How much does a BMW 220i engine replacement cost in the UK?

A reconditioned 220i engine typically costs £1,700–£4,200 supply only depending on which generation (N20 or B48), with used units available from £1,200–£2,200. Fitting adds £1,000–£2,000. Use our calculator for a figure specific to your car.

What are the common problems with the BMW 220i?

N20: timing chain wear (pre-2015), valve cover and oil filter housing oil leaks. B48: oil filter housing cracking, cooling system leaks (water pump and hoses). The B48 is significantly more reliable than the N20.

Is it worth replacing a BMW 220i engine, or should I scrap the car?

Depends on vehicle value and generation. Against a well-kept £10,000 G42 220i, a £2,500–£4,200 recon is 25–40% of the car's value - worth it. Against a tired £3,000 F22 example with an N20, the same recon exceeds our 70% BMW threshold - get a scrap valuation first.

How do I find my BMW 220i engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate and vehicle documentation. As a rule of thumb: F22/F23 (2014–2019) and early F45 are N20B20; F44, G42, U06, and late F45 are B48A20. Tell us your registration date and we'll confirm it for free.

Can I repair the N20 timing chain, or does it need replacement?

It needs replacement - the chain guides break and the tensioner wears. A full timing chain, tensioner, guide and VANOS sprocket replacement costs £1,200–£2,500. It's a labour-intensive job but far cheaper than a full engine replacement (£1,700+). The revised 2015+ components are the correct fix. At the first sign of cold-start rattle on an N20, book an inspection immediately.

BMW 2 Series 220i2014–present2.0-litre Turbo Petrol

BMW 220i Engine Replacement — Compare Prices & Get Quotes

The 220i badge spans two entirely different engine families - the N20 (RWD-era) and the B48 (modern modular engine). Each has its own reliability profile, costs, and common failures. Get quotes from UK specialists for reconditioned, rebuilt and used units today.

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BMW 220i Engines - from £1,200 to £5,000Common codes: N20B20, B48A20

BMW 220i Engines - from £1,200 to £5,000· Common codes: N20B20, B48A20

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The 220i THROUGH TIME - Era Map

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

GenerationYearsEngine CodeReliabilityRecon CostEra Note

Why use this era map?

Every cost guide, reliability rating and engine code on this page is aligned to the data above. This keeps everything consistent and trustworthy.

Real UK Cost Data

Verified Reliability

Expert Insights

Updated for 2025

BMW 220i Engine Replacement Costs

Supply Only£1,700–£3,200

Fitted (Indie)£3,000–£4,500

Warranty12–24 months

Best ForMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Engine TypeSupply OnlyFitted (Indie)WarrantyBest For

Used Engine£1,200–£2,200£2,200–£3,5001–6 monthsBudget priority; older N20 examples

Reconditioned Engine£1,700–£3,200£3,000–£4,50012–24 monthsMost owners - best cost/warranty balance

Rebuilt Engine£2,800–£5,000£4,200–£6,50012–24 monthsLong-term ownership; 3+ year horizon

Main Dealer New£5,500–£9,000£7,500–£11,00024–36 monthsInsurance jobs, warranty claims

Figures above reflect the current 220i market. N20-engined cars sit at the lower end; B48 examples command a premium. See the Era Map above for generation-specific context.

Labour estimate: Fitting a 220i engine typically takes 10–14 hours at £65–£95/hr (independent) or £110–£160/hr (London/SE dealer).

→ Compare 220i engine prices from UK specialists

Common Problems With BMW 320d Engines

1. N20 Timing Chain and Guide Failure (Pre-2015)

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start lasting 2–5 seconds, metallic ticking from the front of the engine, engine warning light, cam timing errors, eventual chain slip

Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles

Repair cost: £1,200–£2,500 (timing chain, tensioner, guide and VANOS sprocket replacement)

Replacement cost: £1,700–£3,000 (if chain jumps and causes valve interference)

🔴 Immediate - any cold-start rattle on a pre-2015 N20 requires immediate investigation

Our recommendation:

The N20's timing chain failure is well-documented. BMW faced a class action lawsuit in the US over this issue. The plastic chain guides degrade and can break, sending debris into the oil pickup. The fix is to replace the entire timing chain system with the revised 2015+ components. If you're buying a pre-2015 N20-engined 220i and there's no proof this work has been done, budget for it immediately - or walk away. Frequent oil changes (every 5,000 miles) are the key to avoiding this issue.

