The BMW B48 B16 A is a 1,592 cc, inline-three turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020.
It forms part of BMW's modular B-series engine family, designed for compact and subcompact transverse-mounted vehicles.
Featuring double overhead camshafts (DOHC), Valvetronic IV variable valve lift, High Precision Injection, and a single twin-scroll turbocharger, it delivers 100 kW (136 PS) at 4,400–6,500 rpm with peak torque of 220 Nm at 1,250–4,400 rpm.
This engine was engineered to balance performance, efficiency, and packaging constraints, particularly in MINI and entry-level BMW models.
All B48 B16 A engines meet Euro 6b emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7723).
The BMW B48 B16 A is a 1,592 cc inline-three turbocharged petrol engine engineered for transverse-mounted compact models (2015–2020). It combines High Precision Injection with Valvetronic IV and a low-inertia turbocharger to deliver strong low-end torque and responsive throttle characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions standards, it features a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) from launch, setting a benchmark for clean three-cylinder performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,592 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-3, DOHC, 12-valve, Valvetronic IV | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 4,400–6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1,250–4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High Precision Injection (direct injection, up to 350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single twin-scroll turbo (BorgWarner, rear-mounted) | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-04 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 128 kg |
The turbocharged inline-three layout with Valvetronic IV provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but demands strict adherence to 12,000–15,000 km oil change intervals to prevent timing chain wear and turbo degradation. BMW Longlife-04 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its specific formulation protecting the rear-mounted chain system. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce oil starvation at the upper chain guide. The gasoline particulate filter (GPF) requires regular highway runs to enable passive regeneration. The high-pressure fuel pump (up to 350 bar) demands high-octane fuel (RON 98 recommended) to prevent injector coking and ensure longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-04 (5W-30) specification (BMW SIB 11 01 20). ACEA C3 compliance required.
Emissions: All B48 B16 A units meet Euro 6b (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7723). GPF-equipped from launch.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 228 (BMW TIS Doc. A27070).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A27070, A27110, A27160, SIB 11 01 20
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7723)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The BMW B48 B16 A was used across BMW's F20/F40 and MINI's F56/F54 platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—shorter accessory drives in the F56 and revised cooling routing in the F40—and from 2018 the updated F56 models adopted B48TU with dual-mass flywheel revisions, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side cylinder block near the exhaust manifold (BMW TIS A27270). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('B' for B-series petrol). Visual identification: black valve cover with BMW logo, visible turbocharger on the right side, and a gasoline particulate filter (GPF) under the vehicle. Critical differentiation from B38: B48 B16 A is turbocharged; B38 units are naturally aspirated. Service parts require model-year verification—B48TU units (post-2018) have revised balance shafts and are not fully interchangeable (BMW SIB 11 01 20).
The B48 B16 A's primary reliability risk is timing chain wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or frequently short-tripped vehicles. Internal BMW quality reports from 2019 indicated a notable frequency of chain guide replacement on pre-2018 units, while UK DVSA MOT data shows a rising trend in GPF-related failures. Extended idling and urban driving cycles increase soot loading and guide stress, making regular servicing and proper warm-up cycles critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW B48B16A.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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