charge pipe, a sticking wastegate or worn turbo bearings. Check the pipes first, then the turbo shaft for play.

Black smoke under acceleration. Too much fuel for the air available: boost leaks, a sticking EGR valve, a dirty air mass meter or a leaking injector.

Hard starting when cold. Glow plugs or the glow plug control unit. On older diesels, also check the injection pump and fuel lines for air leaks.

Particulate filter warning. Short trips stop the DPF from regenerating. A long motorway run often clears it; a filter that keeps blocking may be covering an injector, EGR or turbo problem.

Sudden metallic noise followed by misfire. On diesels with swirl flaps, a broken flap or screw can enter a cylinder. Stop the engine immediately; continued running usually destroys the piston and head.

Looking after the 116d engine

N47 engines

• Oil: 5W-30 BMW Longlife-04, about 5.25 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 10,000 to 15,000 km.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the rear (gearbox end).
• Workshop notes: Replace the timing chain and guides when fitting a used N47 unless they were recently done.

B37 engines

• Oil: 0W-30 or 5W-30 BMW Longlife-04.
• Service interval: Oil every 15,000 km or yearly.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the rear (gearbox end).
• Workshop notes: Check front-drive (B37C) or rear-drive (B37D) before ordering.

Buying a used engine for the 116d: checklist

1. Gearbox and flywheel match. Manual and automatic engines differ at the flywheel or flexplate, and sometimes at the crankshaft spigot. Make sure the engine you buy matches your gearbox or that you transfer the right parts.
2. Why your old engine failed. Before fitting a replacement, find out why the original failed. An overheating radiator, a blocked intercooler or a failed turbo can destroy a second engine if they are not fixed.
3. Sump, oil pickup and drive variants. Rear-drive, xDrive and front-drive cars can use different sumps, oil pickups and engine mounts even with the same engine code. Check that the sump matches your subframe and front axle.
4. Confirm the exact engine code. Read the code stamped on the block and compare it with the code for your car. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we confirm the match before anything is paid.
5. Compression or leak-down figures. Even compression across all cylinders tells you more than mileage. Ask for the figures, not just a pass or fail, and compare the highest and lowest readings: a spread above 10 to 15 percent deserves a question.
6. Turbocharger shaft play and oil. Rotate the compressor wheel by hand. A small amount of side play is normal; in-and-out play or wheel contact with the housing is not. Oil pooled in the intake or intercooler pipes points to worn seals.
7. Injector correction values. On a diesel that can be run before removal, the injector correction values show whether one injector is delivering more or less fuel than the others. Large deviations mean an injector is on its way out.
8. Particulate filter and EGR history. Short-trip diesels clog their DPF and EGR systems. The engine may be fine, but ask whether the donor car had DPF warnings, and plan to clean or check your own filter before fitting.
9. Swirl flaps. Check whether the swirl flaps are in place, blanked or removed. Broken swirl flaps are a known cause of engine failure on several BMW diesels, so many owners fit blanking plates when the intake is off.
10. Timing chain noise. Listen for a rattle at the front of the engine for the first seconds after a cold start. On an engine that cannot be run, look at the chain guides through the oil filler or with the valve cover off.
11. Gearbox-end timing chain. On this engine the timing chain sits at the gearbox end, so replacing it normally means removing the engine. If the chain has not been replaced, the time to do it is before the engine goes into your car.

BMW 116d replacement engine cost

We currently hold 132 116d engine engines. The cheapest is 1.205,00 €, the most expensive 3.129,00 €, and half of them cost less than 1.587,00 €.

Prices depend on the exact version, the donor's mileage, how complete the engine is and the demand for that code. Higher-output versions, low mileage and dressed engines with turbo, injectors and ancillaries cost more; long blocks and higher mileage cost less.

116d engine prices by model year

Engines from 2015–2019 have a median of 1.594,00 €, while units from 2020–2024 sit at 1.548,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

116d engine prices by mileage

Mileage matters less than history on a well-maintained BMW engine, but it is a useful guide. A low-mileage unit from a younger car gives you more life for a modest premium.

34 of these come from F20 donor cars, priced from 1.223,00 € to 3.129,00 €. An engine from the same body is the most direct swap because the sump, mounts and ancillaries already match.

