Which is the most popular engine in the BMW 2 Series?

Above all, the petrol engines are consistently more popular with the 2 Series lineup. These engines can output a lot of power and the 220i has been a favourite for those looking to keep the cost down.

Which are the most popular model variants?

Today, the BMW comes in two models: the M Sport and M. Among used cars, the M Sport has been the most popular, ensuring that all of the top features are included without further costs. Some models include an upgraded suspension, part-Alcantara leather upholstery, cruise control, heated front sports seats, and parking sensors with a reversing camera.

What optional extras should I look out for?

Some models include the Comfort Pack, which has keyless entry, a heated steering wheel and electric memory seats. You can also look out for an electric glass sunroof that allows more light into the cabin, or a premium Harman Kardon sound system.

Is the BMW 2 Series a good family car?

The Coupé or Convertible may not be designed with families in mind, but some of the other 2 Series models are good family cars. While the Gran Coupé and Active Tourer can accommodate up to five people, the Gran Tourer is designed to hold seven passengers.

Is there a hybrid version of the BMW 2 Series?

BMW has released a hybrid powertrain with the Active Tourer model. This model features an output of 241bhp and has an electric-only range of up to 57 miles per charge.

Is the BMW 2 Series available as an automatic?

Yes, BMW has built the 2 Series with both an automatic transmission and a manual gearbox. Among used models, the automatic tends to be more popular, but you should not have any difficulty finding either one.

Is there a four-wheel drive version available?

Yes, there are 2 Series models with four-wheel drive for added capability and traction. It is also possible to find used 2 Series vehicles with front- or rear-wheel drive, allowing for plenty of options.

937 Used BMW 2 Series cars for sale

BMW 2 Series2022 - 218d M Sport 5dr DCT [Tech Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£23,599

Finance available £495 pm

2L
18.6K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Motorpoint Ipswich

01473354033 *

BMW 2 Series2016 (16) - 1.5 218i SE Convertible 2dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

£8,717

Finance available £172 pm

1.5L
94.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Dave Fox Car Sales

01785336592 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2014 (64) - 2.0 220i M Sport Coupe 2dr Petrol Auto Euro 6 (s/s) (184 ps)

Low Mileage

£11,490

2L
66.4K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

AutoUnit Ltd

01633741698 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2016 - 218i SE 2dr [Nav]

Low Mileage

£7,895

Finance available £160 pm

1.5L
64.2K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Motor Range Liverpool

01515417938 *

4.6/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2016 (65) - 2.0 220i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£15,295

Finance available £319 pm

2L
19.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Quickars Ltd

01753362779 *

BMW 2 Series2024 - 220i MHT M Sport 5dr DCT

Low Mileage

£30,990

1.5L
7.2K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Stratstone BMW Milton Keynes

01908104093 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2022 - 220i M Sport 2dr Step Auto

£26,850

Finance available £531 pm

2L
35.6K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

drivedirect Darlington

01325521614 *

BMW 2 Series2020 - 220i Luxury 5dr DCT

Reduced

£18,498

2L
11.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Renault/Dacia (Dumbarton)

01389310597 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2024 - 218i [136] M Sport 4dr DCT

£29,998

1.5L
6.0
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Saloon

Arnold Clark Kirkcaldy BMW

01592802402 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2021 - 218i [2.0] M Sport 2dr [Nav] Step Auto

Low Mileage

£17,399

Finance available £355 pm

2L
28.1K
Miles
Petrol
Semi Auto
Coupe

cinch Warehouse Corby

01536219125 *

4.3/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2024 - 225e xDrive Luxury 5dr DCT [Tech Plus Pack]

Low Mileage

£29,498

1.5L
4.3K
Miles
Hybrid
Automatic
Hatchback

Arnold Clark Click & Collect Exeter

01414839930 *

4.7/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2018 - BMW 2 SERIES GRAND TOURER 218I 1.5L PETROL AUTO, 7 SEAT 18-18 ULEZ FRESH IM

Low Mileage

£14,995

49.9K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
People Carrier

Quality Autos

01708205279 *

4.9/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2025 - 220i M Sport 2dr Step Auto

£33,895

2L
2.8K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2018 (67) - 220i SPORT AUTOMATIC CONVERTIBLE/FULL HISTORY/ULEZ FREE/SAT/NAV/ 2-Door

£8,999

Finance available £179 pm

2L
119.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

M W Car Sales

01923927640 *

BMW 2 Series2024 - 220i M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£34,895

2L
1.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Stratstone BMW Tunbridge Wells

01892571854 *

0/5 Stars

BMW 2 Series2018 (18) - 1.5 218i M Sport Auto Euro 6 (s/s) 2dr

Low Mileage

£15,774

Finance available £330 pm

1.5L
21.1K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Convertible

Greenlight Automotive Ltd

01254920838 *

BMW 2 Series2024 (74) - 220i M Sport 2dr Step Auto

Reduced

£35,990

2L
7.0K
Miles
Petrol
Automatic
Coupe

Listers Boston (BMW)

01205335096 *

BMW 2 Series2015 (15) - 216d Sport 5dr

£4,500

Finance available £78 pm

1.5L
149.9K
Miles
Diesel
Manual
Hatchback

Essex Select Cars Ltd

01206583604 *

BMW 2 Series2015 (65) - 220d xDrive M Sport 5dr Step Auto

Low Mileage

£10,990

Finance available £223 pm

2L
66.0K
Miles
Diesel
Automatic
Hatchback

Suffolk Prestige

01473354265 *

BMW 2 Series2017 (17) - 1.5 218i M Sport Coupe 2dr Petrol Manual Euro 6 (s/s) (136 ps)

Low Mileage

£10,400

1.5L
61.5K
Miles
Petrol
Manual
Coupe

Park Lane Cars

01782518971 *

Why buy a used BMW 2 Series?