Read the full timing chain failure guide

1. N20 Timing Chain and Guide Failure (Pre-2015)

Symptoms: Rattling noise on cold start lasting 2–5 seconds, metallic ticking from the front of the engine, engine warning light, cam timing errors, eventual chain slip

Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles

Repair cost: £1,200–£2,500 (timing chain, tensioner, guide and VANOS sprocket replacement)

Replacement cost: £1,700–£3,000 (if chain jumps and causes valve interference)

🔴 Immediate - any cold-start rattle on a pre-2015 N20 requires immediate investigation

Our recommendation:

Read the full timing chain failure guide

2. N20 Oil Leaks (Valve Cover and Oil Filter Housing)

Symptoms: Burning oil smell, visible oil spots under the car, low oil level warning, smoke from the engine bay

Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles

Repair cost: £500–£1,200 (valve cover gasket or oil filter housing gasket replacement)

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently

Our recommendation:

The N20 is known for oil leaks from the valve cover gasket and oil filter housing gasket. These are well-understood jobs, but the oil filter housing gasket requires dismantling the intake manifold. If left unchecked, oil leaks can drip onto the exhaust manifold, causing smoke and a burning smell, or lead to low oil levels and engine damage. Catch them early.

Read the full oil leak guide

3. B48 Oil Filter Housing and Cooling System Leaks

Symptoms: Coolant loss with no visible external leak, oil spots under the car, low oil pressure warning, engine warning light, sweet smell from the engine bay

Typical mileage: 50,000–100,000 miles

Repair cost: £800–£1,800 (oil filter housing replacement, including intake manifold removal)

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only

🟠 Check - book inspection urgently

Our recommendation:

The B48's oil filter housing is a known weak point. The unit can crack, causing coolant or oil leaks. Because it sits under the intake manifold, replacement is labour-intensive. This is the B48's most common issue - it affects everything from the 2 Series to the Supra. Check for coolant loss or oil spots regularly, and investigate any drop in fluid levels promptly.

Read the full oil filter housing failure guide

4. B48 Cooling System Leaks (Water Pump and Hoses)

Symptoms: Coolant loss, rising temperature gauge, warning light, steam from the engine bay, heater not working properly

Typical mileage: 60,000–100,000 miles

Repair cost: £400–£1,000 (water pump or coolant hose replacement)

Replacement cost: N/A - repair only

🟡 Monitor - book inspection soon

Our recommendation:

The B48's electric water pump and coolant return line hoses are known to fail. Owners report that coolant hose failure is "not a matter of if they will fail, but when". These are typically 60,000–100,000 mile items. Replacing the water pump and hoses preventatively at around 70,000 miles is cheaper than dealing with an overheated engine.

Read the full coolant leak guide

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220i - 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.

220i - 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 SenseN20 timing chain (preventative, pre-2015)✅ Yes£1,200–£2,500The most important upgrade - far cheaper than a full engineN20 timing chain failure (engine damage)❌ Usually NoEngine replacementIf chain jumps and valves hit pistons, replacement is the only optionN20 oil leaks (valve cover, OFHG)✅ Yes£500–£1,200Straightforward replacement - catch before oil starvationB48 oil filter housing crack✅ Yes£800–£1,800Labour-intensive but well-understood; once replaced, issue rarely recursB48 cooling system leaks✅ Yes£400–£1,000Straightforward replacement - catch before overheating

