The 1.5-liter BMW B38 3-cylinder engine series has been assembled since 2013 and is installed on cars with front-wheel drive like B38A15, rear-wheel drive like B38B15 and hybrids like B38K15. Also, these units are installed on the Mini: 1.2-liter B38A12A and 1.5-liter B38A15A.
B38 gasoline engines made their debut as part of the i8 coupe hybrid power plant, but conventional modifications soon appeared. By design, there is an aluminum block with plasma-sprayed steel and a closed jacket, an aluminum 12-valve cylinder head equipped with hydraulic lifters and direct fuel injection, Vanos phase shifters on both camshafts, plus a Valvetronic system and a timing chain drive. The engine is supercharged by a single water-cooled Continental turbocharger. It should also be noted the presence of a balancing shaft and a Bosch MEVD 17.2.3 control unit.
Specifications
| Production years | since 2013 |
| Displacement, cc | 1499 |
| Fuel system | direct injection |
| Power output, hp | 102 – 140 231 (hybrid version) |
| Torque output, Nm | 180 – 220 320 (hybrid version) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R3 |
| Block head | aluminum 12v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 82 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 94.6 |
| Compression ratio | 11.0 9.5 (hybrid version) |
| Features | Valvetronic |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | Vanos |
| Turbocharging | yes |
| Recommended engine oil | 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.25 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 6 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for 318i F30) — city — highway — combined |
6.7 4.6 5.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
B38A15U0: 102 hp, 180 Nm. The engine was installed on:
- BMW 2-Series F45 in 2015 – 2018, 2-Series F46 in 2015 – 2018.
B38A15U1: 109 hp, 190 Nm. The engine was installed on:
- BMW 1-Series F40 since 2020;
- BMW 2-Series F45 in 2018 – 2021; 2-Series F46 since 2018.
B38A15M0: 136 hp, 220Nm. The engine was installed on:
- BMW 2-Series F45 in 2014 – 2018; 2-Series F46 in 2015 – 2018;
- BMW X1 F48 in 2015 – 2017.
B38A15M1: 140 hp, 220 Nm. The engine was installed on:
- BMW 1-Series F40 since 2019;
- BMW 2-Series F44 since 2020; 2-Series F45 in 2018 – 2021; 2-Series F46 since 2018;
- BMW X1 F48 since 2017;
- BMW X2 F39 since 2018.
B38B15U0: 109 hp, 180 Nm. The engine was installed on:
- BMW 1-Series F20 in 2015 – 2019.
B38B15M0: 136 hp, 220 Nm. The engine was installed on:
- BMW 1-Series F20 in 2015 – 2019;
- BMW 2-Series F22 in 2015 – 2021;
- BMW 3-Series F30 in 2015 – 2018.
B38K15T0: 231 hp, 320 Nm. The engine was installed on:
- BMW i8 L12 in 2013 – 2020;
- BMW i8 L15 in 2017 – 2020.
Disadvantages of the B38B15 / B38A15 engine
- Engines until 2015 suffered from excessive axial clearance on the crankshaft and the thrust bearing collapsed at 50,000 km. And then the design was finalized.
- The aluminum casing of the water-cooled turbine here is integral with the exhaust manifold and cracks from overheating, which leads to leakage of antifreeze.
- Like all engines with direct fuel injection, the intake valves are overgrown with soot, which results in floating rpm and unstable operation of the power unit.
- Weaknesses also include not the most durable catalyst and adsorber valve. Also, at high mileage, failures in the VANOS and Valvetronic systems are often encountered.
Frequently asked questions about the BMW B38
How much power does the BMW B38 make?
Power output of the BMW B38, hp: 102 - 140; 231 (hybrid version). Torque, Nm: 180 - 220; 320 (hybrid version).
How much oil does the BMW B38 take and which one?
Engine oil capacity: 4.25 liters. Recommended oil: 0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40.
Does the BMW B38 have a timing belt or chain?
The BMW B38 uses a timing chain.
Is the BMW B38 turbocharged?
Yes, the BMW B38 is turbocharged.
Does the BMW B38 need valve clearance adjustment?
No, the BMW B38 has hydraulic lifters, so the valve clearances do not need to be adjusted.
How long does the BMW B38 last?
The typical lifespan of the BMW B38 is ~300 000 km with proper maintenance.
What is the fuel consumption of the BMW B38?
318i F30: city 6.7, highway 4.6, combined 5.4 L/100 km.
What cars was the BMW B38 installed on?
BMW 2-Series F45 in 2015 - 2018, 2-Series F46 in 2015 - 2018.
What are the common problems of the BMW B38?
Engines until 2015 suffered from excessive axial clearance on the crankshaft and the thrust bearing collapsed at 50,000 km. And then the design was finalized. The aluminum casing of the water-cooled turbine here is integral with the exhaust manifold and cracks from overheating, which leads to leakage of antifreeze. All known problems.
