A compact MPV built on the front-wheel-drive UKL2 platform shared with the X1 F48 and Mini Countryman F60, which BMW presented as the first premium compact model to offer up to seven seats. The third row was optional in Germany and standard in the UK. The 216d came with a 6-speed manual or an optional automatic: the 6-speed Aisin torque-converter unit from July 2015 until the facelift, then the 7-speed Getrag/Magna 7DCT300 wet-clutch dual-clutch Steptronic. Production ran from 2015 to 2022 with a facelift (LCI) in March 2018; there is no direct successor.· more· less
Durable B37 three-cylinder dieselUp to seven seats, flexible layout
DPF clogs easily on short tripsThree-cylinder vibration wears mounts
Buy if: You need a compact seven-seat diesel MPV with BMW build quality and plan to drive it regularly on longer routes.
Avoid if: Your driving is mostly short urban trips, which accelerates DPF clogging and EGR buildup on this three-cylinder diesel.
Maintenance costs
€800 – €1,450/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €600 /yr
Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Maintenance costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on German asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
€800 – €1,450per year
€500 – €850
service, tyres, brakes
€300 – €600
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€13,000
median asking price, typically 145,000 km
Typical range€10,000 – €16,000
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€800 – €1,450/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€300 – €600 /yr
Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Ownership costs
Maintenance assumes 15,000 km a year. Price estimates are based on French asking prices. Prices and costs vary by vehicle condition and location.
Used price
€13,000
Typically €10,000 – €16,000, at around 145,000 km.
Frequent short trips prevent regeneration, leading to excessive soot buildup and limp mode · more· less
Passive regeneration depends on the exhaust running hot enough, which sustained higher-speed driving produces most readily; roughly 20 minutes at motorway speed is a favourable condition rather than a fixed requirement. The Gran Tourer's MPV role means many examples have been used primarily for school runs, shopping, and city commuting, which generates that heat less often. When soot loading exceeds approximately 45 grams, the car enters limp mode and needs professional intervention. Forced regeneration at a specialist costs €150-300. DPF cleaning runs €300-600. Full replacement including labor is €1,000-1,800. Regular motorway drives of at least 30 minutes every one to two weeks help prevent buildup. Using the correct BMW LL-04 specification oil is also important, as the wrong oil generates more ash that passive regeneration cannot clear. SCR exhaust treatment with AdBlue became standard on the 216d with the March 2018 facelift; Euro 6 certification on earlier cars does not by itself mean SCR is fitted.
EGR valve carbon buildup
up to €6002 of 7
Carbon deposits restrict the EGR valve, causing rough idle and reduced power after 80,000 km · more· less
The exhaust gas recirculation valve accumulates carbon deposits over time, especially on cars driven mostly in urban conditions. Symptoms include rough idle, poor throttle response, increased emissions, and engine warning lights. The lower 116 PS tune of the B37 produces less exhaust gas pressure than the four-cylinder B47 variants, but carbon buildup is still common on short-trip cars. Professional cleaning resolves most cases at €200-350. Full EGR valve replacement costs €400-600 including labor. Some BMW specialists offer preventive EGR cleaning as part of routine servicing. Problems typically appear between 80,000 and 130,000 km.
Engine mount wear (three-cylinder vibration)
up to €5003 of 7
Hydraulic mounts degrade faster than on four-cylinder models due to the three-cylinder's inherent imbalance · more· less
The B37 three-cylinder engine lacks the natural balance of a four or six-cylinder. BMW uses a balance shaft and specialised hydraulic motor mounts to counteract this, but these are wear items. As the rubber degrades or the hydraulic fluid leaks out, owners report increased vibration through the steering wheel and pedals at idle, and sometimes a noticeable thump or clunk when pulling away. Worn mounts typically need attention between 80,000 and 120,000 km, earlier than on comparable four-cylinder applications. Parts cost €120-200 per mount, with labor adding €130-300 depending on accessibility. Ignoring worn mounts can stress exhaust connections and cooling hoses due to excessive engine movement.
