216d / 218d / 220d (B37 / B47 diesel)
2014–2021 · diesel · 1995cc · 190hp
Engine codes: B37, B47
Reliability, common problems and owner reviews for the Bmw 2 Series 216d / 218d / 220d (B37 / B47 diesel). Check this before you buy used.
The modular diesels — the 1.5 three-cylinder B37 and the 2.0 four-cylinder B47 (the engine that replaced the chain-troubled N47, shared across the 1/3-Series and X1) — are the high-mileage 2 Series choice: torquey, very economical and, crucially, the B47 moved to a more robust timing-chain arrangement than the N47 it superseded. Standard modern-diesel cautions remain: DPF and EGR on short trips (the EGR cooler is a known weak point), injector and timing-chain attention at high miles, and AdBlue on later cars. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a dependable long-hauler.
Same engine, other cars
This is the same physical engine (N47) sold under different names across brands. Reliability is broadly shared — cross-check these:
- BMW 3 Series E90— 320d 2.0d (M47TU2, early)163hp
- BMW 3 Series F30— 316d / 318d / 320d (N47 → B47)190hp
- BMW 3 Series G20— 318d / 320d / 330d (B47 / B57 diesel)190hp
- BMW 4 Series— 420d / 430d (B47 / N47 / B57 diesel)190hp
- BMW 5 Series E60— 520d 2.0d (M47 → N47)177hp
- BMW X3— 2.0d (M47 / N47)177hp
- BMW X2— sDrive18d / 20d / xDrive20d (B47)190hp
- BMW X3— xDrive20d (N47)184hp
- BMW 1 Series E87— 116d / 118d / 120d (N47, 2007–2011)177hp
- BMW 5 Series G30— 520d / 530d / 540d (B47 / B57 diesel)190hp
- BMW 3 Series E90— 318d / 320d 2.0d (N47)177hp
- BMW X3 G01— xDrive20d / 30d (B47 / B57 diesel)190hp
- BMW X1— 18d / 20d / 23d (N47 diesel)184hp
Known Issues
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
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
Mileage Thresholds
After 220,000 km: More robust than N47; high-mileage capable.
Pre-Purchase Checklist
- ☐B47 fixed the N47 chain woes
- ☐EGR cooler + DPF history
- ☐The engine for miles
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bmw 2 Series 216d / 218d / 220d (B37 / B47 diesel) reliable?
Maint. Sensitive — The modular diesels — the 1.5 three-cylinder B37 and the 2.0 four-cylinder B47 (the engine that replaced the chain-troubled N47, shared across the 1/3-Series and X1) — are the high-mileage 2 Series choice: torquey, very economical and, crucially, the B47 moved to a more robust timing-chain arrangement than the N47 it superseded. Standard modern-diesel cautions remain: DPF and EGR on short trips (the EGR cooler is a known weak point), injector and timing-chain attention at high miles, and AdBlue on later cars. A motorway-driven, serviced car is a dependable long-hauler.
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).
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.