BMW has built compact sporting family cars since the sixties, most notably the 02 Series sold between 1966 and 1977. By 1975 the 3 Series had been introduced and as subsequent generations grew, the firm reached the point where it needed a smaller model at the bottom of the range.
That was the 1 Series, and it went on sale in hatchback form in 2004, with the Coupé and Convertible following in 2008.
For the second generation, BMW split off the Coupé and Convertible as a separate range – the 2 Series we cover here. But we’re not including the specialist M2 from 2016.
Models covered
- • BMW 2 Series Mk1 (2014-date) - Baby Beemer is stylish and fun to drive, with plenty of variety on offer.
BMW 2 Series Mk1
History
The 2 Series Coupé reached UK showrooms in March 2014. Buyers were able to choose between 182bhp 220i, 242bhp 228i and 321bhp M235i petrol models, while diesel fans had 141bhp 218d, 181bhp 220d and 215bhp 225d editions to tempt them.
From November 2014, the 220d got a more efficient engine, and three months later the 2 Series Convertible went on sale in 220i, 228i, M235i and 220d forms.
By April 2015 there were fresh 2 Series Coupé derivatives; a 218i (with a 1,499cc three-cylinder engine) and a four-wheel-drive (xDrive) 220d joined the range.
A facelifted 2 Series went on sale in October 2017 with a reprofiled nose, a new dashboard and LED headlights, as well as new colours and fresh interior finishes.
BMW 2 Series reviews
BMW 2 Series in-depth review
BMW 220d SE review
BMW 220d M Sport xDrive review
BMW 2 Series Convertible in-depth review
BMW 220d M Sport Convertible review
Which one should I buy?
There aren’t any bad choices – all the engines are strong and frugal – but we’d go for an auto rather than a manual because the transmission is so good. Buy a 220d xDrive and you’ll have to have an auto.
Entry-level SE is arguably the best trim because it focuses on comfort rather than sportiness. However, it still has 17-inch alloys, climate control, DAB radio, a 6.5-inch colour display, heated door mirrors, rear parking sensors and automatic headlights.
The Sport still has only 17-inch wheels but adds switchable driver modes, sportier trim inside and out, and ambient cabin lighting. M Sport spec gets 18-inch wheels, black headlining on the Coupé, a bodykit, sport suspension and xenon headlights.
Alternatives to the BMW 2 Series
The 2 Series has very few direct rivals. In Convertible form there is the Audi A3, as well as VW’s Golf, Beetle and Eos.
While the A3 is a credible rival, the Beetle and Eos are aimed at different markets, and the Golf sits in between. Whereas the BMW has a 2+2 configuration, all of the other convertibles on the market are either bigger cars or merely two-seaters in the first place.
As a Coupé, the 2 Series also has few rivals. The closest are the Mercedes CLA and Audi A3 saloon, whereas the Audi TT, Toyota GT86 and Subaru BRZ are hatchbacks, as is the Porsche Cayman. This is more costly but worth stretching to, because it’s sublime to drive. The VW Scirocco is a practical hatch that’s good value, very usable and agile, if not quite as sharp as the BMW.
What to look for
Stereo
It’s worth trying to find a car with the optional Harman Kardon hi-fi fitted; it sounds much better than the standard system.
Run-flat tyres
The 2 Series is fitted with run-flat tyres as standard, which means there’s no spare wheel. But the ride isn’t too badly affected.
Brakes
Squeaky brakes can affect some high-performance models and brake dust can accumulate quickly. Listen out and inspect used cars for this.
Fuel additive
Since March 2018, all diesel-engined 2 Series have used AdBlue and, at the same time, all petrol engines got a particulate filter.
Interior
Despite being an entry-level model, the 2 Series still has a premium feel in terms of the design and materials used. It has just two rear seats, but there’s more space than you might think; only tall people are likely to find there’s insufficient head or legroom. Boot space is very good, at 390 litres, and although the seatbacks are fixed, a flip-down panel between the two seats is an optional extra.
Prices
You can buy a nearly new BMW 2 Series for between £11,799 and £39,990 on our sister site BuyaCar.
Running costs
All 2 Series have variable servicing, with attention usually needed every 18,000 miles or two years. BMW lists minor, intermediate and full check-ups for the 1.5-litre petrol at £182, £252 and £486, while a three-year/36,000-mile service package costs £299.
The brake fluid should be renewed every two years (£70), but the long-life coolant should never need to be replaced and there are no timing belts to change.
Recalls
There have been 10 recalls, and all cars built up to June 2018 are likely to have been affected by at least one.
Potential issues centred on the driver’s seatbelt, fuel starvation leading to stalling, the rear axle working loose, the power steering and airbags. Later recalls related to possible front suspension failure, ECU software glitches and problems with the EGR valve.
Driver Power owner satisfaction
The 2 Series was placed 50th in the 2018 Driver Power new car survey, which is okay, but it was below the Audi A3 and BMW 3 Series. Its only top-20 scores were for infotainment, the engine and transmission; surprisingly the ride and handling weren’t highly rated, while build quality and reliability were even worse. Running costs got a thumbs up, but everything else was mid-table.
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