BMW 4 Series 418i Engine ReplacementCompare Prices & Get Quotes
Looking for a BMW 4 Series 418i engine replacement- Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 4 Series 418i engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used engines for your 418i - all with verified supplier ratings.
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12-Month Warranty
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From £2,800 to £4,500
Used from £1,200 · Reconditioned from £2,200 · Common codes: B38B15A
From £1,200
Tested, bare/short engine
From £2,200
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 4 Series 418i Replacement Engineto Finding the Best BMW 4 Series 418i Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
BMW 4 Series 418i - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW 4 Series 418i was introduced as the entry-level petrol variant in the 4 Series range, offering a more accessible point of entry to the premium coupe and Gran Coupe body styles. Throughout its production run, the 418i was powered exclusively by BMW's B38 three-cylinder petrol engine, a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit that prioritised efficiency while delivering adequate performance for everyday driving.

BMW 4 Series 418i - Engine History & Specs at a Glance
The BMW 4 Series 418i was introduced as the entry-level petrol variant in the 4 Series range, offering a more accessible point of entry to the premium coupe and Gran Coupe body styles. Throughout its production run, the 418i was powered exclusively by BMW's B38 three-cylinder petrol engine, a turbocharged 1.5-litre unit that prioritised efficiency while delivering adequate performance for everyday driving.
BMW 4 Series 418i
Engine History Timeline
F32/F33 418i launched with B38B15A 1.5L three-cylinder turbo petrol 136hp
F36 Gran Coupe 418i joins the range with the same B38B15A engine
LCI (Life Cycle Impulse) facelift introduced across the 4 Series range; 418i continues with B38B15A now featuring OPF (petrol particulate filter) for Euro 6 emissions compliance
F32/F33/F36 generation ends; 418i nameplate discontinued for G22 generation
Key Specs Snapshot
Every engine fitted to the BMW 4 Series 418i is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
BMW 4 Series 418i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostBMW 4 Series 418i Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
1.5L Petrol (2014-2020)
Compatible Trim Levels
- 418i
- 418i M Sport
- 418i SE
- 418i xDrive (where available)
- 418i Gran Coupe

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£1,200-£2,200
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£2,200-£3,800
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,800-£4,500
Common Failure
The B38 engine has been known to experience timing chain tensioner wear, which can produce a rattling noise from the engine, particularly on cold starts. Coolant leaks from the turbo cooling lines and water pump/thermostat housing failures are also reported. Typical mileage range for these issues: 60,000-100,000 miles.


The BMW 4 Series 418i is powered exclusively by the B38B15A 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo petrol engine. While generally considered a reliable unit, it has a few known weak points that typically emerge from around 60,000 miles onwards. Rebuilt B38 engines supplied through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Why the BMW 4 Series 418i B38 Engine Develops Rattling Noises
Affected Vehicles
BMW 4 Series 418i (B38B15A, 2014-2020)
Typical Failure Mileage
60,000-100,000 miles
Root Cause
The timing chain tensioner can wear prematurely, allowing the chain to slacken. This produces a metallic rattling noise, particularly noticeable during cold starts. If ignored, chain slack can lead to timing misalignment and, in severe cases, catastrophic engine failure.
Why It Happens
The timing chain tensioner can wear prematurely, allowing the chain to slacken. This produces a metallic rattling noise, particularly noticeable during cold starts. If ignored, chain slack can lead to timing misalignment and, in severe cases, catastrophic engine failure.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£1,200-£1,800
Specialist (parts + labour)
£800-£1,200
What it involves
Replace tensioner and inspect chain/guides
Suitability
Suitable if caught early and chain hasn't stretched
Dealer (parts + labour)
£2,000-£3,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£1,500-£2,200
What it involves
New chain, tensioner, guides, and VANOS units
Suitability
Recommended if rattling has been present for some time
Dealer (parts + labour)
£4,500-£6,500
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,800-£4,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt price)
What it involves
Supply & fit, upgraded components, 12-month warranty
Suitability
Best when chain has failed or engine has suffered collateral damage
| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Timing chain tensioner replacement Minor | £1,200-£1,800 | £800-£1,200 | Replace tensioner and inspect chain/guides | Suitable if caught early and chain hasn't stretched | |
Full timing chain kit replacement Best Value | £2,000-£3,000 | £1,500-£2,200 | New chain, tensioner, guides, and VANOS units | Recommended if rattling has been present for some time | |
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £4,500-£6,500 | £2,800-£4,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt price) | Supply & fit, upgraded components, 12-month warranty | Best when chain has failed or engine has suffered collateral damage |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A typical BMW 4 Series 418i (2014-2018) is currently valued at approximately £6,000-£14,000 depending on mileage, condition, and body style (Coupe vs Gran Coupe) `[THIRD-PARTY - Auto Trader 2025]`. With a rebuilt engine costing £2,800-£4,500 supply-only, replacement cost represents roughly 20-75% of vehicle value. For lower-value examples approaching the £6,000 mark, a timing chain repair may be the more sensible option; for cars valued above £10,000, a full replacement is comfortably justified.
Our Recommendation
Our Recommendation
If you catch the timing chain tensioner wear early - a rattle only on cold start that disappears as the engine warms up - a tensioner replacement or full timing chain kit is the sensible, cost-effective route. However, if the chain has already slipped or the engine has suffered damage, a full rebuilt engine with upgraded components and a 12-month warranty is the safer long-term investment. The B38 is generally robust, so don't write the car off prematurely - get a specialist diagnosis first.