Turbo actuator and VNT vane sticking
up to €1,2004 of 7
Variable-geometry turbo vanes can seize from soot buildup, causing power loss and limp mode · more· less
The B37 uses a single variable-geometry turbocharger (VNT) whose internal vanes can become coated in soot and carbon, causing them to stick. Symptoms include reduced power, EPC/drivetrain warning lights, and limp mode. Forum reports on F46 models describe turbo actuator failures where diesel fuel was found inside the actuator housing, sometimes traced to a leaking fuel pressure sensor. The actuator itself can often be removed and replaced with the turbo in situ, costing €400-600 at a specialist. If the turbo internals are damaged, full turbo replacement runs €800-1,200 including labor. Regular sustained driving and using quality diesel help prevent vane seizure.
High-pressure fuel pump wear
up to €1,2005 of 7
The fuel pump can lose pressure between 80,000 and 140,000 km, causing starting problems and rough running · more· less
The B37's high-pressure fuel pump can develop wear that prevents it from maintaining the required rail pressure. Symptoms include hard starting (especially in cold weather), rough idling, intermittent power loss, and the check engine light. In severe cases, metallic particles from the pump can reach the injectors, potentially causing secondary damage. Pump replacement at an independent specialist costs about €600-1,200 (€500-800 for the part plus €100-400 labor); if metallic particles have already contaminated the injectors, the total can reach €2,000. This is not a widespread failure but is reported on cars with higher mileage. Using quality diesel and regular fuel filter changes reduce the risk.
Aisin 6-speed automatic gearbox issues (pre-facelift, if equipped)
up to €2,0006 of 7
Neglected fluid changes lead to hesitant shifting and eventual internal damage · more· less
The 216d's optional 6-speed Aisin Steptronic torque-converter automatic (GA6F21AW), offered from July 2015 until the March 2018 facelift, is generally reliable. BMW specifies no fixed ATF change interval. Independent specialists advise a preventive fluid change at about 60,000-100,000 km. Neglected fluid leads to degraded shift quality, hesitation between gears, and eventually internal damage. Preventive fluid service costs €250-400 at a specialist. If internal damage has occurred, valve body repair runs €1,000-1,500, while a full rebuild can reach €1,800-2,000. Facelift automatic cars from March 2018 use the 7-speed Getrag/Magna 7DCT300 wet-clutch dual-clutch gearbox instead, and the 6-speed manual variants are not affected either.
Timing chain wear (flywheel side)
up to €2,5007 of 7
The timing chain sits at the rear of the engine, making replacement labour-intensive · more· less
The B37 uses a timing chain rather than a belt, located at the flywheel/gearbox side of the engine. This positioning means chain replacement requires separating the engine from the gearbox, removing the flywheel, sump, timing cover, and cylinder head, making it significantly more expensive in labor than a front-mounted chain. The B37 is considerably more reliable in this regard than the older N47, and premature chain failure is uncommon. However, stretching can occur after 150,000+ km if oil changes have been neglected. Symptoms include a rattle on cold start that persists for several seconds. Chain, guides, tensioner, and sprockets are all replaced as a set. Maintaining strict oil change intervals with BMW LL-04 oil is the best prevention.
Generally reliable, but diesel emission system and engine mounts need attention
The B37 three-cylinder diesel is a fundamentally sound engine that can exceed 200,000 km with proper maintenance. It is a significant improvement over the older N47 in timing chain reliability. The main ownership risks centre on DPF clogging (especially relevant for this MPV, which is often used for short trips), EGR valve carbon buildup, and hydraulic engine mount wear caused by the three-cylinder's inherent vibration. BMW specifies no fixed ATF change interval; on pre-facelift cars with the Aisin automatic, independent specialists advise a preventive change at about 60,000-100,000 km. Regular motorway driving and strict LL-04 oil change intervals are key to long-term reliability.
Service history
Complete BMW dealer or specialist records essential. BMW uses Condition Based Service: the car calculates when service is due, and in Germany the schedule allows up to 30,000 km or 24 months. Check that services were done on time with BMW LL-04 specification oil.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes), and uneven wear. FWD layout wears fronts faster than rears.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. No excessive blue or white smoke should persist beyond the first few seconds. Listen for timing chain rattle.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including varied speeds. Check for vibration at idle, smooth power delivery, and any drivetrain warning lights.
Specific for this vehicle
Check DPF soot level with diagnostic scan
Request a diagnostic readout of DPF soot loading. Levels above 40 grams indicate regeneration problems. Ask about the car's typical driving pattern.
