Timing chain and turbo issues on early three-cylinder units
- Typically appears
- 70,000+ miles
- What to inspect
- Listen for chain rattle from cold and check for smoke on load

A 2016 BMW 2 Series is now 10 years old, so an average example has covered around 135,000 miles. An early car in the generation · most of the launch teething issues were still being worked through, so recall completion and dealer rectification history matter. Check the state safety inspection and service history alongside the documented faults below, which are sorted by whether a 2016 car has usually reached the mileage where they appear.
Compiled & reviewed by the VehicleFaults Research Team
The 2016 BMW 2 Series is 10 years old, so an average example has covered roughly 135,000 miles. At that mileage 4 of the documented faults are already due, so check those first.
Documented onset mileage is at or below the ~135k miles an average 2016 car has covered.
Timing chain and turbo issues on early three-cylinder units
EGR cooler and DPF faults on diesel models
Automatic gearbox harsh shifts without oil service
Run-flat tyre damage and worn bushes causing harsh ride
Generate a tickable pre-purchase checklist for this exact year, mileage and variant · add photos and notes as you inspect.
Check this exact carRear-drive coupes and M Sport diesels. Active Tourers appeal to a different, older buyer.
EGR cooler recalls affected many BMW diesels. Always check the VIN before taking one in.
Run-flats on big wheels. Check for sidewall damage and set expectations honestly.