BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer F46MPV2015–2021
Engine 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
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
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.
04Best & 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.
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.
Engine
Typical Mileage
Common Major Failure
Repair Cost (Specialist)
Replacement Cost (Recon)
Ownership Verdict
Solid Choice -simple three-cylinder, cheap to runBest Petrol -refined, powerful, reliable
Best Economy -three-cylinder diesel, excellent MPGBest Diesel -the pick of the range, proven reliabilityEngineTypical MileageCommon Major FailureRepair Cost (Specialist)Replacement Cost (Recon)Ownership VerdictSolid Choice -simple three-cylinder, cheap to runBest Petrol -refined, powerful, reliableBest Economy -three-cylinder diesel, excellent MPGBest Diesel -the pick of the range, proven reliability
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.
B47
Diesel EGR Cooler & Valve Failures
Affected models:
F46 218d, 220d (B47C20A / B47C20B, 2015–2021).
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–100,000 miles.
Root cause:
The B47's EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) cooler can develop leaks or become clogged with soot, leading to coolant loss, poor running, and in some cases, engine warning lights. BMW has issued recalls on some B47 vehicles for EGR cooler issues. The EGR valve itself can also become stuck with carbon deposits.
Tiered Cost Table
Dealer
Dealer
Specialist
Specialist
Dealer
Specialist
Our Recommendation
At the first sign of reduced performance or an engine warning light, have the EGR system inspected. A £350–£700 cleaning or service is dramatically cheaper than the £800+ replacement that follows a seized valve or cracked cooler. Regular long drives help prevent DPF and EGR issues.
B47
/ B48 Timing Chain Wear (High Mileage)
Affected models:
F46 218d, 220d (B47), 220i (B48), 2015–2021.
Typical failure mileage:
120,000–150,000+ miles.
Root cause:
While the B47 and B48 engines relocated the timing chain to the front of the engine -a significant improvement over the N47's rear-mounted design -high-mileage examples can still experience chain stretch. Some B47 engines may not have received all updated timing chain components from the factory. Cold-start rattle is the classic early warning.
Tiered Cost Table
Dealer
Dealer
Specialist
Specialist
Dealer
Specialist
Our Recommendation
At the first sign of cold-start rattle or a "Drivetrain" warning, have the timing chain inspected immediately. A £800–£1,400 preventative repair is dramatically cheaper than the £3,200+ replacement that follows if ignored. Regular oil changes with BMW-approved oil are essential.
B48
Petrol Cooling System Leaks
Affected models:
F46 220i (B48A20A, 2015–2021).
Typical failure mileage:
50,000–80,000 miles.
Root cause:
The B48 petrol engine is known for cooling system issues -the water pump, thermostat housing, and oil filter housing can develop coolant leaks. The plastic coolant pipes can become brittle and crack, especially at the connection points. This is a well-documented BMW B-series engine weakness.
Tiered Cost Table
Dealer
Dealer
Specialist
Specialist
Dealer
Specialist
Our Recommendation
Check coolant levels regularly and inspect for any signs of leaks around the water pump and oil filter housing. A £250–£550 preventative repair is dramatically cheaper than the £1,800+ replacement that follows an overheat.
B38
/ B37 Three-Cylinder Carbon Build-up
Affected models:
F46 216i, 218i (B38), 214d, 216d (B37), 2015–2021.
Typical failure mileage:
60,000–100,000 miles.
Root cause:
Direct injection engines like the B38 and B37 are prone to carbon build-up on intake valves. Short journeys and urban driving make the problem worse. Symptoms include rough idle, reduced power, and increased fuel consumption.
Tiered Cost Table
Dealer
Dealer
Specialist
Specialist
Dealer
Specialist
Our Recommendation
Use premium fuel and take the car on regular longer runs to help burn off carbon deposits. A £200–£400 professional cleaning is far cheaper than the £1,800+ replacement that follows neglected carbon build-up.
VariantEngine Code
Used (Supply)
Reconditioned (Supply)
Rebuilt (Supply)
Labour HoursScope 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.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,800–£5,500
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW‑QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 220d
F46
Manchester
Engine warning light, EGR valve inspection5
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW 218d
F46
BirminghamCold-start rattle, timing chain check4
enquiries
Updated MonthlyBMW 218i
F46
LeedsRough idle, suspected carbon build-up3
enquiries
Updated MonthlyMost Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,800–£5,500
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW‑QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,800–£5,500
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW‑QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
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.
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,800–£5,500
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW‑QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,800–£5,500
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW‑QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Most Requested Engines (2025)
Most Requested Variants
Average Replacement Cost
£1,800–£5,500
reconditioned, supply only
[BMW‑QUOTE]
Most Common Failures
Live FeedBMW 220d
F46
ManchesterEngine warning light, EGR valve inspection5
enquiries
BMW 218d
F46
BirminghamCold-start rattle, timing chain check4
enquiries
BMW 218i
F46
LeedsRough idle, suspected carbon build-up3
enquiries
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