BMW 328i (F30) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 328i in the sixth 3 Series generation (F30, built 2011–2019) was built with one engine, the N20B20: a 2.0 L petrol inline-4 with 245 hp.

This guide tells you which engine your 328i has, what goes wrong with it, what a replacement costs from our stock and what else to plan for when you fit one.

• Generation: sixth 3 Series, 2011–2019
• Body styles: F30 (saloon)
• Engines: N20B20
• Output: 245 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 305 from 1.420,00 €

Which engine is in your 328i?

N20B20 in the 328i

The N20B20 was used in the F30 328i, built 2011–2017. It is a 2.0 L turbocharged petrol inline-4 with 245 hp and 350 Nm.

Reading the code: N marks an N-series code, the generation of BMW engines introduced from 2001; 20 is the family number; B stands for petrol (from the German Benzin); 20 is the capacity in decilitres, so 2.0 litres.

328i engines by model year

The 328i kept the same engine for the whole F30 run, which makes ordering simple: any unit with the same code fits, subject to the gearbox, drive type and sump.

Other cars with the same engine as the 328i

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 328i. 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.

N20B20: BMW F10 528i, BMW F25 X3 28i, BMW E84 X1 28i, BMW F22 228i.

How to confirm your engine code

The 328i only used the N20B20, 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 328i engine problems

The N20B20 in the 328i shares the known weak points of the N20 and N26 family. Full N20 and N26 guide.

Timing chain guide. Plastic guides in early N20 engines can break, leading to chain slap and engine damage. Updated parts fixed the issue.

Oil pump drive chain. The oil pump drive also uses a chain and guide that wear.

Electric water pump. The electric pump fails without warning.

Oil filter housing and valve cover gaskets. Both leak with age.

Carbon build-up. Direct injection causes carbon on intake valves.

Symptoms to watch for on the 328i

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.

Poor low-down torque and uneven idle. VANOS seals or solenoids. The engine may run well at high revs but feel flat and lumpy at low speed.

Limp mode with a Valvetronic fault. The Valvetronic motor, its eccentric shaft sensor or the wiring. The engine runs on a reduced throttle until it is repaired.

Long cranking before the engine starts. On direct-injection engines, a weak high-pressure fuel pump or leaking injector lets pressure drop when the engine is off.

Looking after the 328i engine

• Oil: 0W-30 or 5W-30 BMW Longlife-01, 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: Replacing the chain on an N20 normally needs the engine out, so a used unit is the time to do it.

Buying a used engine for the 328i: 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. Photographs from every side. Good suppliers photograph the actual engine you will receive. Look for the block stamp, the sump, the timing cover and any broken brackets or connectors in the pictures.
3. 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.
4. Look at the oil and coolant. Clean oil without metal particles and coolant without oil are good signs. Milky oil, oily coolant or a burnt smell mean the engine needs further checks before it is fitted.
5. 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.
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. 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.
8. 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.
9. VANOS operation. Rough idle, a rattle from the front of the head and a loss of torque at low revs point to VANOS seals or solenoids. These are serviceable parts and are easier to renew with the engine out.
10. Double VANOS units and solenoids. Ask for the adaptation values or fault history if the engine was running. Solenoids are inexpensive and are often replaced as a matter of course on a used engine.
11. Valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft sensor. The Valvetronic motor and its sensor cause limp-mode faults when they fail. Inspect the connector and the seal around the motor for oil.
12. Injectors and high-pressure fuel pump. Direct-injection engines rely on high-pressure pumps and precise injectors. Ask whether the injectors are original or updated and whether there were fuel pressure faults.
13. Electric water pump. This engine uses an electric water pump. It fails without warning and needs a diagnostic bleeding routine when it is replaced or the system is refilled.

BMW 328i replacement engine cost

We currently hold 305 328i engine engines. The cheapest is 1.420,00 €, the most expensive 3.372,00 €, and half of them cost less than 2.618,00 €.

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.

328i engine prices by model year

Engines from 2010–2014 have a median of 2.624,00 €, while units from 2015–2019 sit at 2.616,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

328i 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.

