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BMW · Van · 2014–2021

BMW 2er Active Tourer F45

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

2.7 / 5.0 · Based on 7 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

286–387 PS

3.0L Turbo Benzin

B58 in the Coupé — powerful and refined

Fun to Drive!
Problem Engine

90–224 PS

2.0L Diesel Diesel

6 weaknesses

Stay Away!

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 is available with 7 engine variants — from 90 to 387 hp. 4 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

214d · Diesel· 95 PS
2014 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
216d · Diesel· 116 PS
2015 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
218d · Diesel· 143–150 PS Engine Change
2015 2021
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2015 2021
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
220d · Diesel· 184–190 PS Engine Change
2015 2021
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2015 2021
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
216i · Benziner· 102–109 PS Engine Change
2015 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2015 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
218i · Benziner· 136–140 PS Engine Change
2014 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
2014 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses
225xe · Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid· 224 PS
2016 2021
Be Careful 7 weaknesses

The BMW 214d (Diesel, 95 PS) has the B37D15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The BMW 216d (Diesel, 116 PS) has the B37D15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

The BMW 218d (Diesel, 143–150 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B47D20 (2015–2021, Be Careful) und B47D20 (2015–2021, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 218d!

The BMW 220d (Diesel, 184–190 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B47D20 (2015–2021, Be Careful) und B47D20 (2015–2021, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 220d!

The BMW 216i (Benziner, 102–109 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B38B15 (2015–2021, Be Careful) und B38B15 (2015–2021, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 216i!

The BMW 218i (Benziner, 136–140 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B38B15 (2014–2021, Be Careful) und B38B15 (2014–2021, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 218i!

The BMW 225xe (Benziner Plug-in-Hybrid, 224 PS) has the B38B15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 7 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Aisin gearbox jerks on pull-away

The transversely mounted Aisin automatic gearbox jerks on pull-away — a known issue that led to gearbox replacements under goodwill at BMW dealers. The DCT variant has similar cold-start pull-away issues.

Symptoms: Jerking and shuddering when pulling away from rest, especially pronounced in cold conditions. Delayed throttle response from standstill.
from 50,000 km
High
!DCT jerks and engine stalls on cold start

The 7-speed DCT gearbox engages the clutch too early during cold start and stalls the engine at low revs.

Symptoms: Engine stalls unexpectedly when creeping up to traffic lights, jerking when pulling away from rest.
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
7 complaints · 2014–2021
Electrical
2
Fuel System
2
Engine & Cooling
1
Engine
1
Steering
1

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (2 complaints)
Fuel System (2 complaints)
Engine & Cooling (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 62 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 (2014–2021) — 54 engine-related and 8 vehicle-related. One problem engine: N47D20 (2.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics, Other.

2er (N47D20, 2014–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 136–150 PS.

2er (N47D20, 2014–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 184–190 PS.

2er (N47D20, 2014–2016) — Stay Away!: Timing chain breaks — known serial defect, Water pump defective — overheating risk, High-pressure pump failure — metal swarf in the system. Power: 218–224 PS.

2er (B37D15, 2014–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches — rattling on cold start, DPF clogging on short trips, Injector failure from short-trip use. Power: 95 PS.

2er (B47D20, 2014–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 200–211 PS.

2er (B37D15, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches — rattling on cold start, DPF clogging on short trips, Injector failure from short-trip use. Power: 116 PS.

2er (B47D20, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 184–190 PS.

2er (B47D20, 2016–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 143–150 PS.

2er (B47D20, 2016–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 190 PS.

2er (B47D20, 2016–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 218–224 PS.

2er (N55B30, 2014–2016) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, High oil consumption. Power: 326 PS.

2er (B38B15, 2014–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption. Power: 136–140 PS.

2er (B38B15, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption. Power: 102–109 PS.

2er (B58B30, 2016–2021) — Be Careful: Oil filter disintegrates — engine damage risk, Plastic oil filter housing cracks — coolant/oil mixing, PCV valve / valve cover membrane failed. Power: 340 PS.

2er (B48B20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 136 PS.

2er (B48B20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 178–184 PS.

2er (B48B20, 2019–2024) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 306 PS.

2er (B38B15, 2016–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption. Power: 136–140 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW 2er Active Tourer? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 have? +
The BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 has 54 known engine weaknesses and 8 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 2er Active Tourer F45? +
faq.watch_a_avoid
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), B38B15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo), B37D15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Diesel), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the B58B30 (3.0L Turbo). Problem engine: N47D20 (2.0L Diesel) — stay away!
Which BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The B58 in the light F22 body: daily-driver quiet, supremely capable on the motorway with a genuine 340 hp. No drama, no rattles — just smooth, linear thrust from low to high. A relaxed gran turismo with a sporting edge for long hauls.
Is the BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 worth buying used? +
Caution is advised with the BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 — 1 of 7 engine variants are rated 'Stay Away!'. The engine choice is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 2er Active Tourer F45? +
The BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 is available with engine variants from 90 to 387 hp. Petrol: N55B30 (3.0L Turbo), B38B15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo). Diesel: N47D20 (2.0L Diesel), B37D15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Diesel), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee