Used BMW 2 Series Coupe 2014-2021 review

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 models.

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.

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

MPG

Not surprisingly, the diesel-engined cars are the most economical, but there’s not actually much in it. The 218d has a combined fuel consumption of 62.8mpg, according to the older NEDC fuel tests that were prevalent at the time, while the more powerful 220d gets 58.9mpg. Weirdly, the even faster 225d has a better economy than the mid-range engine, at 60.1mpg, thanks to its automatic gearbox.

The best figure for a petrol-engined 2 Series is the 218i, which achieves a combined consumption of 52.3mpg. More powerful versions slip into the 40s (220i manages 44.1mpg and the 228i returns 42.8mpg), but it's the 3.0-litre, six-cylinder M235i and M240i that sup the most petrol. The former does 34.9mpg while the later, thanks to its automatic 'box, manages 36.2mpg.

CO2 emissions

Both the M235i and M240i emit a lot of CO2, at 189 and 179g/km respectively, again according to the older NEDC tests. Further down the range, things get cleaner with the 228i emitting 154g/km; the 220i putting out 149g/km and the 218i producing 130g/km. Both the 220d and 225d produce 125g/km, while the 218d is the best, at 119g/km.

Road tax

Road tax for all models registered before 1 April 2017 will vary depending upon the emissions the engine produces (see paragraph above for more information) while examples registered after this date will render owners liable to pay a flat rate fee. There are two of these; a lower rate for cars that cost less than £40,000 when new, currently £180 a year, but any example that cost more than that will incur an additional fee, currently £390 a year. This additional fee lasts from the following year after the initial year's road tax for five years, then it goes back to the flat rate fee.

To find out more about the current road tax costs, click here for further information.

Insurance groups

Insurance groups start off quite reasonably for the lower-powered cars, at group 24 for the 218i, but anything approaching performance will boost that up to as high as group 41, in the case of the M2.

Servicing costs

Servicing is due every 18,000 to 20,000 miles, and on the whole, costs are reasonable. There are a number of transferable BMW service plan options open to the used purchaser, covering the car for three years or 36,000 miles or sometimes more, for a fairly priced one-off payment, depending on the level of cover required. There are also plenty of independent specialists who will look after a 2 Series, at a reduced rate over that charged by a BMW main dealer.

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

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.

For all the latest reviews, advice and new car deals, sign up to the What Car? Newsletter here

Find a used BMW 2 Series Coupe on our What Car? used car classifieds site here >>