Among motorists.
All these myths, not surprisingly, are echoes of the epic confrontation between Japanese, American and European concerns. But the most interesting thing is that these inventions are not inventions at all. Long-lived motors do exist.
Petrol "fours"
Yes it's true. Even ordinary “fours” can serve faithfully for a long time. But among them, three power units stand out, which bear the proud title of "legends".
Toyota 3S-FE
This motor is considered not only one of the most tenacious, but also a role model in terms of reliability. The 2-liter 3S-FE appeared in the late 80s of the last century and quickly became very popular. Although its design for those years was ordinary (16 valves, 4 cylinders, 128-140 hp), this did not prevent the engine from “registering” on the most popular Toyota models. These are Camry (1987-1991), and Carina (1987-1998), and Avensis (1997-2000), as well as RAV4 (1994-2000).
If the owner took care of the “steel horse” and serviced his “heart” in a timely manner, then the 3S-FE could easily and naturally “wind” 500 thousand kilometers. And even more. Moreover, even now cars equipped with these power units are not so rare. On some, the mileage even exceeds 600-700 thousand. And this is without a major overhaul!
Honda D series
Honda engines have been retired for 10 years now. And before that, there were 21 years of production, during which the “engines” worked for the “five” with a plus.
There are about ten variations of the D-series. The volume started at 1.2 liters and ended at 1.7. The “herd of horses” reached 131, and the revolutions were approaching 7 thousand.
These engines went to the Honda HR-V, Civic, Stream and Accord, as well as to the Integra, produced under the Acura banner.
Longevity Japanese motors just amazing. For them, "running back" for almost a million kilometers without a major overhaul is not a problem. And after the “treatment”, the resource of the engines did not change significantly.
BMW M30
In 1968, several significant events took place at once. Among them - the appearance of a landmark for all fans bmw engine M30. It was produced until 1994 in various variations.
The volume of the power unit ranged from 2.5 liters to 3.4, while the number of "horses" varied from 150 to 220.
As you know, everything ingenious is simple. So the M30 was brilliant in its simplicity. 12 valve aluminum block head, cast iron block, timing chain. They also produced a “charged” version of the unit - a turbocharged one with a capacity of 252 hp.
Equipped with this force BMW unit 5th, 6th and 7th series.
Even now, the M30 has not left the automotive scene. Among the ads for the sale of used Bavarians, you can find cars with just this engine. A run of up to 500 thousand kilometers without a major overhaul for the M30 is not the limit. It can "run back" and more, most importantly, timely service.
BMW M50
This engine has become a worthy successor of its kind. The volume of the M50 varied from 2 to 2.5 liters, and the "herd of horses" was 150-192.
Interestingly, the cylinder block was still cast iron, but there were already 4 valves per cylinder. As this engine evolved, it acquired a kind of gas distribution system, which everyone knows under the name VANOS.
In general, the M50 could easily "wind" 500-600 thousand kilometers without a major overhaul. But his M52 receiver cannot boast of such results. It was a very complex design. Although the new generation of motors is good, the frequency of breakdowns and the overall resource cannot be compared with the M50.
V-shaped "eight"
V8 engines have never been known for some fantastic margin of safety. It is understandable, because their design is specially lightened and obviously more complex.
But, despite this, in Bavaria they managed to design a power unit that could “pass” even 500,000 kilometers. At the same time, he does not annoy his owner with frequent breakdowns.
BMW M60
We are talking about this Bavarian creation. Everything is in its place in it: a chain in two rows and a coating of nickel-silicon (nikasil). Thanks to this arsenal, the cylinders turned out to be indestructible.
It is not uncommon for the M60 with a range of 400-500 thousand kilometers in technical condition to remain practically new. In it, even the piston rings by this time were kept in very good condition.
And everything would be fine if not for one "but". This most nikasil coating, with all its obvious advantages, had one significant disadvantage - the absolute absence of sulfur resistance in the fuel. This played a cruel joke with the engine. Powertrains in the United States, where high-sulphur Canadian gasoline is common, have been especially hard hit. Therefore, over time, the nikasil coating was abandoned in favor of the alusil coating. Although it is just as hard, it is more sensitive to shock.
M60s were produced from 1992 to 1998 and went to the "Bavarians" of the 5th and 7th series.
D isel centenarians
It's no secret that diesels have always been famous for their durability and reliability. The main thing is that the "heavy" fuel should be of good weaving. And the first generation of such engines was not distinguished by the complexity of the design, which added significant mileage to the margin of safety.
Mercedes-Benz OM602
The engines rolled off the assembly lines in Stuttgart for 17 years (1985-2002). They did not cause any complaints or claims. Quite the contrary, almost poems were written about their reliability and maintainability, despite the mileage.
