Engines Market

BMW 218i SPECIALISTS

BMW 2 Series 218i Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 2 Series 218i engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for your BMW 218i - whether you drive a Coupe, Convertible, Active Tourer or Gran Tourer.

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12-Month Warranty
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BMW 2 Series 218i Engine
from£1,650 to £3,200
  • Usedfrom £950
  • Reconditionedfrom £1,650
  • Common codesB38A15A, B38B15M0, B38A15M1

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How it works

3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine

Clear information first, then the right engine and specialist for your exact vehicle.

Variant History

BMW 2 Series 218i Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The BMW 2 Series 218i arrived in 2014 as the entry-level petrol variant across the 2 Series range, bringing BMW's new modular B38 three-cylinder engine to the Coupe, Convertible, Active Tourer and Gran Tourer body styles. Over its production run, the 218i badge has been powered by a mix of 1.5-litre three-cylinder B38 units and, in some markets, a detuned 2.0-litre B48 four-cylinder.

BMW 2 Series 218i
  1. 2014

    B38A15A, 1.5L turbo petrol, 136hp (F22 Coupe, F23 Convertible, F45 Active Tourer launch)

  2. 2015

    B38B15M0, 1.5L turbo petrol, 136hp (F46 Gran Tourer launch)

  3. 2015

    B38A15M0, 1.5L turbo petrol, 136hp (F22/F23 facelift preparation)

  4. 2017

    B38A15M1, 1.5L turbo petrol, 140hp (F45/F46 LCI update, power increase)

  5. 2018

    B38A15C, 1.5L turbo petrol, 136hp (F45/F46 emissions update)

  6. 2019

    B48B20M0, 2.0L turbo petrol, 136hp (selected F22/F23 markets, detuned B48)

  7. 2020

    B48B20, 2.0L turbo petrol, 154hp (G42 218i introduction, new generation)

Every engine fitted to the BMW 2 Series 218i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

BMW 2 Series 218i Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.

B38A15A — 1.5L Petrol (2014-2018) engine

B38A15A — 1.5L Petrol (2014-2018)

Power Output
136hp
Years Fitted
2014-2018

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for B38A15A BMW 2 Series 218i engine replacement

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Common Problems

BMW 2 Series 218i Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The BMW 2 Series 218i is powered primarily by the B38 family of 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engines, which are generally reliable but have a few well-documented weaknesses. The most significant is timing chain tensioner wear, which affects both B38 and earlier-generation units. Rebuilt engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure point, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Common failure points and repair options

Timing Chain Tensioner Wear

Affected
BMW 2 Series 218i (B38A15A, B38B15M0, B38A15M1, 2014-2020)
Typical failure mileage
50,000-75,000 miles
Root cause
The timing chain tensioner can lose hydraulic pressure over time, allowing the chain to slacken. This leads to a characteristic rattling noise on cold start and, if left unaddressed, can cause the chain to jump timing with catastrophic engine damage.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Timing chain tensioner replacement£800-£1,200£500-£800
Full timing chain kit replacement£1,800-£2,500£1,200-£1,800
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine£4,000-£5,500£2,200-£3,800 (matches Section 4's rebuilt figure for B38 codes)
Our recommendation
For a BMW 2 Series 218i with timing chain rattle caught early, a tensioner or chain kit replacement is the most cost-effective solution. However, if the chain has already jumped or the engine has suffered internal damage, a full rebuilt engine with upgraded components and a 12-month warranty is the safer long-term investment.
-> Compare rebuilt B38 BMW 2 Series 218i engine prices

Ignition Coil and Misfire Issues

Affected
BMW 2 Series 218i (B38A15A, B38B15M0, B38A15M1, B38A15C, 2014-2021)
Typical failure mileage
40,000-70,000 miles
Root cause
The ignition coils on the B38 engine can degrade over time, leading to misfires, rough idling, and loss of power under acceleration. This is often exacerbated by the high under-bonnet temperatures in turbocharged applications.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Replace faulty ignition coil(s)£200-£400£120-£250
Replace all coils + spark plugs£400-£600£250-£400
Full engine diagnostic + repair£500-£800£300-£500
Our recommendation
Ignition coil failure is a routine maintenance item on the B38. Replace faulty coils promptly to avoid catalytic converter damage. If you're experiencing persistent misfires, have a full diagnostic run before assuming the worst.
-> Get quotes for BMW 2 Series 218i engine diagnostics

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 2 Series 218i

The B38 engine is fundamentally robust, but timing chain and ignition issues can escalate quickly if ignored. With rebuilt engines available from £2,200, a 12-month warranty on every unit, and nationwide delivery and fit options, replacing your 218i engine through EnginesMarket is often more cost-effective than main dealer repairs.

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FAQ

BMW 2 Series 218i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything BMW 2 Series 218i owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

Why Choose Us

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