F45/F46 · 2018–2020

BMW 218i F45/F46 LCI · 140 PS (2018–2020)

Built from 2018 to 2020, the 218i uses the 103 kW B38 three-cylinder petrol engine, in both the Active Tourer and the Gran Tourer. Identify it by the kW figure on the registration document; an oil change takes 4.25 l, and the car itself calculates its service dates.

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Technical specifications

Fuel
Petrol
Power
140 PS / 103 kW
Displacement
1 499 cm³
Torque
220 Nm
Cylinders
3
Engine code
B38 (B38A15A)
Period covered
2018–2020
Documented market
Europe

Transmission

  • Manual · 6 speeds · 2018
  • Automatic · 7 speeds · 2018

Figures apply to the cited configuration and market; equipment and transmissions may vary by production date.

Specification source : [5] BMW Group [6] BMW Group

Manufacturer figures — manual gearbox

0–100 km/h acceleration
9.3 s
Combined consumption — period European cycle
5.8 l/100 km

Figures published at launch for the cited manual configuration. Consumption is a test-cycle measurement, not a real-world guarantee; automatic versions may differ. Source [5]

What distinguishes this version

1,499 cc three-cylinder petrol turbo, B38 family (ADAC engine code B38A15A): 103 kW (140 PS) and 220 Nm. Gearbox: six-speed manual or seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch. BMW quotes 9.3 s for 0–100 km/h and combined consumption of 5.8 l/100 km (NEDC values derived from WLTP, BMW sheet Active Tourer 01/2018). Bodies: Active Tourer (03/2018–09/2020) and Gran Tourer (03/2018–09/2020), production dates from ADAC. The 103 kW version of the B38, built until 09/2020; the dual-clutch gearbox replaces the former six-speed automatic.

Source : [5] [6] [13] [14] [15]

Engine oil: quantity and approvals

Oil change: 4.25 l according to BMW’s specification sheets (Active Tourer 01/2018, Gran Tourer 01/2018, Active Tourer 09/2018, “oil change”). For top-ups, the VI/19 Active Tourer handbook allows BMW Longlife-04, Longlife-12 FE or Longlife-17 FE+, SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, 0W-40 or 5W-40, or up to 1 litre of ACEA C2 or C3 if none is available; no additives. The level is measured electronically; BMW asks for a detailed measurement after every refuelling (car level, engine warm and running), under My Vehicle › Vehicle status › Engine oil level. Add oil only when the car asks for it, by the quantity it displays.

Source : [5] [6] [7] [10]

What the service display tracks

The car calculates each due date from how it is used (Condition Based Service) and briefly shows the distance or time to the next service when the ignition is switched on; details are under My Vehicle › Vehicle status › Service required. BMW’s regular maintenance covers engine oil, brake fluid, a vehicle check, the air filter, the cabin microfilter and the spark plugs. Brake fluid (and where applicable oil and microfilter) is counted in time and periods with the battery disconnected are not counted: have the workshop update these items. Neither the handbook nor BMW’s list sets a mileage or period: the dates are the ones your car displays. The car can also send these due dates to the service partner (Teleservice Call).

Source : [10] [1]

Timing drive

Chain (ADAC: “Steuerkette”). BMW’s training document for the Bx8 engines, which covers their transverse installation, describes a two-part chain drive on the transmission side of the engine, where the gearbox’s inertia reduces the loads; the oil-vacuum pump has its own chain and the tensioner is hydraulic with spring preload. No scheduled replacement in the documents consulted: the chain is a repair item, not maintenance.

Source : [13] [2]

Recalls to check

ADAC lists for this version: July 2026: wear deposits in the starter relay that can cause a short circuit and a fire risk at the starter, cars built 07/2020–02/2026 (starter replaced). Not every car is affected: have a BMW workshop check your VIN.