Almost all modern gasoline engines have a very complex design, thanks to which the engineers who worked on them manage to achieve excellent environmental and power performance. But if many power units, despite this, can withstand a run of 200-250 thousand kilometers without any problems, then individual copies begin to present unpleasant surprises much earlier. So what modern gasoline engines deserve to be called the worst in terms of reliability today?
Engines 2.0 JTS and 2.2 JTS Alfa Romeo
Without a doubt, this list includes 2.0 JTS and 2.2 JTS engines installed on Alfa Romeo cars. These power units can be found under the hood of the 156, 159, GT and Brera models. Both engines have one common problem - carbon deposits on the intake valves. In the case of a power unit of a smaller volume, it can even come to damage to the valves. And the 2.2 JTS is characterized by accelerated wear of the camshafts. In addition, both power units are prone to excessive oil consumption. Periodic failures in the operation of control electronics are not uncommon.
Toyota ZZ series (1.4 - 1.8 liters)
Excessive consumption of oil affects and ZZ series engines (1.4 - 1.8 liters) from Toyota, which were born in 2000 and were installed, for example, on models Corolla Verso and Avensis. Due to a design miscalculation, not all parts of the ZZ family engines receive the required amount of lubrication, which often ends in very rapid wear of the piston rings. Fortunately, the Japanese still tried to solve this problem and used an additional oil channel in the modified engines.
Petrol engine 1.6 THP Peugeot and Citroen
It didn't turn out too well and petrol engine 1.6 THP, which the French from Peugeot companies and Citroen designed together with specialists from the German BMW. Initially, this power unit, but it was installed on the BMW of the first series, Mini Cooper S and almost everything modern models concern PSA, has earned a lot of flattering reviews. However, it later became clear that this engine prone to premature wear camshaft bearings, which can also accelerate even more when driving for a long time with reduced level engine oil. Add here the malfunctions of the electronics and the valve timing system. But that's not all. Quite often, damage to the turbocharger rotor occurs in 1.6 THP engines. And the worst thing is that all this happens at a very low mileage. Against this background, the problems with the stretching chain of the timing mechanism no longer seem so significant.
Engines of the TSI family (1.2 and 1.4 liters) Volkswagen
The chain is also stretched in the engines of the TSI family (1.2 and 1.4 liters) from Volkswagen. And if you do not rush to replace it, then it is quite possible to get to the overhaul of the engine. In addition, in TSI engines due to a defective valve, problems with the turbine are often observed. And on some cars, cases of piston burnout were recorded at all. Volkswagen, however, responded very quickly to the problems that arose and already in 2012 introduced a new version of the motor (EA211 series). In it, the timing chain drive was replaced by a much less problematic belt.
Three-cylinder gasoline engine 1.0 R3 Opel
Well, the most unfortunate this moment can be recognized three-cylinder petrol engine 1.0 R3 from Opel, which was installed on Opel models Corsa C and Agila. Not only is this power unit notable for its rather rough operation and low power, it is also one of the worst in terms of reliability. Failed ignition coils and an engine control unit, oil and coolant leaks are far from all that owners of cars with this power unit under the hood have to deal with. For some of them, it all ended with twisted liners and a broken timing chain. A certain minus of the 1.0 R engine can also be called the fact that it was installed exclusively on available small cars. As a result, now the cost of overhauling such a power unit may well exceed the cost of the car itself. There is something to think about!
Since the advent of the first internal combustion engine, power units have evolved quite rapidly. Thanks to global popularization, motors from various manufacturers have become more technologically advanced, productive and powerful with each new version.
Also, the reliability of the internal combustion engine has significantly increased compared to the first samples, in better side changed the most important characteristics etc. At the same time, in the history of engine building at different stages, installations appeared that could be considered not just another engine with a number of modifications and improvements, but a real breakthrough.
In other words, such units, to a greater or lesser extent, had an impact on the auto industry as a whole. Next, we will talk about what are the best motors in the world at different times became the next starting point for further development and evolution.
Read in this article
Best Car Engine: Most Outstanding Motors
10. Let's start with the more familiar modern units, thanks to which today there has been a widespread reduction in displacement (downsizing) along with an increase in power and torque. It is not difficult to guess what we are talking about.
At the same time, it should be emphasized Audi engine 1.8 T, which appeared in the distant 90s. Such a motor provided impressive performance with a relatively modest volume, and its appearance can be considered the beginning of a gradual abandonment of large-volume internal combustion engines.
The power unit for its time turned out to be quite advanced technically, since simultaneously with turbocharging it received 5 valves per cylinder, a variable valve timing system, forged aluminum pistons and a number of other solutions.
9. In ninth place on the list was the (Wankel engine), which was finalized by Japanese engineers from Mazda for their sports models RX series. From the moment the two-section 13V rotary piston engine appeared in 1975, this engine and its modifications later became the most massive RPDs in the world.
