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BMW · Sports Car · 2021–2025

BMW 2er G42

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 5 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

480–510 PS

3.0L Biturbo Benzin

530 hp, lighter, sharper — the essence

Legendary!

Generations


Engine Overview

The BMW 2er G42 is available with 6 engine variants — from 102 to 510 hp. 2 variants had engine changes — the model year is crucial.

220d · Diesel· 190 PS
2022 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
218i · Benziner· 156 PS
2022 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
220i · Benziner· 178–184 PS Engine Change
2022 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2022 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
230i · Benziner· 245–252 PS Engine Change
2022 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
2022 2025
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
M2 CS · Benziner· 530 PS
2024 2025
Be Careful 9 weaknesses
M240i xDrive · Benziner· 374 PS
2021 2025
Be Careful 12 weaknesses

The BMW 220d (Diesel, 190 PS) has the B47D20 (2.0L Diesel) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW 218i (Benziner, 156 PS) has the B48B20 (2.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The BMW 220i (Benziner, 178–184 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B48B20 (2022–2025, Be Careful) und B48B20 (2022–2025, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 220i!

The BMW 230i (Benziner, 245–252 PS) comes with 2 different engines: B48B20 (2022–2025, Be Careful) und B48B20 (2022–2025, Be Careful). Pay attention to the model year for the 230i!

The BMW M2 CS (Benziner, 530 PS) has the S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 9 known weaknesses.

The BMW M240i xDrive (Benziner, 374 PS) has the B58B30 (3.0L Turbo) — rated: "Be Careful", 12 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
Water in LED headlights

Widespread problem — especially on M240i models. Water collects inside the headlight; right side more frequently affected.

Symptoms: Visible water droplets or heavy condensation inside the headlight after rain or car washing.
from 9,000 km
Low
Moisture in tail lights

The known tail light moisture issue from the F22 generation carries over to the G42.

Symptoms: Fogged tail light interior after rain, visible water droplets in the light housing.
Low
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Above Average
1 complaints · 2021–2025
Electrical
1

Top Reported Issues

Electrical (1 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 47 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 2er G42 (2021–2025) — 40 engine-related and 7 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Brakes, Electronics, Suspension.

2er (B47D20, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), DPF clogging with short-trip use. Power: 190–197 PS.

2er (B47D20, 2022–2026) — 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 (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 (B58B30, 2021–2026) — Be Careful: Oil filter disintegrates — engine damage risk, Plastic oil filter housing cracks — coolant/oil mixing, PCV valve / valve cover membrane failed. Power: 374 PS.

2er (B38B15, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption. Power: 122–125 PS.

2er (B48B20, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 156–163 PS.

2er (B48B20, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 245–252 PS.

2er (B48B20, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 163 PS.

2er (B48B20, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 218 PS.

2er (S58B30, 2024–2026) — Be Careful: Oil cooler leaking from stone impact, Connecting rod bearing wear with tuning, Main bearing shells recall (manufacturing defect 2021). Power: 530 PS.

2er (B38B15, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption. Power: 135–140 PS.

2er (B38B15, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation, Crankshaft bearing half-shell undersized (early production), Turbocharger shaft seal leaking — oil consumption. Power: 150–156 PS.

2er (B48B20, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain guide rail breaks, Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss, Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks. Power: 178–184 PS.

What to watch out for with the BMW 2er? 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 G42 have? +
The BMW 2er G42 has 40 known engine weaknesses and 7 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used BMW 2er G42? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo), B38B15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo), B47D20 (2.0L Diesel). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo).
Which BMW 2er G42 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the BMW 2er G42 — rated: "Legendary!". {description} M2 CS: 530 hp S58, carbon bonnet, −50 kg, stiffer chassis. The sharpest version of the most compact M car. Limited run, sold out immediately — whoever has one has a future classic.
Is the BMW 2er G42 worth buying used? +
The BMW 2er G42 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the BMW 2er G42? +
The BMW 2er G42 is available with engine variants from 102 to 510 hp. Petrol: S58B30 (3.0L Biturbo), B38B15 (1.5L 3-Zyl Turbo), B48B20 (2.0L Turbo), B58B30 (3.0L Turbo). Diesel: B47D20 (2.0L Diesel).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee