How much does a BMW 2 Series 216i engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned BMW 2 Series 216i (B38) engine typically costs £3,200–£5,000 supply only, depending on the generation and power output. Fitting adds £650–£1,300 at independent specialist rates. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your vehicle.

Is the BMW 2 Series 216i engine reliable?

The B38 three-cylinder engine has been in production since 2013 and has a mixed reliability reputation. While there are no widespread reports of bottom-end failures, common issues include timing chain tensioner wear, oil consumption and timing cover leaks, cooling system component failures, and engine mount failures. Regular maintenance is essential.

What are the common problems with the BMW 2 Series 216i?

Timing chain tensioner wear (cold-start rattle is the early warning), oil consumption and timing cover oil leaks (burning smell after drives), engine mount failure (excessive vibration at idle), cooling system failures (thermostat and water pump), and turbocharger seal failure. All are manageable with preventative maintenance and early detection.

Is it worth replacing a BMW 2 Series 216i engine, or should I scrap the car?

Against a well-maintained 2 Series (values £10,000–£25,000+ depending on year and model), a £3,500–£4,500 reconditioned engine is 15–35% of the vehicle's value - often worth it. The BMW scrap threshold of 70% means evaluating the whole vehicle before committing.

How do I find my BMW 2 Series 216i engine code?

The engine code (B38A15A, B38A15, or B38A15P) is listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. The 216i badge has appeared across multiple 2 Series body styles since 2014. Tell us your registration and we'll confirm for free.

Can I repair the timing chain, or does it require engine replacement?

Timing chain tensioner wear is repairable without replacing the engine - if caught early. A preventative chain and tensioner replacement costs £800–£1,800. If the chain snaps and valves meet pistons, a full engine replacement is usually required. At the first sign of cold-start rattle, book an inspection immediately.

BMW 2 Series 216i2014–presentB38 1.5 Turbo

BMW 2 Series 216i Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Name: BMW 2 Series 216i UK Engine Enquiry Data 2025
Creator: BMWEngines.uk

Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 2 Series 216i specialists. Compare reconditioned, rebuilt and used B38 1.5-litre three-cylinder engines - supply & fit available nationwide for this premium compact.

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BMW 2 Series 216i Engines - from £1,800 to £6,500Engine code: B38 (2014–present)

BMW 2 Series 216i Engines - from £1,800 to £6,500· Engine code: B38 (2014–present)

Instant QuotesNo Obligation100% FreeReconditionedRebuiltUsedSupply & Fit AvailableUK-Wide Network

The 2 SERIES 216i THROUGH TIME - Era Map

Four generations. Four eras. One guide to reliability, costs and what really matters.

Era Note

Early B38 three-cylinder - 102 PS, 180 Nm, characterful but timing chain and oil consumption need watching

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

2 Series Active/Gran Tourer (F45/F46) BMW 320d 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer (F45/F46)

2014–2018B38A15A (102 PS)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£3,200–£5,000 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]Early B38 three-cylinder - 102 PS, 180 Nm, characterful but timing chain and oil consumption need watching

2 Series Active/Gran Tourer LCI (F45/F46) BMW 320d 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer LCI (F45/F46)

2018–2021B38A15A (109 PS)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£3,200–£5,000 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]Facelift version - 109 PS, 190 Nm; revised mapping but same fundamental B38 architecture

2 Series Gran Coupé (F44) BMW 320d 2 Series Gran Coupé (F44)

2022–presentB38A15 (109 PS)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£3,500–£5,800 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]Sleek four-door coupé - 109 PS, 190 Nm, 7-speed DCT; B38 remains the entry point

2 Series Active Tourer (U06) BMW 320d 2 Series Active Tourer (U06)

2022–presentB38A15P (122 PS)★★★☆☆ [NEWLY ASSIGNED - see Data Note]£3,500–£5,800 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]Latest-generation Active Tourer - 122 PS, 280 Nm; most powerful 216i tune to date

Why use this era map?

This table is the single source every other section on this page matches - Sections 2, 4 and 6 reference it rather than restating conflicting figures.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

BMW 2 Series 216i Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£3,200–£5,000

Fitted (Indie)£4,200–£6,200

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£1,800–£3,200£2,500–£4,2001–6 monthsBudget priority; lower-mileage donor required

Reconditioned Engine£3,200–£5,000£4,200–£6,20012–24 monthsMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£4,500–£6,500£5,500–£7,80012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; full factory-spec refresh

Main Dealer New£6,500–£9,000£7,500–£10,50024–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Figures above reflect the current 216i B38 era. Older generations: see the Era Map above for generation-specific pricing.

Labour estimate: Fitting a 216i engine typically takes 8–12 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer). [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]

→ Compare BMW 2 Series 216i engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems With BMW 320d Engines

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear (B38 Family)

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start lasting 1–3 seconds, engine warning light, loss of power, metallic noises from the front of the engine.