Thanks to a range of innovations rotary motor, which at the initial stage had only about 100 hp, later gave out about 300 "horses" on forced stock versions. The engine was equipped with a turbocharger, had an advanced control system fuel injection etc.
Even taking into account the fact that such a unit has a reduced resource and consumes a lot of oil and fuel, it is distinguished by its low weight and working volume, spins up to 10 thousand rpm, and allows you to achieve a low center of gravity. Such features allowed the Mazda RX-7 with RPD to become the leader of the race in the 80s.
8. Next, we will talk about Chevrolet engine V8 from the Small Block line. This engine is found under the hoods of GM models and is the most massive "eight" of all time, since its modifications with minor changes were put on cars from 1955 to 2004.
During this time, about 90 million of these internal combustion engines were manufactured, and the first versions were created for the legendary Corvette sports car as a replacement for the weak in-line six-cylinder unit.
In various modifications, this V8 did not have a volume below 4.3 liters. There are also versions with an impressive 6.6 liters. The engine is low because it was originally designed to fit under the hood of a Chevrolet Corvette.
At the same time, the engine turned out to be so successful that they then began to put it on all GM models, for which the presence of a V8 was assumed. The main advantages of this unit are performance, reliability, simple design, not particularly demanding on the quality of fuel and oil.
7. In seventh place were BMW engines, namely the in-line "six". Thanks to the efforts of German engineers, six cylinders arranged in a row became a symbol of an entire era, and also changed the idea of how a powerful and productive in-line engine should work.
The first "six" BMW appeared in 1968, and the legendary atmospheric racing S54 of 2000 on the BMW M3 became the crown. With a relatively modest volume of 3.2 liters, the engine produced 340 hp, which is an outstanding achievement for an aspirated engine.
At the same time, it was the Bavarians, even against the backdrop of the refusal of other manufacturers to install in-line 6-cylinder engines in favor of more compact V6s, despite everything, they continued to use the in-line ICE with 6 cylinders on their models for a long time and actively. Thanks to this solution, motorists around the world were able to appreciate the smooth operation, minimum vibration and the ability of the motor to quickly spin up to maximum speed.
6. Closer to the middle of the list was the legendary V8 HEMI, which was assembled from 1964 to 1971. The motor got its name due to the unique combustion chamber in the form of a hemisphere. At the same time, this motor should not be confused with those analogues of the same name that are produced today. The '64 version is a true sporty V8 with a displacement of 7.0 liters and an output of about 425 hp. An engine with a lower camshaft, has two valves per cylinder and a minimum of complex design solutions.
A distinctive feature of such an internal combustion engine was that these are really indestructible engines with an amazing margin of safety. The weight of the motor is about 400 kg, the design is very simple and extremely reliable, capable of withstanding extreme high loads even with maximum boost. It is not surprising that such an engine is very expensive today, as it is of particular value to street racing enthusiasts, athletes, collectors, etc.
5. The high-tech W16 engine, which was created to return Bugatti to the supercar market, deservedly takes the fifth place. This engine initially received a dizzying power of more than 1000 hp, being an evolution of Volkswagen's VR-shaped internal combustion engines.
The minimum angle of collapse of the cylinders (15 degrees) made it possible to put one on two rows of cylinders. Also the motor received unique system self-diagnosis to quickly find a problem in one of the 16 cylinders. As for the design, in addition to 4 turbochargers and several cooling radiators, titanium, an aluminum oil pump and other extremely expensive parts were also used.
As a result, the mass of the W16 is only about 400 kg, and the cost of manufacturing the engine does not matter, since the main task is to obtain the huge power and endurance of the internal combustion engine to achieve outstanding supercar performance. Bugatti Veyron and the hypercar Chiron with a dizzying 1500 hp.
4. The next engine that deserves special attention is the V8 from Ford, which is directly associated with cars from the USA and is a kind of hallmark of the entire American auto industry.
The fact is that the installation of such an internal combustion engine on mass car models allowed the G8 to get as close as possible to a simple consumer, and not remain the property of the owners of extremely expensive and “luxury” cars.
The V8 engine from Ford appeared in 1932, was much more massive than its counterparts from Europe, and often cost less. Thanks to the efforts of the Henry Ford company, two cylinder blocks and a crankcase were cast as a single piece. The crankshaft was not forged, but made by casting, after which the strength was achieved, in simple terms by thermal hardening. The camshaft was in the cylinder block, the design of the motor was simplified as much as possible.
The result was a powerful, cheap and durable engine that quickly caught on among the masses thanks to its installation on many popular models. Also, it was on the basis of such engines that the culture of tuning an automobile internal combustion engine was born, since the Ford V8 could be easily.
This is how the first “charged” versions appeared, better known today as hot rods (hot-rod), and the 8-cylinder engines themselves became not just a standard, but actually a symbol of cars from the USA.