76 of these come from F30 donor cars, priced from 2.070,00 € to 3.372,00 €. 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 328i

These 328i 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 F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2015, 201,300 km2.978,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2017, 53,400 km2.861,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2013, 156,300 km2.153,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2011, 203,300 km2.454,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2011, 44,900 km2.133,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2013, 92,700 km2.536,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2014, 43,000 km3.021,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2013, 169,400 km2.925,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2017, 196,000 km2.953,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2014, 101,000 km2.175,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2013, 34,500 km2.246,00 €BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2016, 156,300 km2.338,00 €

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2015, 201,300 km — 2.978,00 €, reduced from 4.300,00 €. It comes from a 2015 donor car with 201,300 km, and 9 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2017, 53,400 km — 2.861,00 €, reduced from 3.450,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 53,400 km, and 13 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2013, 156,300 km — 2.153,00 €, reduced from 3.450,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 156,300 km, and 30 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2011, 203,300 km — 2.454,00 €, reduced from 3.050,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 203,300 km, and 21 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2011, 44,900 km — 2.133,00 €, reduced from 3.300,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 44,900 km, and 5 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2013, 92,700 km — 2.536,00 €, reduced from 3.300,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 92,700 km, and 20 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2014, 43,000 km — 3.021,00 €, reduced from 4.100,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 43,000 km, and 5 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2013, 169,400 km — 2.925,00 €, reduced from 4.100,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 169,400 km, and 11 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2017, 196,000 km — 2.953,00 €, reduced from 4.150,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 196,000 km, and 19 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2014, 101,000 km — 2.175,00 €, reduced from 3.450,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 101,000 km, and 13 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2013, 34,500 km — 2.246,00 €, reduced from 3.350,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 34,500 km, and 19 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F30 328i N20B20 Engine 2016, 156,300 km — 2.338,00 €, reduced from 3.200,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 156,300 km, and 9 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

Will it fit my 328i?

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 328i

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F30 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 B46B20 in my 328i?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are petrol inline-4 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the B46B20 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 13 hp and 50 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the B48B20 in my 328i?

Yes, it is one of the more common upgrades. Both are petrol inline-4 engines, so the mounting points are similar, but the B48B20 needs its own wiring and engine control unit, the matching gearbox or clutch, and often a different sump, cooling and exhaust. The gain is 13 hp and 50 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Can I fit the N57D30 in my 328i?

It is a full conversion: the N57D30 runs on diesel and the N20B20 on petrol, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 13 hp and 210 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 328i

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. Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
5. Teach the Valvetronic limit stops. Run the Valvetronic learning routine so the ECU knows the eccentric shaft limits.
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.

328i engine questions

How much is a replacement N20B20 engine for a BMW F30 328i?

A used N20B20 for the BMW F30 328i costs from about 2.000 € to 3.200 € 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 N20B20 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

How much is a replacement N26B20 engine for a BMW F30 328i SULEV?

A used N26B20 for the BMW F30 328i SULEV costs from about 2.050 € to 3.350 € 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 N26B20 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 N26 Engines · Search N26B20 in the shop

How much is a replacement N20B20 engine for a BMW F31 328i?

A used N20B20 for the BMW F31 328i costs from about 2.000 € to 3.200 € 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 N20B20 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

Will the N26B20 engine fit my BMW F30 328i SULEV?

Yes, if your BMW F30 328i SULEV was built with the N26B20. BMW used this 2.0 liter (1,997 cc) petrol engine with 180 kW (245 HP) in the F30 328i SULEV from about 2012 to 2016.

In our records the N26B20 is the engine for the F30 328i SULEV, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F30 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 N26 Engines · Search N26B20 in the shop

Will the N20B20 engine fit my BMW E89 Z4 sDrive28i?

Yes, if your BMW E89 Z4 sDrive28i was built with the N20B20. BMW used this 2.0 liter (1,997 cc) petrol engine with 180 kW (245 HP) in the E89 Z4 sDrive28i from about 2011 to 2017.

In our records the N20B20 is the engine for the E89 Z4 sDrive28i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your E89 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

Will the N20B20 engine fit my BMW F32 428i?

Yes, if your BMW F32 428i was built with the N20B20. BMW used this 2.0 liter (1,997 cc) petrol engine with 180 kW (245 HP) in the F32 428i from about 2011 to 2017.

In our records the N20B20 is the engine for the F32 428i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F32 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

How much is a replacement N20B20 engine for a BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i?

A used N20B20 for the BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i costs from about 2.000 € to 3.200 € 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 N20B20 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

Will the N20B20 engine fit my BMW F10 528i?

Yes, if your BMW F10 528i was built with the N20B20. BMW used this 2.0 liter (1,997 cc) petrol engine with 180 kW (245 HP) in the F10 528i from about 2011 to 2017.

Some F10 528i cars were built with a different engine: the N53B30. These look alike from the outside, so check the code on your engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F10 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

How do I know a used N20B20 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 petrol engine like the N20B20, a careful fitter will also look at the spark plugs, the coils and the timing side 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

How much is a replacement N20B20 engine for a BMW F10 528i?

A used N20B20 for the BMW F10 528i costs from about 2.000 € to 3.200 € 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 N20B20 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before a 328i engine leaves our Hamburg yard it is drained of oil and coolant, every opening is sealed, and it is strapped to a pallet and wrapped. We send photographs of the packed unit and the tracking details.

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 F30 engines · N20 and N26 engine guide · BMW 328i engines for sale · Send us your VIN