BMW's compact MPV with up to seven seats, built on the UKL2 platform shared with the Active Tourer F45 and X1 F48. The Gran Tourer is 214 mm longer than the Active Tourer; its third row of seats was optional in Germany and standard in the UK and is best suited to children. BMW called it the first premium compact model to offer up to seven seats. The 218d with the 150 PS B47 diesel is available in front-wheel drive or xDrive all-wheel drive (from March 2016), with a 6-speed manual or 8-speed Aisin automatic gearbox.· more· less
B47 diesel is durable and efficientUp to 7 seats (third row optional in Germany, standard in the UK)
EGR cooler fire risk recallDPF clogs easily on short trips
Buy if: You need a practical diesel MPV with a third row (optional in Germany, standard in the UK) for regular motorway use and can verify the EGR cooler recall has been completed.
Avoid if: Your driving is predominantly short urban trips, or you need the third row for adults rather than children.
Maintenance costs
€850 – €1,550/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€350 – €700 /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.
€850 – €1,550per year
€500 – €850
service, tyres, brakes
€350 – €700
repair buffer
Price & maintenance
Used price
€14,500
median asking price, typically 155,000 km
Typical range€11,500 – €17,000
Kilometres drivenAll
Maintenance cost
€850 – €1,550/year
at 15,000 km/year
Fixed costsservice, tyres, brakes€500 – €850 /yr
Risk bufferunplanned repairs€350 – €700 /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
€14,500
Typically €11,500 – €17,000, at around 155,000 km.
Internal crack lets coolant enter exhaust side, creating a risk of engine compartment fire · more· less
The B47 EGR cooler can develop internal cracks, allowing engine coolant to leak into the exhaust gas recirculation module where it mixes with hot soot deposits. In rare cases, this has led to smouldering and engine bay fires. BMW's EGR cooler recall covers four- and six-cylinder diesels across many model lines, including the B47 in both 2 Series Tourers. Its January 2010 to December 2017 production window is campaign-wide rather than a Tourer window, it was expanded in March 2021 without published variants or window, and BMW puts the action at about 4.4 million vehicles worldwide. Once every action that applies to the VIN has been carried out, and both the software and the cooler work are covered, the fire risk is substantially reduced. The cost listed applies if the car falls outside the recall scope or if coolant has already damaged the intake manifold, which also needs inspection. Check with a BMW dealer by VIN whether the recall applies and has been completed before purchase.
DPF clogging from short-trip driving
up to €1,8002 of 8
Frequent short urban trips prevent regeneration, leading to excessive soot buildup · 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. Gran Tourers used primarily for school runs, shopping, and city commuting reach those temperatures less often. When soot loading exceeds approximately 45 grams, the car enters limp mode and requires professional intervention. Forced regeneration costs €150-300 at a specialist. DPF cleaning runs €300-600. Full replacement including labor is €1,000-1,800. This is especially relevant for the Gran Tourer, as its MPV role means many examples have been used predominantly for short trips with children. Regular motorway drives of at least 30 minutes every one to two weeks help prevent buildup.
EGR valve carbon buildup
up to €7003 of 8
Carbon deposits restrict the EGR valve, causing rough idle and reduced performance · more· less
Separate from the cooler recall, the EGR valve itself accumulates carbon deposits over time, especially in city driving. Symptoms include rough idle, poor throttle response, increased emissions, and in some cases engine warning lights. Professional cleaning resolves most cases at €200-400. Full replacement costs €400-700 including labor. Some BMW specialists offer preventive EGR cleaning as part of routine servicing. The lower 150 PS tune of the 218d produces less exhaust gas pressure than the 220d, but carbon buildup is still common on cars driven mostly in urban conditions.
Aisin automatic gearbox issues (if equipped)
up to €3,5004 of 8
Hesitant shifting and jerking at low speeds, often caused by neglected fluid changes · more· less
The 8-speed Aisin automatic (GA8F22AW) is generally reliable. BMW specifies no fixed ATF change interval. Neglecting fluid changes leads to degraded shift quality, hesitation between gears, and eventually internal damage. Preventive fluid service costs €300-500, far cheaper than the alternative. If internal damage has occurred, valve body repair runs €1,500-2,500, while a full rebuild or replacement reaches €3,000-3,500. Independent specialists advise a preventive fluid change at about 60,000-100,000 km. Both the front-wheel-drive and xDrive versions use the same Aisin unit. This issue does not apply to manual gearbox variants.
