BMW 216 reliability
The BMW 216 fails its MOT less often than most cars 6 to 10 years old: 20.2% of 4,286 tests failed in 2023, against 24.4% on average.
39 DVSA recalls for the BMW 216
Most cover a batch of cars built in a set period, and dealers fix them free. Sweep’s check shows the recalls for a car’s age and whether the DVSA has one outstanding.
Reworking the PVC Seam in the Rear Light Housing
The safety recall relates to a PVC seam seal defect which may have occurred in the body area of the right real light housing. It is possible that seam sealant was not applied to a panel overlap area this may result in water ingress into the vehicle in the area of the right rear light. If water does enter the trunk in the area of the right rear light it may result in water ingress onto the exposed power distribution box as well as adjacent wiring harnesses and electrical components. It cannot be reliably excluded that electrical contacts may be affected particularly due to capillary effects. In this case moisture ingress and the resulting long-term corrosion may lead to increased contact resistance as well as functional degradation or failure of individual electrical components. Over the service life a thermal event cannot be completely ruled out.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the PVC seam will be checked and if necessary reworked.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES COUPE · 28 vehicles
Replace the Engine Starter Motor
The Safety Recall relates to the engine starter motor. The fault relates to the RSW22 starter RWT (reinforced water tightness). It was found that with RWT starters an increased abrasion of the magnetic contact can cause the growth of deposits at the lowest point of the relay interior. This in turn may increase the relay contact resistance resulting in false starts or even causing short circuits and possibly a thermal reaction. In case of a short circuit the possibility of a thermal event cannot be excluded. This may happen while attempting to start the vehicle or while driving due to vibrations causing a short circuit due to moving deposits.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the starter motor will be replaced with a variant by another supplier with a different design. Until the repair has been completed it is recommended to not leave the vehicle running unattended after starting the engine.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES COUPE · 7,500 vehicles
Takata Driver and/or Passenger Airbag Recall (Global VINs)
Affected vehicles are already included in Safety Recalls within the markets they have previously resided in. The vehicles may be fitted with a driver and/or passenger airbag/s which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury which could prove fatal to people in the vicinity.
Fix: Vehicles will have the affected airbags checked and if necessary replaced.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES COUPE · 221 vehicles
Seat Belt Rear Outer Seats
On affected vehicles either one or both of the outer most rear seats may not have been manufactured correctly and the sensitivity sensor may be deformed. If the sensor is not functioning correctly there is a risk the seat belt may not operate as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles the affected seatbelts will be checked and replaced.
Recalled models: 2 Series Gran Coupe · 379 vehicles
Front Seat Belt Retractor
On affected vehicles the front seat belts may have damage to the torsion bar caused during manufacture. The retention function of the seat belt may not perform as expected in the event of an accident.
Fix: Affected vehicles will have the affected seatbelts replaced.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER · 49 vehicles
Checking the Threaded Connection of Grounding Cable PCU48
On affected vehicles the ground connection cable on the 48V power supply control unit may not have been torqued to the correct specification.
Fix: Affected vehicles will have the ground connection checked and re-torqued. If required the relevant cable and Power Control Unit will be replaced.
Recalled models: 2 Series Gran Coupe · 78 vehicles
Rework Front End Threaded Connection (BMW)
On affected vehicles the screws connecting the front end to the vehicles body may have been tightened to a torque level lower than required.
Fix: The screws will be replaced if necessary and correctly torqued.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER · 1 vehicles
Hydraulic Brake System Unit Replacement
On affected vehicles the brake servomotor was improperly welded. The weld seam might not withstand the stresses caused under high brake pressure leading to a requirement for a higher brake effort increasing the braking distance.
Fix: Affected vehicles will have the hydraulic unit of the brake system replaced.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER · 3 vehicles
Check Driver’s Airbag for Conversion Takata SDI & PSDI-5
Affected vehicles may have had a retrofit or conversion of the airbag using a previously recalled airbag variant which if deployed may do so with excessive force causing sharp metal fragments to be released this may cause serious injury possibly fatal to people in the vicinity. The original factory fitment airbag for the vehicle is not affected.
Fix: Vehicles will have the airbag checked and if necessary replaced.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES COUPE · 7,851 vehicles
Replace the Passenger Airbag
On certain vehicles the passenger airbag may not have had the seam sewn according to the specifications.
Fix: Replacement of the passenger airbag
Recalled models: 2 SERIES COUPE · 16 vehicles
Integrated Braking System
On certain vehicles the Integrated Brake (IB) system may be impaired due to contamination between electrical contacts.
Fix: Vehicles that may be affected by contamination are required to have the vehicle’s software updated which can detect signal interference before it occurs. If symptoms are detected you should refrain from use of the vehicle and the affected Integrated Brake (IB) system component will be replaced.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER · 4,471 vehicles
Integrated Braking System
On affected vehicles an unexpected loss of hydraulic brake assistance may occur and may result in a different pedal behaviour under specific conditions an extended braking distance may be experienced and ABS/Stability control may be impaired
Fix: On the affected vehicles the Integrated Brake System will be replaced
Recalled models: 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER · 2,226 vehicles
On some diesel vehicles glycol leakage from the EGR-Cooler may occur. In very rare cases this could lead to the melting of the Intake manifold and in very rare cases result in a possible fire.
On some diesel vehicles glycol leakage from the EGR-Cooler may occur. In very rare cases this could lead to the melting of the Intake manifold and in very rare cases result in a possible fire.
Fix: Initial warning letter with advice to be sent with follow up Letter to call in vehicles for rectification work to be carried out on the affected vehicles once parts are available. The EGR cooler will be replaced with an optimised component.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES GRAN TOURER · 4,923 vehicles
In rare cases the lower section of the outer seat belts may have been trapped behind the lower part of the C-pillar interior trim panels.
In rare cases the lower section of the outer seat belts may have been trapped behind the lower part of the C-pillar interior trim panels.
Fix: Check the fitment of the rear seat belts and if applicable release any trapped components.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER · 1,963 vehicles
On certain vehicles the Body Domain Controller (BDC) control unit may have an incorrect setting applied to it.
On certain vehicles the Body Domain Controller (BDC) control unit may have an incorrect setting applied to it.
Fix: Conduct a check of the settings and if necessary perform a reset on the BDC control unit.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES COUPE · 538 vehicles
A possible degradation of the propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
A possible degradation of airbag propellant tablets could lead to an over-aggressive combustion in the event the airbag is activated which may cause the inflator body to rupture.
Fix: On affected vehicles the drivers airbag module will be replaced.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER · 17,140 vehicles
In the event of a restraint system fault the airbag warning light or warning message is not displayed to the driver due to a software error
In the event of a restraint system fault the airbag warning light or warning message is not displayed to the driver due to a software error.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the Airbag control unit (ACSM6) will be reprogrammed with new software.�
Recalled models: 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER · 4,313 vehicles
Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold
Undetected EGR System leaks may cause thermal activity in the intake manifold.
Fix: The engine management control unit (DDE) will be programmed with improved software incorporating the latest OBD functionality.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES GRAN TOURER · 322,745 vehicles
The exhaust gas recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation cooler may leak over time and cause thermal incident.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the EGR cooler module will be replaced.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES COUPE · 319,399 vehicles
If a failure is detected by the control unit the air bag warning light and check control message would not be illuminated and activated
If a failure is detected by the control unit the airbag warning light and check control message would not to be illuminated and activated.
Fix: The Airbag control unit (ACSM6) will be reprogrammed with new software.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES ACTIVE TOURER · 3,023 vehicles
The material quality of the screws used for seat belts and rear seats may not be to specifications.
The material quality of seat and seatbelt screws may not be according to specification.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the screws will be replaced in specific locations on the seat belts or rear seats.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 38 vehicles
The roof lining stiffening plates may not be bonded correctly
The roof lining stiffening plates may not be bonded correctly.
Fix: The roof headliner will be inspected and reworked or replaced if required.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 1 vehicles
The exhaust gas recirculation cooler could leak over time
Leaking glycol coolant could create in combination with soot and oil sediments in the EGR module ignitable deposits.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be internally inspected with an endoscope and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 63,888 vehicles
Remaining particles in the cells of the high voltage battery can cause a short circuit
A possibility of impurities contained in the HV batteries may cause short circuit.
Fix: Testing of battery charge cycles and replacement of the HV cells where necessary.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 2,665 vehicles
Remaining particles in the cells of the high voltage battery can cause a short circuit
In very rare cases welding beads were not always completely removed in the cleaning process during battery production.
