Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 2022-present review
The BMW 2 Series Coupé isa compact coupé that's great to drive and smart inside. It's available with a good range of engines, too
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupé 2022-present front cornering white
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupé 2022-present interior dashboard
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupé 2022-present front seats
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupé 2022-present rear cornering white
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupé 2022-present side driving white
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupé 2022-present boot
What's the used BMW 2 Series like?
The number of new two-door coupés on sale is growing thin, but thankfully plenty are available on the used market, including the BMW 2 Series Coupé.
It was launched in 2022 in this second-generation form (the first-generation car was the 2014-2021 BMW 2 Series Coupé), which makes it one of the newer coupés on the used car forecourts.
Pros
- Sharp handling
- M240i feels special
- Good infotainment system
Cons
- Firm ride without adaptive suspension
- Not especially practical
- Some useful features are optional
Used cars available now
The latest 2 Series Coupé sits below the larger BMW 4 Series Coupé in BMW's model range. The 4 Series is one of our favourite coupes both new and used, and the good news is the compact 2 Series shares the same underpinnings and has a similar engine lineup.
Engines: There are several engine choices in the 2 Series. The entry-level option is the 220i, which has a 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that develops 181bhp and delivers a 0-62mph sprint in 7.5 seconds. Above that, there’s the 230i, which is a 241bhp version of the same engine. It’s a bit nippier, with 0-62mph taking 5.9 seconds.
Amazingly, BMW offered a diesel version with the 2 Series, called the 220d. This is a mild hybrid engine that produces 188bhp, but it was recently dropped from the line-up (and there aren’t many available on the used market).
The range-topping engine in the 2 Series is quite an unusual prospect these days, especially considering the car’s compact size. Called the M240i, it features a 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine that produces 369bhp and drives all four wheels (instead of the rears). Unsurprisingly, acceleration is explosive and 0-62mph take just 4.3 seconds – that’s faster than an Audi TTS and not far behind a Mercedes CLA 45 AMG. It also sounds fabulous as it revs up to the redline, plus it pulls very strongly no matter what speed you’re travelling. All 2 Series Coupé models are offered with an eight-speed automatic gearbox.
Ride and handling: Unfortunately, the entry-level versions of the 2 Series aren’t available with adaptive suspension, and as a result, the ride is quite firm. It’s not jarring or crashy, but you will feel more bumps than you will in most versions of the TT.
The M240i, on the other hand, is available with adaptive suspension as an option. When fitted and comfort mode is selected, it’s noticeably more comfortable than the 220i. You can also select Sport and Sport+ to adjust the ride, steering and engine response for a more sporty driving experience.
The 2 Series’s small size pays dividends in the corners. It feels more compact than the 4 Series and the nose is more eager to turn in to corners. It’s particularly good in the 220i and 230i because the lighter engine over the front wheels helps to give it a more responsive feel. Grip levels at the front and rear are well-balanced in all versions, plus the steering is well-weighted and direct.
Interior and practicality: Despite being the smaller, more affordable car, the 2 Series has a near-identical interior design to the 4 Series, which gives it a grown-up feel. Early cars produced between 2021 and 2023 have the best step-up, even though it has a smaller 10.3in central touchscreen. Why? Well, the main reason is the physical climate controls, because early cars get a row of aluminium switches for the temperature and fan speed. These are not only less distracting to use while driving than the touchscreen set-up on later cars, but they also have a high-quality feel.
Later cars get the wide curved touchscreen display that you’ll find on the BMW 3 Series, which combines a 14.9in infotainment screen and a 12.3in digital driver’s display. No matter the year of car you go for, though, the infotainment system is one of the best around. That’s because you can use either the touchscreen or rotary controller between the front seats to control it, plus there are several shortcut buttons. The controller is much less distracting to use when you’re driving and, overall, the operating system is intuitive. All models get built-in sat nav and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring as standard too.
While the 2 Series Coupé has a similar interior design to the 4 Series, its dimensions are significantly more compact. It’s fine when sitting in the front; there’s plenty of head room and taller drivers can slide their seat quite far back. However, the back seats are pretty tight, especially for six-footers. Adults will be more comfortable in the back of the 4 Series or TT.
As for boot space, the 2 Series' boot is a respectable size; it will take a set of golf clubs or a few small suitcases quite easily. The back seats also have a useful 40/20/40 split-folding configuration for carrying longer items. Overall, the 4 Series and TT are more practical, plus the latter has a useful hatchback opening.
Trims and equipment: In the UK, there’s only one trim level available: M Sport. It gets you a decent amount of kit, including 18in alloy wheels, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and dual-zone climate control. Luxuries such as leather seats, keyless entry and adaptive cruise control are optional extras, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for cars with those features fitted if they’re a must-have.
The M240i is positioned as a model in its own right, so there’s no trim level for it. It does come with more niceties, though, such as leather seats. It also comes with various mechanical upgrades, including a limited-slip differential (LSD) that helps improve cornering. If comfort is a priority, we’d recommend looking at cars with the optional adaptive suspension fitted.
If you're interested in finding a used BMW 2 Series Coupé, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to the Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
Ownership cost
What used BMW 2 Series will I get for my budget?
Prices for a used BMW 2 Series Coupé start from £26,000 for early examples with low miles, either in 220i or 220d form. The more powerful 230i commands a premium over those cars, with prices starting from £30,000. For the M240i, prices jump up to around £35,000.
To keep up-to-date with used 2 Series Coupé prices, use our free valuation tool to make sure you are getting the best deal.
Check the value of a used BMW 2 Series Coupé with What Car? Valuations
Our recommendations
Which used BMW 2 Series should I buy?
Engine
The 220i is the best engine option of the 2 Series for everyday use, plus it’s the most common version available on the used market. We can understand if you might be drawn to the more potent M240i, though, especially if you’re looking for more performance.
Specification
M Sport is the only trim level available on non-M240i versions. Thankfully, it’s reasonably well equipped, with 18in alloy wheels, heated front seats, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera and dual-zone climate control offered as standard. Luxuries such as leather seats, keyless entry and adaptive cruise control are optional extras, though.
The M240i comes with a few more luxuries, such as leather seats, as well as various mechanical upgrades, such as a limited-slip differential (LSD) that helps improve cornering. If you want to maximise comfort, look for cars with the optional adaptive suspension fitted (this is only available on the M240i).
Our favourite: 220i M Sport
Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used BMW 2 Series?
Despite the 2 Series having a limited number of new rivals, there are several used alternatives to choose from. The most obvious choice is the Audi TT, which is a stylish coupé that’s brilliant to drive and well priced. Reliability is a strong point, too, plus it has a decent-sized boot. It’s not the best option if you need to carry back seat passengers, though.
Not all coupés are impractical though, right? Well, this is where the BMW 4 Series is surprisingly strong. It has back seats that are usable for adults, plus the boot is slightly bigger than the one in the 2 Series. If you want maximum practicality, there’s also the BMW 4 Series Gran Coupé, which gives you an extra pair of doors and a hatchback boot opening. All 4 Series models share a similar line-up of engines to the 2 Series.
The Mercedes CLA is another good alternative. It’s a similar size to the 2 Series, but it comes with an extra pair of doors, which makes it useful if you need to carry rear passengers regularly. That said, rear seat space is still quite tight, as is boot space. More positively, it comes with a wide range of engine options, plus it’s well equipped and smart inside.
Find a used BMW 2 Series Coupé for sale with What Car? Used Car deals >>
For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? newsletter here
How reliable is the BMW 2 Series ?
Used cars available now
About the writer
