BMW 2er G42
Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice
The G42 (2021–present) is the successor to the F22 Coupé — but with a fundamental difference: rear-wheel or all-wheel drive only, and the M2 G87 with S58B30 (338 kW) now sits on this platform. Technically closely related to the 4 Series G22, more compact and lighter.
Engines: B48B20 in the 220i (135 kW) as the entry point, B58B30 in the M240i (275 kW) as the performance flagship, B47D20 in the 220d as the diesel option. All B-engines without timing-chain worries. The S58B30 in the M2 is the uncompromising twin-turbo six — plastic Y-charge pipe can crack, electric water pump from 60,000 km.
Weak points: young car with few documented issues. Brake squeal with M brake system, strut clacking at low speed. Carbon-ceramic brakes on the M2 CS: limited cold/wet braking performance — BMW documents this as normal.
2026 market: 220i from $30,800–$37,400. M240i $41,800–$55,000. M2 Competition from $71,500.
Insider pick: M240i B58B30 with rear-wheel drive — 374 hp inline-six in a compact coupé. The affordable M2 alternative.
530 PS
M2 CS · 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.
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 turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Modular four-cylinder turbo and workhorse of the current BMW lineup. Wide power range from 135 to 306 hp (M135i/M235i). Structurally the best four-cylinder petrol BMW has ever built: timing chain at front, closed oil circuit, Valvetronic variable valve lift. Oil consumption stays under control when BMW-spec oil (LL-01 or LL-17FE+) is used. Typical wear items are the electric water pump (from around 80,000 km) and the high-pressure pump with direct injection. Not an engine to fear — but BMW service intervals are too long; those who care for their B48 change oil every 10,000-12,000 km.
- !! Timing chain guide rail breaks from 60,000 km
Timing chain guide rail can break; chain jump and engine damage follows. More common on early production years and with spirited driving.
Symptoms: Rattling, clattering from the engine, sudden power loss, engine damage - !! Oil filter housing leaking — coolant loss from 60,000 km
Oil filter housing with integrated oil/water heat exchanger leaks. Coolant loss and overheating risk from about 60,000 km.
Symptoms: Coolant level warning, oil puddle under engine, overheating - !! Coolant bleed line at cylinder head breaks from 70,000 km
A plastic bleed line between the cylinder head and expansion tank becomes porous and breaks. Coolant loss follows; the mounting location is difficult to access, so labour costs dominate.
Symptoms: Dropping coolant level; coolant warning on the instrument cluster; faint sweet smell; no visible puddle under the car
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
The S58 is 90% a new design compared to the S55 — BMW has addressed most weaknesses of its predecessor. Forged pistons instead of cast, 2 kg lighter crankshaft with integrally forged oil pump and chain drive sprockets, one-piece crank hub from the factory, revised con rod bearings with larger contact area. The closed-deck block is further stiffened and comfortably handles the standard pressure of 1.7 bar. New is the active oil suction system: a separate pump actively draws oil to the critical bearing points during hard cornering, braking and acceleration — the S55's oil-sloshing problem on track is significantly reduced — though not fully eliminated under sustained track abuse. Plus an improved windage tray in the crankcase against oil foaming. Sonically sharper than the S55: less bassy, instead a more metallic, direct roar under load with aggressive overrun crackling in Sport mode. In the CSL with titanium exhaust almost reminiscent of the S65 V8 character. Three points to check: main bearing shell recall (production calendar weeks 29–40/2021) — incorrectly hardened bearings can fail without warning. Proactively swap plastic charge pipes for aluminium units. Walnut blasting every 60,000–80,000 km against intake valve carbon from direct injection. In standard form the most reliable BMW M engine of all time — those who don't tune and observe these three points have 200,000+ km ahead of them.
- !! Oil cooler leaking from stone impact from 40,000 km
The oil cooler is positioned exposed behind the front grille. Stone impact can damage seals or perforate the cooler itself. Oil loss is a risk.
Symptoms: Oil patch under the vehicle, oil level warning, oil smell - !! Connecting rod bearing wear with tuning from 50,000 km
Like the predecessor S55, connecting rod bearings can wear prematurely, especially with software tuning and track use.
Symptoms: Knocking from the engine block, oil pressure warning, metallic particles in the oil - !! Main bearing shells recall (manufacturing defect 2021)
BMW recalled G80/G82/G83 M3/M4 vehicles with S58 engines from certain 2021 production weeks. A manufacturing defect in the main bearing shells required complete engine disassembly including crankshaft and oil sump.
Symptoms: No driver-perceptible symptoms — purely preventive recall. Left untreated, bearing seizure and catastrophic engine failure are at risk.
+ 6 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Closed-deck aluminium block as standard — a feature normally reserved for racing engines. Water-cooled turbo with mechanical wastegate linkage that rattles at cold start — by design, not dangerous. Barely audible at idle; from 3,000 rpm a rich, deep six-cylinder thrust builds linearly to 6,500. The B58 sounds fuller than the S55 from outside — but inside the motorsport aggression is absent. Dual injection (direct + port) reduces intake valve carbon build-up significantly. The PCV membrane in the valve cover is the known weakness: BMW had to extend the warranty to 15 years. Plastic oil filter housing cracks around 100,000 km — coolant mixes into oil, act immediately. Oil changes every 10,000 km; inspect the cooling system from 70,000 km. Tuning: Stage 2 brings 500 hp — the closed deck makes it possible.
- !! Oil filter disintegrates — engine damage risk from 30,000 km
On B58-equipped M140i/M240i the oil filter can disintegrate on first change and distribute filter material through the oil circuit. BMW covers the costs with proven service history.
Symptoms: Oil pressure warning, metallic noises, engine damage after oil change - !! Plastic oil filter housing cracks — coolant/oil mixing from 100,000 km
The plastic oil filter housing becomes brittle from heat cycling and cracks — often during oil changes from overtightening the filter cap. Coolant and oil mix; engine damage likely if unnoticed.
Symptoms: Milky oil on the filler cap, coolant loss without visible leak, oil pressure warning, coolant level drops slowly - !! PCV valve / valve cover membrane failed from 80,000 km
The PCV membrane in the integrated valve cover tears or hardens from heat cycles. Crankcase builds positive pressure, oil is forced through seals. BMW extended the warranty to 15 years/150,000 miles.
Symptoms: Whistling or squealing from the engine bay, white or blue smoke, rough idle, oil in the charge pipe or air filter
+ 9 more engine weaknesses + vehicle weaknesses
Vehicle Weaknesses
| Weakness | Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Top Reported Issues
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Known Problems and Issues +
A total of 49 weaknesses have been documented for the BMW 2er G42 (2021–2025) — 44 engine-related and 5 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Body, Electronics, Suspension, Interior.
2er (B47D20, 2022–2026) — Be Careful: Timing chain elongation on early models (2014–2016), EGR cooler leak with fire risk (recall), Turbo cascade failure. 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), Turbo cascade failure. 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? +
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Is the BMW 2er G42 worth buying used? +
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Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee