BMW B38B15 engine: specs, problems and prices

The B38B15 is a 1.5 L petrol inline-3 from BMW's B38 family, built 2014–2026 and rated at 136 hp and 220 Nm. It powered the BMW F40 118i, BMW F45 218i, BMW G20 318i and MINI F56 Mini Cooper.

This guide is about the B38B15 specifically: its specification, the cars that use it, how it differs from the other B38 versions, what to check, prices from our stock and fitment answers for each model. For the history of the whole family, read our B38 guide.

• Capacity and layout: 1.5 L, inline-3, turbocharged
• Output: 136 hp and 220 Nm
• Production: 2014–2026
• Fitted to: 4 models across 4 chassis generations
• In our stock: 5 units from 1.307,00 € — B38B15 engines for sale

B38B15 specifications

B38B15: 1.5 L, inline-3, petrol, turbocharged. Output is 136 hp with 220 Nm of torque, and production ran from 2014 to 2026. That is about 91 hp and 147 Nm per litre, a strong figure for a road engine of its era. Within the B38 family, the B38B15A (140 hp) is more powerful. It was fitted to the BMW F40 118i, BMW F45 218i, BMW G20 318i and MINI F56 Mini Cooper.

What the code B38B15 means

• 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.

Which BMW models use the B38B15

In the F40 third 1 Series (2019–), the B38B15 powered the 118i. We have 2 B38B15 units from F40 donor cars. All F40 engines

In the F45 2 Series Active Tourer (2014–2021), the B38B15 powered the 218i. Engines from other models fit the F45 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All F45 engines

In the G20 seventh 3 Series (2018–), the B38B15 powered the 318i. Engines from other models fit the G20 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All G20 engines

In the F56 third-generation MINI hatch (2014–2024), the B38B15 powered the Mini Cooper. Engines from other models fit the F56 as long as the sump, mounts and ancillaries match, which we check against your VIN. All F56 engines

B38B15 compared with other B38 versions

B38B15 or B38A15?

The B38A15 has the same 136 hp as the B38B15, from the same 1.5 L, and was built 2014–2024. Versions of the same size share the block and most mounting points, but the turbo or intake, injectors, software and sometimes the sump differ. Fitting one in place of the other usually means transferring parts and coding the engine control unit, so the simplest choice is the code your car left the factory with.

B38B15 or B38B15A?

The B38B15A has 4 hp more than the B38B15 (140 against 136 hp), from the same 1.5 L, and was built 2015–2024. Versions of the same size share the block and most mounting points, but the turbo or intake, injectors, software and sometimes the sump differ. Fitting one in place of the other usually means transferring parts and coding the engine control unit, so the simplest choice is the code your car left the factory with.

Common B38B15 problems

The B38B15 shares its weak points with the rest of the B38 family. These are the faults to check on a used unit and on your own engine. The full explanation of each is in the B38 guide.

Coolant leaks. Thermostat housings and coolant pipes leak.

B38B15 maintenance

• 0W-20 or 0W-30 BMW Longlife-17 FE+ or 01, about 4.25 litres.
• Oil every 15,000 km or yearly.
• Timing chain at the rear (gearbox end).

Will the B38B15 fit my car?

Will the B38B15 fit my BMW F40 118i?

For the BMW F40 118i, the B38B15 is the factory engine and the one to order. The third 1 Series was built 2019–, 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 F40 118i?

We have 3 B38B15 engines from F40 donor cars, priced from 1.171,00 € 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.

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 3 B38B15 engines from F45 donor cars, priced from 901,00 € to 4.236,00 €. 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.

Will the B38B15 fit my BMW G20 318i?

The B38B15 is the original engine for the BMW G20 318i, which makes it the straightforward choice. The seventh 3 Series was built 2018–, and the B38B15 was produced 2014–2026, so check that your car's build date falls inside that window. Confirm the drive type (rear-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 G20 318i?

We have 23 B38B15 engines in stock, priced from 901,00 € to 4.236,00 €. 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.

Will the B38B15 fit my MINI F56 Mini Cooper?

For the MINI F56 Mini Cooper, the B38B15 is the factory engine and the one to order. The third-generation MINI hatch was built 2014–2024, 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 ALL4), 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 an MINI F56 Mini Cooper?

We have 23 B38B15 engines in stock, priced from 901,00 € to 4.236,00 €. 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.

B38B15 prices

Our B38B15 stock runs to 5 units, priced from 1.307,00 € to 3.055,00 € with a median of 1.805,00 €.

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.

B38B15 prices by model year

Engines from 2015–2019 have a median of 1.828,00 €, while units from 2020–2024 sit at 1.805,00 €. Newer engines usually cost more because they come from younger donor cars with lower mileage and later updates.

