Prince engine
| Company type | Joint venture engine development |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2002 |
| Founder | BMW, PSA Peugeot Citroën |
Area served | Worldwide |
| Products | 1.4 to 1.6 litre all-aluminium straight-four gasoline engines with variable valve timing and lift, direct fuel injection, turbocharging |
| Parent | BMW, PSA Peugeot Citroën |
Prince denotes a series of all-aluminium, straight-four gasoline engines ranging from 1.4 to 1.6 litres in displacement, featuring 16 valves with variable valve timing and lift. This engine family, co-developed by BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën, integrates advanced technologies such as direct fuel injection and turbocharging.
Within BMW's lineup, Prince engines carry the N13 code, while MINI models use designations like N12 (118 hp, found in 2007–2010 Cooper), N14 (turbocharged variants delivering 171 hp in Cooper-S and 208 hp in JCW Cooper), N16 (121 hp, 2011–2013 Cooper), and N18 (turbocharged 181 hp, 2011–2013 Cooper-S). Launched in 2006 as a successor to the Tritec engine for MINI vehicles, the Prince engine was subsequently implemented in BMW F20/F21 series (114i, 116i, 118i), marking its first use in a longitudinal mounting configuration.
PSA introduced the Prince engine family in 2006 to replace certain units within their PSA TU engine range, initially appearing in the Peugeot 207. Production of engine components occurs at PSA’s Douvrin facility in France, while final assembly for MINI and BMW applications takes place at Hams Hall in the United Kingdom. The collaborative development effort commenced in 2002.
Towards the end of 2006, BMW and PSA expanded their partnership to further develop new four-cylinder engines. In 2010, BMW revealed plans to supply Saab with turbocharged 1.6-litre Prince engines for upcoming models such as the Saab 9-3; however, this agreement ended following Saab’s closure. Notably, Saab’s last concept vehicle, the PhoeniX (2011), was equipped with a turbocharged 1.6-litre Prince engine generating 200 PS.
The Prince engine achieved its eighth straight International Engine of the Year Award in the 1.4 to 1.8-litre category in 2014, outperforming rivals including BMW’s soon-to-be-introduced B38 engine, which would later replace it in MINI and BMW models.
Design
The Prince series maintains the fundamental block dimensions of the preceding PSA TU engine family. BMW took charge of engineering design, incorporating their Valvetronic variable intake valve lift system, a flow-regulated oil pump, timing chain mechanism, single-belt accessory drive, composite camshafts, and a cylinder head manufactured through lost-foam casting technology. An on-demand water pump is also included. Higher-output versions utilize gasoline direct injection combined with a twin-scroll turbocharger.
Every Prince engine shares a cylinder bore spacing of , with a bore diameter of . The 1.6-litre variant features a stroke length of , housed within a two-piece aluminium "bedplate" crankcase designed to improve structural rigidity.
1.4-litre EP3/EP3C (PSA)
The smallest displacement within the Prince lineup is represented by the PSA EP3 and EP3C engines at 1.4 litres, characterized by a stroke of and an overall capacity of . Output ranges from , with torque figures varying between , depending on specific applications.
Applications:
- 2005–2014 Peugeot 207
- 2007–2010 Mini One
- 2007–2013 Peugeot 308, including the 308 CC variant until 2015
- 2009–2013 Citroën C3
- 2009–2017 Citroën C3 Picasso
- 2009–2012 DS 3
- 2012–2015 Peugeot 208
Naturally aspirated 1.6-litre EP6/EP6C (PSA)
The naturally aspirated version of the EP6/EP6C engine displaces 1.6 litres and is utilized across second-generation MINI vehicles as well as various Peugeot models. It features a stroke length of , resulting in total displacement of . Equipped with conventional fuel injection and lost-foam cast cylinder heads, this engine operates at an compression ratio of 11:1 and delivers power output of at 6000 rpm alongside torque rated at at 4250 rpm.
Applications:
- 2007–2012 Peugeot 207 Sport
- 2007–2015 Mini Cooper
- 2007–2014 Mini One
- 2012–2015 Peugeot 208
- 2013–2015 Peugeot 2008
- 2007–2013 Peugeot 308, including the CC model until 2015
- 2010–2015 Peugeot 3008
- 2011–2015 Peugeot 508
- 2008–2014 Citroën C4
- 2009–2016 DS 3
- 2009–2015 DS 4
- 2009–2014 Citroën C3
- 2009–2017 Citroën C3 Picasso
1.6-litre turbocharged (PSA)
This turbocharged 1.6 L engine incorporates gasoline direct injection along with low-pressure die-cast cylinder heads, featuring a stroke and displacement.
Originally available as the THP150 and THP175 models (known as EP6DT and EP6DTS within Peugeot nomenclature), the THP150 was subsequently upgraded to the EP6CDT/THP163 and EP6CDTM versions. Additionally, there exists an EP6CDT MD variant characterized by a reduced compression ratio.
The THP150 produces at 5500 rpm and generates torque starting from 1400 rpm.
This engine has been utilized in:
- 2006–2014 Peugeot 207 CC/GT
- 2007–present Peugeot 308
- 2011–present Peugeot 508
- 2010–2015 Peugeot RCZ (THP156)
- 2008–present Citroën C4, Citroën C4 Picasso, Citroën Grand C4 Picasso
- Since 2013 Citroën C4 Sedan (manufactured in Russia)
- 2009–2019 DS 3
- 2010–2018 DS 4
- 2012–2018 DS 5
- From 2011 onward Peugeot 408 Sport
- Since 2012 Peugeot 208
The THP163 variant delivers at 5500 rpm and provides torque of starting at 1400 rpm.
