BMW 116d (F40) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 116d in the third 1 Series generation (F40, built 2019–) was built with one engine, the B37C15: a 1.5 L diesel inline-3 with 116 hp.

This guide tells you which engine your 116d has, what goes wrong with it, what a replacement costs from our stock and what else to plan for when you fit one.

• Generation: third 1 Series, 2019–
• Body styles: F40 (hatchback)
• Engines: B37C15
• Output: 116 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 130 from 1.205,00 €

Which engine is in your 116d?

B37C15 in the 116d

The B37C15 was used in the F40 116d, built 2014–2021. It is a 1.5 L turbocharged diesel inline-3 with 116 hp and 270 Nm.

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.

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.

B37C15: BMW F20 116d, BMW F45 216d, Mini Cooper D.

How to confirm your engine code

The 116d only used the B37C15, but the exact version can still change with the build date, gearbox and market. 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

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.

Looking after the 116d engine

• 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. 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.
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. Warranty terms in writing. Read what the warranty covers, how long it runs and what fitting conditions apply. Most warranties require a qualified workshop, new fluids and filters, and replacement of the cooling parts that caused the original failure.
5. 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.
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. 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.
10. 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

Across 130 116d engine units in our stock today, prices start at 1.205,00 € and reach 3.041,00 €. The median — the price in the middle of the range — is 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.

32 of these come from F40 donor cars, priced from 1.232,00 € to 1.948,00 €. 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

These 116d units are in our Hamburg yard right now. Each listing shows real photographs of the engine you receive, its mileage and what is fitted.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 180,100 km1.831,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 98,500 km1.399,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 167,300 km1.251,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 113,800 km1.513,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2015, 137,900 km1.574,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2021, 180,400 km1.385,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2019, 95,700 km1.425,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 200,500 km1.406,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 92,700 km1.361,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2015, 87,600 km1.845,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 43,300 km1.640,00 €BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2020, 158,900 km1.375,00 €

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 180,100 km — 1.831,00 €, reduced from 3.100,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 180,100 km, and 28 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 98,500 km — 1.399,00 €, reduced from 2.250,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 98,500 km, and 10 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 167,300 km — 1.251,00 €, reduced from 2.650,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 167,300 km, and 18 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 113,800 km — 1.513,00 €, reduced from 2.250,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 113,800 km, and 24 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2015, 137,900 km — 1.574,00 €, reduced from 2.250,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 137,900 km, and 21 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2021, 180,400 km — 1.385,00 €, reduced from 2.100,00 €. It comes from a 2021 donor car with 180,400 km, and 8 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2019, 95,700 km — 1.425,00 €, reduced from 2.300,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 95,700 km, and 27 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2016, 200,500 km — 1.406,00 €, reduced from 2.400,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 200,500 km, and 27 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2018, 92,700 km — 1.361,00 €, reduced from 2.150,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car with 92,700 km, and 14 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2015, 87,600 km — 1.845,00 €, reduced from 2.850,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 87,600 km, and 27 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2017, 43,300 km — 1.640,00 €, reduced from 2.300,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 43,300 km, and 5 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F40 116d B37C15 Engine 2020, 158,900 km — 1.375,00 €, reduced from 2.250,00 €. It comes from a 2020 donor car with 158,900 km, and 30 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

Will it fit my 116d?

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 116d

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F40 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 B38B15 in my 116d?

It is a full conversion: the B38B15 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 B38A15 in my 116d?

It is a full conversion: the B38A15 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.

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

Which cars use the BMW B37C15 engine?

BMW fitted the B37C15 to the BMW F20 116d, BMW F40 116d, BMW F45 216d and BMW F48 X1 sDrive16d. These cars were built with this engine from about 2015 to 2022.

The badge on the boot is not enough to be sure. The same model name can hide two different engines, for example after a facelift or a change in emission rules. Always read the engine code stamped on the block, or look it up with your VIN.

The B37C15 is the only B37 version we list, which makes it easy to pick, but the wiring and the engine computer still need to match your car.

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 does a used BMW B37C15 engine cost?

A used BMW B37C15 engine in our yard usually costs between 1.150 € and 1.950 €. The exact price depends on the year, the mileage and the parts that come with the engine.

Our units show recorded mileage from about 22,000 km up to around 200,000 km. Lower mileage and more ancillaries mean a higher price. Each listing shows its own price, and the price you see is the price you pay. Prices include VAT for private buyers.

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. If you order a gearbox or a second engine on the same order, the fee is still charged once.

Inside the EU there is no import duty. For the UK and other non-EU countries, import duty and local VAT are paid by the receiver, and we supply a commercial invoice.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

What is the BMW B37C15 engine?