B38B15 engines in stock

Here is a selection of B38B15 engines currently on our shelves, photographed in the yard. Click any of them for the full photographs, mileage and specification.

BMW F20 118i B38B15 Engine 20181.828,00 €BMW F30 318i B38B15 Engine 20171.307,00 €BMW F40 118i B38B15 Engine 20201.805,00 €BMW B38B15 Engine1.460,00 €

BMW F20 118i B38B15 Engine 2018 — 1.828,00 €, reduced from 2.500,00 €. It comes from a 2018 donor car, and 10 units are available. We can confirm fitment against your VIN the same day.

BMW F30 318i B38B15 Engine 2017 — 1.307,00 €, reduced from 2.000,00 €. It comes from a 2017 donor car, and 15 units are available. Ask the desk for compression figures or extra photographs before you order.

BMW F40 118i B38B15 Engine 2020 — 1.805,00 €, reduced from 2.250,00 €. It comes from a 2020 donor car, and 19 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

BMW B38B15 Engine — 1.460,00 €, reduced from 2.000,00 €. It comes from a recorded donor car, and 21 units are available. The listing shows every side of the engine and the fitted parts.

Buying a used B38B15: checklist

1. Confirm the exact engine code. Read the code stamped on the block and compare it with the code for your car. Send us the last seven characters of the VIN and we confirm the match before anything is paid.
2. 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.
3. Gearbox and flywheel match. Manual and automatic engines differ at the flywheel or flexplate, and sometimes at the crankshaft spigot. Make sure the engine you buy matches your gearbox or that you transfer the right parts.
4. 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.
5. Ask how the donor car was damaged. Most good used engines come from cars with body damage. A front-end impact can crack sensors, the timing cover or the sump; a rear or side impact usually leaves the engine untouched. The yard records the damage on each unit.
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.

Questions about the B38B15

What should I replace when I fit a used B38A15 engine?

A used engine lasts longest when it starts life in your car with fresh fluids and new seals. Fit a new oil filter and fresh oil of the grade BMW lists for this engine, and refill the coolant with the correct BMW antifreeze mix. Change the drive belt, the thermostat and the water pump seals if they look tired, because they are cheap while the engine is out. Use new gaskets for the exhaust manifold, the intake and the sump plug, and check every hose clip before the first start.

Look at the engine mounts and the clutch or the torque converter while the engine is out. Old mounts can crack a new engine's brackets, and a worn clutch is much easier to change now.

Before the first start, turn the engine over without fuel until the oil pressure light goes out. Then let it idle, check for leaks, and drive gently for the first few hundred kilometres.

The warranty asks for fitting by a qualified mechanic and the correct oil, coolant and filters. Keep your receipts in case you ever need to make a claim.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

Will the B38A15 engine fit my BMW F40 118i?

Yes, if your BMW F40 118i was built with the B38A15. BMW used this 1.5 liter (1,499 cc) petrol engine with 100 kW (136 HP) in the F40 118i from about 2014 to 2024.

In our records the B38A15 is the engine for the F40 118i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F40 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

Will the B38A15 engine fit my BMW F45 218i?

Yes, if your BMW F45 218i was built with the B38A15. BMW used this 1.5 liter (1,499 cc) petrol engine with 100 kW (136 HP) in the F45 218i from about 2014 to 2024.

In our records the B38A15 is the engine for the F45 218i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Also tell us if your F45 has a manual or an automatic gearbox. The flywheel or the flex plate and some sensors depend on it.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

What comes with a used B38A15 engine?

Each B38A15 is sold as described on its own listing. The yard writes down the parts that are fitted to that unit, such as the turbo, the injectors, the manifolds or the alternator, so you know what arrives.

Some units are long engines with few ancillaries, others are more complete. If you need a part that is not listed, ask the desk. We often have the matching items in the yard.

Every engine is drained, sealed at each opening, strapped to a heat-treated pallet and shrink-wrapped, then photographed before it leaves the yard.

On delivery, the carrier brings the pallet to the kerb or a loading bay. Please have a forklift, a pallet truck or an engine crane ready.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

Which cars use the BMW B38A15 engine?

BMW fitted the B38A15 to the BMW F20 118i, BMW F40 118i, BMW F45 218i and BMW F48 X1 sDrive18i. These cars were built with this engine from about 2014 to 2024.

The badge on the boot is not enough to be sure. The same model name can hide two different engines, for example after a facelift or a change in emission rules. Always read the engine code stamped on the block, or look it up with your VIN.

The B38A15 is the only B38 version we list, which makes it easy to pick, but the wiring and the engine computer still need to match your car.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

What should I know about the BMW B38 engine?

BMW B38 1.5 three-cylinder turbo petrol engines for 118i and 218i. We list one version: B38A15 (1.5 liter (1,499 cc), 100 kW (136 HP), 2014 to 2024).