On top of the engine, budget for the workshop's labour and the parts that are best replaced while the engine is out: engine mounts, the rear main seal, cooling parts, a clutch or converter seal, fluids and filters.

Replacement engines in stock for the 116d

Here is a selection of 116d engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 95,100 km1.565,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 187,200 km1.643,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2019, 157,200 km1.763,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 76,700 km1.610,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 74,400 km1.797,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 38,000 km1.650,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2020, 20,400 km1.298,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 116,000 km1.359,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 202,800 km1.474,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 27,100 km1.223,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2019, 121,700 km1.593,00 €BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 62,600 km1.783,00 €

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 95,100 km — 1.565,00 €, reduced from 2.250,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 95,100 km, and 13 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 187,200 km — 1.643,00 €, reduced from 2.600,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 187,200 km, and 25 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2019, 157,200 km — 1.763,00 €, reduced from 2.750,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 157,200 km, and 8 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 76,700 km — 1.610,00 €, reduced from 3.000,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 76,700 km, and 28 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 74,400 km — 1.797,00 €, reduced from 2.650,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 74,400 km, and 18 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 38,000 km — 1.650,00 €, reduced from 2.450,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 38,000 km, and 25 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2020, 20,400 km — 1.298,00 €, reduced from 2.350,00 €. It comes from a 2020 donor car with 20,400 km, and 30 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 116,000 km — 1.359,00 €, reduced from 2.600,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 116,000 km, and 11 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 202,800 km — 1.474,00 €, reduced from 2.250,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 202,800 km, and 26 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 27,100 km — 1.223,00 €, reduced from 2.300,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 27,100 km, and 15 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2019, 121,700 km — 1.593,00 €, reduced from 2.900,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 121,700 km, and 16 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F20 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 62,600 km — 1.783,00 €, reduced from 2.700,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 62,600 km, and 16 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Will it fit my 116d?

Will the N47D16 fit my BMW F20 116d?

For the BMW F20 116d, the N47D16 is the factory engine and the one to order. The second 1 Series five-door was built 2011–2019, and the N47D16 was produced 2010–2015, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.

How much is a replacement engine for a BMW F20 116d?

We have 1 N47D16 engine from F20 donor cars, priced from 3.129,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 116d

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F20 at the factory, which makes them the most practical upgrades: the body was designed around them and many parts are shared.

Can I fit the N13B16 in my 116d?

It is a full conversion: the N13B16 runs on petrol and the B37C15 on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 20 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the B47D20A in my 116d?

It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the B47D20A is an inline-4 and your B37C15 an inline-3, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 34 hp and 50 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N20B16 in my 116d?

It is a full conversion: the N20B16 runs on petrol and the B37C15 on diesel, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 54 hp and 0 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 116d

1. Inspect or replace the timing chain parts. Look at the guides and tensioner. On high-mileage engines, replacing them now costs far less than doing it later.
2. Replace the rear timing chain if in doubt. On engines with the chain at the gearbox end, chain work needs the engine out. If the history is unknown, replace the chain, guides and tensioner before fitting.
3. Prepare the turbo. Fit new oil feed and return seals, clean the intercooler and pipes of any oil or debris from the old engine, and prime the turbo with oil before starting.
4. Code the injectors and bleed the fuel. Enter the injector correction codes into the ECU, check the glow plugs and bleed the fuel system so the engine does not crank dry.
5. Check the particulate filter. If the old engine failed with oil or coolant entering the exhaust, the DPF may be contaminated. Check its back-pressure before relying on it.
6. Fill with the right oil and prime it. Fill with new oil of the correct specification and a new filter. Crank with the fuel and ignition disabled until oil pressure builds.
7. Coding and adaptations. On modern BMWs, the engine ECU must be matched to the car's immobiliser (CAS, FEM or BDC). Reset adaptations, register the battery and clear faults with diagnostic software.
8. First start and leak check. Start the engine, let it idle and watch oil pressure, temperature and fault codes. Check for leaks and bleed the cooling system.
9. First 1,000 km. Drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres, vary the engine speed and avoid full load. Change the oil and filter after about 1,000 km to remove any assembly debris.