Typical mileage: 50,000–100,000 miles

Repair cost: £800–£1,800 (preventative chain and tensioner replacement) [PLACEHOLDER]

Replacement cost: £3,200–£5,000 (if chain skips and valves meet pistons) [PLACEHOLDER]

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattle, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

The B38 timing chain tensioner is known to wear prematurely, a common issue across the B-series engine family. A failing tensioner can cause rattling noises and, if ignored, may lead to severe engine damage. Cold-start rattle is the early warning sign - ignore it and you risk piston-valve contact and a full engine replacement. Regular oil changes with the correct BMW-approved oil are the best prevention. If you hear any rattle on startup, have the timing system inspected immediately.

1. Timing Chain Tensioner Wear (B38 Family)

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start lasting 1–3 seconds, engine warning light, loss of power, metallic noises from the front of the engine.

Typical mileage: 50,000–100,000 miles

Repair cost: £800–£1,800 (preventative chain and tensioner replacement) [PLACEHOLDER]

Replacement cost: £3,200–£5,000 (if chain skips and valves meet pistons) [PLACEHOLDER]

🔴 Immediate - if you hear rattle, book an inspection today

Our recommendation:

2. Oil Consumption & Timing Cover Leaks

Symptoms: Low oil warning light, needing to top up oil frequently, burning oil smell after long drives, oil pooling on the engine bay liner under the timing cover, slow oil level drop over weeks.

Typical mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles

Repair cost: £150–£300 (regular oil top-ups and monitoring) - £400–£900 (timing cover seal replacement) [PLACEHOLDER]

Replacement cost: £3,200–£5,000 (if oil starvation leads to engine damage) [PLACEHOLDER]

🟡 Monitor - book inspection soon; monitor oil levels weekly

Our recommendation:

Excessive oil consumption and timing cover oil leaks are frequently reported issues with the B38 engine. Owners have noted oil pooling on the bay liner and a burning smell after motorway runs. Check your oil level regularly - this engine is not one you can neglect. Use the correct grade of fully synthetic BMW-approved oil and consider reducing oil change intervals to 8,000 miles. If you notice a burning oil smell or oil on the front of the engine, have the timing cover seal inspected.

3. Engine Mount Failure

Symptoms: Excessive cabin vibrations at idle, clunking noise on D-to-R shifts, mount visibly seeping fluid through cracked rubber sleeve, vibration through the floor.

Typical mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles

Repair cost: £400–£800 (full set of engine and transmission mounts) [PLACEHOLDER]

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only

🟡 Monitor - book inspection soon; can cause additional wear on other components

Our recommendation:

BMW 216i owners have reported engine mount failures causing cabin vibrations and clunking noises. The front engine mount can develop cracked rubber and leak damping fluid. Some owners have needed a full set of engine and transmission mounts replaced. If you notice excessive vibration at idle or clunking on gear changes, have the mounts inspected - replacement is straightforward and restores smoothness.

4. Cooling System Failures (Thermostat & Water Pump)

Symptoms: Running hot in traffic, temperature fluctuations, sweet smell from engine bay, no visible coolant leak.

Typical mileage: 40,000–80,000 miles

Repair cost: £400–£900 (thermostat or water pump replacement) [PLACEHOLDER]

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only (unless overheating leads to engine damage)

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently if overheating occurs

Our recommendation:

Cooling system issues have been noted in B38 engines, particularly with the thermostat and water pump. Some owners have reported the engine running hot in traffic with no visible coolant leak. Overheating can lead to severe engine damage, so it's vital to address any cooling issues promptly. If you notice temperature fluctuations or the engine running hotter than normal, have the cooling system pressure-tested immediately.

5. Turbocharger Failure

Symptoms: Check engine light, noticeable power loss under load, light blue smoke at hard throttle, whistling noise from the turbo area.

Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles

Repair cost: £800–£2,000 (turbocharger replacement) [PLACEHOLDER]

Replacement cost: £3,200–£5,000 (if turbo failure sends debris into the engine) [PLACEHOLDER]

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently if power loss or turbo noise occurs

Our recommendation:

Some 216i owners have reported turbocharger seal failure, leading to power loss, blue smoke, and whistling noises. Turbo replacement is a specialist job - replacement is direct but may require ECU changes per BMW service bulletins. If you notice power loss under load or any unusual noises from the turbo area, have it inspected immediately. A £800–£2,000 turbo replacement is far cheaper than a full engine swap if debris enters the engine.

Weighing Your Options?

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BMW 2 Series 216i - Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

BMW 2 Series 216i - Repair, Buy, or Replace?

Every 320d has a story. Make the right call with clear data, real-world costs, and honest guidance from UK specialists.

Can It Be Repaired?

