[Artemk93]

My mom is thinking about getting new 318i with a 3-cylinder engine.
How reliable are those engines, what are weak spots?
And what is the technical difference between B38A15M0 (134 hp) and B38K15T0 (228 hp). Wikipedia doesn't give much info. Do they just have different turbochargers or internals are also different?

Thanks.

 

[badreligion702]

Not many people here would be familiar with the B38, as most of the users here are from the US, and the only cars here that have the B38 available are newer Mini Coopers, so you may get more and better answers on either a more European oriented Bimmer board, or a Mini board. Best of luck.

 

[gkr778]

Welcome to Bimmerfest, Artemk93! B38 is too new to have much reliability data. I would expect B38 to be at least as reliable as the N13 Prince engine it replaces in the F30.

The top performance class B38 (B38K15T0) is used solely in the i8. Enhancements to B38K15T0 over the mid performance class B38A15M0 include:

• Reoriented crankcase position (to accommodate the i8's horizontal engine mounting)
• Larger main bearing and connecting rod bearing
• Higher density, gravity cast head
• Twin pipe intake
• Integrated CAC
• Modified turbine geometry and electric wastegate valve for turbo

The power and torque curves for B38K15T0 are more peaky than B38A15M0, as shown in the attached diagram.