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BMW F22 2 Series coupe and convertible buyer's guide
2014–2021 · 228i / 228i xDrive, M235i / M235i xDrive, 230i / 230i xDrive, M240i / M240i xDrive (N20, N55, B46/B48, B58)
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Engines by year Model-year changes Known problems Other issues Warranty extensions Recalls Inspection checklist Red flags Which to buy Specs Paint codes Coding Ownership costs Sources
Models and engines by year
| Model | US model years | Engine |
|---|---|---|
| 228i / 228i xDrive | 2014–2016 | N20 |
| M235i / M235i xDrive | 2014–2016 | N55 |
| 230i / 230i xDrive | 2017–2021 | B46/B48 |
| M240i / M240i xDrive | 2017–2021 | B58 |
US-market models. Chassis codes: F22, F23. Not sure which one you have? The VIN check decodes year, model and engine.
Model-year changes
| Model year | What changed |
|---|---|
| 2014 | Coupe launches (on sale March 2014): 228i (N20, 241 hp) and M235i (N55, 322 hp), each with a six-speed manual or the ZF eight-speed automatic.16,17 |
| 2015 | Convertible (F23) launches in February 2015.16 |
| 2017 | 230i (B48, 248 hp) and M240i (B58, 335 hp) replace the 228i and M235i. iDrive 5.0 arrives. Facelift (LCI) launched July 2017 with new front fascia, LED headlights and taillights, and a redesigned dashboard.16,17 |
| 2019 | Darkened rear lights on all models from March 2019.16 |
| 2021 | Final year of the F22 coupe; the F23 convertible carried on a little longer.16,18 |
US model years unless noted. "LCI" (Life Cycle Impulse) is BMW's name for a mid-cycle facelift.
Known problems and when they show up
Mileages are what the cited shops, specialists and owner forums report. They are typical ranges, not predictions for any one car.
N20 engine
228i / 228i xDrive (2014–2016) · N20 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain | any mileage; BMW warranty extension is 7 years/70,000 miles | A whine from the front of the engine that rises with rpm, or a cold-start rattle. A broken guide can destroy the engine. BMW revised the chain parts from January 2015 production. Its warranty extension (SIB 11 03 17) covers listed 2012–2015 N20/N26 cars built up to mid-2015, for 7 years/70,000 miles from in-service. A class-action settlement (SIB 11 02 21) covers cars built through February 2015.1,2,3,4 | N20 timing chain replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,375–$2,832 · dealer $3,550–$5,000 |
| Oil leaks and electric water pump | not tied to a mileage in our sources | Valve cover, oil filter housing gasket leaks and electric water pump failures also come up on higher-mileage N20s. | No price yet |
N55 engine
M235i / M235i xDrive (2014–2016) · N55 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Valve cover and gasket leak | about 60,000–100,000 miles | Burning-oil smell and oil on the spark plug wells. The plastic cover can also crack, so it is often replaced together with the gasket.5,6,7 | N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) Owners paid: indie shop $930–$1,625 · dealer $1,450–$2,076 |
| Oil filter housing gasket leak | about 50,000–130,000 miles | Oil drips onto the belt and tensioner. Fix it before the belt is damaged.5,6,7,8 | N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) Owners paid: indie shop $648–$763 |
| Electric water pump and thermostat | usually before 100,000 miles; reported failures range from about 30,000 to over 120,000 | Fails suddenly, often with no warning, then overheats.5,6,7 | N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| Plastic charge pipe | can crack at any age, even at stock boost; about 40,000–90,000 miles (60,000–150,000 km) per EngineScope | Sudden loss of boost and a whoosh under load.5,7 | N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement |
| Oil pan gasket | usually past 100,000 miles | Expensive labor because the subframe must be lowered.5 | N55 oil pan gasket Owners paid: indie shop $1,588–$1,900 |
| VANOS solenoids | around 120,000 miles | Rough idle and cam timing faults.5 | VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
B46/B48 engine
230i / 230i xDrive (2017–2021) · B46/B48 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant leak at the oil filter housing | most reports about 60,000–80,000 miles | BMW SIB 11 10 25 (Dec 2025): the housing seal can press on the coolant bushing so it deforms and leaks. The fix is a new gasket set and a redesigned bushing. It covers B46/B48 in G01, G02, G20, G22, G23, G26, G29, G30, G45 and G60.9,10,11 | B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak) Owners paid: indie shop $1,800–$3,300 · dealer $2,825–$3,950 |
| Brittle coolant hoses and couplings | age and heat related | Plastic connectors near hot parts crack and can burst.11,10 | No price yet |
| Turbo oil return line leak (early cars) | early production | Caused by a mis-assembled gasket, fixed under warranty on early engines.11 | No price yet |
