216d / 218d / 220d (B37 / B47 diesel)

2014–2021 · diesel · 1995cc · 190hp

Engine codes: B37, B47, B57, N47

Maint. Sensitive

Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Bmw 2 Series 216d / 218d / 220d (B37 / B47 diesel). Check this before you buy used.

The diesels are the high-mileage G20 choice — the 2.0 B47 (320d, often mild-hybrid — the robust engine that long ago replaced the chain-troubled N47) and the superb 3.0 straight-six B57 (330d). Both are strong, exceptionally economical and well-matched to the executive saloon/estate. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF and EGR on short trips (EGR cooler a known weak point), injector attention, twin-dosing AdBlue/SCR, and timing-chain checks at very high miles. The 330d straight-six is one of the best long-distance engines you can buy. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a genuine 300k long-hauler. Buy on EGR, DPF and AdBlue history.

Same engine, other cars

This is the same physical engine (B37) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:

Known Issues

EGR cooler / DPFrecurring

EGR cooler is a known weak point; DPF clogs on short trips.

Fix / Workaround: Replace EGR cooler; motorway regens.

Repair cost: €300–€1100

Typically appears after: 120,000 km

Timing chain / injector (high miles)recurring

Chain and injector attention at higher mileage; AdBlue later.

Fix / Workaround: Check chain; injector test; diagnose SCR.

Repair cost: €250–€1500

Typically appears after: 180,000 km

N47 timing-chain failure (rear, pre-~2015)critical

Early N47 rear timing chain can stretch/fail → rattle from bellhousing end; engine-out repair. B47 redesigned and far better.

Fix / Workaround: Identify N47 vs B47; N47: rear rattle + chain history; prefer B47.

Repair cost: €1200–€3500

Typically appears after: 120,000 km

EGR cooler / DPF / AdBluerecurring

EGR cooler weak point; DPF clogs on short trips; twin-dosing AdBlue/SCR.

Fix / Workaround: Replace EGR cooler; motorway regens; diagnose SCR.

Repair cost: €300–€1200

Typically appears after: 130,000 km

Injector / timing chain (high miles)recurring

Injector and chain attention at very high mileage.

Fix / Workaround: Injector test; check chain.

Repair cost: €250–€1500

Typically appears after: 200,000 km

N47 rear timing chain (early)critical

Early N47 rear-mounted chain wears → rattle → labour-heavy fix. B47 resolved this.

Fix / Workaround: Prefer B47; on N47 listen for cold-start rattle (walk away if present).

Repair cost: €800–€2500

Typically appears after: 120,000 km

Timing chain / injector / AdBluerecurring

Chain and injector attention at higher mileage; AdBlue/SCR.

Fix / Workaround: Check chain; injector test; diagnose SCR.

Repair cost: €250–€1500

Typically appears after: 180,000 km

Year Cutoffs

2015: Before — N47 — rear timing-chain failure risk. After — B47 — redesigned, much more dependable (prefer it).

Mileage Thresholds

After 220,000 km: More robust than N47; high-mileage capable.

After 140,000 km: N47 chain window; B47 safer.

After 250,000 km: B47/B57 300k-capable with care.

Pre-Purchase Checklist

☐B47 fixed the N47 chain woes
☐EGR cooler + DPF history
☐The engine for miles
☐Identify N47 vs B47 — prefer B47
☐N47: rear rattle + chain history
☐330d straight-six is superb
☐Prefer B47 over early N47
☐N47: cold-start rattle = walk away
☐430d straight-six is superb
☐530d straight-six is superb
☐30d straight-six is superb
☐The engine for miles/towing

Frequently asked questions

Is the Bmw 2 Series 216d / 218d / 220d (B37 / B47 diesel) reliable?

Maint. Sensitive — The diesels are the high-mileage G20 choice — the 2.0 B47 (320d, often mild-hybrid — the robust engine that long ago replaced the chain-troubled N47) and the superb 3.0 straight-six B57 (330d). Both are strong, exceptionally economical and well-matched to the executive saloon/estate. Standard modern-diesel cautions: DPF and EGR on short trips (EGR cooler a known weak point), injector attention, twin-dosing AdBlue/SCR, and timing-chain checks at very high miles. The 330d straight-six is one of the best long-distance engines you can buy. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a genuine 300k long-hauler. Buy on EGR, DPF and AdBlue history.

What are the common problems and reviews for the Bmw 2 Series 216d / 218d / 220d (B37 / B47 diesel)?

The most commonly reported problems: EGR cooler / DPF, Timing chain / injector (high miles), N47 timing-chain failure (rear, pre-~2015), EGR cooler / DPF / AdBlue, Injector / timing chain (high miles), N47 rear timing chain (early), Timing chain / injector / AdBlue.

Is a used Bmw 2 Series 216d / 218d / 220d (B37 / B47 diesel) worth buying?

Fine if serviced correctly — but it punishes neglect hard. History and the right consumables matter.