The BMW B48 A20 A is a 1,998 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine introduced in 2015 as part of BMW's modular engine family. Designed to replace the aging N20, it features a twin-scroll turbocharger, direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection), Valvetronic variable valve lift, and Double-VANOS variable cam timing. It delivers 135 kW (184 PS) in standard tune with peak torque of 290 Nm.
Used across BMW and MINI platforms including the F30 3 Series, G01 X3, and F56 Mini Cooper S, the B48 A20 A balances responsive performance with improved efficiency and emissions compliance. It meets Euro 6 standards and features a timing chain (replacing the N20's problematic chain tensioner design) and a redesigned cooling system for enhanced durability.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on early production units, particularly under high-load operation. This was addressed in BMW Service Information Bulletin 13 01 18, which recommends inspection and replacement with revised components. Oil consumption issues have also been reported on select 2015–2017 engines, often related to PCV system faults.
Production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7543).
The BMW B48 A20 A is a 1,998 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size models (2015–2020). It combines direct fuel injection with a twin-scroll turbocharger and Valvetronic throttle-less load control to deliver linear power delivery and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 6 standards, it represents a significant refinement over the N20 engine in terms of reliability and efficiency.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,998 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve, Valvetronic | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (twin-scroll) | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 94.6 mm | |
| Power output | 135 kW (184 PS) @ 5,000–6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 290 Nm @ 1,350–4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High Precision Injection (direct, up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, electric coolant pump | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin-scroll turbo (BorgWarner) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front-mounted, revised design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-01 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 130 kg |
The B48 A20 A offers strong, linear power delivery ideal for spirited driving but requires adherence to 12,000–15,000 km oil change intervals using BMW Longlife-01 (5W-30) oil to ensure longevity of the timing chain and turbocharger. The Valvetronic system is sensitive to oil quality and carbon buildup; extended idling and short trips should be minimised. Owners should monitor for symptoms of high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure—hesitation, misfires, or fuel pressure DTCs—especially on pre-2017 engines. Revised HPFP and PCV components per BMW SIB 13 01 18 mitigate these risks. Regular use of quality fuel additives can help prevent injector coking.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-01 (5W-30) specification (BMW SIB 13 01 18). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4 requirements.
Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7543).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting 95 RON minimum (BMW TIS Doc. A27106).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A27106, SIB 13 01 18
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7543)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The BMW B48 A20 A was used across BMW's F3x/G0x and Mini's F5x platforms with transverse or longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the G01 X3 and revised intake routing in the F56 Mini Cooper S—and from 2017 received updated PCV and HPFP components to address reliability concerns, creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right side of the cylinder block, near the exhaust manifold (BMW TIS A27106). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for B-series). Pre-2017 models have a silver valve cover with a single electrical connector for the HPFP; post-2017 units feature a revised HPFP with updated connector and wiring. Critical differentiation from B38: B48 A20 A has four cylinders and a twin-scroll turbo; B38 has three cylinders and a smaller turbo. Service parts require production date verification—HPFP and PCV assemblies for pre-2017 engines are incompatible with post-revision units due to internal redesign (BMW SIB 13 01 18).
The B48 A20 A's primary reliability risks are high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on early builds and oil consumption linked to PCV issues. Internal BMW data from 2017 reported a notable incidence of HPFP failures before 80,000 km in pre-2017 engines, while UK DVSA records show a moderate rate of emissions-related faults due to lean-running conditions from injector coking. Aggressive driving and poor maintenance increase stress on fuel and valvetronic systems, making oil quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2015–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW B48A20A.
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