Plastic guide rails hold the timing chain in place.
Applies to the engine B48B20, B48B20A, B38B15.
Repair: 700–2,900 EUR
2012–2018. The fault list covers this generation and the engines in it. If the listing gives the exact version, pick it below.

Jonathan Palombo / CC BY 2.0
What to watch for
The list covers the generation, the engines and the transmissions. Once you pick the version, only the faults that apply to it stay.
Plastic guide rails hold the timing chain in place.
Applies to the engine B48B20, B48B20A, B38B15.
Repair: 700–2,900 EUR
The multi-part crank hub is held in place only by the clamping force of the crankshaft bolt and the friction between the mating surfaces.
Applies to the engine S55B30.
The high pressure pump of these common rail diesels (Bosch CP4) can fail while driving.
Applies to the engine N47D20, N57D30, B47D20.
In these engines the water pump is not belt driven but has its own electric motor.
Applies to the engine N55B30, B38B15, B48B20 and 1 more.
The internal fins of the exhaust gas recirculation cooler crack over time, and glycol coolant leaks into the intake, where it mixes with soot.
Applies to the engine N47D20, N57D30, B47D20.
On the early model years the timing chain of the B47 stretches faster than intended.
Applies to the engine B47D20.
Repair: 1,200–4,500 EUR
The B47 replaced the N47, and the maker fixed the timing chain problem.
Applies to the engine B47D20.
On the electric power steering built from 2011 a recurring complaint is the assistance dropping out intermittently: the steering goes heavy while driving, then comes back after an ignition cycle.
It can affect every car in this generation.
14 more faults belong to this generation. On the version page, only the ones that apply stay.
The manufacturer fixes these for free at a franchised dealer. Ask with the VIN whether it was done. The list covers the whole generation. We did not filter it by model year. Some apply only to a narrower production window.
Most recent: 31 August 2026
SR/02525/26Safety recallFire31 August 2026 · EU Safety GateWater may enter the starter motor and cause damage. As a result, the engine may no longer start, or the starter motor may short-circuit or remain continuously activated. This could cause local overheating of the starter motor or thermal overload of surrounding components and lead to a vehicle fire, including when the ignition is switched off. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 31/08/2026
SR/01940/26Safety recallInjuries19 March 2025 · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 19/03/2025
A12/00868/23Safety recallInjuries30 March 2023 · EU Safety GateThe airbag may deteriorate over time, and if deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 30/03/2023
A12/01929/23Safety recallInjuries29 June 2021 · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
A12/01930/23Safety recallInjuries29 June 2021 · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag can deteriorate due to high humidity and temperature variations. In the event of an accident in which the airbag deploys, this could result in fragments from the inflator casing coming loose and injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: 29/06/2021
A12/00068/19Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe press-in force of the counterbalance shaft’s bearing shells may not have met the specifications, which could cause the counterbalance shaft to become loose. As a result, the engine could be damaged and locked in motion, increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/00783/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe airbag propellant may deteriorate over time, and If deployed, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator body to burst and metal fragments could pass through the cushion material causing injury to occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01162/20Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateA vibration fatigue failure of the track rod may occur due to to an exceptional bending load. Such a failure would lead to a loss of wheel control on one side of the vehicle, increasing the risk of an accident.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01223/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe accumulator in the driver/passenger head airbag inflator can leak, preventing the airbag to fully deploy if activated in an accident, impairing the protective effect of the airbag. Moreover, the accumulator can detach, entering the interior of the vehicle or becoming detached from the vehicle. This can lead to an increased risk of injury for passengers and/or other road users. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/01981/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateA seam on the inflator housing of the driver airbag may not have been correctly welded. In case of accident, when the airbag is deployed, the inflator can burst, releasing metal parts which could cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/02573/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/02833/24Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant in the driver airbag may deteriorate over time. If the airbags deploy, it could result in fragments from the inflator injuring the vehicle's occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
A12/03030/23Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe propellant within the integrated inflator of driver airbags can deteriorate during time. If the airbag deploys, it could result in fragments from the inflator casing injuring the vehicle’s occupants. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of Motor Vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/00372/26Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe accumulator in the head airbag inflator may not have been manufactured in accordance with specifications. Over time this could cause it to leak. If activated in an accident, the airbag would not fully deploy, as a result of which its restraining effect would be impaired. In addition, irrespective of the airbag being activated in an accident, the accumulator may detach. In this case, the accumulator could enter the interior of the vehicle or become detached from the vehicle. This could lead to an increased risk of injury for passengers and/or passers-by. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/00596/26Safety recallInjuriesno date · EU Safety GateThe driver airbag inflator may malfunction due to long-term degradation. In this case, if the airbag is deployed in an accident, the internal pressure in the inflator may be too high. The inflator could burst. Metal fragments may cause injuries. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
SR/03830/25Safety recallFireno date · EU Safety GateWater may come into contact with the starter relay and gradually cause corrosion. This could affect the electrical connection inside the relay and make the engine difficult to start. It may also result in a short circuit and could cause the starter to overheat leading to a fire when the vehicle is in motion or when it is parked with the ignition off. The product does not comply with the Regulation on the approval and market surveillance of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles.