3. In third place on our list of engines that have contributed to history and influenced the global engine industry, the engine deservedly gets. The most famous manufacturers of internal combustion engines of this type are Volkswagen (Porsche) and Japanese company Subaru with their Boxers.
At the initial stage, the “opposite” received immense popularity and recognition since the pilot batches in 1933 on the Volkswagen Beetle model, and the release of improved versions ended only in 2006. The engine initially had air cooling, the unit turned out to be as simple as possible, distinguished by reliability, acceptable power and unpretentiousness.
As for the Japanese, the Subaru brand actually relied on such a layout. As a result boxer engines from Japan turned out to be compact, light, the level of vibrations is reduced, the center of gravity allows you to achieve excellent weight distribution and controllability of the car.
Even with the complexities of maintenance and repair, Subaru boxer engines are well-deservedly popular due to a number of unique features. By the way, the boxer is evolving further, Subaru was introduced not so long ago.
2. In second place is the so-called. The recognized leader in this area is Toyota. The company's engineers built a unique symbiosis of an electric motor and a familiar internal combustion engine, thereby significantly reducing fuel consumption and toxic emissions into the atmosphere.
At the same time, a hybrid engine even today looks like a more preferable option against the background of active development, which are completely devoid of an internal combustion engine.
An example is the well-known model Toyota Prius or premium Lexus hybrid. In these models, the gasoline engine has a high compression ratio and is tuned to work in tandem with an electric motor. transmission for hybrid cars also represents a whole group of complex engineering and design solutions.
AT in general terms, for starting and at low speed traditional internal combustion engine on hybrid machines it is not involved, an electric motor is responsible for the rotation of the wheels, which is powered by electric batteries. If the driver needs more power, then after the start from electric traction at a certain speed, the internal combustion engine is connected, which, together with the electric motor, further effectively accelerates the car. At the same time, during the operation of the gasoline unit, the batteries are also charged.
The best motor of all time in the automotive industry
So, the well-deserved first place and the honorary title of “the best engine in the world” in our list goes to the power unit that was installed on the Ford Model T. This engine can be considered the most common engine on the planet, which significantly influenced the development of not only the automotive industry, but and our entire civilization.
The fact is that in addition to the Ford T model itself, this power unit was installed on trucks, boats, was used as a driving force for electric generators, etc. The working volume was 2900 cm3, 4 cylinders, the power was only 20 hp, while the unit produced a good indicator of torque and was extremely unpretentious in terms of fuel quality. The power plant successfully ran on kerosene and even ethanol.
However, this is not all. The main trump card is the ultimate simplicity of design. The planetary two-stage gearbox was integrated into one unit with the internal combustion engine, the oil for the engine and gearbox was common. She herself did not assume the supply under pressure, lubricant hit the parts by spraying.
List of the most reliable gasoline and diesel engines: 4-cylinder power units, in-line 6-cylinder internal combustion engines and V-shaped power plants. Rating.
Production: since 1993 - 1.2 liters, since 2003 - 1.4 liters.
Application: Fiat Punto/Grande Punto/Punto Evo, Fiat 500, Fiat Panda, Fiat Idea, Fiat Palio, Ford Ka (2nd generation), Fiat Linea, Lancia Musa, Lancia Y.
Fiat engines of the FIRE series (Fully Integrated Robotised Engine - completely assembled by robots engine) for over 30 years. The range of powertrains covers wide range engines with a working volume from 769 cm3 to 1368 cm3, and 8-valve versions were later supplemented with 16-valve ones. Two 8-valve units without hydraulic pushers are worthy of attention.
In general, all versions of engines with an 8-valve head, regardless of the displacement, turned out to be very durable. The simple design showed high wear resistance even in small displacement engines (eg 1.1). Outdated 8-valve versions after a timing belt break will not require a major overhaul, which is inevitable for more modern modifications, which have a higher compression ratio and comply with Euro-5 standards.
FIRE engines have always been characterized by "plasticity" of character. Incredibly, two absolutely identical motors after running in behaved completely differently. So with calm drivers, he behaved lazily, and with temperamental drivers, he behaved more briskly.
Regular maintenance involves changing the timing belt, spark plugs and a reasonable oil change interval (in Europe it is a maximum of 15,000 km). These engines are absolutely reliable - they can only occasionally be disturbed by minor oil leaks.
Ford 1.38VDuratecRocam"
Production: 2001-2008
Application: Ford Ka (1st generation), Ford Fiesta VI.
The engine is similar in design and parameters to the older 1.3 OHV. It has a cast iron block, timing chain and hydraulic tappets. The power unit is rather lazy, but absolutely reliable. It has good traction low revs and requires minimal operating costs. The motor was assembled in Brazil and South Africa (South Africa). The abbreviation Rocam stands for Shaft with Roller Bearings.
