BMW 2er Active Tourer F45
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The 2 Series Active Tourer F45 was BMW's boldest move in years: a van with front-wheel drive, three-cylinder option, and plug-in hybrid — all things BMW had never done before. Built between 2014 and 2021, the F45 established itself primarily with families who want BMW quality but don't need an SUV.
The engine range is diverse: from the 216i three-cylinder (75 kW) through the solid 220d to the 225xe plug-in hybrid with 165 kW system power. The B38 three-cylinder is the most common engine — light, economical, but with noticeable idle vibrations. The B47 diesels are the long-distance champions with consumption under 5L/100km.
Vehicle weaknesses primarily affect van-specific components: sliding door mechanism (on the Gran Tourer F46), tailgate hydraulics, and seat rail corrosion. The suspension is comfort-oriented and shows early wear on dampers and springs — inspect carefully from 80,000 km onward.
The F45 is a classic family car with BMW-typical build quality. Affordable on the used market because it doesn't serve the typical BMW image. For families needing space and quality, a genuine bargain — especially the 220d with good spec.
224 PS
225xe · Benzin
Family Van
Not Really90–224 PS
2.0L Diesel Diesel
9 weaknesses
Stay Away!Generations
Engine Overview
The BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 is available with 7 engine variants — from 90 to 387 hp.
Modular three-cylinder diesel from the B engine family — same architecture as the B47 minus one cylinder. Main issue is the DPF: short-trip drivers clog the particulate filter regularly, aborted regeneration dilutes engine oil with fuel. EGR valve fouls early, causing cold-start juddering. Injectors also suffer from short-trip use. The timing chain is fundamentally solid but can rattle at very high mileage. Glow plugs seize in the aluminium head — use specialist tools for removal. Three-cylinder vibrations noticeable despite balance shaft. Crankshaft thrust bearing is a rare but expensive weakness.
- !! Timing chain stretches — rattling on cold start from 100,000 km
The B37D15 shares design features with the N47 and can develop a stretched timing chain with skipped oil changes or short-trip use. Immediate diagnosis at the first rattle is advisable.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start (loudest when cold), noise subsides after reaching operating temperature, engine warning light, rough running in advanced stages. - !! Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Wear from 150,000 km
Excessive crankshaft axial play destroys the thrust bearing. The three-cylinder engine generates more pulsating axial loads than four-cylinder units due to its firing order. Advanced wear leads to engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking when clutching, irregular knocking sounds from lower engine area, oil pressure drop at operating temperature - !! DPF clogging on short trips from 80,000 km
The small 3-cylinder diesel rarely reaches the exhaust temperature needed for DPF regeneration on short trips. Particulate filter clogs up.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, limp mode
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular three-cylinder diesel from the B engine family — same architecture as the B47 minus one cylinder. Main issue is the DPF: short-trip drivers clog the particulate filter regularly, aborted regeneration dilutes engine oil with fuel. EGR valve fouls early, causing cold-start juddering. Injectors also suffer from short-trip use. The timing chain is fundamentally solid but can rattle at very high mileage. Glow plugs seize in the aluminium head — use specialist tools for removal. Three-cylinder vibrations noticeable despite balance shaft. Crankshaft thrust bearing is a rare but expensive weakness.
- !! Timing chain stretches — rattling on cold start from 100,000 km
The B37D15 shares design features with the N47 and can develop a stretched timing chain with skipped oil changes or short-trip use. Immediate diagnosis at the first rattle is advisable.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling on cold start (loudest when cold), noise subsides after reaching operating temperature, engine warning light, rough running in advanced stages. - !! Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Wear from 150,000 km
Excessive crankshaft axial play destroys the thrust bearing. The three-cylinder engine generates more pulsating axial loads than four-cylinder units due to its firing order. Advanced wear leads to engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic knocking when clutching, irregular knocking sounds from lower engine area, oil pressure drop at operating temperature - !! DPF clogging on short trips from 80,000 km
The small 3-cylinder diesel rarely reaches the exhaust temperature needed for DPF regeneration on short trips. Particulate filter clogs up.
Symptoms: DPF warning light, power loss, increased fuel consumption, limp mode
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder diesel as a direct successor to the N47 — and a significant improvement. The timing chain now sits at the front of the engine (belt side), massively simplifying maintenance and diagnostics. The biggest N47 problem is structurally eliminated. Early examples (2014-2016) still had occasional chain stretch, from 2017 onward this is no longer an issue. The EGR cooler was subject to a BMW recall for potential fire risk — when buying used, always verify the recall was performed. In daily use a very balanced engine: Depending on variant 116 to 190 hp — even the base version is sufficient for relaxed driving, the 8-speed automatic pairing (ZF 8HP) is one of the best combinations in the segment. Real-world consumption 5-6 L/100km, documented mileages beyond 300,000 km. Weak points remain DPF with pure short-distance driving and typical diesel issues (EGR carbon buildup, injector wear from 160,000 km). Overall a solid, mature diesel — not maintenance-free, but in direct N47 comparison a different league.