The full fitting and first-start procedure.

116d engine questions

How much is a replacement B37C15 engine for a BMW F20 116d?

A used B37C15 for the BMW F20 116d costs from about 1.150 € to 1.950 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The B37C15 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

Will the B37C15 engine fit my BMW F20 116d?

Yes, if your BMW F20 116d was built with the B37C15. BMW used this 1.5 liter (1,496 cc) diesel engine with 85 kW (116 HP) in the F20 116d from about 2015 to 2022.

In our records the B37C15 is the engine for the F20 116d, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F20 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

Will the B37C15 engine fit my BMW F40 116d?

Yes, if your BMW F40 116d was built with the B37C15. BMW used this 1.5 liter (1,496 cc) diesel engine with 85 kW (116 HP) in the F40 116d from about 2015 to 2022.

In our records the B37C15 is the engine for the F40 116d, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F40 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

How much is a replacement B37C15 engine for a BMW F40 116d?

A used B37C15 for the BMW F40 116d costs from about 1.150 € to 1.950 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The B37C15 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

How much is a replacement B37C15 engine for a BMW F48 X1 sDrive16d?

A used B37C15 for the BMW F48 X1 sDrive16d costs from about 1.150 € to 1.950 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The B37C15 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

Are there other versions of the BMW B37C15?

In our yard the B37C15 is the only listed version of the B37 family. It makes 85 kW (116 HP) and 270 Nm, and was built from 2015 to 2022.

Engines in one family share a basic block, but the turbo, the injection, the sensors and the engine computer can differ. A higher power version often has different pistons, a bigger turbo or a different fuel system.

This is why we ask for the exact code. Fitting a different version can work, but the wiring, the software and sometimes the gearbox must be changed to match.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

What should I replace when I fit a used B37C15 engine?

A used engine lasts longest when it starts life in your car with fresh fluids and new seals. Fit a new oil filter and fresh oil of the grade BMW lists for this engine, and refill the coolant with the correct BMW antifreeze mix. Clean the intercooler and the intake pipes, and fill the turbo oil feed with clean oil before the first start, so the turbo never runs dry. Change the drive belt, the thermostat and the water pump seals if they look tired, because they are cheap while the engine is out.

Look at the engine mounts and the clutch or the torque converter while the engine is out. Old mounts can crack a new engine's brackets, and a worn clutch is much easier to change now.

Before the first start, turn the engine over without fuel until the oil pressure light goes out. Then let it idle, check for leaks, and drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres.

The warranty asks for fitting by a qualified mechanic and the correct oil, coolant and filters. Keep your receipts in case you ever need to make a claim.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

How much is a replacement B37C15 engine for a BMW F20 116d?

A used B37C15 for the BMW F20 116d costs from about 1.150 € to 1.950 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The B37C15 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

How much is a replacement B37C15 engine for a BMW F40 116d?

A used B37C15 for the BMW F40 116d costs from about 1.150 € to 1.950 € in our yard. The price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Shipping is a flat 249 € per order. It is added once at checkout and printed on the invoice, so there is no extra fee later. Inside the EU there is no import duty. Outside the EU, the receiver pays local duty and VAT.

A replacement engine is often much cheaper than rebuilding a damaged one, and much faster. The B37C15 you buy is photographed and checked in Hamburg before it is listed.

Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop. Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

Will the B37C15 engine fit my BMW F20 116d?

Yes, if your BMW F20 116d was built with the B37C15. BMW used this 1.5 liter (1,496 cc) diesel engine with 85 kW (116 HP) in the F20 116d from about 2015 to 2022.

In our records the B37C15 is the engine for the F20 116d, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F20 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Every 116d engine we sell is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped before it leaves Hamburg. You receive photographs of the packed engine and a tracking number.

Door-to-door delivery is included to the address you give at checkout. Typical delivery takes three to five working days within Germany and neighbouring countries and five to ten working days to the rest of Europe and the UK.

Every engine carries a 12-month warranty on eligible internal failure when a qualified workshop fits it with new fluids and filters. Payment is by card, bank transfer or crypto; your invoice is emailed as soon as you order.

All F20 engines · N47 engine guide · B37 engine guide · BMW 116d engines for sale · Send us your VIN