Along with the ancient OHC "Pinto" unit (used, for example, in the Ford Sierra), this is one of the most reliable engines that has ever been under the hood of a Ford. The larger 1.6L Rocams are much rarer. They were used mainly in the "charged" Ford SportKa and Ford StreetKa.
Honda 2.2i-DTEC
Production: 2008-2015.
Application: Honda Accord 8th generation, Honda CR-V 3rd generation, Honda Civic- 9th generation.
In fact, 98% of Honda's gasoline units could be listed here, and no one would object. But much more interesting is the fact that the Japanese diesel engine turned out to be very reliable. And this despite the fact that its design uses all the most vulnerable elements of modern diesel engines, which the best of competitors cannot cope with.
Using a single-row timing chain is completely counterproductive, not to mention a thermally unstable aluminum block with thin, dry steel cylinder inserts (complicating heat dissipation), any BMW N47 diesel connoisseur will tell you.
In 2.2 i-DTEC, such a set works properly for a long time. Even the piezoelectric injectors, the turbocharger (has water-cooled bearings) and the electrically controlled EGR valve do not cause problems. The normally carbonized swirl flaps in the intake manifold have been replaced bypass valve at the entrance to the bifurcated intake duct, and the EGR was "connected" behind it.
The only known drawback is the failure of the differential pressure sensor of the DPF filter.
Mercedes M266 (1.5/1.7/2.0)
Production: 2004-2012.
Application: mercedes a-class(W/C 169), Mercedes B-Class (T 245).
Rugged and reliable diesel engines from OM601 to OM606 are known from the legendary W124. But they are long out of date. However, among the newer units you can find a hardy motor. This is M266. The 4-cylinder petrol engine is an evolution of the previous M166, known from first A-Class and Vaneo.
The engine received a specific design, as it had to be placed at a large slope in a cramped engine compartment. The engineers relied on simplicity: only one timing chain and 8-valve gas distribution mechanism.
The mechanical part is very reliable. Injector failures are very rare (which is somewhat surprising for an indirect injection gasoline engine). But in most cases, the defect manifested itself during the warranty period.
All three versions of the motor are very hardy. The presence of turbocharging for modifications of the A200 Turbo theoretically increases the likelihood of malfunctions, but in reality nothing of the kind happens. The disadvantages include slightly increased fuel consumption, but this merit is not enough good aerodynamics of the body.
Mitsubishi 1.3/1.5/1.6MIVEC (series 4A9)
Production: since 2004.
Application: Mitsubishi Colt, Mitsubishi Lancer, Mitsubishi ASX, Smart ForFour, Citroën C4 Aircross.
Almost all Mitsubishi gasoline engines are very reliable, so choosing the best one is not easy. One of the most common is the 4-cylinder unit of the 4A9 series. It was created in a Mitsubishi/Daimler-Chrysler collaboration and is one of the most reliable engines on the market today.
4A9 is made entirely of aluminum, has a 16-valve DOHC gas distribution system, variable valve timing inlet valves with electronic control MIVEC (some versions of the engine with a working volume of 1.3 liters are deprived of it). Although the engine is over 10 years old, no problems are known. Cars with such engines come to the service only for maintenance - replacement, oil, filters and candles.
4A9 is only atmospheric. Turbocharged Colt CZT/Ralliart models use a completely different Mitsubishi "Orion" engine. Citroen C4 Aircross inherited the engine from its technical Mitsubishi twin ASX 1.6 MIVEC, but it is marketed under the simple name 1.6 i, and in some markets even under the completely amazing 1.6 VTi.
PSA 1.4HDi 8V(DV4)
Production: since 2001.
Application: Citroen C1, C2 Citroen, Citroen C3, Citroen Nemo, Peugeot 107, Peugeot 1007, Peugeot 206, Peugeot 207, Peugeot Bipper, Toyota Aygo, Ford Fiesta, Ford Fusion, Mazda 2.
The small 1.4 HDi can be seen as the successor to the legendary XUD7/XUD9. Even despite the fact that "on paper" the 1.4 HDi was created in collaboration with Ford (as was the larger 1.6 HDi). In fact, this is a completely French design, which turned out to be very successful.
Like Honda, the French were able to create a durable aluminum block with dry inserts. The timing belt is capable of going 240,000 km or 10 years. A simple turbocharger will last forever. injection system common rail manufactured by Siemens has proven itself from the very beginning. Mazda, Ford and some PSA models have recently mentioned the Bosch injection system.
Initiates know that there is also a 16-valve version with a return of 90 hp. for more powerful options - Citroen C3 1.4 HDi and Suzuki Liana 1.4 DDiS. With its leaky 16-valve head, variable geometry turbocharger and Delphi injection system, this engine will never match the simple 8-valve version in terms of reliability.
Subaru 3.0 / 3.6R6 (EZ30 /EZ36)
Production: since 2000.
Application: Subaru Legacy, Subaru Outback, Subaru Tribeca.
