BMW F20 F21 F22 F30 F31 LCI 118i 318i B38 Bare Engine B38B15A 59k miles WARRANTY

Warranty and technical condition of the part

The engine is sold with a 90-day warranty.

The power unit was tested before removal and is in full working order.

Listing details

The offer applies to a bare engine.

The engine is sold without accessories (e.g. alternator, starter motor, manifolds, injectors, turbocharger, etc.).

BMW F20 F21 F22 F30 F31 LCI 118i 318i B38 Bare Engine is a modern power unit from the BMW three-cylinder petrol engine family, designed for the popular 1 and 3 Series models. Thanks to its compact design and advanced combustion technology, it provides efficient performance while maintaining reasonable fuel consumption. This is an ideal choice for users looking for an original BMW engine for professional repair or replacement.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: 0003080
• Mark: BMW (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: 0003080
• Substitutable numbers: 11000003080, 0003080, 11002405549, 2405549, 11002455312, 2455312
• Fuel type: Petrol
• Number of cylinders: 3
• Category: Engines
• Engine code: B38B15A
• Mileage: 59 000

Technical characteristics of the B38B15A engine

The presented engine belongs to the Engines category and represents the new generation of BMW three-cylinder petrol units. The use of petrol fuel combined with a modern design allows for good refinement and favorable torque characteristics within typical RPM ranges. The B38B15A engine code is widely used in BMW F-series models, which facilitates selection based on the specific vehicle configuration.

The three-cylinder architecture results in lower weight of the powertrain and reduced internal friction, which is significant for both dynamics and fuel efficiency. The unit has been designed to work with modern engine control systems, enabling precise management of the combustion process and exhaust emissions.

Application in BMW F20, F21, F30, F31 models

The B38B15A engine is dedicated to BMW 1 Series (F20, F21) models in 118i versions and 3 Series (F30, F31) in 318i versions. This means it has been structurally adapted to the engine bay, cooling system, and accessories used in these generations. In practice, this facilitates installation and limits the need for modifying additional components when replacing the power unit.

Thanks to its widespread use across the model range, this engine is well-recognized by workshops specializing in the BMW brand, which promotes efficient diagnostics and subsequent maintenance. This solution is particularly beneficial for users who expect compatibility with factory vehicle systems and predictable operating costs.

Benefits of choosing a used BMW engine

The unit comes from the secondary market, which allows for a significant reduction in repair costs compared to purchasing a brand-new power unit. With proper selection based on the engine code and reference numbers, you can obtain a functionally compatible replacement for the original unit, maintaining the operating parameters specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

An engine with low mileage in the used powertrain component segment represents an attractive alternative to rebuilding heavily worn units. A properly selected unit allows for shortening vehicle downtime and limiting the risk of additional repairs resulting from the uncertain service history of the previous engine.

To better understand the economic and technical aspects of purchasing a used power unit, it is worth reading our expert guide: Why it is worth buying used gearboxes and engines – facts instead of myths. The article discusses, among other things, selection by OEM numbers, common myths, and the real cost ratios of repairs.

Selection, installation, and practical aspects

Before installation, it is recommended to verify the compatibility of the engine code with the vehicle documentation and the control systems used in the specific BMW unit. In workshop practice, selection procedures based on catalog numbers and manufacturer markings are often used, which minimizes the risk of incompatibility of accessories or electrical harnesses.

During preparation for installation, it is worth considering:

• checking the external condition of the unit and mounting points,
• verifying the tightness of basic systems (oil and cooling),
• adjusting the accessory configuration to the specifics of the given BMW model,
• updating or adapting the engine control unit software, if required by the vehicle configuration.

Such an approach helps increase the chances of trouble-free startup after replacement and stable operation in the long term.

Expanding upgrades in the BMW powertrain area

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the engine area in your BMW and need other elements from the same group, such as additional power units, engine blocks, or complete long blocks, check the available parts in the BMW Engines category.

In a situation where you want to limit vehicle downtime at the workshop and ensure quick availability of many powertrain components from a single source, a guide describing the impact of a wide assortment on repair time may be helpful: how a wide assortment in one warehouse shortens car downtime at the mechanic. Thanks to this, it is easier to plan the entire engine replacement process – from part selection to final installation.