BMW 218i (F45) engine: which one, problems and replacement

The BMW 218i in the 2 Series Active Tourer generation (F45, built 2014–2021) was built with 2 different engines over its life: the B38B15 (136 hp, 2014–2026) and the B38A15 (136 hp, 2014–2024).

This guide tells you which engine your 218i has, what goes wrong with it, what a replacement costs from our stock and what else to plan for when you fit one.

• Generation: 2 Series Active Tourer, 2014–2021
• Body styles: F45 (MPV)
• Engines: B38B15, B38A15
• Output: 136 hp
• Replacement engines in stock: 137 from 1.275,00 €

Which engine is in your 218i?

B38B15 in the 218i

The B38B15 was used in the F45 218i, built 2014–2026. It is a 1.5 L turbocharged petrol inline-3 with 136 hp and 220 Nm. It has the same output as the B38A15, so the build date decides which one your car has.

Reading the code: B marks a B-series code, BMW's modular engine family introduced from 2013 with 500 cc per cylinder; 38 is the family number; B stands for petrol, longitudinal installation for rear-drive and xDrive cars; 15 is the capacity in decilitres, so 1.5 litres.

B38A15 in the 218i

The B38A15 was used in the F45 218i, built 2014–2024. It is a 1.5 L turbocharged petrol inline-3 with 136 hp and 220 Nm. It has the same output as the B38B15, so the build date decides which one your car has.

Reading the code: B marks a B-series code, BMW's modular engine family introduced from 2013 with 500 cc per cylinder; 38 is the family number; A stands for petrol, transverse installation for front-drive cars; 15 is the capacity in decilitres, so 1.5 litres.

218i engines by model year

The 218i kept the same engine for the whole F45 run, which makes ordering simple: any unit with the same code fits, subject to the gearbox, drive type and sump.

Other cars with the same engine as the 218i

A replacement engine does not have to come from another 218i. These models left the factory with the same engine code, so a unit from any of them is a candidate donor once the sump, mounts and ancillaries are matched to your car.

B38B15: BMW F40 118i, BMW G20 318i, MINI F56 Mini Cooper.

B38A15: MINI F56 Cooper, BMW F40 118i.

How to confirm your engine code

Because the 218i used more than one engine, the badge alone does not tell you which one your car has. The build date is the first clue; the VIN is the proof. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we read the engine code from BMW's records, or look for the code stamped on the block. How to find your BMW engine code.

Known 218i engine problems

The B38B15 and B38A15 in the 218i share the known weak points of the B38 family. Full B38 guide.

Coolant leaks. Thermostat housings and coolant pipes leak.

Ignition coils. Coils fail and cause misfires.

Engine mounts. Three-cylinder vibration finishes mounts.

Carbon build-up. Intake valves carbon up over time.

Symptoms to watch for on the 218i

Rattle for a few seconds after a cold start. The classic sign of a weak timing chain tensioner or stretched chain. It must be checked quickly: a chain that jumps a tooth can bend valves.

Rattle or whine from the gearbox end. On engines with the timing chain at the rear, a rattle or whine from the back of the engine is the warning sign of chain stretch or guide wear.

Whistle, loss of boost or limp mode. A split charge pipe, a sticking wastegate or worn turbo bearings. Check the pipes first, then the turbo shaft for play.

Poor low-down torque and uneven idle. VANOS seals or solenoids. The engine may run well at high revs but feel flat and lumpy at low speed.

Limp mode with a Valvetronic fault. The Valvetronic motor, its eccentric shaft sensor or the wiring. The engine runs on a reduced throttle until it is repaired.

Long cranking before the engine starts. On direct-injection engines, a weak high-pressure fuel pump or leaking injector lets pressure drop when the engine is off.

Looking after the 218i engine

• Oil: 0W-20 or 0W-30 BMW Longlife-17 FE+ or 01, about 4.25 litres.
• Service interval: Oil every 15,000 km or yearly.
• Timing drive: Timing chain at the rear (gearbox end).
• Workshop notes: Front-drive (B38A) and rear-drive (B38B) versions are not interchangeable without changes.