Of all the illustrious Subaru boxers, the most reliable are the naturally aspirated six-cylinder EZ series, known from the Outback, Legacy 3.0R and the Tribeca crossover. The first versions of the 3-liter Outback H6 (219 hp until 2002) still had a mechanical throttle control and aluminum intake manifold. Later modifications (245 hp), despite more sophisticated technologies (among others, the system for regulating the height of the lift and the phases of the intake valves, and in 3.6 also the exhaust ones), did not become more “vulnerable”.
The engine has so-called wet cylinder liners and a durable timing chain. The only real downside is the relatively high level fuel consumption (especially in the Legacy 3.0 Spec B equipped with a sports manual with a short-stroke gear selector) and minor maintenance difficulties (for example, to change spark plugs due to poor accessibility to the "horizontal" cylinders).
Suzuki 1.3/1.5/1.6DOHCM"
Production: since 2000.
Application: Suzuki Jimny, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Ignis, Suzuki SX4, Suzuki Liana, Suzuki Grand Vitara (1.6), Fiat Sedici (1.6), Subaru Justy III.
M series engines include 1.3, 1.5, 1.6 and 1.8 small capacity motors. The latter is exclusively for the Australian market. On the European continent, the power unit is found in almost all small and medium Suzuki models that appeared at the turn of our millennium, and in the Fiat Sedici 1.6, which is a copy of the Suzuki SX4. The mechanical part of the engine is very reliable and durable. Even the phase change system is not satisfactory VVT valve timing used by most engine modifications. It is not only in the 1.3-liter version, designed for Ignis and Jimny until 2005, and the old 1.5 modifications for the SX4.
The timing chain drive is reliable. Among the minor drawbacks, small oil leaks through the crankshaft oil seal can be noted. More serious malfunctions are almost never encountered.
Toyota 1.51NZ-FXE Hybrid
Production: since 1997.
Application: Toyota Prius I, Toyota Prius II, Toyota Yaris III Hybrid.
As with Honda, almost all Toyota engines could be included in this review, but let's focus on the hybrid, which is still viewed with skepticism by most motorists. And this despite the fact that this power unit has unprecedented reliability. A simple high compression gasoline engine running on the Atkinson cycle, a permanent magnet synchronous electric motor and nothing else.
There are no gearboxes in the classical sense, and therefore there are no problems with this device. Instead, a planetary gearbox with two inputs and one output is used. gear ratio varies depending on the difference in the speeds of rotation of both engines.
The most frightening thing is the expensive battery. But so far none of the owners have changed it. European competitors can not oppose anything to the phenomenal Japanese reliability.
Volkswagen 1.9SDI /TDI
Production: 1991-2006 (in some markets until 2010).
Application: Audi 80 B4, Audi A4 (1st generation), Audi A3 (1st generation), Audi 100/A6 (C4), Audi A6 (C5), Seat Alhambra, Seat Ibiza, Seat Cordoba, Seat Inca, Seat Leon, Seat Toledo, VW Caddy, VW Polo, VW Golf, VW Vento, VW Bora, VW Passat, VW Sharan, VW Transporter, Ford Galaxy(1st generation), Škoda Fabia and Škoda Octavia (1st generation).
Without a doubt, this is one of the most famous, but perhaps the most controversial engine on our list. The SDI/TDI engines are based on the old 1.9 D/TD. They received direct injection, the thermal loads on the block head were reduced and a Bosch rotary pump was installed, however, it is sensitive to fuel quality.
The reliability and durability, especially of the simple naturally aspirated 1.9 SDI versions, deserves respect. The engine is able to cover more than one million kilometers without major investments. Commonly Mentioned Sensor Problems mass flow air is not taken into account.
Paradoxically, the most reliable turbocharged option is only the 90 PS TDI with a maximum torque of 202 Nm (code designation 1Z or AHU). This turbodiesel appeared in the early nineties and was used in Audi, Golf III, Passat B4, Seat until 1996-1997.
Among the Skoda Octavia, the CMA is considered the best TDI. Its small fixed-geometry turbocharger exhibits much greater survivability than the 90-horsepower ALH's variable-geometry supercharger. The latter was prone to blade sticking, just like the 110 hp version.
The only weak point of SDI/TDI, especially in the early years of production, is the crankshaft damper pulley.
The engine is the main and most expensive unit; its reliability largely determines whether the maintenance of the car will be costly. This is especially true for buyers of used cars. If only because usually the motors begin to demand attention after warranty period- more often in second or third owners. It is to them that our rating is primarily addressed, prepared jointly with the Moscow company INOMOTOR, which has been engaged in professional repair engines.
We have planned several comparative materials in which we will consider engines of different sizes. Let's start with atmospheric two-liter gasoline engines. Because good overhaul- pleasure is not cheap, units of smaller cubic capacity are almost not brought to minders: their restoration will cost more than the so-called contract engine with mileage, brought from abroad. Therefore, statistics on such motors are too scarce for comparative analysis.
