BMW 2 Series F23Convertible2015–2021
Every engine fitted to the F23 Convertible — from the 1.5-litre three-cylinder 218i to the 2.0-litre four-cylinders and the 3.0-litre six-cylinder M240i.
Real UK costs, honest failure data, and the engine changes that defined the F23's short life.
Backed by 147+ real UK F23 enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Engine Database
Every engine fitted to the F23 convertible specifically — from the base 218i to the M240i, including the N20-to-B48 and N55-to-B58 changes that came with the 2016 model-year update.
Overview
The F23 is the convertible version of BMW's first-generation 2 Series, launched in January 2015 as the successor to the E88 1 Series Convertible. Built alongside the F22 coupé at BMW's Leipzig plant, the F23 was a four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft top. The engine range launched with 2.0-litre N20 four-cylinders (220i, 228i) and the 3.0-litre N55 six-cylinder (M235i), plus B47 diesels.
A significant July 2016 update replaced the N20 and N55 with the newer B48 and B58 modular engines, and the 1.5-litre B38 three-cylinder arrived in 2017 for the 218i. The F23 was produced through 2021.
Key Facts
Market Intelligence
The F23 convertible generated 147 real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED], concentrated on the 2.0-litre petrol engines as these stylish convertibles enter the higher-mileage phase of their ownership cycle.
04Best & Worst Engines
Best Petrol Overall
B48B20B -230i (2016–2021)
“The B48 is a significant improvement over the N20 — better cooling, more reliable timing chain design, and smoother delivery. The 230i is the sweet spot of the F23 range.”
Who it's for: buyers who want modern turbo four-cylinder performance without the N20's concerns.
Highest Risk
N20B20A/B -220i/228i (2015–2016)
“Early F23s use the N20 engine — known for timing chain guide wear and VANOS issues. The B48 that replaced it from mid-2016 is a much safer bet.”
Who it's for: buyers who are prepared for timing chain maintenance or want a cheaper entry point.
Most Expensive Failure
N55B30O0 -M235i (2015–2016)
“The N55 is robust but complex — VANOS, valvetronic and turbocharger repairs can be costly. The B58 that replaced it is a more reliable choice.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the first-generation M Performance convertible and are ready for the bills.
Best Value
B48B20A -220i (2016–2021)
“The B48 is reliable, efficient and well-supported. A £2,800–£4,500 recon makes sense against a £10,000–£20,000 vehicle.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the most cost-effective F23 ownership.
Most Overlooked
B38B15 -218i (2017–2021)
“The 1.5-litre three-cylinder is often overlooked by buyers chasing bigger engines — but it's a genuinely charming unit, reliable and surprisingly perky in the F23's lightweight chassis.”
Who it's for: buyers who want low running costs and don't need six-cylinder pace.
Best Petrol Overall
B48B20B
-230i (2016–2021)
“The B48 is a significant improvement over the N20 — better cooling, more reliable timing chain design, and smoother delivery. The 230i is the sweet spot of the F23 range.”
Who it's for: buyers who want modern turbo four-cylinder performance without the N20's concerns.
Highest Risk
N20B20A/B
-220i/228i (2015–2016)
“Early F23s use the N20 engine — known for timing chain guide wear and VANOS issues. The B48 that replaced it from mid-2016 is a much safer bet.”
Who it's for: buyers who are prepared for timing chain maintenance or want a cheaper entry point.
Most Expensive Failure
N55B30O0
-M235i (2015–2016)
“The N55 is robust but complex — VANOS, valvetronic and turbocharger repairs can be costly. The B58 that replaced it is a more reliable choice.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the first-generation M Performance convertible and are ready for the bills.
Best Value
B48B20A
-220i (2016–2021)
“The B48 is reliable, efficient and well-supported. A £2,800–£4,500 recon makes sense against a £10,000–£20,000 vehicle.”
Who it's for: buyers who want the most cost-effective F23 ownership.
Most Overlooked
B38B15 -218i (2017–2021)
“The 1.5-litre three-cylinder is often overlooked by buyers chasing bigger engines — but it's a genuinely charming unit, reliable and surprisingly perky in the F23's lightweight chassis.”
Who it's for: buyers who want low running costs and don't need six-cylinder pace.