Buying a used engine for the 218i: checklist

1. List of what is fitted. Engines are sold with different ancillaries: some have the turbo, injectors, manifolds, alternator and starter, others are long blocks. Agree the list in writing so you know which parts must come from your old engine.
2. Warranty terms in writing. Read what the warranty covers, how long it runs and what fitting conditions apply. Most warranties require a qualified workshop, new fluids and filters, and replacement of the cooling parts that caused the original failure.
3. Sump, oil pickup and drive variants. Rear-drive, xDrive and front-drive cars can use different sumps, oil pickups and engine mounts even with the same engine code. Check that the sump matches your subframe and front axle.
4. Compression or leak-down figures. Even compression across all cylinders tells you more than mileage. Ask for the figures, not just a pass or fail, and compare the highest and lowest readings: a spread above 10 to 15 percent deserves a question.
5. Look at the oil and coolant. Clean oil without metal particles and coolant without oil are good signs. Milky oil, oily coolant or a burnt smell mean the engine needs further checks before it is fitted.
6. Turbocharger shaft play and oil. Rotate the compressor wheel by hand. A small amount of side play is normal; in-and-out play or wheel contact with the housing is not. Oil pooled in the intake or intercooler pipes points to worn seals.
7. Timing chain noise. Listen for a rattle at the front of the engine for the first seconds after a cold start. On an engine that cannot be run, look at the chain guides through the oil filler or with the valve cover off.
8. Gearbox-end timing chain. On this engine the timing chain sits at the gearbox end, so replacing it normally means removing the engine. If the chain has not been replaced, the time to do it is before the engine goes into your car.
9. VANOS operation. Rough idle, a rattle from the front of the head and a loss of torque at low revs point to VANOS seals or solenoids. These are serviceable parts and are easier to renew with the engine out.
10. Double VANOS units and solenoids. Ask for the adaptation values or fault history if the engine was running. Solenoids are inexpensive and are often replaced as a matter of course on a used engine.
11. Valvetronic motor and eccentric shaft sensor. The Valvetronic motor and its sensor cause limp-mode faults when they fail. Inspect the connector and the seal around the motor for oil.
12. Injectors and high-pressure fuel pump. Direct-injection engines rely on high-pressure pumps and precise injectors. Ask whether the injectors are original or updated and whether there were fuel pressure faults.

BMW 218i replacement engine cost

Across 137 218i engine units in our stock today, prices start at 1.275,00 € and reach 3.055,00 €. The median — the price in the middle of the range — is 1.710,00 €.

Prices depend on the exact version, the donor's mileage, how complete the engine is and the demand for that code. Higher-output versions, low mileage and dressed engines with turbo, injectors and ancillaries cost more; long blocks and higher mileage cost less.

218i engine prices by model year

Engines from 2010–2014 have a median of 1.703,00 €, while units from 2020–2024 sit at 1.767,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

218i engine prices by mileage

Mileage matters less than history on a well-maintained BMW engine, but it is a useful guide. A low-mileage unit from a younger car gives you more life for a modest premium.

33 of these come from F45 donor cars, priced from 1.296,00 € to 2.053,00 €. An engine from the same body is the most direct swap because the sump, mounts and ancillaries already match.

On top of the engine, budget for the workshop's labour and the parts that are best replaced while the engine is out: engine mounts, the rear main seal, cooling parts, a clutch or converter seal, fluids and filters.

Replacement engines in stock for the 218i

Here is a selection of 218i engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2021, 85,200 km1.483,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2020, 154,600 km1.953,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2017, 148,200 km1.710,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2020, 118,300 km1.645,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2022, 196,400 km1.849,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2019, 102,500 km1.377,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2019, 204,600 km1.998,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2022, 70,300 km1.748,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2017, 177,400 km1.916,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2020, 118,400 km1.741,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2014, 169,300 km2.053,00 €BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2022, 71,700 km1.819,00 €

