Engine B38B15A BMW F20 F21 F30 F31 LCI 118i 318i Complete B38 26k miles WARRANTY

Warranty and technical condition of the part

The engine is sold with a 90-day warranty.

The warranty covers the engine itself; engine accessories are covered by a 30-day warranty.

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

Listing details

The offer applies to a complete engine.

The engine comes from a right-hand drive (RHD) vehicle. The wiring harness is not compatible with left-hand drive (LHD) vehicles and requires replacement or modification.

Engine B38B15A BMW F20 F21 F30 F31 LCI 118i 318i Complete B38 26k miles WARRANTY is a modern, three-cylinder petrol unit from the B38 family, designed to effectively combine dynamics with fuel economy. This engine from the Engines category will serve as a precisely selected replacement for the factory power unit in compact BMW 1 and 3 series models. By maintaining factory specifications, it provides a solid foundation for professional repair or replacement of a damaged engine.

Specifications and technical data

• SKU: 0003080-1
• 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
• Mileage: 26000

Technical characteristics of the B38B15A unit

The B38B15A engine belongs to the modern family of modular BMW units, which utilizes a three-cylinder architecture and runs on petrol. This configuration allows for a favorable compromise between refinement, flexibility, and low fuel consumption, while maintaining adequate power for the 118i and 318i models. The three-cylinder design helps reduce the weight of the powertrain, which positively affects the car's handling and throttle response.

The unit is adapted to work with factory BMW control systems, which facilitates integration with the vehicle's electronics and ensures full functionality of onboard systems. The B38 family engine is widely used in modern BMW models, which translates into good availability of service knowledge and compatibility with the vehicle's original auxiliary infrastructure.

Application in BMW F20, F21, F30, F31 models

The presented power unit is intended for installation in popular BMW F-series models: F20 and F21 (1 series) as well as F30 and F31 (3 series) in 118i and 318i versions. As a result, it is a suitable choice when replacing a damaged engine in cars used both in city traffic and on longer routes. Structural consistency with factory BMW solutions allows for maintaining the original driving characteristics and powertrain performance.

The B38B15A petrol engine fits well with the requirements of users expecting efficient throttle response while maintaining reasonable operating costs. The use of this unit in the compact F20/F21 bodies and the more spacious F30/F31 provides adequate dynamics for daily use, without the need for interference with the vehicle's factory mechanical systems.

Condition, mileage, and suitability for further operation

The offered engine comes from the secondary market, which allows for a significant reduction in repair costs compared to purchasing a brand-new unit. The mileage is relatively low for a used unit, which increases the potential for further operation after proper installation and basic service maintenance. A used engine with documented mileage is a reasonable compromise between price and expected durability.

Before installation, standard preparatory activities are recommended, such as replacing consumables and verifying auxiliary components, to maximize the remaining potential of the unit. This approach is consistent with the practices of professional workshops specializing in the BMW brand and helps reduce the risk of unplanned vehicle downtime.

Selection by OEM numbers and benefits of buying a used engine

The B38B15A engine has an assigned OEM part number and a set of interchangeable numbers, which facilitates precise identification and selection for a specific vehicle configuration. Verification of compatibility by OEM number or the car's VIN is crucial to ensure proper cooperation with electronics, the gearbox, and other powertrain components. Precise matching by numbers minimizes the risk of installation problems and speeds up the repair process.

If you want to better understand how to safely buy used power units and what to pay attention to when selecting by VIN or manufacturer numbers, it is worth checking out our expert guide: Why it is worth buying used gearboxes and engines – facts instead of myths. You will find practical tips there that will help you make an informed purchasing decision and optimize repair costs.

BMW engines – expansion and modernization of the powertrain zone

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

For owners of older F-series models who are thinking about refreshing their car using components from the secondary market, a guide dedicated to the modernization of older cars may also be helpful: The second life of a youngtimer – how used car parts rejuvenate cars from the 1998–2012 model years. It allows you to better plan the scope of work and select the appropriate powertrain and accompanying elements.