Because there is only one version, the code is easy to match. You still need the engine computer and wiring that suit your car.

The B38 family was used in chassis F20, F40, F45 and F48. The photos on each listing show the actual engine, not a stock picture. The yard checks the code, records what is bolted on, and seals the openings before the engine is offered.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B38 Engines

How do I know a used B38A15 engine is in good shape?

Before a unit is listed, the yard checks the engine code against the listing, writes down the parts fitted to it, seals every opening and photographs the real engine you will receive. An inspection certificate for the unit can travel with the order when you ask for it.

When you look at a listing, check the recorded mileage, the year and the photos of the ports and the stamp. Ask for photos of anything you want to see closer. Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide.

On a petrol engine like the B38A15, a careful fitter will also look at the spark plugs, the coils and the timing side before the engine goes in.

If the engine fails inside under normal use, the warranty covers you. Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

What should I check on a used BMW B38 engine?

Start with the basics: the engine code on the block, the recorded mileage and the photos. Make sure the code matches your car and the parts you need are on the unit.

On a B38 petrol engine, a fitter usually checks the spark plugs, the coils, the timing side and the oil seals. These parts are easy to check before fitting and easy to change if needed.

Ask the desk for more pictures of any listing. We are happy to show the stamp, the ports and the ancillaries before you decide. An inspection certificate can travel with the order on request.

Once fitted, change the oil and filter early and drive gently at first. Report any problem right away so the warranty stays valid.

See all B38 Engines · Inspection certificate

Does a used B38A15 engine come with a warranty?

Yes. Eligible engines come with a 12 months warranty from the delivery date. It covers internal mechanical failure under normal use and correct fitting by a qualified mechanic or workshop.

The warranty does not cover damage from wrong fitting, overheating, low oil, wrong fluids or fuel, engines that were opened or modified without our approval, or labour and towing costs.

To claim, send us your order number, a short description of the problem, photos or a video, and a mechanic's report if we ask for one. If the claim is approved, we repair, replace or refund the engine.

Keep the receipts for the fitting, the oil and the filters. They make any claim quick and simple.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

What is the BMW B38A15 engine?

The BMW B38A15 is a 1.5 liter (1,499 cc) petrol engine from the B38 family. It has an inline 3, DOHC, 12 valve layout with a single turbocharger, and makes 100 kW (136 HP) with 220 Nm of torque. BMW built it from 2014 to 2024 and it meets the Euro 6 emission standard.

You find the B38A15 in the BMW F20 118i, BMW F40 118i, BMW F45 218i and BMW F48 X1 sDrive18i. What we list: BMW B38 1.5 three-cylinder turbo petrol engines for 118i and 218i.

At Autowerke Engines every B38A15 is a real used engine from our yard in Hamburg. Each engine in the yard is inspected in Hamburg. The code is matched to the listing, the parts on the engine are recorded, the openings are sealed and the real unit is photographed. Each listing shows the year, the mileage and the price, so you can compare units side by side.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

Are there other versions of the BMW B38A15?

In our yard the B38A15 is the only listed version of the B38 family. It makes 100 kW (136 HP) and 220 Nm, and was built from 2014 to 2024.

Engines in one family share a basic block, but the turbo, the injection, the sensors and the engine computer can differ. A higher power version often has different pistons, a bigger turbo or a different fuel system.

This is why we ask for the exact code. Fitting a different version can work, but the wiring, the software and sometimes the gearbox must be changed to match.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

Will the B38A15 engine fit my BMW F48 X1 sDrive18i?

Yes, if your BMW F48 X1 sDrive18i was built with the B38A15. BMW used this 1.5 liter (1,499 cc) petrol engine with 100 kW (136 HP) in the F48 X1 sDrive18i from about 2014 to 2024.

In our records the B38A15 is the engine for the F48 X1 sDrive18i, which makes the match simple. Still, check the code on your old engine or send us your VIN.

Your car has all-wheel drive or is an X model, so the sump, the oil pickup and some brackets can differ from the rear-drive cars. Tell us the full model so we send the right set-up.

Not sure? Send us your VIN and your gearbox code. We match the engine family, the year window and the parts on the engine before anything is reserved, and the check is free.

See all B38 Engines · Search B38A15 in the shop

Delivery, warranty and payment

Before a B38B15 leaves our Hamburg yard it is drained of oil and coolant, every opening is sealed, and it is strapped to a pallet and wrapped. We send photographs of the packed unit and the tracking details.

Door-to-door delivery is included to the address you give at checkout. Typical delivery takes three to five working days within Germany and neighbouring countries and five to ten working days to the rest of Europe and the UK.

Every engine carries a 12-month warranty on eligible internal failure when a qualified workshop fits it with new fluids and filters. Payment is by card, bank transfer or crypto; your invoice is emailed as soon as you order.

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