BMW 2-Series cars for sale

Frequently asked questions about the BMW 2-Series

• What is the BMW 2 Series?
• Although it may seem rather disjointed that BMW employs the 2 Series name across a conceptually diverse range of models, there is a certain degree of logic behind its strategy. Despite this mismatch, BMW claims that each member of its 2 Series family is designed very much with drivers in mind – whatever their primary purpose or which wheels are driven.
  
  Essentially, the range is split into two distinct camps: the sportier and predominantly rear-wheel drive 2 Series Coupe (known by BMW fans by its internal F22 codename) and 2 Series Convertible (that's the F23) on one side, topped by the high performance M2 Coupe (F87 if you're interested), and on the other, the more practical, largely front-wheel drive 2 Series Active Tourer (F45) and 2 Series Gran Tourer (F46) people carriers. Things became more complicated in 2020 with the introduction of the (F44) 2 Series Gran Coupe - a slinky four-door based on the Mk3 1 Series. Still confused? You won't be after reading this.

• Which versions of the BMW 2 Series are available?
• Despite it being a case of three different families and five bodystyles under one name, exploring what the first-generation 2 Series range comprises of is relatively straightforward. By far the biggest seller so far is the two-door, four-seater 2 Series Coupe launched in 2014. Larger and consequently more practical than the 1 Series Coupe it replaced, it has a diverse array of rivals including the Audi TT Coupe, the Porsche 718 Cayman and Toyota's GT86, but none of these come in anywhere near as many permutations as the BMW.
  
  Frugal diesel-engined 2 Series Coupes are particularly popular, with a range of six-speed manual and eight-speed automatic gearboxes. There's more variety when it comes to petrol choices, starting off with the 218i featuring a 1.5-litre three-cylinder unit, while the 220i and 230i have a more familiar 2.0-litre four-cylinder motor. Further up the range, the M240i and M2 feature different six-cylinder 3.0-litre units and prodigious performance to match. All two-door Coupes have sent power to the rear wheels aside from the xDrive models that come equipped with four-wheel drive.
  
  Arriving a year after its Coupe sibling, the 2 Series Convertible replaced the 1 Series Convertible that came before it, with a line-up similar to that of the hard-top, minus any four-wheel drive xDrive versions or a blistering M2. As a four-seater, rear-wheel drive soft-top, it has few direct rivals, so cars such as the Audi A3 Cabriolet, Mazda's MX-5 and the MINI Convertible can all be considered as alternatives to the BMW.
  
  Arriving in 2014, the 2 Series Active Tourer was a complete departure from anything the German prestige brand has previously produced. Most obviously it was BMW's first MPV - albeit a five-seater - making it a rival to the likes of the Mercedes-Benz B-Class and the Volkswagen Golf SV, but more important were its underpinnings: a predominantly front-wheel drive platform that's shared with in-house alternatives in the forms of the BMW X1 and MINI Countryman. 
  
  There’s also a plug-in hybrid (PHEV) version, badged 225xe Active Tourer, which has the 218i's 1.5-litre petrol engine and a large battery feeding an electric motor. That 'x' aspect of the 225xe's title denotes that it has four-wheel drive. Transmissions vary depending on the model, with six-speed manuals coming as standard lower down the range and automatics in the forms of a seven-speed double-clutch and a conventional eight-speeder available as prices rise.
  
  Reaching the market in 2015 is the elongated version of the Active Tourer - the 2 Series Gran Tourer. Its extra length - and more perpendicular rear-end styling - allow it to accommodate a pair of small, foldaway third row of seats, making it a just-about-seven-seater. Consider it an upmarket alternative to the likes of the Renault Grand Scenic and Volkswagen Touran.
  
  Finally, the 2 Series Gran Coupe is actually more closely aligned to the MPV models as it's front-wheel drive. As it's effectively a four-door coupe version of the 1 Series, its engine range more or less mirrors that model's.

• What is the BMW M2?
• For many BMW ranges, the most performance-focused model is thoroughly fettled by the firm's Motorsport division, and badged with an 'M' and the Series number to reflect this - hence this, the BMW M2. Unlike with other M-badged models, which are available in a number of bodystyles, the sole version on offer here is the Coupe.
  
  Is it worthy of the hype? If there’s one sure-fire way to enthuse our team of reviewers, it’s giving them an M2 Coupe to get to grips with. This ultra-fast two-door has a 3.0-litre turbocharged engine, a choice of manual or automatic gearboxes and is resolutely rear-wheel drive for some of the best handling available. And if the 'regular' M2 isn’t compelling enough, it was replaced in 2018 by the even quicker, more focused BMW M2 Competition, boasting an upgraded powerplant resulting in a 410hp output. You'll also find sharper steering and even firmer suspension.

• Is the BMW 2 Series good to drive?
• Indeed it is - all of them are dynamically very proficient, although it's very much a case of to what degree considering we're dealing with a selection of cars that spans a 410hp Coupe through to a seven-seater MPV with few sporty aspirations. Both the 2 Series Coupe and Convertible blend balanced handling, decent comfort, accurate and responsive steering, with excellent efficiency of all petrol and diesel engines.
  
  Separating out the M2, it's agonising close to brilliance. Thanks to its balance, thoughtfully considered suspension set-up and electronically controlled differential, it's a wonderful car to drive very quickly.
  
  Those front-wheel drive models won't excite in anywhere near the same way, but given their remits demanding greater practicality, there's little to complain about. Their steering and road manners are above average, while the high-quality interiors are a good place to spend time in.

• Should I buy a BMW 2 Series?
• With prices spanning from around £20,000 for an entry-level Gran Coupe to over £50,000 for an M2 Competition, there's a broad spread to suit many budgets. In terms of car finance, BMW is in a super-competitive position right now, offering decent monthly payments on the 2 Series (of all types) due to good resale values. Driving pleasure awaits - to different degrees - whichever 2 Series you choose.