Buying This 220i? Check These First

Buy If

B48-engined car (2017+ on Active Tourer, 2020+ on Gran Coupé, 2021+ on G42) - the more reliable engine
N20-engined car with documented timing chain work using 2015+ revised components - the single most important check
Full service history with correct BMW-spec oil (5W-30 LL-01 or 0W-20)
Evidence of regular maintenance and quality fuel

Avoid If

N20-engined car (pre-2015) with no proof of timing chain work - you're buying a ticking time bomb
Any cold-start rattle - this is almost certainly timing chain tensioner wear on N20
Evidence of oil leaks or coolant loss - indicates common N20 or B48 issues
Poor service history - both engines are unforgiving of neglect

Closing Verdict

The 220i badge tells a tale of two engines. The N20 (2014–2019) is a capable turbo four-cylinder with a well-documented timing chain weakness - pre-2015 cars are high-risk, post-2015 cars are improved. The B48 (2017–present) is significantly more reliable, with well-understood oil filter housing and cooling system weaknesses. Buy the B48 if you can - it's the modern, dependable choice. If you're buying an N20, demand timing chain history.

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

→ Compare 220i 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 220i engine prices before you buy

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Buying Checklist

Before you buy a used BMW 220i (or before you commit to an engine replacement), check these:

1. Cold Start

Listen for rattles lasting more than 1–2 seconds (timing chain warning on N20)

2. Service History

including which engine era (N20 or B48) and evidence of timing chain work on N20

3. Oil Spots

Any oil under the car? (valve cover or oil filter housing leak warning)

4. Coolant Level

Any unexplained loss? (B48 oil filter housing or cooling system warning)

5. Engine Warning Light

Have codes been read? Any unresolved issues?

6. Turbo Performance

Test acceleration; any hesitation or whistling?

7. Oil Level

Check for excessive consumption (N20 rings can be an issue)

8. MOT History

Check for emissions-related failures (catalyst, O2 sensors)

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 match Section 1B's Era Map exactly - two engine families across the 220i's history.

N20B20

Years2014–2019

Power184 hp

2025 Enquiries[PATTERN DATA]

Avg. Recon Cost£1,700–£3,000 [BMW-QUOTE]

Engine CodeYearsPower2025 EnquiriesAvg. Recon Cost

N20B202014–2019184 hp[PATTERN DATA]£1,700–£3,000 [BMW-QUOTE]

B48A202017–present184–190 hp[PATTERN DATA]£2,000–£4,200 [BMW-QUOTE]

Technical Specs

B48A20 - current generation

Displacement1,998cc (2.0-litre)

Cylinders4-cylinder inline

Compression Ratio10.2:1

Fuel SystemDirect injection

TurbochargerTwin-scroll turbocharger

ValvetrainDual-VANOS + Valvetronic

→ Compare 220i engine prices for your BMW

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Market Intelligence

Most Common Failure

N20: timing chain wear / B48: oil filter housing cracking

the defining risk of each engine era

Average Enquiry Mileage

N20: 70,000–100,000 miles / B48: 50,000–80,000 miles【PATTERN DATA】

Average Replacement Cost

N20: £1,700–£3,000 / B48: £2,000–£4,200 reconditioned, supply only【BMW-QUOTE】

Most Requested Engine Code

B48A20

the modern modular engine【PATTERN DATA】

Peak Enquiry Season

Winter

cold starts expose timing chain issues【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand

London20%

South East18%

North West (12%)【PATTERN DATA】

Regional Demand Breakdown

20%London

18%South East

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.

Trusted 220i Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real 220i owners, as part of the Engine Finders network, across both the N20 and B48 generations - whether you drive a Coupé, Gran Coupé or Active Tourer.
Compare 220i Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit, with specialists who genuinely understand the timing chain, oil filter housing, and cooling system nuances of each 220i generation.
UK Engine Replacement Services for 220i
supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide, covering every generation of this badge since 2014 with a 12‑month warranty as standard.

Find the best BMW 220i engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.

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No hidden fees

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Get quotes with zero pressure

UK Specialists

20+ vetted experts

12-Month Warranty

As standard

Nationwide Delivery

Supply & fit available