Used 2021 BMW 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible models may not have a roomy back seat, but they’re a delight to drive, aided by a pair of powerful engines and a chassis that relishes turning left and right. This compact rear-wheel-drive (RWD) or all-wheel-drive (AWD) BMW coupe is an absolute joy to drive on winding roads.

Those with smaller budgets will have no trouble finding joy in a car like the Subaru WRX. And for those of you thinking the front-drive Audi A3 or Mercedes-Benz CLA will offer better winter traction, don’t forget that the BMW 2 Series can be equipped with all-wheel drive. Called xDrive, it adds only $2,000 to each 2 Series on which it’s available.

Taut without being too firm, eager in its direction changes, quick and responsive, the BMW 2 Series is an enthusiast’s joy. Even the least powerful engine still has the power to create thrills in a car of this size. 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.

The 6-speed manuals’ shift action is fast and precise, but versions with the 8-speed automatic transmission achieve better fuel economy. An automatic-equipped 230i is rated at 32 mpg on the highway, but we saw nearly 38 mpg during our time with one.

The 2021 BMW 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.

Although the 2 Series seats four in principle, 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.

The BMW 2 Series looks good as a 2-door coupe and even better as a convertible. Yes, the twin-kidneys are there, and the trademark grille is not too large. The blue-and-white BMW roundel logos remind us of BMW’s heritage while bringing to mind the old 320i and 318ti.

With its roof lowered, the 2 Series convertible is immediately recognizable as a BMW. We like the aggressive front spoiler, unique rear fascia, sculpted rocker panels, and larger air intakes of the sporty M240i.

TURBOCHARGED 6-CYLINDER
Although we like the turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine in the 230i, the turbo straight-6 in the M240i is a smooth sweetheart with effortless torque and 335 horsepower.

PARKING ASSISTANT
Parallel parking, regardless of vehicle size, can be a royal pain, which is why the BMW 2 Series’ optional Parking Assistant is such a useful tool. Just pull up to an open space, and the vehicle does all the hard work, requiring the driver to operate only the gear lever, accelerator, and brake pedal. You can even get it with the manual transmission.

Even the base 2 Series, the BMW 230i Coupe, is well equipped. Standard fare includes simulated leather upholstery, a split-folding rear seat, 17-inch wheels with run-flat tires, and a leather-wrapped multifunction steering wheel. This 2 Series also has an 8-speed automatic transmission, power front sport seats, automatic climate control, dynamic cruise control, LED headlights, Sirius XM satellite radio, and Apple CarPlay. The AWD xDrive version is equipped similarly.

With the M240i Coupe, you get the 6-cylinder engine and 18-inch wheels, plus M Sport brakes with blue calipers, adaptive M suspension, variable-ratio steering, a moonroof, and an M steering wheel. The AWD xDrive M240i Coupe is equipped similarly.

On the 230i Convertible, with RWD or AWD, 17-inch wheels with run-flat tires come standard, along with a powered fabric top, a wind deflector, power front seats, dynamic cruise control, and Sirius satellite radio. With the BMW M240i Convertible (RWD or AWD), you get M Sport brakes and variable-ratio steering, along with 18-inch alloy wheels and the M Sport steering wheel.

The 2021 BMW M2 Competition Coupe underscores its performance credentials with the 405-hp engine, a 6-speed manual transmission, a Dakota leather interior, M Sport brakes (with gray calipers), and dynamic cruise control. There is no convertible or AWD version of the M2.

Notable options on the BMW 230i and M240i models include a Dakota interior leather and multiple packages.

The $1,600 Premium package includes a heated steering wheel and a navigation system, while the $4,200 M Sport package includes M Sport suspension, an aerodynamic body kit, a moonroof, and various wheel and tire options.

Stand-alone options of note include a heated steering wheel ($190), heated front seats ($500), navigation ($900), and a 6-speed manual transmission (no charge, but not available on the convertibles). Adaptive full-LED headlights also are available for $800. Active cruise control is optional on the 230i, a model that is no longer available with the optional Track Package.

BMW M2 Competition options include a double-clutch 8-speed automatic transmission ($2,900), the M Driver’s Package ($2,500), and a moonroof ($1,050).

Other extras include the Parking Assistant, active cruise control, Wi-Fi, wireless charging, a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio, and a limited-slip differential for the M240i. All-wheel drive also is available.

Powering the 2021 BMW 230i is a 248-horsepower turbocharged 2.0-liter engine with variable valve timing. Power is routed to the rear wheels in the standard 2 Series models, or all four wheels in the xDrive versions.

Opting for a BMW M240i yields means a classic 3.0-liter inline-6, turbocharged to the tune of 335 horsepower. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on the RWD models.  AWD xDrive versions and convertibles get an 8-speed 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: 25/32 mpg (automatic, RWD), 21/32 mpg (manual, RWD), 21/30 mpg (automatic, AWD); Convertible: 23/33 mpg (automatic, RWD), 21/30 mpg (automatic, 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), 19/27 mpg (manual, RWD), 21/30 mpg (automatic, AWD); Convertible: 21/30 mpg (automatic, RWD), 19/27 mpg (manual, RWD), 21/30 mpg (automatic, AWD)

3.0-liter turbocharged inline-6 (M2 Competition Coupe)
405 horsepower @ 7,000 rpm
406 lb-ft of torque @ 2,350 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 18/24 mpg (manual), 16/23 mpg (automatic)