Source : [13] [14] [15]

Prepare the next service

Check the power on the registration document (103 kW) and the first-registration date. Note the items and dates shown under “Service required”. Give the service advisor the key the car was last driven with: the car stores its service data in it. Ask for 4.25 l of an oil with a BMW Longlife approval listed in the handbook, then check that the work is entered in the electronic service history, which a later owner can view.

Source : [10]

Maintenance and records

Engine oil — petrol (facelift)

Due date calculated by CBS

Oil change at the date the car displays; do not run past it. Top-up: BMW Longlife-04, Longlife-12 FE or Longlife-17 FE+, SAE 0W-20, 5W-20, 0W-30, 5W-30, 0W-40 or 5W-40; if unavailable, up to 1 litre of ACEA C2 or C3. No additives.

Source [10]

Other maintenance items — petrol

As the service requirement dictates

BMW lists as regular maintenance: brake fluid, a vehicle check to BMW specifications, air filter, cabin microfilter and spark plugs. Each item is triggered by the service requirement the car calculates.

Source [1]

Brake fluid

Calendar-based (CBS)

Counted in time, not kilometres. Periods with the battery disconnected are not counted: have the workshop update the time-based items (brake fluid, and where applicable oil and microfilter/activated-charcoal filter). The handbook does not state the period.

Source [10]

Coolant

Regular check, engine cold

Level correct between the yellow Min and Max marks in the filler neck, engine cold; first open the cap slightly to release the pressure. Top up slowly without overfilling, then have the cause of the loss found. Not every additive is suitable: ask the workshop.

Source [10]

Questions about this version (5)

How do I tell it from the 100 kW 218i?

By the kW on the registration document (103 kW against 100 kW) and the build date: ADAC lists the 103 kW version from 03/2018 to 09/2020 and the 100 kW version from 11/2020 to 07/2022. The ADAC engine code changes: B38A15A against B38A15F. Oil change: 4.25 l against 4.5 l on BMW’s sheets.

Source : [13] [16] [5] [8]

How does it differ from the 216i?

Same B38 engine and the same ADAC code (B38A15A), but 103 kW and 220 Nm instead of 80 kW and 190 Nm. Gearboxes: six-speed manual or seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch for the 218i; six-speed manual for the 216i. Both take 4.25 l of oil at an oil change on BMW’s sheets.

Source : [5] [6] [8] [13] [12] [7]

What differs from the pre-facelift version?

Before March 2018: 100 kW and 220 Nm (B38A15A), six-speed manual or six-speed Steptronic automatic, 4.25 l of oil. After: 103 kW and 220 Nm (B38A15A), six-speed manual or seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch, 4.25 l of oil. ADAC lists a petrol particulate filter on facelifted cars approved to Euro 6d-TEMP or later (not on the Euro 6c 220i and 225i xDrive of 03–06/2018); for top-ups, the VI/19 handbook adds Longlife-17 FE+ and no longer lists Longlife-01.

Source : [3] [5] [11] [13] [4] [9] [10] [17] [18]

Which fuel?

Super unleaded RON 95 recommended (DIN EN 228), RON 91 minimum; E10 and E25 are allowed (up to 25 % ethanol). Never leaded petrol, metallic additives or methanol fuels (M5 to M100). After misfuelling, do not press the Start/Stop button.

Source : [10]

Which emission standard?

According to ADAC: Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP (03/2018–06/2019); Euro 6d-TEMP-EVAP-ISC (07/2019–09/2020). The exact class is on the registration document.

