BMW Série 2 F45/F46 Active/Gran Tourer (2014 – 2021)

Reliability score : 7.8/10

The BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (F45 - 5 seats) and Gran Tourer (F46 - 7 seats) mark a historic turning point for the Bavarian brand: they are the first BMW models to adopt front-wheel drive (UKL2 platform, shared with Mini) and to enter the compact MPV segment. Despite criticism from purists, this model was a commercial success thanks to its spaciousness, premium finish, and dynamic road handling for its category. A facelift (LCI) occurred in March 2018, bringing aesthetic revisions, an iDrive system update, and the replacement of the 6-speed Aisin automatic gearbox with a 7-speed DKG dual-clutch gearbox on 3-cylinder gasoline engines. Overall, reliability is good, but the first vintages (2014-2015) of the 3-cylinder gasoline engines (B38) experienced a major design flaw, and diesels were

✅ Strengths

Excellent interior finish, aging very well
Spaciousness and modularity (sliding rear bench, flat floor)
Dynamic road handling for an MPV (especially with SelectDrive suspension)
Overall reliability of 4-cylinder gasoline engines (B48)
Very intuitive and responsive iDrive infotainment system

⚠️ Weaknesses

Major design flaw on early 3-cylinder gasoline engines (2014-2015)
Suspension comfort a bit firm (especially in M Sport trim or with 18/19-inch wheels)
Very thick A-pillar (windshield), creating an annoying blind spot in the city
DKG7 gearbox (post-2018) sometimes causes jerks at very low speeds
Reduced boot volume on the 225xe plug-in hybrid version

🎯 Verdict

The BMW 2 Series Active/Gran Tourer is an excellent choice for those seeking the practicality of an MPV without sacrificing driving pleasure and premium finish. For gasoline models, absolutely prioritize models produced after summer 2015 to avoid the crankshaft issue of the 218i engine. The 4-cylinder versions (220i) are models of reliability and driving enjoyment, although rarer. For diesel models, caution is advised regarding the history of EGR recalls, but the B47 engines (218d/220d) are excellent for high mileage. Purchase is recommended provided there is a clear service history and, ideally, an automatic gearbox oil change has been performed if the vehicle exceeds 80,000 km.

Common issues

Fuites d'huile (joint de cache-culbuteurs, support de filtre à huile) Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 400 – 800 €

Vérifier régulièrement le niveau d'huile et les traces de fuite sous le véhicule.

Défaillance de la pompe à eau électrique High

🔧 100 000 – 180 000 km

💶 600 – 1 200 €

Surveiller la température moteur et faire vérifier au moindre signe de surchauffe.

Défaillance des bobines d'allumage Low

🔧 80 000 – 140 000 km

💶 200 – 500 €

Remplacer les bougies aux intervalles recommandés et utiliser des pièces de qualité.

Usure prématurée des silentblocs de bras de suspension avant Medium

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 300 – 700 €

Tester la suspension lors de l'essai routier et vérifier l'usure des pneus.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£70 – 130
Clutch	£750 – 1 400
Complete brakes	£220 – 480
Estimated annual budget	£550 – 1 100

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.