| Fuel tank vent (purge) valve | any mileage | Evap check-engine light. BMW NA extended the warranty on this valve to 15 yr/150,000 mi on many B46/B48/B58 cars (SIB 01 02 24 and later; listed on our job page).12 | B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve) |
B58 engine
M240i / M240i xDrive (2017–2021) · B58 bulletins
| Problem | When it shows up | What to know | Repair prices |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coolant loss: oil filter housing, vent hose, water pump, expansion tank | commonly from about 60,000–80,000 miles; water pumps typically last about 75,000–100,000 | Often a slow "ghost" leak you smell but can't see. A pressure test finds it. Common sources are the plastic oil filter housing and its coolant vent hose, the water pump and the expansion tank.13,10,14 | B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak) Owners paid: indie shop $1,800–$3,300 · dealer $2,825–$3,950 |
| Valve cover gasket and PCV | valve cover gaskets about 60,000–100,000 miles | Oil on the spark plugs, burning-oil smell, low-oil warning. In November 2023 BMW NA mailed owners a 15 yr/150,000 mi warranty extension for the crankcase pressure control (PCV) valve (details and letter on our job page).15,13 | B58 valve cover / PCV failure Owners paid: dealer $3,049–$4,450 |
| Fuel tank vent (purge) valve | any mileage | Evap check-engine light. BMW NA extended the warranty on this valve to 15 yr/150,000 mi on many B46/B48/B58 cars (SIB 01 02 24 and later; listed on our job page).12 | B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve) |
Known F22 issues beyond the engine
228i (N20) timing chain. Early N20 cars suffer from the timing chain and tensioner issue. BMWBlog says that apart from this, the four-cylinder 2 Series has few systemic problems.17
M235i (N55) charge pipe, valve cover, water pump. BMWBlog says the plastic charge pipe will eventually fail, valve covers leak more than on the other engines, and water pumps are a common eventual failure.17
Owner-reported faults (UK survey). RAC's owner survey mentions air-conditioning condenser and ABS control module replacements, plus an exhaust flap actuator squeak.18
Warranty extensions and service campaigns 19
Warranty extensions (18)
- SIB 01 02 24 EVAP system warranty extension EVAP system warranty extension on BMW G11/G12/G20/F22 and other models (2016–2024); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jun 2026
- SIB 51 12 23 Body fault codes Body fault codes on BMW G05/G06/G07/G20 and other models (2020–2025); BMW extended coverage for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Jul 2025
- SIB 01 07 22 Fuel tank warranty extension Fuel tank warranty extension on BMW F22/F23/F30/F31 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Oct 2024
- SIB 01 03 22 Fuel tank warranty extension Fuel tank warranty extension on N20 engines (2014–2016); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Oct 2024
- SIB 01 04 19 EVAP system warranty extension EVAP system warranty extension on B46/B48 engines (2016–2020); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Warranty extension · Sep 2024
- SIB 01 14 23 Crankcase vent valve (PCV) warranty extension Crankcase vent valve (PCV) warranty extension on BMW G01/G02/G11/G12 and other models (2016–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Nov 2023
- NHTSA 10212779 Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension Component and Issue Specific Limited Emission Warranty Extension on BMW G20/E90/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Apr 2022
- SIB 64 06 13 Air conditioning warranty extension Air conditioning warranty extension on BMW G20/E90/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2021); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Nov 2021
- SIB 11 03 17 Timing chain warranty extension Timing chain warranty extension on BMW E84/E89/E92/E93 and other models (2011–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Oct 2021
- SIB 11 02 21 Electrical class-action settlement Electrical class-action settlement on BMW E84/E89/E92/E93 and other models (2012–2018); covers eligible repairs and reimbursement under the court settlement. Service bulletin · Sep 2021
- SIB 01 26 18 Steering warranty extension Steering warranty extension on BMW E90/E92/E93/F22 and other models (2012–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2020
- SIB 84 06 18 Horn warranty extension Horn warranty extension on BMW G01/G11/G12/G30 and other models (2011–2018); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Mar 2018
- SIB 01 01 16 Thermostat warranty extension Thermostat warranty extension on N20/N52/N55 engines (2012–2017); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Dec 2017
- SIB 01 17 17 Thermostat warranty extension Thermostat warranty extension on N20 engines (2014–2015); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Dec 2017
- SIB 01 08 17 Thermostat warranty extension Thermostat warranty extension on BMW F22/F23/E90/E92 and other models (2011–2014); BMW extended the warranty on this part for eligible cars. Service bulletin · Jun 2017
Showing 15 of 18.
