The BMW N13B16A is a 1,592 cc, inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2015. It features double overhead camshafts (DOHC), Valvetronic III variable valve lift, and direct fuel injection (High Precision Injection). In standard form it delivered 100 kW (136 PS) at 6,100 rpm and 160 Nm of torque at 4,800 rpm, offering responsive performance for compact models.
Fitted to the F20 1 Series and F22 2 Series, the N13B16A was engineered for efficient urban driving with strong throttle response. Its all-aluminium construction prioritised weight reduction, while emissions compliance was achieved through precise fuel metering and secondary air injection, enabling Euro 5 certification for all production models.
One documented update occurred in 2013 when BMW revised the high-pressure fuel pump control algorithm and updated the Valvetronic motor design to improve reliability. This change, referenced in BMW Service Information Bulletin 13 01 13, addressed premature wear in the eccentric shaft sensor and reduced instances of Valvetronic faults.
Bmw
Production years 2011–2015 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1316).
The BMW N13B16A is a 1,592 cc inline-four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for compact hatchbacks (2011–2015). It combines DOHC architecture with Valvetronic III variable valve lift and direct fuel injection to deliver responsive throttle response and efficient operation. Designed to meet Euro 5 standards, it balances performance with refinement in a lightweight aluminium construction.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,592 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 82.0 mm × 75.6 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 160 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | High Precision Injection (direct fuel injection) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled, all-aluminium construction | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Double roller chain (non-interference design) | |
| Oil type | BMW Longlife-01 (SAE 5W-30) | |
| Dry weight | 118 kg |
The DOHC inline-four design provides responsive throttle delivery ideal for urban driving but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to maintain Valvetronic system longevity. BMW Longlife-01 (5W-30) oil is critical due to its formulation protecting the high-pressure fuel pump and eccentric shaft mechanism. The revised 2013 Valvetronic motor (SIB 13 01 13) improved sensor durability and reduced fault codes. Carbon buildup on intake valves is common due to lack of port injection, necessitating periodic walnut blasting. Secondary air injection pumps, used for cold-start emissions, may fail over time and require replacement per TIS guidelines.
Oil Specs: Requires BMW Longlife-01 (5W-30) specification (BMW SIB 11 04 01). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all N13B16A production (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/1316).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across model applications (BMW TIS Doc. A31100).
BMW Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A31100, A31510, SIB 13 01 13
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/1316)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The BMW N13B16A was used across BMW's F20/F22 platforms with longitudinal mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced mounts in the F22 and revised cooling routing in the F20-and from 2013 the facelifted F20 LCI models adopted the updated Valvetronic motor, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the exhaust manifold (BMW TIS A31100). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('N' for N13 series). Pre-2013 units have silver valve covers with "N13" engraving; post-2013 units use black valve covers with updated Valvetronic components. Critical differentiation from N13B16: N13B16A uses revised Valvetronic motor and control algorithm introduced in 2013 to reduce fault codes. Service parts require production date verification—pre- and post-2013 Valvetronic actuators are not interchangeable due to sensor and mounting revisions (BMW SIB 13 01 13).
The N13B16A's primary reliability risk is Valvetronic system failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles exceeding 100,000 km. Internal BMW quality reports from 2014 indicated a notable number of Valvetronic-related driveability complaints, while VCA field data shows improved longevity in UK-sourced examples due to adherence to service schedules. Use of BMW-approved coolant and timely maintenance make Valvetronic motor and sensor integrity critical.
Analysis derived from BMW technical bulletins (2011-2015) and UK VCA failure statistics (2013-2018). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about BMW N13B16A.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
Independent Technical Reference
EngineCode.uk is an independent technical reference platform operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. We are not affiliated with BMW or any other manufacturer. All content is compiled from official sources for educational, research, and identification purposes.
Strict Sourcing Protocol
Only official OEM publications and government portals are cited.
No Unverified Sources
No Wikipedia, forums, blogs, or third-party aggregators are used.
Transparency in Gaps
If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.
Regulatory Stability
EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
BMW Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
Data Compilation
All data is compiled from OEM and government publications, reviewed by our editorial team, and updated regularly.
Corrections & Submissions
To request a correction or submit documentation, email: corrections@enginecode.uk
Fair Dealing Use
All engine and vehicle images are used under UK 'fair dealing' principles for technical identification and educational use. Rights remain with their respective owners.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
GDPR Compliance
EngineCode.uk complies with UK GDPR. We do not collect personal data unless explicitly provided.
Data Requests
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
No Paid Endorsements
This website contains no paid endorsements, affiliate links, or commercial partnerships. We do not sell parts or services.
Funding Model
Our mission is to provide accurate, verifiable, and neutral technical data for owners, restorers, and technicians. This site is self-funded.
All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialBMW documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.