Water pump and thermostat housing failure
up to €1,0005 of 8
Belt-driven water pump and thermostat housing develop leaks, typically at 80,000-120,000 km · more· less
The B47 uses a belt-driven mechanical water pump and a separate thermostat housing. The pump can develop leaks or bearing wear, and the thermostat housing is known to develop coolant seepage over time. Symptoms include a coolant warning light, poor cabin heating, and temperature gauge fluctuations. The thermostat housing is typically replaced at the same time as the pump. Combined part cost is approximately €300-450, with labor of 2-3 hours adding €200-400. If overheating is allowed to persist, it can cause cylinder head warping, increasing repair costs dramatically.
Turbocharger wear and failure
up to €2,5006 of 8
Gradual loss of boost pressure, typically after 120,000-150,000 km · more· less
The B47 at 150 PS is one of the lowest-stressed applications of this turbocharger, and premature failure is uncommon with regular oil changes. Symptoms include reduced power, increased fuel consumption, and excessive smoke under acceleration. Oil leaks through worn turbine seals are the most common failure mode. A new BorgWarner unit costs approximately €750-900 for the part, with labor adding €400-700 due to the transverse engine layout. Neglected oil changes and exclusively short-trip driving accelerate turbo wear. Using the correct BMW LL-04 specification oil is important for turbo longevity.
Swirl flap and intake manifold carbon buildup
up to €1,2007 of 8
Plastic swirl flaps degrade and soot buildup restricts airflow · more· less
The B47 uses plastic swirl flaps in the intake manifold that become coated in soot and EGR residue over time. In severe cases on older BMW diesel engines, flaps have broken and been ingested into the engine, though this catastrophic failure is much rarer on the B47 than on the older M47 or N47. More commonly, buildup causes rough running, reduced power, and error codes. Cleaning costs €300-500 at a specialist. If the manifold needs replacement, expect €800-1,200 including labor.
AdBlue/SCR system faults (LCI models from March 2018)
up to €1,5008 of 8
NOx sensor or AdBlue tank/pump failure triggers a warning, and depending on the fault a countdown to engine-start inhibition · more· less
From the March 2018 facelift (LCI), SCR with AdBlue injection is standard on all F45/F46 diesels, including the 218d. Cars built before March 2018 do not have this system; Euro 6 certification alone does not mean SCR. The most common failure is the NOx sensor, costing €300-500 per sensor including labor (there are two). The AdBlue tank heating element can fail in cold weather, causing false low-level warnings. Full tank replacement has been reported at €1,000-1,500 at BMW dealers. Depending on the fault, the car may display a remaining range until start inhibition; where that countdown is shown, the engine will not restart once it reaches zero. Independent specialists can diagnose and repair the system at lower cost than BMW dealers.
Reliable diesel, but emission system and DPF need regular attention
The B47 engine in the 218d Gran Tourer is a proven and durable unit that can comfortably exceed 200,000 km with proper maintenance. The main ownership risks center around the emission control system (EGR cooler recall, EGR valve carbon buildup, and AdBlue on LCI models from March 2018) and DPF clogging, which is especially relevant for this MPV given that many examples have been used for short urban trips. Verify the EGR cooler recall has been completed before purchase. For cars with the Aisin automatic gearbox, BMW specifies no fixed ATF change interval; independent specialists advise a preventive change at about 60,000-100,000 km. The xDrive system itself is generally reliable and does not add significant risk.
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. Common size is 205/55 R17.
Cold start
Start engine completely cold. No excessive blue or white smoke should persist beyond the first few seconds. No unusual rattling.
Test drive
Minimum 20 minutes including motorway speeds. Observe DPF regeneration behavior and check for power delivery issues.
Specific for this vehicle
Verify EGR cooler recall completed
Give BMW the VIN to check whether the EGR cooler recall applies and has been completed. It addresses a fire risk on B47 diesels. Do not purchase without confirmation.
Check DPF soot level with diagnostic scan
Request a diagnostic readout of DPF soot loading. Levels above 40 grams indicate regeneration problems and potential costly repairs.
Test Aisin automatic gearbox (if equipped)
Drive for 15+ minutes in varied conditions. Feel for jerky shifts, hesitation between 1st and 3rd gears, or delays engaging reverse.
+ 3 more checksShow less
Inspect coolant level and condition
A dropping coolant level with no visible external leak may indicate an EGR cooler leak. Check for discoloration or milky residue.
Check AdBlue system (LCI models from March 2018)
Look for any AdBlue warning messages or countdown timers. Check the AdBlue level and ask whether NOx sensors have been replaced.
Ask about driving patterns
A car used primarily for short urban trips is at much higher risk of DPF and EGR problems than one driven regularly on motorways.
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; 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 218d 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.