Service campaigns (1)
- SIB 84 02 26 Telematics unit failure Telematics unit failure on BMW G01/G02/G05/G06 and other models (2020); BMW repairs affected cars free under a service campaign. Service campaign · Jul 2026
Filed by BMW with NHTSA. Extensions usually follow the car to later owners and can reimburse earlier repairs; a BMW dealer can confirm by VIN.
NHTSA safety recalls 9
- Recall 25V871: head air bag 228I, 320I, 328I, 335I, 428I, 435I, M235I, 2014–2015. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
- Recall 24V608: water pump, plug connector 228I, 328I, 428I, 528I, X1, X3, X4, X5, Z4, 2012–2018. BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 201
- Recall 24V288: head air bag 228I, 320I, 328D, 328I, 335I, 428I, 435I, M235I, M3, M4, 2014–2015. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
- Recall 21V554: passenger seat safety belt retractor 228I, 230I, 330E, 330I, 430I, 530I, 540I, M2, M235I, M240I, M3, M340I, M4, M440I, X1, X2, Z4, 2021. The passenger seat belt Automatic Locking Retractor (ALR) may deactivate early, before the webbing fully retracts.
- Recall 21V342: roof liner 230I, M240I, 2021. Supports within the roof liner may be insecurely attached.
- Recall 19V352: knee bolster 230I, 330I, 430I, 440I, M2, M240I, M4, 2019–2020. The driver and passenger knee air bag assemblies may have been improperly folded and assembled.
- Recall 18V465: engine 230I, 330E, 330I, 340I, 430I, 440I, 530E, 530I, 540D, 540I, 640I, 740I, M240I, X1, X2, 2018–2019. The crankshaft sensor may be equipped with incorrect firmware, preventing the sensor from properly processing input from the crankshaft reluctor ring, possibly resulting in a vehicle stall.
- Recall 17V719: instrument cluster/panel 230I, M2, M240I, X3, 2018. These vehicles may have an error in the software for the instrument panel, causing the display to not properly illuminate.
- Recall 15V189: fuel pump 228I, 320I, 328I, 335I, 428I, 435I, ACTIVE HYBRID 3, M235I, 2014–2015. BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi G
Matched from NHTSA's public recall file by model and model year. A recall may cover only some cars from a year, and it may already have been done on yours. Check by VIN →
Test drive and inspection checklist
- Run the VIN for open recalls. Open safety recalls are free at any BMW dealer. Check on NHTSA's site or our recall page before you buy.19
- Scan for stored fault codes with a BMW-capable tool. A generic OBD reader misses most BMW modules. Specialist guides recommend a BMW-level scan (ISTA or similar) to catch faults that have been cleared from the dash but still stored.20,21
- Start it from cold. Ask the seller not to warm the car up first. Chain rattle, VANOS rattle, lifter tick and rough idle show most clearly in the first seconds after a cold start.20,22,23
- Ask a BMW dealer about warranty extensions and campaigns. Several BMW warranty extensions follow the car, not the owner, and some reimburse earlier repairs. A dealer can check the VIN. The list for this chassis is below.
- Get a pre-purchase inspection from a BMW specialist. A few hundred dollars for an independent BMW specialist is the usual advice, especially for M cars and high-mileage turbo engines.24,20
- Listen for timing chain noise on a 228i. Ask for records of the timing chain work on early N20 cars (see the N20 section).17
- Check whether it is stock. The N55 cars are often modified, sometimes poorly. BMWBlog suggests a stock one- or two-owner car and a pre-purchase inspection for any N55 car.17
- Look for oil and coolant leaks. On higher-mileage four-cylinder cars, check for the usual oil and coolant leaks, injectors and plugs.17
Engine items to listen and look for are in the known problems section.
