Engine guides

• BMW B47 2.0 diesel (318d, 320d, 520d): problems, costs and what to check

  A solid diesel with a fire-risk recall, so check the recall work and turbo paperwork first.

• BMW N47 2.0 diesel (116d to 520d, Mini Cooper D): problems, costs and what to check

  A workable diesel with a costly timing chain weak spot, so buy only with chain proof and check the EGR recall.

• BMW N57 3.0 diesel (330d, 530d, X5 30d): problems, costs and what to check

  A six-cylinder diesel with costly chain risk, so buy only with recall proof and oil and chain records.

• Fiat 1.2 8V petrol engine: problems, costs and what to check

  Belt due at 5 years or 120,000 km. Oil use and Dualogic gearbox faults are reported. Buy with a belt invoice and a gearbox test.

• Ford 1.0 EcoBoost petrol engine: problems, costs and what to check

  Wet belt, oil pump and coolant hose faults are the known ones. Buy with belt invoices, oil records and no coolant loss.

• Mercedes M270 1.6 and 2.0 turbo petrol (A 180, A 200, CLA 200): problems, costs and what to check

  A decent engine when the oil is changed on time, but a cold-start rattle or unusual engine noise on a 2015 car should stop the deal.

• Mercedes OM651 2.1 diesel (C 220 CDI, E 250 CDI, Sprinter): problems, costs and what to check

  Durable when maintained, but check the cold start chain rattle, early injectors and the 2014 tensioner seal before you buy.

• Stellantis 1.2 PureTech (EB2) petrol: problems, costs and what to check

  Buy only with belt invoices, a clean oil check and proof of on-time servicing, because the wet belt can destroy the engine.

• VW 1.0 TSI three-cylinder petrol (EA211): problems, costs and what to check

  A strong small engine, but check the coolant module, the injector recall and the turbo wastegate before you buy.

• VW 1.2 TSI and 1.4 TSI (EA111) petrol engines: problems, costs and what to check

  The timing chain and oil use are the known weak points. Buy only with chain paperwork and a clean oil check.

• VW 1.2 and 1.4 TSI (EA211) petrol engines: problems, costs and what to check

  Oil use and water pump leaks are the reported faults. Buy with a belt and pump record and a clean oil check.

• VW 1.5 TSI and eTSI (EA211 evo) petrol: problems, costs and what to check

  Cold-start judder, oil use, coolant leaks and 48 V faults are the risks, so buy a late car with software and service records and check the oil and coolant.

• VW 1.6 and 2.0 TDI (EA189) diesel engines: problems, costs and what to check

  Recall work, EGR and DPF faults and injector repairs are common. Buy with recall proof, a belt invoice and a clean fault memory.

• VW 2.0 TDI (EA288) diesel: problems, costs and what to check

  Coolant leaks, EGR and AdBlue faults are the main risks. Buy with a cold-start check, a coolant pressure test and a full scan.

• VW 2.0 TSI (EA888 gen 3 and 4) petrol: problems, costs and what to check

  A strong engine with known weak spots, so check the water pump, turbo and oil leaks before you buy.

• VW pump-injector TDI (1.4, 1.9, 2.0 PD and 2.5 R5): problems, costs and what to check

  Oil pump drive, rod bearing, head crack and cam faults are reported. Buy only with oil records and proof of the pump and head work.