[chums]

However, I remember there was issues with the N20/N26 engines from the 2012/2013 models. Have those been cleared up with the 2015+ models? Any other issues I should be aware of?

[rjd_F30]

There are a few known issues with the N20/N26, but it's generally a reliable engine. I assume you're alluding to the timing chain issues, and instances of that problem are fairly rare, and have been (albeit basically) correlated to auto-start stop usage. Turn that off and do regular oil changes and you shouldn't have any issues with it. I don't know that there were any major changes for 2015+ N20/N26's but the timing chain guides were allegedly changed around then, but we can't seem to figure out when exactly they were changed. However, it's generally good practice to get a later model as they will usually have worked out the kinks of earlier models, but there's nothing substantially different between a 2013 N2x and a 2015 N2x that I know of.

There are other common issues, all minor, but you can find those through searching, I don't know them all off the top of my head

[RMachuca3d]

Build dates after October\November 2014 from what I remember, are the ones that have new guides, those cars are 2015 MY designation, so dont go by "2015 + are safe"

[rjd_F30]

Just so this doesn't become another timing chain thread, this thread covers it: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1415105

[IraHayes]

If you are looking at 2015MY and newer, I think you will be fine. I have a 2015 model as well (10/2014 build date) and have no issues. I just got it back from the dealer today for a faulty door lock actuator and cracking/flaking weather strip on the cowl cover. While there, I told them to check my engine because it was making a whining noise (it wasn't, but I wanted them to inspect to be sure). They found nothing wrong and said my parts are up to date, for what that's worth. It's in their system now, that I took it in for that issue, so at least it's documented in case I have issues down the line.

Also, the TSB BMW released regarding this issue shows it as being an issue for cars made 3/2013 and prior. That would lead me to assume that cars built after that date have the newer parts. I also posted on BMW technician regarding the issue, and the response I received is that the issue hasn't been seen on 2015MY and newer vehicles. Of course, that doesn't mean that it hasn't happened, but based on what the tech that reached out to me said, he hasn't seen it, not in F30's anyway.

Based on one article on the internet, many believe that BMW started using the newer parts in Feb or March of 2015 because that's when the part numbers for the affected parts changed. That being said, there is some anecdotal evidence that BMW started using the newer parts before then, but retained the same part numbers for a time. I base this mainly on the TSB showing 3/2013 and prior cars being affected. Going off that info, I'm inclined to believe that BMW started using the updated parts on 4/2013 production cars and newer, but I haven't managed to find any hard evidence to that effect thus far. If someone has any, please share.

I have no way of proving any of this of course, but based on my own limited research (forum hopping and various articles, nothing scientific), I've reasoned this is probably true. Do your own research and you may conclude differently based on what you find. If you find anything concrete, please share.

Regardless, BMW has issued a 7 year/70,000 mile extended warranty on the N20 engine to cover this issue. There is also a class-action lawsuit pending against BMW regarding this. If BMW loses, they will likely have to issue a recall to replace the parts in all models with the older parts.

[4bangaturbo]

got my 2013 328i cpo @ 23k miles. At 95k miles now been tuned stg2 for 5k miles no issues. No timing chain noises still pulls strong every time. just change your oil & filter every 5k and treat your car well.

[IraHayes]

Originally Posted by 4bangaturbo

...just change your oil & filter every 5k and treat your car well.

This is probably the most important thing right here.

[ethanm5000]

Mine nearly has 60k miles on it and it has had no issues so far. Definitely a reliable engine as far as my experience has been.

[chums]

Thank you all for the info

[s3ri3s1]

I have a 2015 with 66k miles on it, and Dinan intercooler, tune and BMS catch can. No issues here.

[CandyRedRC46]

My 2013 had a vacuum pump failure at a little over 50k miles. I caught it before anything catastrophic happened. It was replaced under the extended warranty.