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30 September 2025 (updated) BMW 2 Series engines
Since its launch in 2014, the BMW 2 Series has established itself as a compact sports car and offers a diverse range of BMW 2 Series engines across two generations. The technological evolution ranges from classic naturally aspirated engines to modern turbocharged engines with electrification.
BMW 2 Series Generation I (2014-2021)
The first BMW 2 Series generation was characterized by proven BMW engineering and offered a wide range of engines from economical three-cylinder turbos to powerful six-cylinder engines. Mileage varied greatly depending on the engine type: while the robust four-cylinder diesels easily reached 300,000 to 400,000 kilometers with proper maintenance, the high-bred M-Performance engines often required costly repairs to the turbocharger or high-pressure pump between 150,000 and 200,000 kilometers. Major engine damage due to timing chain stretching was not uncommon with the early N20 engines. The absolute top engine of this generation was the N55 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with 340 hp in the M240i, which optimally combined power, smooth running and reliability.
BMW 2 Series petrol engines: Generation I (2014-2021)
The BMW 2 Series petrol engine range included various turbocharged engines from the BMW N13, N20, B38, B46 and N55 series. The entry-level model was the 1.5-liter three-cylinder B38 (218i) with 100 kW (136 hp), which proved to be surprisingly refined and economical. The four-cylinder N20 and later the B46 formed the mid-range with outputs from 135 kW (184 hp) to 180 kW (245 hp). However, these BMW 2 Series engines suffered from typical BMW turbo engine problems: timing chain stretching in the N20, oil consumption and occasional turbocharger damage. The most powerful BMW 2 Series petrol engine was the N55 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder with 250 kW (340 hp) in the M240i, which was considered very reliable despite its high output.
BMW 2 Series diesel engines: Generation I (2014-2021)
The BMW 2 Series diesels were dominated by the tried-and-tested B47 series with various performance levels. The 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine was available as the 218d with 110 kW (150 hp), 220d with 140 kW (190 hp) and 225d with 170 kW (231 hp). The BMW 2 Series 220d developed into the most reliable engine of the entire generation - especially the variants produced from 2016 onwards with revised common-rail injection and optimized particulate filter proved to be very durable and economical. These BMW 2 Series TDI engines already met the Euro 6 standard and offered an excellent combination of performance, consumption and reliability with typical fuel consumption figures of just 4.5-5.2 liters per 100 km.
| BMW 2 Series engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B38 1.5l Turbo | 136 HP | 5.8-6.4 l/100km | Three-cylinder vibrations | Good |
| N20 2.0l Turbo | 184-245 HP | 6.5-7.8 l/100km | Timing chain, oil consumption | Moderate |
| B46 2.0l Turbo | 192-245 HP | 6.2-7.5 l/100km | Occasional turbocharger | Good |
| N55 3.0l Turbo | 326-340 HP | 7.8-8.6 l/100km | Very robust, running culture | Very good |
| B47 2.0l Diesel | 150-231 HP | 4.5-5.2 l/100km | Very reliable | Very good |
BMW 2 Series Generation II (2022-today)
The second BMW 2 Series generation marked a radical change with complete electrification of the engine range and the transition to front-wheel drive in the base models. Most of the engines of this generation are still too new for long-term experience, but initial tests show promising approaches to efficiency and performance. With proper maintenance, the expected mileage is between 250,000 and 350,000 kilometers, whereby the mildly hybridized four-cylinder engines are considered to be particularly durable. The absolute highlight is the S58 3.0-liter in-line six-cylinder engine with 460 hp in the M2 - a technical masterpiece with two turbochargers and water cooling. For the first time, a fully electric version (i2) is also planned.
BMW 2 Series petrol engines: Generation II (2022-today)
The BMW 2 Series petrol engine range started with the B48 2.0-liter four-cylinder in various output levels from 136 hp (220i) to 245 hp (230i). All engines feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology with belt starter-generator. These BMW 2 Series engines have so far proved to be significantly more reliable than their predecessors, with only occasional problems with valve coking. For sporty drivers, there is the BMW 2 Series M240i with the B58 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder and 275 kW (374 hp), which proves to be a technical highlight. The absolute top engine is the S58 3.0-liter bi-turbo with 338 kW (460 hp) in the M2, which, however, is considered to be high-maintenance due to its complexity.
BMW 2 Series diesel engines: Generation II (2022-today)
The BMW 2 Series 2.0-liter diesel (B47R) is offered in the 220d version with 140 kW (190 hp). There is also a more powerful version with 170 kW (231 hp). All BMW 2 Series diesels feature modern common-rail injection with SCR catalytic converter and particulate filter as well as 48-volt mild hybrid support. The BMW 2 Series 220d proved to be the most efficient engine of this generation, with a test consumption of just 4.8-5.4 liters per 100 km and high reliability - ideal for frequent drivers who want to combine sporty performance with low fuel consumption.
BMW 2 Series electrified drive systems: Generation II (2022-today)
All second-generation BMW 2 Series engines feature 48-volt mild hybrid technology, which supports the combustion engine when starting off and accelerating. A fully electric BMW i2 has been announced for 2025 and is expected to offer a range of over 400 kilometers.
| BMW 2 Series engine | Power output | Fuel consumption | Typical weaknesses | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| B48 2.0l Mild-Hybrid | 136-245 HP | 6.0-7.2 l/100km | No series problems so far | Very good |
| B58 3.0l mild hybrid | 374 HP | 7.5-8.2 l/100km | Robust, sporty | Very good |
| S58 3.0l Bi-Turbo | 460 HP | 8.8-9.5 l/100km | Complex, high-maintenance | Good |
| B47R 2.0l diesel | 190-231 HP | 4.8-5.4 l/100km | Very economical and robust | Very good |
Conclusion: The best BMW 2 Series engines of all generations
The development of the BMW 2 Series engines clearly shows the progress of BMW engineering. While the first generation still struggled with typical turbo teething troubles, the second generation impresses with sophisticated mild hybrid technology and improved reliability. The BMW 2 Series diesel engines have remained the most reliable powertrains across both generations, while the six-cylinder petrol engines offer the best balance of performance and smooth running.
- Best BMW 2 Series gasoline engine:
The B58 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder (374 hp, Generation II) combines classic BMW running culture with modern mild-hybrid technology and high reliability.
- Best BMW 2 Series diesel engine:
The B47R 2.0-liter diesel (190 hp, Generation II) offers the best combination of economy, reliability and sporty performance across both generations.
- Best BMW 2 Series sports engine:
The N55 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder (340 hp, Generation I) is considered the perfect balance between performance, reliability and classic BMW characteristics.
For maintenance and spare parts for all BMW 2 Series generations, AUTODOC offers a comprehensive range of original and quality spare parts with fast delivery and expert advice.
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