BMW F45 Active Tourer buying guide: the practical BMW MPV
The F45 2 Series Active Tourer was the first front-wheel drive BMW. This guide covers the Active Tourer and seven-seat Gran Tourer, their engines, practicality, common issues and what to check.
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The F45 2 Series Active Tourer was launched in 2014 as the first BMW with front-wheel drive. It is a compact MPV designed for families who want space, comfort and a premium interior in a small car. The F46 Gran Tourer followed in 2015 with a longer body and up to seven seats.
The F45 Active Tourer is practical, economical and easy to drive. This buying guide explains the engines, versions, common issues and what to check before you buy one.
A new direction for BMW
For decades, BMW was known for rear-wheel drive cars. The Active Tourer used a new front-wheel drive platform, shared with MINI and later used for the X1 F48 and X2. The transverse engine layout frees up interior space.
Many enthusiasts were surprised by the decision, but the Active Tourer sold well, especially in Europe, to families and older drivers who wanted a high seating position and easy access.
Active Tourer and Gran Tourer
There are two versions:
- F45 Active Tourer: five seats, compact length, easy to park.
- F46 Gran Tourer: longer, with more space and an optional third row for up to seven seats.
The third row in the Gran Tourer is best for children or short trips. Both versions have a sliding rear seat in many cars, which lets you choose between more legroom or more boot space.
Engines
The F45 Active Tourer was offered with several engines:
- 216i and 218i: three-cylinder turbo petrols.
- 220i and 225i: four-cylinder turbo petrols. Our article on the BMW B48 engine explains them.
- 216d, 218d and 220d: three and four-cylinder diesels.
- 225xe: a plug-in hybrid with a three-cylinder petrol engine driving the front wheels and an electric motor driving the rear wheels.
xDrive all-wheel drive was available on some versions. The 218i and 218d are popular, sensible choices.
The 225xe plug-in hybrid
The 225xe can drive short distances on electricity, which makes it very economical for families who charge at home. When buying, check that the charging cable is included, that the car charges correctly and that the electric range seems reasonable.
The battery reduces boot space slightly. Our article on BMW plug-in hybrids explains how they work and what to check.
F45 Active Tourer common issues
Points to check include:
- Three-cylinder engine vibration at idle, sometimes related to engine mounts.
- Gearbox behaviour: check the automatic or dual-clutch gearbox for smooth shifts at low speeds.
- DPF and AdBlue systems on diesel models. Our article on BMW AdBlue explains this.
- Electrical faults, often solved with software updates.
- Hybrid system faults on the 225xe.
- Suspension knocks from worn components on high-mileage cars.
- Sliding rear seat mechanism, which should move freely.
Gearboxes
Depending on version and year, the F45 Active Tourer has a six-speed manual, a six or eight-speed automatic or a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox. Automatic versions are popular and suit family driving. Check that shifts are smooth in traffic and when parking. Our article comparing manual, SMG, DCT and Steptronic gearboxes explains the differences.
Practicality
The Active Tourer offers a large boot for its size, a high seating position and wide-opening doors. The rear seats fold flat, and the front passenger seat folds in some cars to carry long items. Storage spaces are plentiful.
It is one of the most practical BMWs for its size, and it is ideal for families with young children.
Running costs
The three-cylinder petrols and the diesels are economical, and insurance is reasonable. The 225xe can be very cheap to run if charged regularly. Servicing is condition based, and parts are shared with MINI and the X1, so they are widely available.
Many Active Tourers have been used mainly for short family journeys. That suits the petrol and plug-in hybrid models, but diesel cars that rarely see longer drives may have DPF problems. Ask how the car has been used and choose the engine that matches your own driving.
Test drive checklist
On the test drive:
- Feel for vibration at idle and at low speeds.
- Test the gearbox in traffic and when parking.
- Check the sliding rear seats and folding mechanisms.
- Test charging on the 225xe.
- Check all electrical functions.
- Read the fault memory.
Our complete checklist for buying a used BMW M car covers many checks that apply to any BMW.
Is the F45 Active Tourer a good buy?
The F45 Active Tourer and F46 Gran Tourer are practical, comfortable and economical family cars with a premium feel. They are not traditional sporty BMWs, but they do their job very well.
Choose a car with full history, completed software updates and the engine that suits your driving. For families who need extra seats, the Gran Tourer is a smart choice.
BMW F45 Active Tourer key facts
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Production | 2014 to 2021 |
| Body | Compact MPV, F46 Gran Tourer with up to seven seats |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive, xDrive on some versions |
| Petrol | 216i, 218i, 220i, 225i |
| Diesel | 216d, 218d, 220d |
| Plug-in hybrid | 225xe |
| Key checks | Gearbox, vibration, software, hybrid system |
Frequently asked questions
Is the F45 Active Tourer front-wheel drive?
Yes, it was the first front-wheel drive BMW, with xDrive available on some versions.
How many seats does the Gran Tourer have?
The F46 Gran Tourer can have up to seven seats with the optional third row.
Which F45 Active Tourer engine is best?
The 218i and 218d are sensible choices, while the 225xe suits drivers who can charge at home.
Is the F45 Active Tourer practical?
Yes, it has a large boot for its size, a sliding rear seat and a high seating position.
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