BMW N46 gasoline engines were produced from 2004 to 2015 and were installed on almost all compact and medium-sized models of the group of that time. The 2.0-liter N46B20 engine was created on the basis of the N42B20 and at first glance does not differ from its predecessor, but it is not.
The differences between the BMW N42 and the N46 are as follows: a different crankshaft, balancer shafts, connecting rods and a cylinder head cover, a redesigned intake manifold, a modified timing chain tensioner, new spark plugs and a generator, a Valvetronic control unit integrated into the ECU and some other little things. Otherwise, this is the same N42 with its pluses and minuses. Bosch ME 9.2/Bosch MV17.4.6 engine management system.
Since 2007, the engine has been slightly upgraded, the intake manifold and exhaust camshaft have been replaced, the new modification was called the N46N.
This motor was used on BMW cars with an index of 18i and 20i.
Specifications
| Production years | 2004-2012 BMW Plant Hams Hall |
| Displacement, cc | 1995 |
| Fuel system | injector |
| Power output, hp | 129 – 150 143 – 170 (N46N) |
| Torque output, Nm | 180 – 200 190 – 210 (N46N) |
| Cylinder block | aluminum R4 |
| Block head | aluminum 16v |
| Cylinder bore, mm | 84 |
| Piston stroke, mm | 90 |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Features | Valvetronic |
| Hydraulic lifters | yes |
| Timing drive | chain |
| Phase regulator | double VANOS |
| Turbocharging | no |
| Recommended engine oil | 5W-30 |
| Engine oil capacity, liter | 4.25 |
| Fuel type | petrol |
| Euro standards | EURO 4/5 |
| Fuel consumption, L/100 km (for 320i E90) — city — highway — combined |
10.7 5.6 7.4 |
| Engine lifespan, km | ~300 000 |
Disadvantages of the N46B20 engine
- Excessive consumption of engine oil. As with the N42 series, the main reason is the destruction of the valve stem seals due to prolonged filling of low-quality oil. The oil scraper rings also suffer from this. Both components need to be replaced after 50 thousand kilometers. Bad oil can easily damage the Vanos and Valvetronic systems, crankcase ventilation valve and the oil pump.
- Motor jitter. The system for changing the valve timing is clogged – Vanos. Cleaning required.
- The appearance of noise and diesel effect. The same reasons as on the N42 version are a loosening of the timing chain or a breakdown of its tensioner. Such ailments appear already after passing 100 thousand kilometers.
Fifty thousand kilometers of run can be marked by leaking valve cover gaskets and vacuum pump. To avoid most of the engine malfunctions and to make it work harmoniously, like a good clockwork, you can, if you constantly monitor its condition, undergo maintenance on time and fill it with only good oils and fuel.
bonjour,
J’ai un X1 modéle 2013 avec un N46B20BD de 93000 km et j’ai exactement les problèmes décrits.
Consommation d’huile avec fumée blanche au démarrage et lors des accélérations, j’ai remplacé les joints de queue de soupapes mais cela n’a pas suffit je pense qu’un segment racleur est en cause.
J’hésite entre faire ouvrir le moteur pour remplacer les pistons ou trouver un autre moteur?
Si des mécaniciens veulent me donner leur avis je suis à l’écoute.
Merci
Google Translate:
Good morning,
I have a 2013 model X1 with an N46B20BD of 93000 km and I have exactly the problems described.
Oil consumption with white smoke when starting and when accelerating, I replaced the valve stem seals but that was not enough I think an oil ring is to blame.
I’m hesitating between opening the engine to replace the pistons or finding another engine?
If mechanics want to give me their opinion, I’m open to listening.
THANKS
your lifspan km definitely wrong!
This engine would never make 300 000! i had multiple times and it start troubling with 100000.
Please correct this misinformation or hide such unserious information
Im on 250k but no issues just maintain your engine regularly sir
exactly. Max needs a bicycle, not a BMW.
Je suis sur 254000 et RAS ,je rajoute que il suffit de respecter et a mon avis écourté les vidanges et vous aurez un véhicule top . Bonne route
I am on 254000 and RAS, I add that you just have to respect and in my opinion shorten the oil changes and you will have a top vehicle. Good road
Mine has 360.000km and it’s time for a new head gasket. The last 5.000km oil passes to Coolant and I need to fix this.
I’m changing the oil every 10.000km and I’m using only BMW oil. I hope after the repair to get me at least 100.000km more!