Remedy: Type of economic operator taking notified measure(s): Manufacturer Category of measure(s): Recall of the product from end users Date of entry into force: Unknown
F30 · 2012–2018
The fault list opens on the version page.
321 versions
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · GS6
318i
2015–2019 · 318i
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · ZF8HP
318i
2015–2019 · 318i
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · ZF8HP
318i Corporate Lease Edition
2015–2019 · 318i Corporate Lease Edition
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · GS6
318i M Sport Edition
2015–2019 · 318i M Sport Edition
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · ZF8HP
318i M Sport Edition
2015–2019 · 318i M Sport Edition
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · ZF8HP
318i Touring
2015–2019 · 318i Touring
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · GS6
318i Touring
2015–2019 · 318i Touring
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · ZF8HP
318i Touring Corporate Lease Edition
2015–2019 · 318i Touring Corporate Lease Edition
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · ZF8HP
318i Touring M Sport Corporate Lease
2015–2019 · 318i Touring M Sport Corporate Lease
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · ZF8HP
318i Touring M Sport Edition
2015–2019 · 318i Touring M Sport Edition
1.5 l · 1499 cm³
B38B15 · GS6
318i Touring M Sport Edition
2015–2019 · 318i Touring M Sport Edition
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
316i
2012–2015 · 316i
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
316i
2012–2015 · 316i
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
316i Business
2012–2015 · 316i Business
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
316i Business
2012–2015 · 316i Business
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
316i Executive
2012–2015 · 316i Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
316i Executive
2012–2015 · 316i Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
316i High Executive
2012–2015 · 316i High Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
316i High Executive
2012–2015 · 316i High Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
316i Touring
2012–2015 · 316i Touring
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
316i Touring
2012–2015 · 316i Touring
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
316i Touring Business
2012–2015 · 316i Touring Business
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
316i Touring Business
2012–2015 · 316i Touring Business
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
316i Touring Executive
2012–2015 · 316i Touring Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
316i Touring Executive
2012–2015 · 316i Touring Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
316i Touring High Executive
2012–2015 · 316i Touring High Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
316i Touring High Executive
2012–2015 · 316i Touring High Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
320i EfficientDynamics
2012–2015 · 320i EfficientDynamics
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
320i EfficientDynamics
2012–2015 · 320i EfficientDynamics
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
320i EfficientDynamics Business
2012–2015 · 320i EfficientDynamics Business
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
320i EfficientDynamics Business
2012–2015 · 320i EfficientDynamics Business
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
320i EfficientDynamics Executive
2012–2015 · 320i EfficientDynamics Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
320i EfficientDynamics Executive
2012–2015 · 320i EfficientDynamics Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · GS6
320i EfficientDynamics High Executive
2012–2015 · 320i EfficientDynamics High Executive
1.6 l · 1598 cm³
N13B16 · ZF8HP
320i EfficientDynamics High Executive
2012–2015 · 320i EfficientDynamics High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d
2012–2015 · 316d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d
2012–2015 · 316d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d Business
2012–2015 · 316d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d Business
2012–2015 · 316d Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d Corporate Lease
2012–2015 · 316d Corporate Lease
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d Corporate Lease
2012–2015 · 316d Corporate Lease
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d Executive
2012–2015 · 316d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d Executive
2012–2015 · 316d Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d High Executive
2012–2015 · 316d High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d High Executive
2012–2015 · 316d High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d Touring
2012–2015 · 316d Touring
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d Touring
2012–2015 · 316d Touring
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d Touring Business
2012–2015 · 316d Touring Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d Touring Business
2012–2015 · 316d Touring Business
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d Touring Corporate Lease
2012–2015 · 316d Touring Corporate Lease
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d Touring Corporate Lease
2012–2015 · 316d Touring Corporate Lease
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d Touring Corporate Lease Edition
2015–2019 · 316d Touring Corporate Lease Edition
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d Touring Corporate Lease Edition
2015–2019 · 316d Touring Corporate Lease Edition
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d Touring Executive
2012–2015 · 316d Touring Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d Touring Executive
2012–2015 · 316d Touring Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
316d Touring High Executive
2012–2015 · 316d Touring High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
316d Touring High Executive
2012–2015 · 316d Touring High Executive
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · GS6
318d
2012–2015 · 318d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
318d
2012–2015 · 318d
2.0 l · 1995 cm³
B47D20 · N47D20 · ZF8HP
318d Business
2012–2015 · 318d Business
Neighbouring generations
F30/F31/F34 (2012-2019). If the listing is from the changeover year, look at the neighbour too.
Common questions
2012–2018. The changeover year can fall in two generations. If the listing is from that year, look at the neighbour too.
No. It depends on the engine and the transmission too.
The fault list is.
We write the descriptions, and we put the source next to them. A person reviews them before they go out. They are still information, not a technical expert opinion.