BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46 Engines -The Complete UK Guide
Every engine fitted to the seven-seat F46 Gran Tourer -from the 1.5-litre B37 diesel to the 2.0-litre B48 petrol. Real UK replacement costs, honest failure data, and the B47 timing-chain improvements over the notorious N47. Backed by 256+ real UK F46 enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED].
Explore F46 Engines
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46 Engine Codes -The Complete Database
Every petrol and diesel engine fitted to the seven-seat F46 Gran Tourer -from the entry-level three-cylinder to the range-topping 2.0-litre units.
Overview
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46 -Overview
The F46 is the seven-seat MPV variant of BMW's 2 Series, launched in June 2015 as a longer, more versatile version of the F45 Active Tourer.
It was BMW's first and only three-row MPV, built on a front-wheel-drive platform shared with the MINI brand. The wheelbase was extended by 110 mm (4.3 inches) over the Active Tourer to accommodate the third row. The engine range initially featured two petrol units (218i, 220i) and three diesel units (216d, 218d, 220d xDrive). A significant 2018 update brought styling tweaks and the option of a new 7-speed automatic gearbox. Production ended in late 2021 with no direct successor.
Key Facts
Platform
BMW UKL1 (front-wheel-drive, shared with MINI)
Predecessor
None (BMW's first seven-seat MPV)
Successor
None (discontinued in 2021)
Sibling body styles in this generation
F45 Active Tourer (five-seat MPV)
Market Intelligence
The F46 Gran Tourer generated 256 real UK engine enquiries in 2025 [BMW-VERIFIED], concentrated on the B47 diesel units as these MPVs reach higher mileages and owners seek reliable replacement options.
Best & Worst Engines
Best Diesel Overall
B47C20A (2.0-litre diesel, 218d/220d)
“The B47 is BMW's modular four-cylinder diesel that replaced the notorious N47. It relocated the timing chain to the front of the engine, making it both more durable and easier to service. With 136–190 bhp and strong torque, it delivers excellent economy (50–60 MPG) and proven reliability. It's the engine the F46 was built for.”
Who it's for: Buyers who need diesel economy, torque and the best long-term reliability.
Best Petrol Overall
B48A20A (2.0-litre petrol, 220i)
“The 2.0-litre B48 delivers 163–192 bhp with smooth, refined power delivery. It's BMW's modular four-cylinder petrol engine, sharing the B-series family's improved reliability over earlier turbocharged BMW engines. It's the pick for buyers who don't want diesel.”
Who it's for: Petrol buyers who want smooth power without diesel complexity.
Highest Risk
B47C20A (early 2015–2018 diesel)
“While the B47 is a significant improvement over the N47, early examples can still suffer from timing-chain wear at very high mileage. EGR valve and cooler failures are also documented. Later post-2018 cars with the revised B47TÜ1 are the safest bet.”
Who it's for: Buyers who understand the risks and maintain their cars properly.
Most Expensive Failure
B47 Diesel Timing Chain / Turbo Failure
“Although the B47's timing chain is more durable than the N47's, a chain failure at high mileage still means a full engine replacement. Turbocharger wear from neglected oil changes is another costly failure point. A full B47 replacement can exceed £5,500.”
Who it's for: Buyers who budget for preventative maintenance.
Best Value
218i (B38A15A, 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol)
“The 1.5-litre three-cylinder B38 offers 136 bhp and genuine 40+ MPG economy in a family MPV. It's the entry point to the F46 range but punches above its weight -smooth, characterful, and more reliable than the diesels' emission-system complexity.”
Who it's for: Buyers who want the lowest running costs and don't need diesel torque.
Most Overlooked
214d / 216d (B37C15A, 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel)
“The 1.5-litre three-cylinder diesel is the most efficient engine in the F46 range -116 bhp and genuine 60+ MPG. It's often overlooked in favour of the 2.0-litre diesels, but for urban or light-use buyers, it's a genuine alternative.”
Who it's for: Urban buyers who want maximum economy in a seven-seat package.
BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46 -Ownership Economics
The F46 rule
A £3,200–£5,500 B47 recon against a £6,000–£15,000 Gran Tourer sits at 21–92% of the car's value. On a sub-£7,000 high-mileage example, that brushes our 70% BMW threshold -we'll honestly tell you to walk away. Against a well-kept £12,000+ example, the same recon drops to a routine 27–46% -a repair decision, not a financial one. Value the car first, and check service history carefully.
Key Takeaways
Which F46 Costs Least To Own?
218i (B38) -simple three-cylinder petrol, cheap parts, no DPF.
Which F46 Costs Most To Own?
220d (B47) -diesel complexity, EGR/DPF/turbo costs, but the best all-rounder.
Which F46 Is Best Value?
218d (B47) with full service history -strong economy, proven reliability, most common variant.
Common Problems
F46 Engine Replacement Costs -By Engine and Condition
Core Variants
Diesel & Petrol Lineup
Scope note: All variants listed are F46 Gran Tourer only -the seven-seat MPV produced from 2015 to 2021. The F45 Active Tourer (five-seat MPV) is covered on its own Generation Page. xDrive (all-wheel drive) was available on selected diesel and petrol variants.
Market Intelligence
Most Requested E90 Engines (2025)
- 1.1. B47C20A/B (218d/220d, 2.0-litre diesel)
- 2.2. B48A20A (220i, 2.0-litre petrol)
- 3.3. B38A15A (218i, 1.5-litre petrol) -based on UK specialist enquiry patterns [PATTERN DATA]
Most Requested E90 Variants
- 1.1. BMW 218d Gran Tourer
- 2.2. BMW 220d Gran Tourer
- 3.3. BMW 218i Gran Tourer -based on model-level request data [BMW‑VERIFIED]
Average E90 Replacement Cost
£1,800–£5,500 reconditioned, supply only [BMW‑QUOTE]
Most Common E90 Failures
- 1.1. B47 diesel EGR cooler & valve issues
- 2.2. B47/B48 timing chain wear (high mileage)
- 3.3. B48 cooling system leaks
BMW 220d
F46
5
enquiries
BMW 218d
F46
4
enquiries
BMW 218i
F46
3
enquiries
FAQ
Why UK BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46 Owners Trust BMWEngines.uk
Trusted F46 Engine Suppliers
every garage and engine rebuilder in our network is vetted, rated and reviewed by real F46 owners, as part of the Engine Finders network.
Compare F46 Engine Replacement Companies
see prices, warranty terms and supply & fit options side‑by‑side before you commit.
UK Engine Replacement Services for F46
covering every variant from 216i to 220d xDrive, with supply‑only or full supply & fit available nationwide.
Find the best BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46 engine replacement UK drivers rely on. Compare real prices from trusted specialists on EnginesMarket today and get back on the road with confidence.