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 4 Series 418i
The B38 engine in the 418i is fundamentally a reliable unit, but like any modern turbocharged engine, it has known weak points that emerge with age and mileage. Catching timing chain tensioner wear or coolant leaks early can save you thousands. If the worst happens, EnginesMarket connects you with vetted UK specialists who can supply a rebuilt B38 with upgraded components and a 12-month warranty - at a fraction of main dealer prices. Don't scrap a good car over a fixable engine issue.
Compare rebuilt B38B15A BMW 4 Series 418i engine prices
Important Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific BMW 4 Series 418i. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
BMW 4 Series 418i Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW 4 Series 418i engine replacement cost in the UK-
A BMW 4 Series 418i engine replacement typically costs £1,200-£2,200 for a used unit, £2,200-£3,800 for a reconditioned engine, and £2,800-£4,500 for a fully rebuilt B38B15A with warranty. Supply-only prices exclude fitting - budget an additional £500-£900 for specialist labour.
- Used engine: cheapest option, variable mileage and condition
- Reconditioned: tested and restored to good working order
- Rebuilt: fully stripped, inspected, and built to factory specification with new components
Question 2What are the signs of timing chain failure in a BMW 4 Series 418i-
The most common early warning sign is a metallic rattling noise from the engine, especially during cold starts. As the problem worsens, you may notice poor engine performance, a check engine light, or in severe cases, the engine may fail to start or suffer catastrophic damage.
- Rattling noise on cold start that may disappear as oil pressure builds
- Engine running rough or loss of power
- Check engine light with timing-related fault codes
Question 3Is it worth replacing the engine in a BMW 4 Series 418i-
It depends on the car's value and condition. With a typical 418i valued at £6,000-£14,000, a rebuilt engine at £2,800-£4,500 represents a significant but often justifiable investment - especially if the car is otherwise in good condition. For cars at the lower end of the value range, a timing chain repair (£1,500-£2,200) may be the more sensible option.
- Vehicle worth over £10,000: replacement usually makes financial sense
- Vehicle worth under £6,000: evaluate carefully; repair may be better value
- Always get a specialist diagnosis before deciding
Question 4How long does a BMW 4 Series 418i engine replacement take-
A typical BMW 4 Series 418i engine replacement takes 1-2 days for a specialist workshop, assuming the replacement engine is already available. The B38 is a relatively compact three-cylinder unit, making access simpler than larger BMW engines.
- Supply: 1-2 days for delivery from stock
- Fitting: 8-12 hours of workshop time
- Allow 2-3 days total for a supply-and-fit service
Question 5What's the difference between the BMW 418i and 420i engines-
The BMW 418i uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder B38B15A engine producing 136hp, while the 420i uses a 2.0-litre four-cylinder B48 engine producing 184hp. The 420i offers significantly more power and refinement, but the 418i delivers better fuel economy and lower running costs. Both engines share BMW's TwinPower Turbo technology.
- 418i: 1.5L 3-cyl, 136hp, better fuel economy
- 420i: 2.0L 4-cyl, 184hp, more power and smoother
- Engine codes are not interchangeable - always match the correct code
Question 6Does a replacement BMW 4 Series 418i engine come with a warranty-
Yes - every rebuilt and reconditioned BMW 4 Series 418i engine supplied through EnginesMarket comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty. Used engines typically carry a shorter warranty (30-90 days), so always confirm the terms with your chosen supplier.
- Rebuilt/reconditioned: 12-month warranty minimum
- Used: typically 30-90 days depending on supplier
- Always request warranty terms in writing before purchase
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