BMW 2 Series 218i Engine ReplacementCompare 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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From £1,650 to £3,200
Used from £950 · Reconditioned from £1,650 · Common codes: B38A15A, B38B15M0, B38A15M1, B38A15C, B48B20M0, B48B20
From £950
Tested, bare/short engine
From £1,650
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain

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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best BMW 2 Series 218i Replacement Engineto Finding the Best BMW 2 Series 218i Replacement Engine
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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 - 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
Engine History Timeline
B38A15A 1.5L turbo petrol, 136hp (F22 Coupe, F23 Convertible, F45 Active Tourer launch)
B38B15M0 1.5L turbo petrol, 136hp (F46 Gran Tourer launch)
B38A15M0 1.5L turbo petrol, 136hp (F22/F23 facelift preparation)
B38A15M1 1.5L turbo petrol, 140hp (F45/F46 LCI update, power increase)
B38A15C 1.5L turbo petrol, 136hp (F45/F46 emissions update)
B48B20M0 2.0L turbo petrol, 136hp (selected F22/F23 markets, detuned B48)
B48B20 2.0L turbo petrol, 154hp (G42 218i introduction, new generation)
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the BMW 2 Series 218i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
BMW 2 Series 218i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostBMW 2 Series 218i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
1.5L Petrol (2014-2018)
Compatible Trim Levels
- 218i
- 218i SE
- 218i Sport
- 218i M Sport
- 218i Luxury
- 218i Modern

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£900-£1,400
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,650-£2,400
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,200-£3,200
Common Failure
Timing chain tensioner wear is a known issue on the B38A15A, typically appearing from 50,000-75,000 miles. A rattling noise on cold start is the primary symptom; if ignored, chain failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage.


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.

Why the BMW 2 Series 218i B38 Engine Wears Prematurely
Affected Vehicles
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.
Why It Happens
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.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£800-£1,200
Specialist (parts + labour)
£500-£800
What it involves
Replace tensioner and inspect chain guides
Suitability
Effective if caught early (before chain stretch)
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,800-£2,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,200-£1,800
What it involves
Replace chain, tensioner, guides, and VANOS units
Suitability
Recommended if rattling is persistent or mileage >60k
Dealer (parts + labour)
£4,000-£5,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,200-£3,800 (matches Section 4's rebuilt figure for B38 codes)
What it involves
Supply & fit, upgraded components addressing the original failure point, 12-month warranty
Suitability
The right call if engine has jumped timing or suffered piston/valve contact
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Timing chain tensioner replacement Minor | £800-£1,200 | £500-£800 | Replace tensioner and inspect chain guides | Effective if caught early (before chain stretch) | |
Full timing chain kit replacement Best Value | £1,800-£2,500 | £1,200-£1,800 | Replace chain, tensioner, guides, and VANOS units | Recommended if rattling is persistent or mileage >60k | |
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £4,000-£5,500 | £2,200-£3,800 (matches Section 4's rebuilt figure for B38 codes) | Supply & fit, upgraded components addressing the original failure point, 12-month warranty | The right call if engine has jumped timing or suffered piston/valve contact |
Our Recommendation
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.

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.
Compare rebuilt B38 BMW 2 Series 218i engine prices
Important Information
Important Information
BMW 2 Series 218i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW 2 Series 218i engine replacement cost in the UK-
A BMW 2 Series 218i engine replacement typically costs between £1,650 and £4,000 depending on the condition (used, reconditioned, or rebuilt) and the specific engine code. Used engines start from around £950, reconditioned units from £1,650, and fully rebuilt engines with a 12-month warranty from £2,200. Labour for supply and fit adds approximately £800-£1,500 depending on the workshop.
- Used: £900-£1,900
- Reconditioned: £1,650-£3,000
- Rebuilt: £2,200-£4,000
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain failure in a BMW 2 Series 218i-
The most common early warning sign is a rattling noise from the engine on cold start, which typically disappears as the engine warms up. Other symptoms include a metallic ticking sound, engine hesitation, and in severe cases, the engine management light illuminating with camshaft position errors.
- Rattling on cold start is the primary symptom
- Can develop from 50,000-75,000 miles on B38 engines
- Ignoring it can lead to catastrophic engine failure
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a BMW 2 Series 218i-
It depends on the vehicle's value and the extent of the damage. For a 218i worth £5,000-£8,000 (typical for 2014-2018 models), a reconditioned engine at £1,650-£2,500 is often worthwhile if you plan to keep the car. For newer G42 models worth £15,000+, replacement is almost always justified. If the car is worth under £5,000, a used engine or repair may be more cost-effective.
- Vehicle value is the key deciding factor
- Rebuilt engines come with a 12-month warranty for peace of mind
- Compare quotes to find the best value option
Question 4How long does a BMW 2 Series 218i engine replacement take-
A typical BMW 2 Series 218i engine replacement takes 3-5 working days from order to completion, assuming the engine is in stock. Supply-only orders are usually dispatched within 1-2 working days. Supply and fit through our specialist network typically takes 3-5 days, including delivery, fitting, and ECU calibration.
- Supply only: 1-2 days
- Supply and fit: 3-5 working days
- Timelines vary by workshop and engine availability
Question 5What's the difference between the 218i and the 220i engine-
The BMW 218i is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder B38 engine producing 136-140hp, while the 220i uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder B48 engine producing 181hp. The 220i offers significantly more power and torque, but the 218i is more fuel-efficient and lighter, making it the more economical choice for daily driving.
- 218i: 1.5L 3-cyl, 136-140hp, better fuel economy
- 220i: 2.0L 4-cyl, 181hp, more power
- Both are turbocharged petrol engines from BMW's modular family
Question 6Will a replacement BMW 2 Series 218i engine pass the MoT-
Yes - all engines supplied through EnginesMarket are MoT emissions compliant. Rebuilt and reconditioned engines are tested to ensure they meet the original emissions standards for the vehicle's year. Used engines are selected from low-mileage, well-maintained donors and are checked for emissions compliance before dispatch.
- All engines meet OEM emissions standards
- Rebuilt units include upgraded components
- MoT readiness is confirmed before supply
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