Crankshaft thrust bearing and carbon on the 1.5 three-cylinder (B38)

Engine / equipment

1.5 three-cylinder B38 (also in the plug-in hybrids): BMW 1 Series, 2 Series Active Tourer, X1, X2 and MINI

Period mentioned

2014 onwards

Symptoms

On early engines with a manual gearbox, crankshaft thrust-bearing damage that can end in serious failure; over the years, loss of power and higher consumption from carbon in the intake, valves and injectors.

Possible cause described

The half-shell thrust bearing was too weak; a 360-degree one has been fitted since April 2015. BMW issued no recall but offered goodwill repairs. The German guide sees no chain problems and says early oil consumption has largely disappeared; the petrol particulate filter (from March 2018) rarely causes trouble.

Check for the garage

On engines before April 2015 with a manual gearbox, ask BMW whether the bearing upgrade was done and listen for crankshaft noises; use quality fuel and inspect the intake if power drops.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database