04 Mar.
Gearboxes

BMW 2 Series: Gearbox repair step by step

The BMW 2 Series is the direct successor to the 1 Series, offering a range of coupe and convertible cars. From its launch in 2014 to the present day, German carmaker BMW has continued to adapt to the needs of motorists by offering this model in different versions: the four-door coupé christened Gran Coupé, a five-seater MPV with theActive Tourer or a seven-seater Gran Tourer.

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How do I maintain my BMW 2 Series gearbox?

Learn more about the BMW 2 Series

Equipped with either a diesel or petrol engine, the BMW 2 Series is available with a six-speed manual gearbox, as on the 218D Sport Coupé, or an eight-speed automatic gearbox available as an option on the Gran Coupé 218D 150 Business Design.

At the launch of the BMW 2 Series, transmission was exclusively rear-wheel drive, except on the XDRIVE version, which featured all-wheel drive.

TheActive Tourer, Gran Tourer and Gran Coupé are mainly front-wheel drive.

Choosing the right gearbox: manual or automatic?

These two types of gearbox have different advantages and disadvantages. It's important to find out about their specific features, so you can choose the gearbox that's right for you.

The manual gearbox is the most widespread in Europe: it has the advantage of letting the driver control gear changes by means of the clutch pedal and gearshift. For sporty driving, each gear can be pushed up to the engine's limit of revolutions per minute. On the other hand, for more economical driving, the driver can adopt a flexible driving style by changing gears at low revs.

Automatic gearboxes, on the other hand, offer real driving comfort, since the driver no longer has to worry about the clutch pedal: in fact, the vehicle manages each gear change according to the acceleration given by the driver. The only drawback of this type of gearbox is its price, both to buy and to repair.

Drive smoothly

Smooth driving requires careful attention to the environment and to other motorists. The challenge is to anticipate the movements of surrounding elements to avoid sudden acceleration or braking that could damage the BMW 2 Series transmission system.

For the manual gearbox, it's important to shift into neutral when the vehicle is stationary, at a traffic light or in a heavy traffic jam. The clutch pedal must be firmly engaged before shifting, and the gearshift gently operated.

A vehicle with an automatic gearbox must be at acomplete stands till before selecting Park or Reverse.

My BMW 2 Series gearbox is malfunctioning: what should I do?

Check transmission oil level and appearance

Insufficient gearbox oil can cause the following signs of failure: 

  • Difficulty shifting gears;
  • Squeaking, hissing or banging noises;
  • Jumping gears ;
  • Longer cold-start response time for the automatic gearbox.

If the gearbox oil runs out or becomes contaminated with dirt, it can no longer fulfill its triple role of lubricating gearbox parts, dissipating heat and protecting seals.

To check the transmission oil, simply locate the dipstick and check that the level is between the two marks: depending on the result, top up to the required quantity using a special oil recommended by BMW.

Changing the gearbox oil

Whatever the car model, transmission oil changes are recommended every 60,000 kilometers on automatic gearboxes. Mechanical gearboxes require an oil change after 250,000 kilometers.

Regular oil changes are important to prevent gearbox failure, but can also be a solution when the problem is already present. This is a do-it-yourself operation, but requires some mechanical knowledge and the right tools. It is also important to select the right gearbox oil, not to be confused with motor oil, which does not have the same properties or viscosity.

Taking the car to the garage

If transmission oil is clearly not the cause of your gearbox's failure, contact a mechanic who will be able to make a precise diagnosis and identify the appropriate repair for your transmission system. Don't hesitate to describe precisely your observations and feelings when shifting gears or driving your vehicle: this information will help the mechanic identify the problem more quickly.

Buy a new box

If you need to change your BMW 2 Series gear box, you don't have to buy a new one from your garage: you can opt for a more economical solution by ordering it from EDEN BOITES.

We offer quality reconditioned gearboxes for sale in standard exchange: you don't have to worry about your old gearbox because we'll collect it when we deliver your order!

Every item sold on our platform has been conscientiously disassembled, cleaned and defective parts replaced by our experts. It is then subjected to a series of checks to ensure total driving safety, and guaranteed for one year.

To buy BMW 218 f46 Gran Tourer 2.0 cdi gearbox, identify the gearbox code usually engraved on the housing and note the concordance with the technical data sheet of the selected item. If you'd like personalized assistance, ask one of our experts for a free, no-obligation online quote!

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