The BMW 218d is a subcompact executive car with lots of outstanding features. The car boasts five doors, a large cargo area, a spacious interior, and it is very fuel-efficient. Despite having these exceptional features, the BMW 218d also has several problems that interested buyers should know about.
Some of the common problems of the BMW 218d are EGR module cooler can leak, electrical faults, power steering support failure, air conditioning issues, oil leak, and clutch problems. Note that some issues came with certain models and BMW issued a recall.
For instance, the EGR cooler leak issue is common on the BMW 218d made between 2014 and 2019. On the contrary, other issues occur as you put on several miles. And since BMW features many plastic parts, most components will start developing issues as early as 60,000 miles if the car is not maintained properly.
What are the common problems with the 218d?
EGR module cooler could leak
This is a manufacturer-related issue that is associated with BMW 218d models made between 2014 and 2019. The reason why the exhaust gas recirculation may leak is because of a leaking glycol coolant that could form, in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module, ignitable deposits.
BMW recalled BMWs with this issue. So, if you buy a used BMW 218d made between 2014 and 2019, you should ensure that the owner had this issue fixed.
Power steering support failure
The ECU or electronic control unit of the electric power steering is not very durable. So, after your car covers several miles, the power steering support may fail. To avoid this from happening, you need to take your car for inspection yearly. Besides, this can be tackled by repairing the bad connections and replacing bad parts.
Electrical faults
Most BMWs have electrical issues because of the poor drainage design. Nonetheless, electrical problems with the BMW 218d are usually associated with damage or normal wear and tear. Wiring is usually damaged by heat after covering several miles. Adhering to BMW’s scheduled maintenance service should help avoid such minor issues.
Air conditioning problems
The air conditioning system may also develop some issues after covering several miles. The main reason for A/C issues is connected to the Freon fluid leaking or a leak in the A/C system. Take the car to a BMW mechanic or service center for repair.
Blown up turbo
This is a common problem with most BMWs. If you take long to change your oil on the BMW 218d, you may end up with a blown turbo. That’s why it is important to change the oil on your BMW 218d every 12,000 miles. What’s more, dirty oil or lack of oil can cause the turbo to blow up.
Clutch problems
A clutch is cheap to replace and maintain. Besides, it takes several miles for a clutch to go bad. As a result, most BMW owners forget about maintaining their clutch so that it goes bad. A bad clutch will show signs such as vibration, hard to push, or the pedal becomes so easy to push. Have your clutch replaced every 100,000 mils.
Oil leak
Last but not least, oil leakage is another major problem that most BMW models face, including the BMW 218d. This is usually caused by the low-quality parts, such as the plastic oil filter and rubber cover gaskets. These parts wear out faster causing the oil to leak. Keep an eye on these parts and replace them in time.
FAQ
Is the BMW 218d a good car?
Yes, the BMW 218d is an excellent car. This multi-purpose vehicle is a nice everyday car as it’s spacious, fuel-efficient, and performs outstandingly. Additionally, this car is reliable, making it a great car for daily driving. However, it is not suitable for people looking for a luxurious and high-performance car.
What is the most reliable BMW 218d model year?
The most reliable BMW 218d was made in 2016 and 2019. On the contrary, the most troublesome BMW 218d models were made in 2020. So, if you want to avoid experiencing multiple issues, opt for the more reliable BMW 218d models made in 2016 and 2018.
After how many miles does the BMW 218d start experiencing problems?
Like most compact BMW models, the BMW 218d starts having issues as early as 60,000 miles. However, with proper care and maintenance, you may not experience issues until you hit over 100,000 miles. Nonetheless, some people may start experiencing problems after hitting 120k miles.
How long will a BMW 218d last?
It depends on how well you maintain the car and your driving habits. If you adhere to BMW’s scheduled maintenance service, your car can last over 200k miles. But if you don’t take good care of your car, you may have issues clocking over 150k miles.
The BMW 218d is a very reliable car as many reliability agencies like Consumer Reports and J.D. Power have rated it above-average reliability. This means that it comes with a reliable engine and reports fewer issues than most of the cars in its class.
Is it expensive to maintain the BMW 218d?
For the first 10-years of owning a BMW 218d, it will cost you about $13,700 to maintain. If you compare this with other similar cars, you will find that the cost is quite high. Therefore, if you want to save money, you should consider getting an MPV that is cheaper to maintain.
The high cost of maintaining the BMW 218d can be linked to the high cost of acquiring BMW 218d OEM spare parts. On top of that, the cost of BMW service is high, making the overall repair and maintenance of the car to be high.
Conclusion
In summary, the BMW 218d is a reliable car, but it also comes with multiple challenges that interested buyers should know about. Some of the notable issues that interested buyers or owners of the BMW 218d should expect to have are electrical faults, EGR module cooler could leak, blown up the turbo, power steering support failure, and oil leakage.
Before buying a used BMW 218d, check and find out if it was recalled and whether the used handled the issue. If not, ensure the problem is handled before changing ownership. Most of the issues that the BMW 218d faces can be tackled by a certified BMW technician or from the BMW service center.