Service-history red flags
- Oil changes only at the long computer interval. Several guides advise changing oil more often than the onboard service indicator (CBS) suggests, especially with lots of city driving.23,25
- Gaps in the records around known failure mileages. If the engine section below lists a job that usually comes due at the car's mileage, ask for the invoice. A missing record isn't proof it wasn't done, but it is a negotiating point.
- Tuned or "deleted" cars. Tunes, emissions deletes and removed parts complicate warranty claims and inspections and raise wear on turbo cars. Ask, and look for aftermarket intakes, downpipes and charge pipes.
- N20: ask for records of Timing chain guides and oil pump drive chain; Oil leaks and electric water pump.
- N55: ask for records of Valve cover and gasket leak; Oil filter housing gasket leak; Electric water pump and thermostat; Plastic charge pipe; Oil pan gasket; VANOS solenoids.
- B46/B48: ask for records of Coolant leak at the oil filter housing; Brittle coolant hoses and couplings; Turbo oil return line leak (early cars); Fuel tank vent (purge) valve.
- B58: ask for records of Coolant loss: oil filter housing, vent hose, water pump, expansion tank; Valve cover gasket and PCV; Fuel tank vent (purge) valve.
Which F22 to look for
M240i (B58) and 230i (B48), 2017–2021. BMWBlog calls the B58 cars the most reliable non-M F22s so far, with little to report beyond leaks and modifications.17
M235i (N55), 2014–2016. BMWBlog says the N55 gives "middling reliability" here: not truly unreliable, but not the most stalwart choice.17
228i (N20), 2014–2016. Early cars carry the N20 timing chain risk.17
These are the views of the cited reviewers and specialists, not a ranking of our own.
F22 specs
BMW's US figures we have on file run from 240 hp (228i Coupe) to 335 hp (M240i Convertible), with 0-60 mph as quick as 4.2 s.
A manual gearbox was offered in model years 2014–2021 (EPA listings). Full F22 specs: every US engine, transmission and drive by year →
Factory paint and option codes
Paint colors BMW of North America listed for the F22 in the ordering and pricing guides we read:
| Code | Color | Model years |
|---|---|---|
| 300 | Alpine White | 2017–2018, 2021 |
| 475 | Black Sapphire Metallic | 2017–2018, 2021 |
| 668 | Jet Black | 2017–2018, 2021 |
| A75 | Melbourne Red Metallic | 2017–2018, 2021 |
| A76 | Deep Sea Blue Metallic | 2017 |
| A83 | Glacier Silver Metallic | 2017–2018 |
| A96 | Mineral White Metallic | 2017–2018, 2021 |
| B38 | Midnight Blue Metallic | 2017 |
| B39 | Mineral Grey Metallic | 2017–2018, 2021 |
| B44 | Valencia Orange | 2017 |
| B45 | Estoril Blue Metallic | 2017–2018, 2021 |
| B53 | Sparkling Brown Metallic | 2017 |
| B66 | Moonlight Silver | 2017 |
| C10 | Mediterranean Blue Metallic | 2018 |
| C1R | Seaside Blue Metallic | 2018 |
| C1X | Sunset Orange Metallic | 2018, 2021 |
| C16 | Long Beach Blue Metallic | 2021 |
121 option codes are listed for the F22 in the same guides. Search them.
Only model years covered by the guides we could obtain are shown.
Coding
The coding apps' own lists show 183 settings that owners can change on the F22 with a phone and an OBD adapter, in areas such as Welcome Lights, Seat heating/cooling, Convenient opening/closing, Display options iDrive system, Audio, Display options instrument cluster. 157 come from BimmerCode's list and 26 more appear only in Carly's list.
Ownership costs
Routine maintenance: oil service prices by engine size, published BMW Value Service prices (brakes, spark plugs) from 16 US dealers, and the F22 maintenance schedule.