Source : [13] [14] [15]

Documentary sources

  1. [1] BMW Service Inclusive — Die Leistungen (bmw.de, archived 15/04/2026)

    BMW AG · DE · Germany · Section “Die Leistungen von BMW Service Inclusive” · Accessed 08/10/2026

  2. [2] BMW Technical training — B46 Engine (with the B38 three-cylinder)

    BMW of North America — Technical training (archive.org copy) · EN · USA · Information status June 2014 · §1 (B38/B46, “Bx8”) · §2.2.7 Chain drive, Bx8 engines (pp. 57–58) · Accessed 08/10/2026

  3. [3] BMW Media information 07/2014 — The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (press kit)

    BMW Group · EN · Europe (ACEA) · p. 3 (engines), p. 5 (German launch on 27 September 2014), p. 16 (further variants and xDrive), pp. 32–33 (specifications 218i, 225i, 218d; footnote 1) “oil change”) · Accessed 08/10/2026

  4. [4] BMW Media Information 01/2018 — The new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer / Gran Tourer (press kit)

    BMW Group · EN · Europe (ACEA) · p. 2 (market launch March 2018, dimensions, plants), p. 3 (exterior changes), pp. 6–9 (engines, transmissions), pp. 10–11 (225xe iPerformance) · Accessed 08/10/2026

  5. [5] BMW Media Information 01/2018 — Specifications, the new BMW 2 Series Active Tourer

    BMW Group · EN · Europe (ACEA) · pp. 1–10; footnote 1) “oil change”; consumption: WLTP values translated back to NEDC · Accessed 08/10/2026

  6. [6] BMW Media Information 01/2018 — Specifications, the BMW 2 Series Gran Tourer

    BMW Group · EN · Europe (ACEA) · pp. 1–6; footnote 1) “oil change”; consumption: WLTP values translated back to NEDC · Accessed 08/10/2026

  7. [7] BMW Media Information 09/2018 — Specifications, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (216i to 220d xDrive)

    BMW Group · EN · Europe (German base data) · pp. 1–18 (225xe pp. 7–8); footnote 1) “oil change” · Accessed 08/10/2026

  8. [8] BMW Media Information 03/2021 — Specifications, BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (216i to 220d xDrive)

    BMW Group (English sheet on PressClub Italy) · EN · Europe (German base data) · pp. 1–20 (225xe pp. 9–10); footnote 1) “oil change volume”; consumption in NEDC and WLTP · Accessed 08/10/2026

  9. [9] BMW 2er Active Tourer (F45) Betriebsanleitung, Sach-Nr. 01402978274 – II/17 (online copy)

    BMW AG (online copy: Kfz-Handbuch.de) · DE · Germany · p. 96 (Servicebedarf), pp. 214–215 (Kraftstoffqualität), pp. 231–234 (Motoröl), pp. 235–236 (Kühlmittel), pp. 237–238 (Condition Based Service, Service Historie) · Accessed 08/10/2026

  10. [10] BMW 2er Active Tourer (F45) Betriebsanleitung, Sach-Nr. 01402666468 – VI/19 (online copy)

    BMW AG (online copy: Kfz-Handbuch.de) · DE · Germany · pp. 140–141 (Servicebedarf), pp. 270–273 (Kraftstoff, AdBlue), pp. 295–298 (Motoröl), pp. 299–300 (Kühlmittel), pp. 301–302 (Condition Based Service, Service Historie) · Accessed 08/10/2026

  11. [11] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 218i Active Tourer (09/14 – 02/18)

    ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026

  12. [12] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 216i Active Tourer (03/18 – 06/19)

    ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026

  13. [13] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 218i Active Tourer (03/18 – 06/19)

    ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026

  14. [14] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 218i Active Tourer Steptronic (DKG) (03/18 – 06/19)

    ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026

  15. [15] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 218i Gran Tourer (07/19 – 09/20)

    ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026

  16. [16] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 218i Active Tourer (11/20 – 02/21)

    ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026

  17. [17] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 220i Active Tourer Steptronic (DKG) (03/18 – 06/18)

    ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026

  18. [18] ADAC Autokatalog — BMW 225i Active Tourer xDrive Steptronic (03/18 – 06/18)

    ADAC · DE · Germany · Technische Daten: Motorcode, Leistung, Drehmoment, Getriebe, Modellstart/-ende, Baureihenende, Schadstoffklasse; Rückrufe & Mängel · Accessed 08/10/2026

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