Used 2019 BMW 2 Series

The 2019 BMW 2 Series comes as a small coupe or convertible. If drivers can deal with the modest dimensions, they will find the 2 Series to be highly engaging and entertaining. Luxury and technology are included as well, because this is a premium-level car, after all. The absolute top 2 Series, the M2 Competition, has its own review, so we’re concentrating here on the still-brilliant 230i and M240i variants. One reason they’re so good is the fine balance that inhabits virtually every BMW. Rear-wheel drive is the basic setup and that works well for virtually all enthusiasts (rivals like the Audi A3 and Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class start out with front-wheel drive), although all-wheel drive is available.

Taut without being too firm, eager in its direction changes, quick and responsive, the BMW 2 Series is an enthusiast’s joy. In a car of this size, even the least powerful engine still has the power to create thrills. The 230i feels more muscular than BMW’s rating of 248 horsepower might suggest, enough to make a prospective buyer think long and hard about spending considerably more for the M240i (although wanting maximum fun is no bad thing). The 6-speed manual-transmission’s shift action is fast and precise, but versions with the 8-speed automatic transmission achieve better fuel economy. An automatic-equipped 230i is estimated to achieve 35 mpg on the highway, but we saw nearly 38 mpg during our time with one.

BMW tends not to make its cabins too fussy, but gets everything right. The 2019 2 Series has comfortable and supportive front seats, with enough adjustability to find the ideal driving position. Materials are high-quality, and they’re assembled to an impressive standard. The 2 Series seats four in principle, but the rear seats are best left to shorter types or used for extra stowage. Speaking of which, the coupe’s trunk area is as good as some compact sedans at 13.8 cubic feet, while the convertible’s maximum space of nine cubic feet can still hold a couple of golf bags.

Yes, the 2019 2 Series has all the usual BMW design cues that work for fans of this approach, but may not sway the undecided. However, the proportions all fit together well and the way the coupe’s roofline eases down to the trunk is visually pleasing. Like most soft-tops, the 2 Series convertible looks arguably better with its roof stowed away. The M240i ratchets up the aesthetic impact with a deeper front spoiler, larger air intakes, contoured rocker panels, and a bespoke design of the rear fascia.

TURBOCHARGED 4-CYLINDER
The turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 230i is a gem, powerful yet refined. Generating 248 horsepower and capable of a zero-to-60-mph sprint in under six seconds, this engine can still achieve great fuel economy on the highway.

PARKING ASSISTANT
Even with a car as small as the BMW 2 Series, parallel parking can still be a headache. BMW’s Parking Assistant option is a big help, working out the space and how to maneuver into it. The driver just operates the gears, throttle and brakes. This feature is available with the manual transmission as well as the automatic.

The 2019 BMW 230i kicks off the 2 Series range with 17-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, full LED exterior lighting, dual-zone automatic climate control, 10-way power-adjustable front sport seats, simulated-leather upholstery, rear seats that split and fold 60/40, rain-sensing wipers, parking sensors at both ends, forward-collision mitigation with automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, 6.5-inch infotainment screen, HD radio, and a 10-speaker audio setup. The convertible comes with a powered fabric roof. A 4-year/50,000-mile warranty is also standard. So is BMW Ultimate Care, which includes free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles.

A Premium package brings Apple CarPlay, satellite radio, navigation with real-time traffic updates, garage-door opener, ambient cabin lighting, keyless entry, moonroof, heated front seats/steering wheel, self-dimming mirrors, and extra lumbar support for the front seats. A Track Handling package lowers ride height by about 0.4 of an inch, and adds an adaptive suspension with Comfort and Sport settings, variable-ratio steering, larger brakes, and high-performance Michelin tires. At $2,300 for the 230i coupe, this is a good deal. Other extras include the Parking Assistant, active cruise control, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, and a limited-slip differential for the M240i. All-wheel drive is also available.

A turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine propels the 2019 230i with 248 horsepower, making it the most powerful base model in its class. This energy goes to the rear wheels as standard (RWD), or all four (AWD) with BMW’s optional xDrive system. The 230i has an engine stop/start function to save some fuel while idling. The 2019 BMW M240i employs a 3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 developing 335 horsepower. Six cylinders in a row is a renowned BMW engine configuration. Transmissions are either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic; all-wheel-drive versions are automatic-only and the 230i convertible comes solely with the automatic.

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: Coupe: 24/35 mpg (automatic, RWD), 21/32 mpg (manual, RWD), 24/33 mpg (automatic, AWD); Convertible: 23/33 mpg (automatic, RWD & 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: Coupe: 21/30 mpg (automatic, RWD), 18/27 mpg (manual, RWD), 21/30 mpg (automatic, AWD); Convertible: 18/27 mpg (manual, RWD), 21/30 mpg (automatic, RWD & AWD)