BMW X3 28i (F25) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW X3 28i in the second X3 generation (F25, built 2010–2017) was built with one engine, the N20B20: a 2.0 L petrol inline-4 with 245 hp.

Below you will find how to identify the engine in your X3 28i, the faults to look for, current prices for a replacement and the swap options that make sense.

• Generation: second X3, 2010–2017
• Body styles: F25 (SAV)
• Engines: N20B20
• Output: 245 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 305 from 1.420,00 €

Which engine is in your X3 28i?

N20B20 in the X3 28i

The N20B20 was used in the F25 X3 28i, 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.

X3 28i engines by model year

The X3 28i kept the same engine for the whole F25 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 X3 28i

A replacement engine does not have to come from another X3 28i. 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 F30 328i, BMW F10 528i, BMW E84 X1 28i, BMW F22 228i.

How to confirm your engine code

The X3 28i 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 X3 28i engine problems

The N20B20 in the X3 28i 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 X3 28i

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 X3 28i 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 X3 28i: checklist

1. 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.
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. Ask how the donor car was damaged. Most good used engines come from cars with body damage. A front-end impact can crack sensors, the timing cover or the sump; a rear or side impact usually leaves the engine untouched. The yard records the damage on each unit.
4. 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.
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. 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 X3 28i replacement engine cost

Our X3 28i engine stock runs to 305 units, priced from 1.420,00 € to 3.372,00 € with a median of 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.

X3 28i 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.

X3 28i 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.

75 of these come from F25 donor cars, priced from 2.009,00 € to 3.178,00 €. 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 X3 28i

Here is a selection of X3 28i engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2017, 28,700 km2.625,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2013, 174,000 km2.515,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2016, 62,900 km2.639,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2011, 192,900 km2.293,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2012, 52,700 km3.166,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2016, 71,900 km2.650,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2017, 172,200 km2.883,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2011, 141,200 km2.458,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2014, 110,800 km2.836,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2016, 165,200 km2.875,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2011, 21,500 km2.799,00 €BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2013, 78,400 km2.711,00 €

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2017, 28,700 km — 2.625,00 €, reduced from 3.200,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 28,700 km, and 8 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2013, 174,000 km — 2.515,00 €, reduced from 3.400,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 174,000 km, and 29 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2016, 62,900 km — 2.639,00 €, reduced from 3.700,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 62,900 km, and 21 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2011, 192,900 km — 2.293,00 €, reduced from 3.700,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 192,900 km, and 22 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2012, 52,700 km — 3.166,00 €, reduced from 4.050,00 €. It comes from a 2012 donor car with 52,700 km, and 28 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2016, 71,900 km — 2.650,00 €, reduced from 3.500,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 71,900 km, and 19 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2017, 172,200 km — 2.883,00 €, reduced from 3.800,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 172,200 km, and 27 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2011, 141,200 km — 2.458,00 €, reduced from 3.250,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 141,200 km, and 19 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2014, 110,800 km — 2.836,00 €, reduced from 3.550,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 110,800 km, and 20 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2016, 165,200 km — 2.875,00 €, reduced from 3.650,00 €. It comes from a 2016 donor car with 165,200 km, and 24 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2011, 21,500 km — 2.799,00 €, reduced from 3.800,00 €. It comes from a 2011 donor car with 21,500 km, and 11 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F25 X3 xDrive28i N20B20 Engine 2013, 78,400 km — 2.711,00 €, reduced from 3.500,00 €. It comes from a 2013 donor car with 78,400 km, and 18 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

Will it fit my X3 28i?

Will the N20B20 fit my BMW F25 X3 28i?

For the BMW F25 X3 28i, the N20B20 is the factory engine and the one to order. The second X3 was built 2010–2017, and the N20B20 was produced 2011–2017, 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 F25 X3 28i?

We have 75 N20B20 engines from F25 donor cars, priced from 2.009,00 € to 3.178,00 €. 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 X3 28i

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F25 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 N57D30 in my X3 28i?

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.

Can I fit the N55B30 in my X3 28i?

It is a conversion rather than a replacement: the N55B30 is an inline-6 and your N20B20 an inline-4, so mounts, sump, cooling, exhaust, wiring and the engine control unit all change. The gain is 61 hp and 50 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the X3 28i

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.

X3 28i engine questions

How much does a used BMW N20B20 engine cost?

A used BMW N20B20 engine in our yard usually costs between 2.000 € and 3.200 €. 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 N20 Engines · Search N20B20 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before an X3 28i 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.

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 F25 engines · N20 and N26 engine guide · BMW X3 28i engines for sale · Send us your VIN