IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2018 BMW 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer (F45/F46)

A light 2018 facelift brought a larger grille, revised bumpers, LED headlights and an updated iDrive. A seven-speed dual-clutch automatic joined the range, and the 225xe plug-in hybrid carried on.

What changed for 2018

  • •Enlarged kidney grille, new front and rear bumpers and LED headlights
  • •Revised instrument panel and updated iDrive interface
  • •Seven-speed Magna dual-clutch automatic added; six-speed automatic continues on some models
  • •216i, 218i and 220i petrols revised; 218d torque raised to 350Nm

Common MOT watch-outs

  • !Dual-clutch judder at low speed and hesitation pulling away
  • !EGR cooler and DPF faults on 218d and 220d models
  • !Gear selector spring failure on pre-2018 automatic cars
4
Known Issues
1
Serious
3
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

EGR Cooler Leak

SeriousExhaust & Emissions

Like many BMW diesels of this era, the EGR cooler is prone to leaking coolant internally and causing a fire risk. Affected by major BMW UK recall campaigns.

Est. Repair Cost: £0 (Recall)
Warning Signs:

Unexplained drop in coolant level, Sweet glycol smell through cabin ventilation, Engine management light or soot around cooler

What to Inspect:
  • Check BMW dealer history for recall code completion
  • Inspect coolant expansion tank for level drops
  • Look for soot residue behind the radiator and intake manifold
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated
Official Recalls & Reference Documents:

Gearbox Selector Spring Failure

ModerateInterior & Trim

A small torsion spring inside the Aisin Steptronic automatic gear selector mechanism breaks, meaning the vehicle cannot verify Park position and throws a dashboard warning on shutdown.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£500
Warning Signs:

"Secure vehicle with parking brake when stopping" warning, Audible chime when shifting into Park, Error message stays on iDrive

What to Inspect:
  • Shift into Park and turn off ignition to check for warnings
  • Check if upgraded shifter spring or complete lever unit has been fitted
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Front Wishbone Bushes

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

The heavy front end on this UKL2 FWD platform wears through the rear hydro-bushes of the front lower wishbones quickly, causing vague steering response and knocking over speed bumps.

Est. Repair Cost: £200–£400
Warning Signs:

Knocking noise over speed cushions and rough tarmac, Vagueness under hard braking, Uneven inner shoulder tyre wear

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect lower wishbone rear rubber bushes for oil leaks or tearing
  • Listen for clunks over speed bumps on the test drive
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Engine Mounts

ModerateEngine

The upper hydraulic engine mount (particularly on 3-cylinder B38 and B37 models) can perish and leak its hydraulic damping fluid, causing harsh vibrations in the cabin at idle.

Est. Repair Cost: £250–£450
Warning Signs:

Excessive vibration through steering wheel and floor at idle, Thump when starting or stopping the engine, Black oil staining below the top driver-side mount

What to Inspect:
  • Look down at the driver-side engine mount for tears or leaked hydraulic oil
  • Feel for excessive cabin vibration when restarting with stop-start
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2018 BMW 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer (F45/F46)

  • Test the dual-clutch in traffic and at parking speeds for judder
  • Ask for proof of the EGR recall and any DPF repairs
  • On a 225xe, check the battery charges fully and the petrol engine starts
2016–20172019
Check a 2018 BMW 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer (F45/F46) by Registration