Feel for vibration at idle with engine warm
Excessive vibration through the steering wheel, pedals, or gear lever at idle suggests worn hydraulic engine mounts. Compare to a known-good example if possible.
Test automatic gearbox operation (if equipped)
Drive for 15+ minutes in varied conditions. On pre-facelift cars with the 6-speed Aisin automatic, feel for hesitant or jerky shifts, especially between 1st and 3rd gears, and ask whether the transmission fluid has ever been changed. Facelift cars from March 2018 have the 7-speed wet-clutch dual-clutch gearbox: check that it pulls away and shifts smoothly in stop-start driving.
+ 2 more checksShow less
Inspect coolant level and condition
Low coolant or discoloured fluid may indicate an EGR cooler or head gasket issue. Check for white residue inside the expansion tank cap.
Check third-row seat operation
If the car has the third row (optional in Germany, standard in the UK), fold and unfold it. Check the floor-folding mechanism works smoothly and that seat catches engage properly.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
DDE engine software with improved EGR leak detection (UK campaign, DVSA R/2022/255; lists the 2 Series Gran Tourer built 26 March 2015 to 1 March 2018, diesel engine variants not named)Verify with VIN
Replacement of leaking EGR coolers on some diesel vehicles (UK campaign, DVSA R/2023/172; lists the 2 Series Gran Tourer built 24 February 2015 to 1 March 2018, engine variants not named)Verify with VIN
Defective airbag igniters may stop airbags deploying correctly (EU Safety Gate A12/0036/17, January 2017; the EU record gives 2016 production for the F45 and F46 with no finer dates, so only the VIN shows whether a car is included)Verify with VIN
Takata driver airbag (UK campaign, DVSA R/2023/016, BMW references 0032390300 and 0032420300; Gran Tourer F46 built 7 November 2014 to 23 June 2017)Verify with VIN
Takata SDI driver airbag, further extension of BMW's Takata campaign (EU Safety Gate A12/02833/24, BMW campaign 0032620300; names the 2 Series Active Tourer and Gran Tourer among many BMW models, production window 2 January 2016 to 12 December 2017 for the whole multi-model campaign)Verify with VIN
Takata driver airbag fitted through a conversion to a Sport or M Sport steering wheel (EU Safety Gate A12/02573/24, KBA 14056R; retrofit campaign naming F45 and F46, it concerns only airbags fitted through such a conversion, not factory-fitted airbags; its 13 March 2003 to 20 June 2018 window spans the whole multi-model campaign and is not a Gran Tourer build window)Verify if applicable
Missing spherical-collar disc at the steering tie-rod end (EU Safety Gate A12/1491/19, BMW campaign 0032890200; lists F45, F46, X1 F48 and X2 F39, overall production window 5 August 2016 to 8 April 2019)Verify with VIN
Faulty microgas generator inside the seat-belt retractor, part of the pyrotechnic pretensioner (EU Safety Gate A12/00976/22; Gran Tourer F46 built 11 January to 2 March 2022)Critical - verify completed
Listed campaigns: the UK EGR campaigns (DVSA R/2022/255 and R/2023/172), the 2016 airbag igniter recall (A12/0036/17), the UK Takata driver airbag campaign (DVSA R/2023/016), the Takata SDI driver airbag extension for 2016-2017 production (A12/02833/24), the Takata steering-wheel retrofit campaign (A12/02573/24), the tie-rod campaign (A12/1491/19) and the 2022 seat-belt retractor recall (A12/00976/22). Give the VIN to a BMW dealer to check which of them apply to the car and whether they have been completed.
Warranty Status
New-car warrantyGermany: 24 months statutory warranty (Gewährleistung), plus BMW's 12-month 2+1 extension for cars from November 2016. UK: three years.
Rust perforation warranty12 years from first registration
Extended warranty availabilityGermany: BMW Repair Inclusive (extended repair-cost cover), BMW Premium Selection Garantie for used cars. UK: BMW Insured Warranty, BMW Approved Used Car Warranty for used cars.
Warranty terms for the BMW 216d Gran Tourer F46 depend on the market where the car was first sold. Check the first registration date and ask whether any extended cover is still in force and transfers to a new owner.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