The ranking includes well-studied and popular engines that debuted 10-15 years ago. Around this time, there was a significant drop in quality - the resource of motors and their reliability decreased significantly. For the most part, these units were installed on cars of the penultimate generation, many of which became bestsellers in the secondary market. They put on solid runs, giving enough material to think about reliability.
The main criterion for the distribution of seats is the total resource of the engines. In addition, we evaluate the reliability of their individual systems and elements, as well as the quality of parts manufacturing. We considered repair technologies in detail in the material “Second Life” (ЗР, 2015, No. 1). Almost all elements of motors can be restored - the only question is economic feasibility. The approaches to the repair of engines presented in the review are identical, the difference is only in the number of parts that require treatment. Therefore, as an additional comparison criterion, we consider the cost and availability of spare parts.
In general, atmospheric gasoline engines with a volume of 2.0 l - a fairly resourceful and not the most problematic group; many engines of the same families, but with a larger volume, for example 2.3–2.5 liters, are much more capricious. This is true for the "winners" of our rating.
8th place: BMW
BMW engines of the N43, N45 and N46 series belong to the same family, although they have structural differences. Their main carriers are the 318i, 320i (E90) and 520i (E60) models - representatives of the penultimate generations of BMW of the third and fifth series.
Average engine life for cylinder wear piston group estimate below 150,000 km - the workmanship of the parts is not outstanding. Engines are technically complex for their time - perhaps even too much. They have many systems and nodes that begin to act up even before the onset of natural wear and tear cylinders and piston rings.
Motors are structurally prone to oil consumption, and some malfunctions exacerbate the situation. Due to the failure of the rubber diaphragm of the crankcase ventilation valve, oil begins to enter the intake pipeline - the car smokes like a steam locomotive. By 100,000 km of run, due to wear of the guide bushings, there is an increased backlash of the valves of the timing system, as a result, oil through the valve stem seals enters directly into the combustion chamber. In addition, incomplete closing of the valves leads to misfiring and interruptions during a cold start of the engine in winter.
Up to 150,000 km, the timing chain and variable valve timing clutches usually do not survive. Due to uneven elongation, the chain begins to make noise, even a break is possible, and then the meeting of the pistons with the valves is inevitable. But more often it only jumps a few teeth without catastrophic consequences. In addition to mechanical wear phase change clutches, by about 100,000 km of run, oil deposits clog the solenoid that controls them - the motor goes into emergency mode.
Capriciousness and a system for changing the height of the intake valves (Valvetronic), which works instead of the usual throttle valve. After 100,000 km of run, an expensive electric motor becomes clogged with oil deposits, and eventually it jams. Due to frequent driving through traffic jams, soot builds up on the valves, which turns into their incomplete closure. At idle speed, the sensitive system perceives this as a serious malfunction, the engine starts to work intermittently, lights up control lamp check engine.
These BMW engines, like many of their contemporaries, do not have factory overhaul dimensions. In the event of critical wear of the cylinder walls, minders bore and line the blocks, while maintaining the nominal size of the piston group. Alas, original spare parts for BMW engines are the most expensive among others from our selection, and there are practically no analogues to them. Overhaul of these motors is the most expensive.
7th place: Volkswagen
2.0 FSI motors were installed on many models Volkswagen Group. The most common are Golf V, Passat B6, Octavia and second generation Audi A3.
The average resource of engines is 150,000 km. Motorists assess the quality level of their elements as average. Like BMW engines, Volkswagen 2.0 FSI units do not shine with reliability due to the technically complex design, but the scale of the disaster is smaller.
Direct injection fuel equipment is capricious. Expensive, but short-lived injectors and injection pumps die after 100,000 km of run. In addition, due to a design flaw in the power system, uneven wear of the cylinders occurs: the nozzle sprays gasoline on almost the opposite wall of the cylinder, thereby washing oil from it. Already by 120,000 km, the cylinder in this zone has a distinct barrel shape due to wear.
Another disadvantage of direct injection: the fuel does not clean the intake valves from carbon deposits. Sooner or later, this leads to their incomplete closure and unstable cold engine starts, especially in winter. The situation is aggravated by the rapid wear of the valve guides (like in BMW engines), which in addition leads to increased consumption oils.
FSI engines were also noted for the frequent occurrence of piston rings. A noticeable decrease in their thickness significantly affected the stiffness. By the way, this is one of the trends in modern engine building: weight reduction affects reliability. Less rigid rings lose their original geometry faster, coke up and actually stop working. One of the harbingers of this is the difficult cold start of the engine in the winter.
Repair dimensions for FSI motors are not provided. Original parts are not cheap. Fortunately, there are plenty of substitutes on the market. Overall cost of a major overhaul FSI engines high, more expensive only for BMW units.