ProblemRepairable?Typical CostWhen It Makes SenseTiming chain tensioner wear (early)✅ Yes£800–£1,800Preventative - far cheaper than catastrophic failureOil consumption / timing cover leak✅ Yes£400–£900Seal replacement is straightforward; catch it before oil starvationEngine mount failure✅ Yes£400–£800Restores smoothness; worth doingThermostat / water pump failure✅ Yes£400–£900Straightforward replacement; catch it before overheatingTurbocharger failure✅ Yes£800–£2,000Replacement is viable if caught before debris enters engineSnapped timing chain (bent valves)❌ Usually NoEngine replacementPiston-valve contact means little is left to repair

Buying This BMW 2 Series 216i? Check These First

Buy If

Full service history with oil changes at 8,000–10,000 mile intervals
No cold-start rattle - timing chain tensioners should be healthy
No oil leaks or burning oil smell - timing cover seal should be intact
Cooling system in good order (no temperature fluctuations, no coolant loss)
Engine mounts in good condition (no excessive vibration at idle)

Avoid If

No proof of regular oil changes - this engine is unforgiving of neglect
Cold-start rattle present - timing chain work is imminent
Oil leaks or burning smell present - timing cover seal may be failing
Any engine warning light without diagnosis - the B38 can hide expensive faults
Excessive vibration at idle - engine mounts may be failing

Closing Verdict

The BMW 2 Series 216i is the entry point into the premium compact segment, powered by a characterful 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine. The B38 is part of BMW's modular family and has been in production since 2013, but it demands respect: timing chain tensioner wear, oil consumption, cooling system failures, and engine mount issues are the key weak points. Buy on service history, maintain on a shortened schedule, and this is a genuinely engaging and frugal compact; neglect it, and you'll face expensive repairs.

Don't guess.Get the right engine at the right price.

→ Compare BMW 2 Series 216i engine prices before you buy

Don't Guess. Compare.

Get real quotes from vetted UK specialists and make the right call for your 320d.

→ Compare BMW 2 Series 216i engine prices before you buy

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used BMW 2 Series 216i (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

Cold Start

Listen for rattle lasting more than 1–2 seconds (timing chain tensioner warning)

Service History

Oil changes every 8,000–10,000 miles are essential for the B38

Oil Level

Check dipstick; excessive consumption indicates potential oil issues

Oil Leaks

Check for oil on the front of the engine (timing cover seal) or burning smell after drives

Coolant Level

Check cold and hot; any loss indicates cooling system issues

Engine Temperature

Any fluctuations? Thermostat or water pump may be failing

Idle Quality

Any excessive vibration? Engine mounts may be failing

Engine Warning Light

Have codes been read? Timing, cooling, or turbo codes are most common

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

Buy smart. Drive with confidence.

A few checks today can save thousands tomorrow. Use this checklist to avoid the most common 320d pitfalls.

BMW 320d Engine Codes

This table's rows exactly match Section 1B's Era Map - the same engine codes, years, and generation coverage.

B38A15A (102 PS)

Years2014–2018

Power102 PS (75 kW) @ 4,100 rpm · 180 Nm @ 1,200 rpm

2025 Enquiries- (pattern data) [PATTERN DATA]

Avg. Recon Cost£3,200–£5,000 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

B38A15A (102 PS)2014–2018102 PS (75 kW) @ 4,100 rpm · 180 Nm @ 1,200 rpm- (pattern data) [PATTERN DATA]£3,200–£5,000 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]

B38A15A (109 PS)2018–2021109 PS (80 kW) @ 4,300 rpm · 190 Nm @ 1,380 rpm- (pattern data) [PATTERN DATA]£3,200–£5,000 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]

B38A15 (109 PS)2022–present109 PS (81 kW) @ 4,500 rpm · 190 Nm @ 1,380–3,800 rpm- (pattern data) [PATTERN DATA]£3,500–£5,800 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]

B38A15P (122 PS)2022–present122 PS (90 kW) · 280 Nm- (pattern data) [PATTERN DATA]£3,500–£5,800 [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet]

Technical Specs

B38 family

Displacement1,499cc

Cylinders3-cylinder inline, 4 valves per cylinder

Compression Ratio11.1:1

Fuel SystemDirect injection (High Precision Injection)

TurbochargerSingle-scroll turbocharger with BMW TwinPower Turbo technology

Valve ControlVALVETRONIC fully variable valve timing

→ Compare BMW 2 Series 216i engine prices for your BMW

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

Timing chain tensioner wear and oil leaks

35%

of B38-related enquiries cite chain, oil, or cooling concerns

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Enquiry Mileage

40,000

–70,000 miles

[PATTERN DATA]

Average Replacement Cost

£4,000

reconditioned, supply only

[PLACEHOLDER]

Most Requested Engine Code

B38A15A

the most common 216i variant

[PATTERN DATA]

Peak Enquiry Season

Winter

cold starts expose timing chain and cooling issues

[PATTERN DATA]

Regional Demand

South East22%

London18%

North West12%

PATTERN DATA

Regional Demand Breakdown

22%South East

18%London

12%North West

BMW 320d - Frequently Asked Questions

All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data from our network of engine specialists. Actual costs vary by variant, engine code, damage severity and workshop location. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty - always confirm terms with your chosen supplier.

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20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available