Automotive accolades are a dime a dozen. You'll see several publications handing out various awards, but one of the lesser-known but still very important accolades is the Engine of the Year award. Only a few automakers across the globe recognize this award, split into various categories with one overall winner. In terms of winners, several examples have won multiple times, but the BMW Prince engine stands out as the one that won more times than anyone else. It was famously used to power the Mini Cooper.

Winning engine of the year awards is like winning an Oscar – at least for the engineers who designed and developed the power plant. In the case of the BMW Prince engine, the engineers from two companies are worthy of recognition: BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën. The collaborative work between these companies led to the power plant's award-winning status. But first, let's look at the two most prestigious award-giving bodies that recognize the excellence behind the hearts of automobiles.

Engine Of The Year Awards

Before delving deep into the BMW Prince engine, it's important to understand the significance of the Engine of the Year awards. Two primary organizations bestow these honors: Wards AutoWorld Magazine (or WardsAuto) and the International Engine of the Year Awards.

WardsAuto has been recognizing outstanding engines since 1994 through its "10 Best Engines" awards. These awards celebrate the most innovative, powerful, and efficient engines available in the US market. The selection process involves rigorous testing and evaluation by a panel of the publication's editors who consider factors such as horsepower, torque, fuel economy, and the application of new technologies. In 2020, its name was changed to Wards 10 Best Engines and Propulsion Systems to include electric vehicle motors. In 2021, the previous price cap that aimed to highlight affordable engines was removed.

The International Engine of the Year Awards, organized by UKi Media & Events Automotive Magazines, started in 1999. Judged by a panel of automotive journalists from around the globe, these awards assess engines based on various criteria, including performance, fuel efficiency, noise levels, smoothness, and drivability. The awards are divided into engine size and application categories, with an overall winner crowned each year.

Collaboration Between BMW & PSA Peugeot Citroën

The story of the BMW Prince engine begins with the collaboration between two automotive giants: BMW and PSA Peugeot Citroën (now part of Stellantis). In the early 2000s, the companies developed a new generation of small, efficient engines to power their compact and midsize vehicles, which led to the creation of the Prince engine family.

The collaboration was a strategic move for both manufacturers. BMW brought its expertise in engineering and performance, while PSA contributed its knowledge of small-displacement engine technology and cost-effective production methods. The partnership wanted to develop a range of engines that would meet stringent emissions regulations, deliver excellent fuel economy, and provide spirited performance. The development process involved joint engineering teams from BMW and PSA working together to design and test the new engine family.

The BMW Prince Engine

The BMW Prince engine is known for its technical designation N13 (coded N14 and N18 for Mini). It quickly gained recognition for its innovative design and impressive performance characteristics. The Prince engine family includes various displacements and configurations, but they all share key features that contributed to their success. One of the Prince engine's standout features is its turbocharging, allowing it to deliver substantial power and torque while maintaining fuel efficiency. The turbocharging system is complemented by direct fuel injection.

BMW's Valvetronic variable valve timing system and Double VANOS variable camshaft timing technology are integral to the Prince engine's design. These systems adjust the timing and lift of the valves, optimizing airflow and improving efficiency across the engine's operating range. The Prince engine was also designed to be compact and lightweight, making it ideal for small and midsize vehicles and contributing to reduced weight and improved handling. It likewise features an advanced cooling system with an electric water pump to ensure reliability.

The combination of power, efficiency, and innovation evidently caught the attention of the automotive industry. The BMW Prince engine, particularly the 1.6L turbocharged version, earned numerous awards and accolades, including eight Engine of the Year titles from the International Engine of the Year Awards (2007-2014) in the 1.4 to 1.8-liter category. It was also among Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2011, further cementing the power plant's renown.

Which Vehicles Use The Prince Engine?

The BMW Prince engine's versatility allowed it to be used in a wide range of vehicles across different brands. Its adaptability made it a popular choice for various applications. Within the BMW lineup, including Mini, the Prince engine found its way into several models, including the BMW 1 Series, 3 Series, and the Mini Cooper lineup. The most powerful iteration of the BMW Prince engine was in the 2012 Mini John Cooper Works GP, making 215 horsepower and 207 lb-ft of torque, thanks to a larger turbocharger and reinforced engine internals.

PSA Peugeot Citroën also benefited from the Prince engine's versatility. It was used in various Peugeot and Citroën models, including the Peugeot 207, 208, 308, RCZ, and the Citroën C3 and DS3. The latest PSA version of the Prince engine was also the most powerful, the 266-hp 1.6-liter THP270 mill used by the Peugeot RCZ before it was discontinued in 2015.

Reliability Issues

Despite its many accolades, the BMW Prince engine was not without its challenges. Over the years, some reliability issues emerged, affecting its reputation and leading to concerns among owners and enthusiasts. One of the Prince engine's most significant issues was its timing chain. Some owners reported premature timing chain wear, which could lead to serious engine damage if not addressed promptly. BMW and PSA issued technical service bulletins and extended warranties to address these concerns.

Another common problem reported by owners was excessive oil consumption, leading to frequent top-ups and potential engine damage if not monitored closely. This issue was attributed to various factors, including piston ring design and valve stem seals. As a direct-injection engine, carbon buildup on intake valves was another issue, leading to reduced performance, rough idling, and other drivability issues.

Other Versions

The success of the BMW Prince engine led to several other iterations. In addition to the standard versions, high-performance variants of the Prince engine were developed for sportier models. These engines featured enhancements such as larger turbochargers, revised intake and exhaust systems, and more aggressive tuning. Examples include the engines used in the Mini John Cooper Works (JCW) models.

The Prince engine was also used in hybrid applications during the auto industry's gradual shift to electrification. Paired with electric motors to create plug-in hybrid powertrains, PSA used the 1.6-liter power plant in the PHEV variant of the second-generation 3008.

Replaced By Another Award-Winning Power Plant

Despite its many successes, BMW eventually replaced the Prince engine with its smaller cars. The BMW B38 and B48 engines are part of the modular BMW B family, introduced in the mid-2010s. These engines build on the strengths of the Prince engine while incorporating the latest advancements in automotive technology. They feature turbocharging, direct injection, and variable valve timing, just like their predecessor, but with improved efficiency and reduced emissions.

The B38 and B48 engines power many BMW and Mini models, but they notably garnered critical acclaim and industry awards. The B38, in its stint as the ICE propulsion of the discontinued i8 hybrid supercar, won the International Engine of the Year from 2015 to 2018 in the 1.4-1.8-liter category. It also claimed the overall International Engine of the Year award in 2015 while being one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in the same year. Meanwhile, the B48 was also hailed as one of Ward's 10 Best Engines in 2021 for its usage as the ICE component of the plug-in hybrid BMW 330e.

Notable Competitors: Volkswagen & Audi

While the BMW Prince engine amassed numerous accolades, it faced stiff competition from notable contenders in the industry, particularly from Volkswagen and Audi. The Volkswagen 1.4L TSI, known for its use of both a supercharger and a turbocharger, also known as Twincharging, won the International Engine of the Year award nine times in the 1.0 to 1.4-liter category (from 2006 to 2014).

Meanwhile, Audi's 2.5L 20v five-cylinder turbo engine also won the International Engine of the Year award in its category nine times. Known for its distinctive sound and robust performance, this engine powered various high-performance models, including the Audi TT RS and RS3. These two German power plants sure won more times than the BMW Prince engine, but they never managed to secure a spot in Ward's 10 Best Engines.