6th place: Ford/Mazda
The joint brainchild of Ford and Mazda is the Duratec HE / MZR family of engines. These identical engines are widely distributed, they were installed on such mass models as the Mazda 3 and Mazda 6 of the first two generations, Focus and Mondeo of previous generations.
The resource of motors is 150,000–180,000 km. Structurally, they are quite simple, but, alas, the quality of the parts leaves much to be desired. In addition, these engines are especially sensitive to oil starvation and overheating.
With active driving, oil consumption increases significantly. If the owner did not keep track of its level, there is a high risk of turning the connecting rod and main bearings of the crankshaft. On these engines, the liners are made without locks and are installed under tightness - they are held in place only due to the elasticity of the metal. Unfortunately, today this is another common solution. Enough short oil starvation or a slight overheating of the motor, and the liners lose their geometry.
When turning the liners, the crankshaft journals and its beds in the cylinder block suffer. When they are repaired, mediocre workmanship emerges. There are frequent cases when the shaft necks crack: an expensive shaft is thrown away. And when unscrewing the bolts of the main caps, threads spill out of the holes. It is obvious that during assembly it will no longer withstand the required tightening torque. We have to restore it with the help of futorok.
Engines do not have repair dimensions. However, for engines Ford models spare parts are not available individually - only as a short block (cylinder block assembly). Fortunately, there are similar Mazda parts on sale. There are also non-original spare parts on the market. The cost of overhauling motors is average.
5th place: Renault-Nissan
Renault-Nissan engines of the M4R / MR20 families are more familiar from Japanese crossovers. Unit MR20 armed X‑Trail previous generation, and Qashqai has not parted with him to this day. The French counterpart was on the third generation Megane and is still available for Fluence.
The resource of motor brothers is 180,000–200,000 km. The quality of the parts is better than that of the closest competitors - engines for Ford and Mazda cars, but there were also some weak points. Sometimes cracks appear on the necks of the crankshafts and deformation of the fourth cylinder occurs - as a rule, when servicemen overtighten the mounting bolts when installing the gearbox. The timing chain is short-lived: it stretches to 80,000 km.
As usual, repair dimensions are not provided. Original spare parts are available separately. At the cost of overhaul, these engines are comparable to a pair of Ford / Mazda.
4th place: Mitsubishi
The Mitsubishi 4B11 series motor opens a subgroup of engines devoid of serious diseases. It was installed on the previous generation Outlander and Lancer X of the first years of production.
Engine resource - 180,000-200,000 km. The workmanship of its elements is good. The overall reliability of the motor is largely due to the simplicity of the design, devoid of capricious systems. As a rule, engines get to repairmen due to the natural wear of the cylinder-piston group.
The motor is oversized. Original spare parts are available separately.
At the cost of restoration, the Mitsubishi engine is comparable to Renault engines Nissan, Ford, Mazda.
3rd place: Honda
The Honda R20 series motor was installed mainly on the Accord of the seventh and eighth generations and on the CR-V of the last two generations.
The resource is about 200,000 km. The quality of workmanship is slightly better than Mitsubishi engine. The R20 engine is reliable and structurally simple. A simple “screw-nut” valve adjustment scheme does not require the selection and replacement of valve lifters. Subject to the regulations of this operation (every 45,000 km), R20 will not cause trouble until the occurrence of natural wear of the cylinder-piston group.
Repair dimensions for the engine are not provided. Parts for Honda engines are not cheap, so the overhaul is one of the most expensive in the Japanese subgroup.
2nd place: Toyota
The resource is about 200,000 km. The workmanship of the elements is very good. In our list, two clear leaders in this indicator are Toyota and Subaru. The 1‑AZ engine was ahead of the Honda R20 in another way: original parts for it are among the cheapest. The 1‑AZ engine rebuild price is the lowest in our rating.
1st place: Subaru
The minders called the most reliable and "long-playing" engine in the group boxer unit Subaru EJ20 series, familiar from the late 1990s. It is still put on some models intended for the Japanese market. In Europe, the era of this opponent ended in 2011, when he was replaced by updated motor FB series with chain drive Timing instead of belt. Among the latest popular Subaru models, the Forester and the third-generation Impreza are armed with the EJ20 engine.
Resource - 250,000 km. The quality of the parts is as high as the Toyota 1‑AZ, and in addition, the EJ20 has another trump card. This is one of the few engines on our list for which at least one factory repair size is provided - a rarity for engines of the early 2000s.
However, also Subaru engine has its downside. Although there is an alternative to the block sleeve, original spare parts are expensive, and there are very few analogues.
Among Japan's Big Four subaru engine will require the highest cost of capital repairs. High resource and reliability cost money.
We are grateful to INOMOTOR LLC (Moscow) for their help in preparing the material
