BMW 1 3 Series E46 E87 E90 116i 316i N45 Engine Crankshaft Crank Shaft 8681623

BMW 1 3 Series E46 E87 E90 116i 316i N45 Engine Crankshaft Crank Shaft is a precision component of the crank-piston system, designed for N45 units used in popular 1 and 3 Series models. As a part from the Crankshafts category, it ensures proper transfer of forces from the pistons to the drivetrain, influencing engine refinement and durability. This used OEM component is a sensible choice for professional repairs or engine overhauls where structural fitment and compliance with factory standards are essential.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: 8681623
• Mark: Mini (Genuine OE)
• Condition: Used
• OEM Part Number: 8681623
• Substitutable numbers: 11218681623, 8681623, 11210390913 11210390914, 11217520740 11217520739 11217516052, 0390913 0390914 7520740, 7520739 7516052, ŁS
• Category: Crankshafts

Purpose and compatibility with the N45 engine

The presented crankshaft is designed to work with the N45 petrol engine used in the BMW 1 Series (E87) and 3 Series (E46, E90) in 116i and 316i versions. The appropriate geometry of the main and connecting rod journals, as well as the correct spacing and crank angle, allow for maintaining the factory operating parameters of the engine. Consequently, replacing a worn or damaged shaft with an original component from the same design group facilitates the maintenance of stable idle, correct compression, and even load distribution on the main and connecting rod bearings.

Technical characteristics of the crankshaft

As an element from the Crankshafts category, this shaft plays a key role in converting the reciprocating motion of the pistons into rotational motion. The design is intended to work with the standard N45 engine lubrication system, which enables proper oil supply to the journals and oil channels. Properly shaped counterweights help reduce torsional vibrations and improve the balance of the entire crank-piston system, which translates into smoother engine operation across various RPM ranges.

The original Mini / BMW origin ensures that factory dimensional tolerances are maintained, which is crucial when working with standard bearings, the flywheel, and the pulley. Such a configuration facilitates installation and limits the risk of issues with alignment, excessive clearance, or seizure during operation.

Application in professional engine repair

A used crankshaft of this type is often chosen for:

• overhauling an N45 unit after seizure or bearing damage,
• repairs following lubrication failure or engine overheating,
• engine rebuilding in fleet and private vehicles where repair economy is important while maintaining OEM compliance.

Replacing the shaft with an original component from the same design family allows for maintaining standard operating parameters without the need for modifications to the block, connecting rods, or accessories. This solution is particularly beneficial for workshops specializing in the BMW / Mini brand that expect predictable assembly and repeatable results after engine reassembly.

Condition, origin, and benefits of choosing a used part

The presented element comes from the Mini OE group and is offered as a used part, which allows for significantly lower repair costs compared to a new OEM component. At the same time, structural compliance with factory solutions is maintained, which is significant for long-term operation. Choosing an original, used crankshaft is particularly advantageous for older generations of BMW 1 and 3 Series, where the ratio of repair cost to vehicle value is critical.

Thanks to the preservation of factory geometry and compatibility with standard accessories, such a shaft can be directly prepared for further workshop processing (e.g., measurements, potential grinding, and bearing selection), which facilitates quality control of the entire overhaul process.

Repair expansion – other Mini crankshafts

If you are planning a comprehensive repair or upgrade of the engine area in your Mini and need other elements from the same group, such as additional shafts, components working with the crank system, or parts for other engines of this brand, check the available parts in the Mini Crankshafts category.

To better plan service work within the drivetrain and understand the relationships between engine components and power transmission, it is worth consulting practical technical materials – an article describing the operation of the steering system, power steering, and examples of using used parts may be helpful, available here: Steering system and power steering – how it works and what fails?.