2014 BMW 2 Series petrol: common problems and MOT failures

What goes wrong more than usual on a 2014 BMW 2 Series petrol?

Parts flagged at MOT more often on the 2014 BMW 2 Series petrol than on all cars registered in 2014.

• Steering rack inner joints3.9× usual
  BMW 2 Series

  5.1% All 2014 cars

  1.3%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0%, against 0% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £100–£450 our estimate

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Listen for knocks when turning, and check the steering feels even.

• Shock absorbers1.7× usual
  BMW 2 Series

  8.9% All 2014 cars

  5.1%

  Failed outright at MOT: 3.5%, against 1.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £200–£300 (pair, average rear to front) ClickMechanic

  At the viewing: Push down hard on each corner. It should bounce once and settle. Look for oil on the shock absorber body.

• Engine oil leaks1.8× usual
  BMW 2 Series

  5.7% All 2014 cars

  3.2%

  Failed outright at MOT: 0.2%, against 0.1% of all 2014 cars. The rest were advisories or minor defects.

  Rough price £80–£600 our estimate

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and where the car is usually parked for fresh oil. Ask whether the leak has been looked at.

Common 2014 BMW 2 Series petrol MOT failures and advisories

The share of 2014 BMW 2 Series petrol MOT tests where testers flagged each area, as a fail or an advisory. Rough prices are typical independent-garage costs.

• Tyres
  25% of testsRough price £70–£150

  At the viewing: Check the tread on all four tyres, including the inside edges, and look for cracks or bulges.

• Suspension
  15% of testsRough price £120–£400

  At the viewing: Listen for knocks over speed bumps, and look behind each front wheel for a snapped coil spring.

• Brakes
  13% of testsRough price £150–£350

  At the viewing: Look for a lip on the disc edges and feel for judder or pulling when braking firmly from about 40mph.

• Steering
  6% of testsRough price £100–£450

  At the viewing: On a straight road the steering wheel should sit straight. Feel for play or knocking when turning.

• Lights and electrics
  6% of testsRough price £10–£80

  At the viewing: Ask a friend to check every light, including brake lights and indicators, while you operate them.

• Oil and fluid leaks
  6% of testsRough price £80–£600

  At the viewing: Look under the engine and on the ground where the car is usually parked for fresh oil or fluid.

Known faults on the 2014 BMW 2 Series petrol

Reported by owners, mechanics and buying guides for this model and age. Check which engine the car has, as some apply to one engine only.

• Trim and electrical faults

  All engines

  Interior trim was the most common complaint in What Car?'s survey, then electrics and infotainment. On the Active Tourer the boot floor panel can come loose and its plastic flaps break.

  At the viewing: Check the boot floor and test the screen and electrics.

  Source: What Car?: used BMW 2 Series Active Tourer (2014-2021) reliability

Questions to ask the seller before buying a 2014 BMW 2 Series petrol

Ask before you travel to see it. A seller who knows the car will have answers, and receipts.

1. Any recent work on the steering rack inner joints? (Flagged at MOT 3.9× as often on the 2014 BMW 2 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
2. Any recent work on the shock absorbers? (Flagged at MOT 1.7× as often on the 2014 BMW 2 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
3. Any recent work on the engine oil leaks? (Flagged at MOT 1.8× as often on the 2014 BMW 2 Series petrol as on other cars the same age.)
4. Can I see the service history and receipts for any big jobs?