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2021, 85,200 km — 1.483,00 €, reduced from 2.350,00 €. It comes from a 2021 donor car with 85,200 km, and 21 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2020, 154,600 km — 1.953,00 €, reduced from 3.100,00 €. It comes from a 2020 donor car with 154,600 km, and 12 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2017, 148,200 km — 1.710,00 €, reduced from 3.000,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 148,200 km, and 22 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2020, 118,300 km — 1.645,00 €, reduced from 2.400,00 €. It comes from a 2020 donor car with 118,300 km, and 17 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2022, 196,400 km — 1.849,00 €, reduced from 2.800,00 €. It comes from a 2022 donor car with 196,400 km, and 8 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2019, 102,500 km — 1.377,00 €, reduced from 2.750,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 102,500 km, and 14 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2019, 204,600 km — 1.998,00 €, reduced from 3.300,00 €. It comes from a 2019 donor car with 204,600 km, and 27 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2022, 70,300 km — 1.748,00 €, reduced from 2.400,00 €. It comes from a 2022 donor car with 70,300 km, and 10 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2017, 177,400 km — 1.916,00 €, reduced from 3.100,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car with 177,400 km, and 5 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2020, 118,400 km — 1.741,00 €, reduced from 2.850,00 €. It comes from a 2020 donor car with 118,400 km, and 26 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2014, 169,300 km — 2.053,00 €, reduced from 3.250,00 €. It comes from a 2014 donor car with 169,300 km, and 29 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F45 218i B38A15 Engine 2022, 71,700 km — 1.819,00 €, reduced from 3.250,00 €. It comes from a 2022 donor car with 71,700 km, and 26 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Will it fit my 218i?

Will the B38B15 fit my BMW F45 218i?

Yes, the BMW F45 218i left the factory with the B38B15, so a B38B15 from another car is the direct replacement. The 2 Series Active Tourer was built 2014–2021, and the B38B15 was produced 2014–2026, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (front-drive or xDrive), the gearbox (manual or automatic) and the emissions standard, because these can change the sump, the flywheel and the software. Send us the VIN and we check all of it for you.

How much is a replacement engine for a BMW F45 218i?

We have 5 B38B15 engines in stock, priced from 1.307,00 € to 3.055,00 €. Delivery to your door is included, and the engine carries a 12-month warranty when fitted by a qualified workshop. Add fitting labour and the parts you replace at the same time — seals, cooling parts and mounts — to estimate the total.

Engine swaps and upgrades for the 218i

These engines were fitted to other versions of the F45 at the factory, which makes them the most practical upgrades: the body was designed around them and many parts are shared.

Can I fit the B47C20 in my 218i?

It is a full conversion: the B47C20 runs on diesel and the B38A15 on petrol, so the fuel system, wiring, engine control unit, instrument coding and usually the gearbox change too. The gain is 54 hp and 180 Nm. In Germany and most of Europe an engine swap must be inspected and registered.

Fitting a replacement engine in the 218i

1. Inspect or replace the timing chain parts. Look at the guides and tensioner. On high-mileage engines, replacing them now costs far less than doing it later.
2. Replace the rear timing chain if in doubt. On engines with the chain at the gearbox end, chain work needs the engine out. If the history is unknown, replace the chain, guides and tensioner before fitting.
3. Prepare the turbo. Fit new oil feed and return seals, clean the intercooler and pipes of any oil or debris from the old engine, and prime the turbo with oil before starting.
4. Reset VANOS adaptations. Clear the VANOS adaptations so the ECU learns the camshaft positions of the new engine.
5. Teach the Valvetronic limit stops. Run the Valvetronic learning routine so the ECU knows the eccentric shaft limits.
6. Fill with the right oil and prime it. Fill with new oil of the correct specification and a new filter. Crank with the fuel and ignition disabled until oil pressure builds.
7. Coding and adaptations. On modern BMWs, the engine ECU must be matched to the car's immobiliser (CAS, FEM or BDC). Reset adaptations, register the battery and clear faults with diagnostic software.
8. First start and leak check. Start the engine, let it idle and watch oil pressure, temperature and fault codes. Check for leaks and bleed the cooling system.
9. First 1,000 km. Drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres, vary the engine speed and avoid full load. Change the oil and filter after about 1,000 km to remove any assembly debris.

The full fitting and first-start procedure.

Delivery, warranty and payment

Every 218i engine we sell is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped before it leaves Hamburg. You receive photographs of the packed engine and a tracking number.

Delivery is door to door and included in the price. Most European addresses receive the engine within five to ten working days; Germany and its neighbours are usually faster.

A 12-month warranty covers eligible internal failure when the engine is fitted by a qualified workshop with new fluids and filters. You can pay by card, bank transfer or crypto and receive the invoice by email straight away.

All F45 engines · B38 engine guide · BMW 218i engines for sale · Send us your VIN