The BMW B37C15 is a 1.5 liter (1,496 cc) diesel engine from the B37 family. It has an inline 3, DOHC, 12 valve layout with a single turbocharger, and makes 85 kW (116 HP) with 270 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2015 to 2022 and it meets the Euro 6 emission standard.

You find the B37C15 in the BMW F20 116d, BMW F40 116d, BMW F45 216d and BMW F48 X1 sDrive16d. What we list: BMW B37 1.5 three-cylinder diesel engines for 1 Series, 2 Series and X1.

At Autowerke Engines every B37C15 is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. The photos on each listing show the actual engine, not a stock picture. The yard checks the code, records what is bolted on, and seals the openings before the engine is offered. Each listing shows the year, the mileage and the price, so you can compare units side by side.

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

Can you check if a B37C15 fits my car with my VIN?

Yes, and it is free. Send the 17-character VIN of your car and, if you have it, the gearbox code. We check the engine family, the build year window and the parts your car needs.

For the B37C15, we confirm that your car was built with this code or with a version that can take it. BMW used it in the BMW F20 116d, BMW F40 116d, BMW F45 216d and BMW F48 X1 sDrive16d.

We only reserve an engine once the match is confirmed, so you never pay for the wrong unit. You can reach the Hamburg desk by email at autowerkeengines@gmail.com, or by phone and WhatsApp on +49 15510 030835, Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 16:00 CET.

You can also use the VIN check on our site. It reads the year, the make, the model and the engine from the public vehicle register.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

How do I know a used B37C15 engine is in good shape?

Each engine in the yard is inspected in Hamburg. The code is matched to the listing, the parts on the engine are recorded, the openings are sealed and the real unit is photographed. An inspection certificate for the unit can travel with the order when you ask for it.

When you look at a listing, check the recorded mileage, the year and the photos of the ports and the stamp. Ask for photos of anything you want to see closer. If you want more photos or a short video of a unit, ask the desk and we send them before you pay.

On a diesel like the B37C15, a careful fitter will also look at the injectors, the turbo shaft play and the oil in the intake before the engine goes in.

If the engine fails inside under normal use, the warranty covers you. 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.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

Does a used B37C15 engine come with a warranty?

Yes. 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.

The warranty does not cover damage from wrong fitting, overheating, low oil, wrong fluids or fuel, engines that were opened or modified without our approval, or labour and towing costs.

To claim, send us your order number, a short description of the problem, photos or a video, and a mechanic's report if we ask for one. If the claim is approved, we repair, replace or refund the engine.

Keep the receipts for the fitting, the oil and the filters. They make any claim quick and simple.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

How long does delivery of a B37C15 engine take?

Orders confirmed before 14:00 CET on a working day leave Hamburg the same day. Later and weekend orders leave the next working day. Delivery to the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, France, Luxembourg and Denmark takes 1 to 3 working days.

Spain, Italy, Portugal, Poland, Czechia, Austria, Ireland, the Nordics and the Baltics take 2 to 5 working days. Greek and Spanish islands, Malta, Cyprus and remote areas take 4 to 8 working days. The UK and other countries outside the EU are quoted one by one.

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. Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.

You get a tracking number when the pallet is collected. Check the wrapping before you sign, and note any damage on the paperwork.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

How much is a replacement B37C15 engine for a BMW F45 216d?

A used B37C15 for the BMW F45 216d 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 power and torque does the BMW B37C15 have?

From the factory the BMW B37C15 makes 85 kW (116 HP) and 270 Nm of torque. It is a 1.5 liter (1,496 cc) inline 3, DOHC, 12 valve diesel engine with a single turbocharger.

Because it is turbocharged, the torque comes in low in the rev range, which makes the car feel strong in everyday driving. A healthy turbo, a clean intercooler and tight boost pipes are key to getting the full figure.

A used engine reaches its factory numbers when it is fitted with the matching engine computer and software, and serviced with the right oil and filters. If the engine computer from your car is a different version, a specialist may need to code it.

Every B37C15 on our site lists its year and mileage. Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide.

See all B37 Engines · Search B37C15 in the shop

What comes with a used B37C15 engine?

Each B37C15 is sold as described on its own listing. The yard writes down the parts that are fitted to that unit, such as the turbo, the injectors, the manifolds or the alternator, so you know what arrives.

Some units are long engines with few ancillaries, others are more complete. If you need a part that is not listed, ask the desk. We often have the matching items in the yard.

Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.

On delivery, the carrier brings the pallet to the kerb or a loading bay. Please have a forklift, a pallet truck or an engine crane ready.

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.

A 12-month warranty covers eligible internal failure when the engine is fitted by a qualified workshop with new fluids and filters. You can pay by card, bank transfer or crypto and receive the invoice by email straight away.

All F40 engines · B37 engine guide · BMW 116d engines for sale · Send us your VIN