Fix: Test and replace the High Voltage batteries if affected.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 871 vehicles
The exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak over time
The Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) Module cooler could leak over time
Fix: The EGR cooler will be inspected on the affected vehicles and replaced if evidence of leaking is found.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 71,128 vehicles
Camshaft support housing bearing caps may become loose
It is possible that the camshaft bearing cap screws could come loose on the affected vehicles.
Fix: Check and replace camshaft support housing or complete cylinder head as required.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 39 vehicles
The driver's air bag fabric could be damaged by the air bag cover during deployment
This airbag fabric could be damaged by the airbag cover during deployment.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the driver�s airbag will be replaced.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 1,121 vehicles
The steering gear tie rod may not have been assembled with the required spherical washer
The steering gear tie rod may not have been assembled with a required spherical washer
Fix: Both steering gear tie rods will be checked and if affected tie rod/s and accompanying swivel bearing/s will be replaced
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 19 vehicles
Exhaust gas recirculation module cooler could leak
The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk
Fix: A visual inspection of the EGR cooler to check for leaks and excessive build-up of deposits. The EGR cooler will be replaced on all affected vehicles
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 225,449 vehicles
Exhaust gas recirculation cooler could potentially leak over time
The EGR cooler may leakpresenting a fire risk.
Fix: The EGR cooler will be replaced with an improved version.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 153,602 vehicles
Software fault in crankshaft sensor
The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 1,642 vehicles
Software fault with crankshaft sensor
The affected vehicles may be equipped with a crankshaft sensor with a software fault. The crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the crankshaft transmitter due to an improper firmware level. The firmware does not compensate sufficiently the temperature gradients and the magnetic field strength of the sensor electronic. If the crankshaft sensor cannot process the signal values from the transmitter the Digital Diesel Electronic (DDE) will notice that and change to the emergency operation mode. The emergency mode will be displayed by the check control message �engine malfunction�. The driver may notice a rough running engine and a reduced driving power (70%). However an engine stalling during driving conditions cannot be excluded.
Fix: On the affected vehicles the crankshaft sensor will be replaced with a new version.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 4,025 vehicles
Front axle swivel bearings may not have been produced to specification
Due to a fault in the supplier production process the swivel bearings on the front axle of the affected vehicles may not have been produced to specification. Due to an insufficient heat treatment the fracture strain has been reduced. The affected swivel bearings could break causing loss of wheel guidance during driving.
Fix: On the affected vehicles both swivel bearings will be checked and if necessary replaced with a part produced to specification.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 100 vehicles
Airbags may not deploy
The igniter for the certain airbag modules may not have been correctly manufactured which may affect air bag deployment in the event of a collision.
Fix: Where necessary replace affected airbag modules.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 668 vehicles
Power steering may not perform correctly
The electrical contact of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) of the Electric Power Steering (EPS) is not sufficiently robust over the service life of the vehicle. As a result the power steering support may fail possibly leading to disconcerting driving situation for the driver. Additionally in a few cases a localised thermal event cannot be excluded.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the steering gear (EPS).
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 41 vehicles
Possible loss of control
The bolts securing the rear axle support should not be re-used after removal. Affected vehicles may have had the rear axle support refitted after repair work using the original fitted bolts. These may work and though noise and vibration are likely continued use may affect the vehicle's handling.
Fix: On affected vehicles replace the rear axle support bolts.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 60 vehicles
Engine may stall
The in tank fuel pump may contain sub components that have not been correctly nickel plated. This may cause excessive friction leading to the fuel pump being inoperative. The driver may experience a no start condition or in the worst case an engine stall. A warning lamp and error message will display. Steering and brakes will still function.
Fix: Recall the vehicles that are likely to be affected and replace the in tank fuel pump with a modified version.
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 1,646 vehicles
Seat belt may malfunction
On affected vehicles the Driver's seatbelt retractor may be faulty. The seat belt may be hard to pull out or below zero degrees it may not be possible to pull the belt out. In these instances a driver may not be able to use the belt as intended.
Fix: On affected vehicles Check belt operation and replace belt if necessary
Recalled models: 2 SERIES · 1,502 vehicles
Checking a BMW 216 before you buy
Look at the parts above at the viewing, and read the car’s own MOT history: advisories for the same parts suggest the problem is already starting. Sweep’s free check shows every MOT, advisory and mileage reading for a registration.