Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 2014-2021 review
The popular BMW 2 Series Coupe is decently rewarding to drive, classy insideand good value bought used.
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 14-21 front
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 14-21 info
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 14-21 dash
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 14-21 side
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 14-21 rear
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 14-21 rear seats
- Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 14-21 front side
What's the used BMW 2 Series like?
The original 2004-2011 BMW 1 Series was such a success that it wasn’t long before the Bavarian firm introduced coupé and convertible versions of it. Nippy and pert, both of the new models received universal acclaim.
But when the 2011-2019 BMW 1 Series was updated in 2014, the coupé and convertible versions were also enlarged for increased practicality. To complete this upgrade, their names were changed - these BMW 1 Series models became BMW 2 Series Coupé models.
Pros
- Desirable styling
- Neat handling
- Decent practicality
Cons
- Rear passenger space
- Manual seat adjustment
- Expensive to buy compared with some rivals
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Equally as popular, the coupé and convertible versions were produced until 2021, when they were replaced by an all-new version of the BMW 2 Series. Meanwhile, buyers after a neat, five-door family car could buy the latest 2019-onwards BMW 1 Series.
The Coupé is essentially a driver’s car, and unsurprisingly, a wide range of engines was offered. The 134bhp, three-cylinder, 1.5-litre turbocharged petrol engine does a very fine job, so this could be a good bet for those wanting a zesty-feeling petrol motor that offers fairly low running costs. The 181bhp four-cylinder, 2.0-litre turbocharged petrol in the 220i promises hearty performance, while the 3.0-litre straight-six turbocharged petrol engine gives the M235i and later M240i full-on performance car pace and thrills.
True driving enthusiasts will also love the M2 version. The engine in this is a 3.0-litre straight-six, with one turbocharger. It gives 365bhp and mammoth reserves of torque: 369lb ft.
Trim-wise, there's an entry-level SE, and it’s well equipped. So 17in alloy wheels, air-con, BMW’s 6.5in colour screen iDrive infotainment system with DAB radio, sat-nav and Bluetooth, LED headlights, rear parking sensors and automatic lights and wipers are all included. Next up come Sport or M Sport, both of which offer larger alloy wheels, climate control and leather seats, as well as styling mods that give both cars a sportier look.
All engines push the agile 2 Series along at a good rate. The 218d has a 141bhp 2.0-litre diesel and is a pleasure to drive, and offers really low running costs. With the 2.0-litre diesel tuned to 188bhp in the 20d, you get near hot hatch levels of performance and good running costs, while it’s hard to justify the extra cost for this 215bhp version of the 2.0-litre diesel in the 225d.
Certainly, the first thing you'll notice about the M235i is just how civilised it is at low speeds. Sure, it's a bit firmer than the BMW M135i hatch on which it's based, but there's a compliancy there that you won't find on most other high-performance coupes. It’s a wonderfully smooth, muscular engine, too.
In corners, the 2 Series chassis is composed and balanced. With a notably better handling balance and in particular better body control and more precise steering than a 1 Series hatchback, the 2 Series felt effortlessly agile and willing to be hustled along much more quickly than most owners will ever drive. For the most part, the ride is pretty comfortable, too, although it doesn't have the natural poise of its bigger BMW 3 Series sibling.
Meanwhile, the performance M2 version is a humdinger. It feels notably more alert and agile than its only marginally bigger, heavier siblings. It has a verve and spirit about the way it changes direction. It steers fluently, keeps its nose well planted and is balanced, poised and ready and able to deploy as much of its considerable power as you’re inclined to push through its fat rear tyres.
It’s a well-built and solid-feeling car, and the well-laid-out and high-quality interior features the legendary iDrive infotainment system. There’s plenty of room up front, and space for two children in the rear, and as a further bonus, there’s a large boot, too.
All told, this is a well-engineered coupe that successfully blends reasonable running costs with enough sportiness to please an enthusiast. In some ways, it’s even more rewarding to drive than some of its closest rivals – greats like the Audi TT and the Seat Leon SC – and clearly more functional, too.
If you're interested in finding a used BMW 2 Series Coupe, or any of the other cars mentioned here, head over to our Used Car Buying pages to find lots of cars listed for sale at a great price.
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Ownership cost
What used BMW 2 Series will I get for my budget?
You can pay as little as £7000 for a 2 Series. This would get you an early car with a high mileage bought from a private seller or trade dealer. Up the money to between £8000 and £10,000 and you should secure a 2016 or 2017 car with an average mileage bought from an independent or franchised dealer. If you’re lucky enough to have between £12,000 and £15,000 to spend then you’ll have no trouble finding a 2018 or 2019 car, with either petrol or diesel power. Look to splash out between £15,000 and £20,000 on 2020 and 2020 models, depending on trim, and £23,000 to £30,000 on 2021 cars.
Expect to pay a suitable premium for the M240i and M2 models, with prices starting at around £18,000 and going all the way up to £50,000 for the last of the line.
Check the value of a used BMW 2 Series with What Car? Valuations
Our recommendations
Which used BMW 2 Series should I buy?
Engine
The 218d has a 141bhp 2.0-litre diesel and is a pleasure to drive, and offers really low running costs, making it our pick of the diesels.
Specification
Our pick of the trims is entry-level SE because it’s well equipped. There’s little point in upgrading to Sport or M Sport unless you particularly like the styling.
Our favourite BMW 2 Series Coupé: 218d SE
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Alternatives
What alternatives should I consider to a used BMW 2 Series?
The Audi TT is a cracker of a car, and one of our favourites. It’s smaller than the BMW 2 Series Coupé and is front-wheel drive, so very keen drivers might not find it as balanced in its handling, and the rear seats are more cramped. There’s a range of smooth and eager engines, dart-like handing and it all feels solidly constructed. It also has one of the finest interiors around, with smart materials and a standard digital instrument display.
The Seat Leon SC is effectively a three-door version of the old version of the five-door regular Leon cooking hatchback, but it’s none the worse for that. It’s quick, agile, economical and, most important of all here on the used market, excellent value for money. It’s also spacious inside. The interior doesn’t feel as classy as the Audi’s or the BMW’s, but overall it’s a great car, and fun to drive, too – especially if you choose one of the more sporty variants.
How reliable is the BMW 2 Series ?
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