- !! Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016) from 120,000 km
Early B47 engines (2014–2016) are prone to premature chain elongation. The tensioner can no longer compensate. Rattling on cold start is the typical warning sign before chain snap and engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or clattering on cold start; subsides after warm-up; in advanced cases audible during driving; MIL may illuminate - !! EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall) from 100,000 km
Overheating and leaking EGR coolers can vaporise glycol and trigger self-ignition. BMW recalled affected vehicles. If coolant enters the combustion chamber, hydraulic lock and engine damage are possible.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leak; whitish smoke from exhaust; rough idle; MIL; limp mode; rarely smoke from engine bay - !! Turbo cascade failure from 130,000 km
Turbocharger develops axial play, blocks oil return and causes cascading damage to rod bearings, crankshaft and EGR cooler. Metal shavings circulate through entire oil system.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling under load, increased oil consumption, blue smoke, rough running
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder diesel as a direct successor to the N47 — and a significant improvement. The timing chain now sits at the front of the engine (belt side), massively simplifying maintenance and diagnostics. The biggest N47 problem is structurally eliminated. Early examples (2014-2016) still had occasional chain stretch, from 2017 onward this is no longer an issue. The EGR cooler was subject to a BMW recall for potential fire risk — when buying used, always verify the recall was performed. In daily use a very balanced engine: Depending on variant 116 to 190 hp — even the base version is sufficient for relaxed driving, the 8-speed automatic pairing (ZF 8HP) is one of the best combinations in the segment. Real-world consumption 5-6 L/100km, documented mileages beyond 300,000 km. Weak points remain DPF with pure short-distance driving and typical diesel issues (EGR carbon buildup, injector wear from 160,000 km). Overall a solid, mature diesel — not maintenance-free, but in direct N47 comparison a different league.
- !! Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016) from 120,000 km
Early B47 engines (2014–2016) are prone to premature chain elongation. The tensioner can no longer compensate. Rattling on cold start is the typical warning sign before chain snap and engine damage.
Symptoms: Metallic rattling or clattering on cold start; subsides after warm-up; in advanced cases audible during driving; MIL may illuminate - !! EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall) from 100,000 km
Overheating and leaking EGR coolers can vaporise glycol and trigger self-ignition. BMW recalled affected vehicles. If coolant enters the combustion chamber, hydraulic lock and engine damage are possible.
Symptoms: Coolant level drops without visible leak; whitish smoke from exhaust; rough idle; MIL; limp mode; rarely smoke from engine bay - !! Turbo cascade failure from 130,000 km
Turbocharger develops axial play, blocks oil return and causes cascading damage to rod bearings, crankshaft and EGR cooler. Metal shavings circulate through entire oil system.
Symptoms: Power loss, whistling under load, increased oil consumption, blue smoke, rough running
+ 4 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The B38B15 is BMW's modular three-cylinder turbo — 1.5 liters, lively character despite only three pots. Design-inherent vibrations are normal, not a defect. Timing chain is a real concern on 2014–2018 builds (Gen1) — early failures from 50,000 km documented, significantly improved from 2019. Crankshaft pilot bearing was undersized on manual transmission cars before April 2015 — BMW quietly revised it. Plastic thermostat housing cracks, water pump is a classic BMW wear item. Reliable daily driver with proper maintenance, compression loss threatens with neglect.
- !! Timing chain elongation from 70,000 km
Same timing chain issue as N20 and B48. Plastic guide rails wear out, chain elongates. Slightly less loaded on the 3-cylinder.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine check light, rough idle - !! Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production) from 60,000 km
Early B38 engines (manual gearbox, built before April 2015) had an undersized crankshaft half-shell bearing. BMW switched to 360° bearings and replaced affected engines as a goodwill gesture (up to 120,000 km / 5 years).
Symptoms: Knocking or hammering from the engine block under load; oil pressure drop; in extreme cases engine seizure due to spun bearing - !! Compression loss from piston ring wear from 120,000 km
With neglected maintenance, piston rings and cylinder walls wear. On a three-cylinder, compression loss in one cylinder leads to stalling faster than on a four-cylinder. Replacement engine €4,600–5,600.