Repairs we price that apply to the F22
| Repair and owner-reported prices |
|---|
| N20 timing chain replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,375–$2,832 · dealer $3,550–$5,000 |
| B58 / B48 oil filter housing (coolant leak) Owners paid: indie shop $1,800–$3,300 · dealer $2,825–$3,950 |
| N55 oil filter housing gasket (OFHG) Owners paid: indie shop $648–$763 |
| N55 valve cover / valve cover gasket (PCV) Owners paid: indie shop $930–$1,625 · dealer $1,450–$2,076 |
| B58 valve cover / PCV failure Owners paid: dealer $3,049–$4,450 |
| N52 / N54 / N55 electric water pump + thermostat |
| N55 oil pan gasket Owners paid: indie shop $1,588–$1,900 |
| VANOS solenoids (intake / exhaust) |
| B58 / B48 fuel tank vent valve (purge valve) |
| N55 ignition coils (all six) |
| N55 charge pipe (intercooler to throttle) replacement |
| B58 coolant expansion tank (G05 X5 40i, high- or low-temp) |
| B58 heat management module (thermostat) replacement |
| B58 oil pump replacement Owners paid: indie shop $2,865–$3,600 |
| B58 water pump (coolant pump) |
"Owners paid" is the middle 50% of sourced owner prices across chassis with the same engine. Each job page reprices for your ZIP.
By model year
| Year | Models and engines | NHTSA recalls | Warranty extensions | Repairs we price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 228i / 228i xDrive N20 M235i / M235i xDrive N55 | 4 | 14 | 8 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2015 | 228i / 228i xDrive N20 M235i / M235i xDrive N55 | 4 | 13 | 8 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2016 | 228i / 228i xDrive N20 M235i / M235i xDrive N55 | 1 | 12 | 8 Priciest: N20 timing chain replacement, owners paid up to $5,000 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2017 | 230i / 230i xDrive B46/B48 M240i / M240i xDrive B58 | 1 | 11 | 7 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2018 | 230i / 230i xDrive B46/B48 M240i / M240i xDrive B58 | 3 | 10 | 7 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2019 | 230i / 230i xDrive B46/B48 M240i / M240i xDrive B58 | 2 | 6 | 7 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2020 | 230i / 230i xDrive B46/B48 M240i / M240i xDrive B58 | 1 | 7 | 7 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
| 2021 | 230i / 230i xDrive B46/B48 M240i / M240i xDrive B58 | 2 | 6 | 7 Priciest: B58 valve cover / PCV failure, owners paid up to $4,450 (dealer, middle 50%) |
Recalls and warranty extensions are counted when their published model-year range includes that year. Each one may cover only some cars, so check by VIN. Repairs counted are the ones whose engine was offered that year.
Sources
- BMW SIB 11 03 17 (rev. 7): N20/N26 timing chain warranty extension, via NHTSA
- BMW SIB 11 02 21: N20/N26 class action settlement (Gelis v. BMW)
- RightFootDown: BMW redesigns N20 timing chain parts (01/2015)
- Bimmerpost X3 forum: build date for revised N20 chain
- BMWTuning: N55 FAQ
- BMWTuning: 5 most common N55 problems
- EngineScope: N55 reliability
- r/F30: how long has your N55 lasted?
- BMW SIB 11 10 25: coolant leaking from oil filter housing (B46/B48), via NHTSA
- Motronix: B46/B58 coolant leaks at the oil filter housing
- Bimmerly: B48 reliability
- BMW SIB 01 02 24: EVAP purge valve warranty extension (BimmerBench summary)
- BMWTuning: 5 most common B58 problems
- r/F30: high-mileage B58 coolant and OFH issues
- R44 Performance: B58 engine review
- Wikipedia: BMW 2 Series (F22)
- BMWBlog: BMW 2 Series F22 buyers' guide (2022)
- RAC Drive: BMW M235i/M240i (F22) used car review
- NHTSA recall lookup by VIN
- The Stable: E92 M3 buyer's guide
- Euro Premium Parts: E60 M5 reliability guide
- carsales: buying a used F30 3 Series (2015–20)
- carsales: buying a used E90 3 Series
- Road & Track: E46 M3 buyer's guide
- Drive-My: E60 5 Series buying guide (six-cylinder petrol)
Retrieved 2026-10-18. Bulletins and recalls come from NHTSA filings; owner prices come from the public posts linked on each job page.