Engine
Typical Mileage
Common Major Failure
Repair Cost (Specialist)
Replacement Cost (Recon)
Ownership Verdict
Solid Choice -reliable three-cylinder
Watch Closely -chain is the weak pointBest Petrol -reliable B48, chain improvedWatch Closely -complex but rewardingBest Six -B58 is a modern classicSolid Choice -improved over N47EngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership VerdictSolid Choice -reliable three-cylinderWatch Closely -chain is the weak pointBest Petrol -reliable B48, chain improvedWatch Closely -complex but rewardingBest Six -B58 is a modern classicSolid Choice -improved over N47
The F23 rule
A £3,200–£5,000 B48 recon against a £10,000–£20,000 F23 sits at 16–50% of the car's value -well within our 70% BMW threshold. Even against a sub-£10,000 example, the same recon is 32–50% -a repair decision, not a financial one. The F23 holds value well enough that engine replacement is almost always viable.
N20
Timing Chain Guide Wear
Affected models:
F23 220i, 228i (2015–2016, N20 engine).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–100,000 miles.
Root cause:
The N20's timing chain guides are a known weak point -they can become brittle and fail, leading to chain stretch or catastrophic engine failure. Cold-start rattle is the classic early warning. The B48 that replaced it from July 2016 has an improved chain design.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£1,500–£2,500
£800–£1,800
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£4,500–£7,000
£3,500–£5,500
Our Recommendation
If your N20-powered F23 has no documented timing chain history, treat it as a priority inspection -£800–£1,800 now is far cheaper than the £3,500+ replacement that follows a failure. Cold-start rattle is the warning sign to watch for.
B38/B48/B58
Cooling System
Affected models:
F23 218i, 220i, 230i, M240i (all B-series engines, 2016–2021).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–100,000 miles.
Root cause:
The B-series modular engines are generally reliable, but cooling system components -water pump, expansion tank, plastic fittings -can develop leaks. This is the most common B-series failure point.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£600–£1,200
£400–£900
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£3,500–£5,500
£2,800–£4,500
Our Recommendation
On any B-series F23 approaching 60,000 miles, have the cooling system inspected -a £400–£900 preventative repair is cheaper than the £2,800+ replacement that follows an overheating failure.
B47
Diesel EGR Cooler
Affected models:
F23 218d, 220d, 225d (B47 diesel, 2015–2021).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–120,000 miles.
Root cause:
The B47 diesel's EGR cooler can develop internal leaks, allowing coolant into the exhaust. This is a known issue across BMW's B47 engine family. The B47 is otherwise a significant improvement over the N47 -timing chain issues are far less common.
Tiered Cost Table
Preventative (Repair)
Dealer
Specialist
£600–£1,200
£400–£900
Catastrophic (Replacement)
Dealer
Specialist
£4,000–£6,500
£3,200–£5,500
Our Recommendation
At the first sign of coolant loss or white smoke, get the EGR cooler inspected -a £400–£900 repair is cheaper than the £3,200+ replacement that follows if ignored.
VariantEngine Code
Used (Supply)
Reconditioned (Supply)
Rebuilt (Supply)
Labour HoursNo Generation variance from the Engine Page baseline -no dedicated Engine Pages exist for these families yet, so baseline figures are drawn from the EM_Proprietary_Data Table A. Labour hours estimated at 8–12 hours for the three-cylinder B38, 10–14 hours for four-cylinder engines, and 12–16 hours for six-cylinder engines due to engine bay packaging.
Scope note: All variants listed are F23 convertible only. The 228i and M235i were produced 2015–2016; the 230i and M240i replaced them from July 2016 production. The 218i (B38) joined the range in 2017. The 225d is the twin-turbo diesel.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£4,200
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 220i F23
N20
Manchester
Cold-start rattle5
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW 230i F23
B48
BirminghamCoolant loss warning4
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW M240i F23
B58
LeedsWater pump failure3
enquiries
Updated MonthlyMost Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£4,200
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£4,200
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Scope note: All variants listed are F23 convertible only. The 228i and M235i were produced 2015–2016; the 230i and M240i replaced them from July 2016 production. The 218i (B38) joined the range in 2017. The 225d is the twin-turbo diesel.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£4,200
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£4,200
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£4,200
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW-QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 220i F23
N20
ManchesterCold-start rattle5
enquiries
BMW 230i F23
B48
BirminghamCoolant loss warning4
enquiries
BMW M240i F23
B58
LeedsWater pump failure3
enquiries
Updated MonthlyTrusted F23 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real 2 Series Convertible owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
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UK Engine Replacement Services for F23
covering every variant from 218i to M240i, with supply-only or full supply & fit available nationwide.
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