Used BMW 2 Series cars

The BMW 2 Series launched in 2014. As a compact, rear-wheel-drive coupé it offered a sporty alternative to the coupé and convertible models already on the market. Its closest rivals in terms of size and practicality remain the Audi A3 Sportback and the Mercedes-Benz CLA, while for performance the 2 Series competes with the Porsche 718 Cayman and the Audi TT.

When it first arrived in showrooms, this athletic model was rear-wheel drive only, but the launch of the second generation in 2021 brought front-wheel drive Gran Coupé and Active Tourer options. The original coupé remained the standout choice, however, winning the Auto Express Award for Coupé of the Year in 2022.

The BMW 2 Series blends practical motoring with agile performance and impressive efficiency. From the economical 218d to the breathtaking M240i, there’s a variant to suit everyone.

Petrol and diesel engines are available with the 2 Series, whether you choose the Mk1 or Mk2 edition. The earliest models came with a choice of three petrol and three diesel options, which were updated in 2015. It was at this point that an xDrive four-wheel drive variant joined the lineup too. Opt for a Mk2 model and there’s just one petrol and one diesel available, plus a powerful 3.0-litre petrol unit for the standalone M240i. Trims include the SE, Sport and M Sport for the M1, while Mk2 cars are only available in M Sport grade.

Practicality and style of the car

If you’re looking for a car that strikes a balance between practicality and performance, the 2 Series should be high on your list. As a four-seater, the Coupé offers lots of space in both the front and rear, beating the Audi TT for rear head and legroom in particular. Thanks to wide opening doors, a sliding front seat and a high roofline, rear passengers can enter and exit their seats easily. It’s even set up to carry children, with ISOFIX anchor points in the rear two seats and enough space to allow you to manoeuvre your little ones in safely.

The driving position is excellent, with an array of adjustment options enabling you to get comfy in no time. The generous space in the front compartment is complemented by a range of storage solutions, including door pockets, a large glovebox and cupholders in the centre console.

Luggage capacity is respectable too. Both the Mk 1 and Mk2 BMW 2 Series Coupés offer 390 litres, which is 10 litres more than the Audi A3 Sportback and up to 100 litres more than the Audi TT. More recent editions also have 40/20/40 split folding rear seats, providing versatility when it comes to transporting cargo. If the Coupé doesn’t quite fit your requirements, choose the 2 Series Gran Coupé for 430 litres or the Active Tourer for an impressive 470 litres (depending on engine) and 1,405 litres with the rear seats folded

The BMW 2 Series is an efficient tow car, with the Coupé able to pull a braked weight of up to 1,600kg. The Active Tourer, meanwhile, supports an unbraked weight of between 1,300–1,500kg depending on the model variant.

Running costs

Despite its luxury status, the 2 Series is relatively modest to insure. Most Mk1 models sit in groups 20–27 out of 50, with only the M235i models and one 220i option exceeding group 30. Choose a Mk2 and you’re looking at higher premiums, with the model occupying groups 28–37. As for road tax, the most recent editions will incur a fee of £180 where the list price of the model was under £40,000, or where it was above, an annual charge of £570 for the first five years following the registration year.

How a used BMW 2 Series drives

The Mk1 BMW 2 Series comes with four petrol and three diesel engines on offer. The petrol range kicks off with the 1.5-litre 218i, which produces 134bhp and is the most frugal of the petrol engines, returning a combined fuel economy of up to 55.5mpg.

Step up to the 220i for 182bhp and eight-speed automatic transmission as standard. This reaches 62mph from a standstill in as little as 7.0 seconds without compromising on combined fuel economy, which reaches 43.5–47.1mpg. Next in the petrol lineup is the 228i, offering 242bhp and achieving 0-62mph in just 5.7 seconds. Efficiency remains high, despite the extra power, with the unit returning 42.8mpg. The most powerful option is the M235i, with its 321bhp output and an outstanding 0-62mph in 4.8 seconds.

The entry-level diesel is the 2.0-litre 218d with 141bhp. As the most economical diesel option, it returns up to 64.2mpg on the combined cycle while still achieving a 0-62mph time of 8.2 seconds. The mid-range option is the 2.0-litre 220d, producing 181bhp and matching the 218d’s fuel economy figures. It packs more punch, achieving 0-62mph in as little as 7.1 seconds, and is available with xDrive four-wheel drive for those needing extra traction. Last in the lineup is the 215bhp 225d, the fastest of the diesels with a 0-62mph time of just 6.2 seconds.

Choose a Mk2 edition and the engine range is more modest, with just two petrol options available and one diesel – plus the M240i. Both the 220i and 230i are revised versions of the previous 220i and 228i engines and have a 2.0-litre unit producing 181bhp and 242bhp respectively. The M240i has a powerful 3.0-litre engine with an output of 369bhp and a breathtaking 0-62mph time of as little as 4.3 seconds. BMW has kept the 220d as well, which now produces 187bhp. All options have eight-speed automatic transmission as standard.

Engines and official MPG

Please refer to the table below for a comprehensive list of engines and their official mpg figures.

2014 - 2020

2020 - onward

Features you can expect on the BMW 2 Series

Interior

From the moment you step inside, it’s clear that the BMW 2 Series is a premium vehicle. Satin silver trim and quality fabrics abound, and the construction is undoubtedly solid. Choose a higher-spec model and things feel even more plush thanks to cloth and Alcantara sports seats.

Technology

BMW has long led the way in terms of infotainment, and every used 2 Series features a minimum 6.5-inch iDrive system, controlled by a rotary dial on the centre console. This provides easy navigation of a host of features including DAB radio, Bluetooth, and sat nav. Apple CarPlay is supported as standard too, but Android Auto is not.

Choose the Mk2 edition and the infotainment screen increases to a standard size of 10.25 inches and is accompanied by a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. There’s also voice recognition software, giving you the option to make calls and choose radio stations safely while on the move.

Safety

While the original 2 Series wasn’t crash-tested by Euro NCAP, it was built on the same platform as the outgoing 1 Series, which achieved a five-star rating. When the Mk2 was tested in 2022, it was awarded four stars, with adult and child occupant protection scores of 82% and 81% respectively. Both editions have front and side airbags and lane departure warning, and Mk2 models also include autonomous emergency braking.

Trims available on the BMW 2 Series

The 2 Series had a range of trims early on, but two – the Modern and Luxury grades – were dropped. While Mk2 editions only come in M Sport trim, and the M235i and M240i have a unique set of features, Mk1 trims include the following:

BMW 2 Series SE

The entry-level SE trim offers 17-inch alloy wheels, LED rear lights and rain-sensing wipers, while inside you’ll get automatic climate control and BMW iDrive with a 6.5-inch screen, DAB radio, and Bluetooth. This is operated via the iDrive rotary controller or the multi-function leather steering wheel. Rear parking sensors and selectable drive modes are also standard.

BMW 2 Series Sport

Sport trim gives a more athletic feel to the cabin, with high-gloss black trim and sports seats with cloth upholstery. Exclusive 17-inch alloy wheels adorn the exterior, while sports suspension makes for a firmer, more dynamic ride.

BMW 2 Series M Sport (Mk1)

The range-topping M Sport is in a class of its own, with bespoke front and rear bumpers, 18-inch light-alloy wheels, xenon headlights, and aerodynamic body styling. It also boasts 10mm lowered M Sport Suspension and M Sport seats part-trimmed in Alcantara.

BMW 2 Series M Sport (Mk2)

The only trim for the Mk2, M Sport editions come with 18-inch alloy wheels, front and rear parking sensors, heated front sports seats, climate control, and a 10.25-inch infotainment system.

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