Symptoms: Heavily increased oil consumption, blue smoke, power loss, rough running, misfires.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The B38B15 is BMW's modular three-cylinder turbo — 1.5 liters, lively character despite only three pots. Design-inherent vibrations are normal, not a defect. Timing chain is a real concern on 2014–2018 builds (Gen1) — early failures from 50,000 km documented, significantly improved from 2019. Crankshaft pilot bearing was undersized on manual transmission cars before April 2015 — BMW quietly revised it. Plastic thermostat housing cracks, water pump is a classic BMW wear item. Reliable daily driver with proper maintenance, compression loss threatens with neglect.
- !! Timing chain elongation from 70,000 km
Same timing chain issue as N20 and B48. Plastic guide rails wear out, chain elongates. Slightly less loaded on the 3-cylinder.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine check light, rough idle - !! Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production) from 60,000 km
Early B38 engines (manual gearbox, built before April 2015) had an undersized crankshaft half-shell bearing. BMW switched to 360° bearings and replaced affected engines as a goodwill gesture (up to 120,000 km / 5 years).
Symptoms: Knocking or hammering from the engine block under load; oil pressure drop; in extreme cases engine seizure due to spun bearing - !! Compression loss from piston ring wear from 120,000 km
With neglected maintenance, piston rings and cylinder walls wear. On a three-cylinder, compression loss in one cylinder leads to stalling faster than on a four-cylinder. Replacement engine €4,600–5,600.
Symptoms: Heavily increased oil consumption, blue smoke, power loss, rough running, misfires.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The B38B15 is BMW's modular three-cylinder turbo — 1.5 liters, lively character despite only three pots. Design-inherent vibrations are normal, not a defect. Timing chain is a real concern on 2014–2018 builds (Gen1) — early failures from 50,000 km documented, significantly improved from 2019. Crankshaft pilot bearing was undersized on manual transmission cars before April 2015 — BMW quietly revised it. Plastic thermostat housing cracks, water pump is a classic BMW wear item. Reliable daily driver with proper maintenance, compression loss threatens with neglect.
- !! Timing chain elongation from 70,000 km
Same timing chain issue as N20 and B48. Plastic guide rails wear out, chain elongates. Slightly less loaded on the 3-cylinder.
Symptoms: Rattling on cold start, engine check light, rough idle - !! Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production) from 60,000 km
Early B38 engines (manual gearbox, built before April 2015) had an undersized crankshaft half-shell bearing. BMW switched to 360° bearings and replaced affected engines as a goodwill gesture (up to 120,000 km / 5 years).
Symptoms: Knocking or hammering from the engine block under load; oil pressure drop; in extreme cases engine seizure due to spun bearing - !! Compression loss from piston ring wear from 120,000 km
With neglected maintenance, piston rings and cylinder walls wear. On a three-cylinder, compression loss in one cylinder leads to stalling faster than on a four-cylinder. Replacement engine €4,600–5,600.
Symptoms: Heavily increased oil consumption, blue smoke, power loss, rough running, misfires.
+ 5 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Test Reports
TÜV Report 2021
The Active Tourer F45 passes MOTs well above average.
2020-11ADAC Breakdown Statistics 2022
The F45 achieves very good to good ratings across all relevant model years.
2022-04Top Reported Issues
Alternatives
Explore more
Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 73 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 (2014–2021) — 67 engine-related and 6 vehicle-related. One problem engine: N47D20 (2.0L Diesel). Typical issues affect Gearbox, Suspension, Electronics, Cooling.
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, Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Wear, DPF clogging on short trips. Power: 95 PS.
2er (B47D20, 2014–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), Turbo cascade failure. Power: 200–211 PS.
2er (B37D15, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain stretches — rattling on cold start, Crankshaft Thrust Bearing Wear, DPF clogging on short trips. Power: 116 PS.
2er (B47D20, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), Turbo cascade failure. 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), Turbo cascade failure. 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), Turbo cascade failure. Power: 190 PS.
2er (B47D20, 2016–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), Turbo cascade failure. Power: 218–224 PS.
2er (N55B30, 2014–2016) — Be Careful: Bearing wear from neglected maintenance, Electric water pump failure, Valvetronic eccentric shaft wear. Power: 326 PS.
2er (B38B15, 2014–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Compression loss from piston ring wear. Power: 136–140 PS.
2er (B38B15, 2015–2021) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Compression loss from piston ring wear. 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), Compression loss from piston ring wear. 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? +
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 2er Active Tourer F45? +
Which engine is recommended? +
Which BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 engine is the most fun? +
Is the BMW 2er Active Tourer F45 worth buying used? +
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 2er Active Tourer F45? +
Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee