Used 2017 BMW 2 Series

The 2017 BMW 2 Series is the smallest and most affordable 2-door coupe or convertible in the luxury brand’s lineup. This entry-level Bimmer delivers all the modern conveniences of the 4 Series in a smaller, more affordable package. It competes against the Audi A3 sedan and convertible and the Mercedes-Benz CLA sedan. The 2 Series coupe and convertible are each offered in 230i and M240i models, both with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. The 230i variants get a spectacular 248-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder and the M240i models use a sublime 335-horsepower 3.0-liter 6-cylinder. A 6-speed manual transmission is available on rear-wheel-drive models. All-wheel-drive models get the 8-speed automatic only. And for true high-performance enthusiasts, there’s the rear-wheel-drive 365-horsepower M2.

Small, light and tossable, the 2017 BMW 2 Series is a true driver’s car, reminiscent of the great rear-wheel-drive sports coupes that built the brand’s reputation for performance, cars like the 2002ti and 318ti. From behind the wheel, the 230i and M240i are smile-makers, with power to spare and enough agility to satisfy any car lover. And for true high-performance enthusiasts, there’s the 365-horsepower M2. In all cases, BMW combines the 2 Series’ natural athleticism with high levels of quality and refinement, and the result is a very enjoyable car to drive. The 2 Series’ tidy dimensions and tight turning radius also make it an easy car to live with in the city. And it’s fuel-efficient. Despite its potent output, the 230i with the automatic transmission is rated at an impressive 35-mpg highway. In real-world testing we even exceeded that figure by nearly four mpg.

The 2017 BMW 2 Series has seating for four, but its rear seats are best used for very small people or extra storage. Materials are high quality, and the interior’s fit and finish are impressive. BMW interiors are never overly ornate, and the interior of the new BMW 2 Series is simple and elegant. Seat comfort is exceptional as is the driving position. The gauges are clear and concise. Above the center dash sits a high-res color screen that displays navigation, audio and other info. It’s controlled by BMW’s now familiar iDrive rotary dial below the gearshift.

Although we wouldn’t call it the prettiest BMW, we like the muscular proportions of BMW’s 2017 2 Series. This is a very attractive little 2-door, with an aggressive stance, dramatically swept headlights, BMW’s now-signature L-shaped taillights, and a beautifully tapered roofline. Befitting the "M" designation, the M240i dials up the visual muscularity to back up its additional performance. It boasts a deeper front spoiler, larger air intakes, contoured rocker panels, and a unique rear lower valance. Like most drop-tops, the convertibles look better top-down. Both offer 13.8 cubic feet of trunk space, marginally better than the Audi, Mercedes-Benz and Acura rivals.

TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER
BMW’s turbocharged 2.0-liter is one of the best 4-cylinder engines on the planet. It’s smooth and powerful, with 248 horsepower on tap for 0-60-mph blasts under six seconds, and efficient with a fuel-economy rating that reaches 35 mpg on the highway. It’s the best of both worlds.

PARKING ASSISTANT
If parallel parking ranks up there with death and the dentist, BMW’s optional Parking Assistant, which is available on the new 2 Series, is for you. Find an open spot, activate the system and it automatically steers the 2 Series into the space, while you operate the accelerator, gears and brakes.

The base-model 2017 BMW 230i coupe and convertible come standard with 8-way manually adjustable front seats, sport front seats, a 60/40-split rear seat, a 10-speaker audio system with a 6.5-inch display and HD Radio, keyless push-button start, a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers and 17-inch wheels with all-season tires. The standard powertrain is a spectacular 248-horsepower 2.0-liter 4-cylinder backed by an 8-speed automatic with paddle shifters, auto start/stop and rear-wheel drive. The 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is also standard, as is BMW Ultimate Care, which includes free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

All-wheel drive is available on all models, as well as a Track Handling Package. The Handling package lowers the car by 10 mm, includes Adaptive M suspension with Comfort and Sport settings, variable sport steering, larger M Sport brakes and high-performance tires. At $2,300 for the 230i coupe without the M Sport packages it’s a very good deal. Other options include a highly recommended Driver Assistance package that bundles together a rearview camera with active guidelines and front and rear parking sensors, and a Cold Weather Package that includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel.

The 2017 BMW 230i gets a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine putting out 248 horsepower, and routing it to the rear or all four wheels (RWD, AWD) through either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic transmission. The M240i uses a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6, boasting 335 horsepower and also available with the same drivetrain options. To help improve fuel economy in the city, all 230i models include an auto-stop/start function that shuts off the engine at complete stops. And its 248 horsepower gives it the title of the most powerful base model in its class. In fact, its excellent performance will make you question whether the 80 extra horsepower you get in the M240i is worth the money.

2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 (230i)
248 horsepower @ 5,200 rpm
258 lb-ft of torque @ 1,450 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 24/35 mpg (automatic, RWD), 21/32 mpg (manual, RWD), 24/33 mpg (automatic, AWD), 23/34 mpg (convertible, RWD), 23/33 mpg (convertible, AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (M240i)
335 horsepower @ 5,800 rpm
369 lb-ft of torque @ 1,400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/32 mpg (automatic, RWD), 19/29 mpg (manual, RWD), 21/31 mpg (automatic, AWD), 19/26 mpg (convertible, manual), 21/29 mpg (convertible, automatic), 19/29 mpg (convertible, AWD)

Note: Due to changes in EPA testing to more effectively reflect real-world conditions, some 2017 models show slightly lower fuel-economy scores than their 2016 versions.