Applications include:
- From 2011 onwards: Peugeot 408
- Since 2015: Citroën C4 Grand Picasso
- Since 2016: Peugeot 3008
- Since 2017: Peugeot 5008
- From 2018 in Argentina, Brazil, and Latin America: Citroën C4 Cactus
- Between 2017 and 2023: Aeolus AX7
The THP175 engine (designated EP6DTS, later updated to EP6CDTS) produces power of at 5500 rpm, with torque of , flat from 1600 to 5000 rpm, and features an overboost capability up to .
It has been installed in:
- 2006–2010 Peugeot 207 RC
- 2007–2010 Mini Cooper S
- 2007–2011 Mini John Cooper Works (BMW models only)
- Since 2008: Peugeot 308
- Early-2010s Citroën DS3 Racing – EP6CDTS – rated at hp
In the year 2010, Peugeot introduced the high-performance EP6CDTX version delivering , , equipped with direct injection, a twin-scroll turbocharger, and variable valve lift technology. This engine made its debut in the Peugeot RCZ sport compact model.
Its applications are:
- From 2010 to 2015: Peugeot RCZ
- Between 2010 and 2013: Peugeot 308 GTi
- From 2010 to 2018: DS4
- Between 2012 and 2019: Peugeot 208 GTi
- Since 2021: Peugeot 3008 GT Hybrid4, rated at PS
The Mini John Cooper Works GP (model years 2012–2014) featured enhanced output of PS and Nm torque through a larger turbocharger and strengthened internal components.
Euro 6-compliant versions from PSA include:
- EP6FADTXD – producing PS: fitted in Peugeot 508 Puretech, Peugeot 3008 Puretech, DS7 Crossback Puretech, Citroën C5 Aircross PureTech, Opel Grandland
- EP6FDTX – approximately PS: used in Peugeot 208 GTi
- EP6FADTX – rated at PS: installed in Peugeot 508 Puretech, Peugeot 3008 Hybrid4, DS7 Crossback PureTech, Secma F16 Turbo
- EP6FDTR – around PS: powering Peugeot 308 GTi
- EP6CDTR – delivering PS: found in Peugeot RCZ
In early 2024, Stellantis unveiled the third-generation EP6LTCHPD engine that outputs hp (110 kW) at a speed of 5500 rpm alongside Nm torque at a low rpm of 2000. This powertrain is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox combined with a kW electric motor, resulting in a total system output of hp and Nm.
Current applications include:
- Starting in 2024: Peugeot 3008 III Plug-In Hybrid
- Starting in 2024: Peugeot 5008 III Plug-In Hybrid
- Starting in 2024: Opel Grandland II Plug-In Hybrid
- Beginning in 2025: Jeep Compass III e-Hybrid plug-in
BMW N13 Variant
The BMW N13 is a turbocharged 1.6 litre engine produced between 2011 and 2016, introduced as the successor to the naturally aspirated BMW N43. This engine marked BMW's reentry into turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engines, a segment they had not participated in since the cessation of the BMW 2002 Turbo in 1974.
The N13 engine was marketed alongside the larger displacement turbocharged four-cylinder BMW N20 and was ultimately succeeded by the turbocharged three-cylinder BMW B38 powerplant.
| Model | Displacement | Power | Torque | Production Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N13B16 | 1,598 cc (97.5 cu in) | 136 PS (100 kW) at 4,350 rpm |
220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) at 1,350 rpm |
2011–2015 |
| 170 PS (125 kW) at 4,800 rpm |
250 N⋅m (184 lb⋅ft) at 1,500 rpm |
2012–2015 |
Engine Applications:
75 kW Output
- 2012–2015 BMW 1 Series (F20) 114i
100 kW Output
- 2011–2015 BMW 1 Series (F20) 116i
- 2012–2015 BMW 3 Series (F30) 316i
125 kW Output
- 2011–2015 BMW 1 Series (F20) 118i
- 2012–2015 BMW 3 Series (F30) 320i
130 kW Output
- 2015–2016 BMW 1 Series (F20) 120i
Mini N14 and N18 Variants
The turbocharged 1.6 litre engines utilized by Mini are designated as the Mini N14 and Mini N18. Launched in 2010, the N18 replaced the N14 and introduced double Vanos variable valve timing. Both engines incorporate direct fuel injection, twin-scroll turbochargers, and Valvetronic variable valve lift systems.
Known Issues
The Prince engine has experienced several recalls and extended warranty programs due to failures in the high pressure fuel pumps (HPFP). Additionally, a service bulletin issued in 2013 addressed problems related to timing chain and timing chain tensioner failures—components developed by BMW for this engine family.
Manufacturing and Future Developments
Production of the Prince engine series by MINI concluded by 2016, with BMW transitioning to newer three- and four-cylinder engines including the B37, B38, and B48 models. In 2015, BMW entered into an intellectual property agreement with XCE to produce the N18 TVDI engine domestically in China for Brilliance Automotive—BMW’s joint venture partner—as well as other Chinese original equipment manufacturers.
Meanwhile, PSA continues to advance more powerful versions of the Prince engine, with plans for production in China through partnerships with Dongfeng Motor Corporation (DPCA) and Changan Automobile (CAPSA).