If you're in the market for a car that's stylish, premium and powerful, then a used BMW 2 Series is a great choice. The potent and efficient engines make the 2 Series engaging to drive and can provide a thrilling experience, while the interior is full of high-end materials. Sharing its technology with other BMW models, the 2 Series is reliable and accommodates many needs.

Used BMW 2 Series snapshot review

Pros

Superb handling
Upmarket cabin
Efficient engines

Cons

Cramped rear seats
Firm ride
More expensive than 1 Series

Read our BMW 2 Series review

BMW 2 Series video review

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Used BMW 2 Series buying guide

Engines and transmissions

There have been a lot of powertrain options with the 2 Series, including a diesel, petrol or hybrid engine with an automatic or a manual transmission and front-, rear- or four-wheel drive.

Petrol

220i uses a 2.0-litre turbo-four to make 181bhp, allowing for a 0-62mph time of 7.5 seconds and an efficiency rating of 44.1mpg.
230i outputs 241bhp, creating a 0-62mph speed of 5.9 seconds while maintaining an efficiency rating of 42.8mpg.
M240i increases the performance with 368bhp, generating a 0-62mph time of 4.3 seconds, but the efficiency rating is 34.4mpg.
Older 218i was shared with MINI vehicles, outputting 134bhp and achieving up to 50mpg on some variants.
Active Tourer model includes an optional hybrid with an output of 241bhp and an electric-only range of up to 57 miles per charge.

Diesel

Older 220d produces 187bhp, and a fuel economy rating of up to 65mpg, depending on the variant.

218d was also available with a 147bhp engine that achieved up to 67mpg, along with a more powerful 225d that produced 220bhp and 61mpg.

Practicality

The BMW 2 Series is a practical vehicle, offering increased functionality and more space than anticipated for a four-seater.

Interior space

Front seats are supportive and adjustable.
Rear seat has more room than an Audi TT, allowing children to join for short drives.
Front seats must be folded forward to fit a child seat with one of the rear ISOFIX points.

Boot space

390-litre boot is larger than the Toyota Supra, GR86 and Audi TT.
Rear seats fold down by pulling a roof latch if more space is needed.

Bodystyles

Coupé has a two-door design with a fixed roof.
Convertible allows for an open-air experience.
Gran Coupé was released in 2020, offering four doors and more interior space.
Active Tourer is a five-seater MPV that's best designed for families.

Gran Tourer holds up to seven people.

Safety

2022 Euro NCAP rating for the 2 Series was four out of five stars.
Adult occupant rating is 82%, with child occupant at 81%.
Standard kit includes Active Guard Plus, which pops the bonnet during a collision to protect any pedestrians.

Technology

Large 14.9-inch infotainment display is sharp and quick to respond.
Smartphone integration occurs seamlessly with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
12.3-inch instrument display ensures that all pertinent information is clear to see.

Different generations of used BMW 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series first arrived in 2013, but it wasn't the first time that the model had been seen. In fact, the 2 Series was the result of restructuring the 1 Series, splitting the hatchback, coupé and convertible into different families. While the hatchback model remained the 1 Series, the coupé and convertible became known as the 2 Series. Since its introduction, the 2 Series has gone through a facelift and the beginning of a second generation, with impressive updates to the styling and equipment.

Second Generation (2021 to Present)

There weren't many styling changes made to the second-generation 2 Series. Its flat, broad grille set it apart from other BMW models, and was topped with slim LED headlights and daytime running lights.

The main updates with the new generation were to the technology. Larger touchscreen displays were now available and better connectivity was possible. There were also some valuable updates to the powertrain offering.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.5 - 3
MPG:: 32 - 2824
Acceleration:: 4.3 - 8.8 seconds
Boot space:: 390 - 470 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 4 / 5 stars

Greenest
225e xDrive Sport 5dr DCT
Cheapest
220i MHT Sport 5dr DCT
Fastest
M240i xDrive 2dr Step Auto

First Generation (2014 to 2021)

The BMW 2 Series replaced the 1 Series coupé, with some major mechanical and styling upgrades. The headlight design was sharpened and the taillights were redesigned. Elegant materials were also added to the interior, creating more soft-touch surfaces and providing a high-end appearance.

A facelift came in 2017 with more focus on creating a sporty experience, further breaking away from the practicality of the 1 Series on which it was based. The whole lineup received new bi-LED headlights and reshaped daytime running lights. New bumper designs released, with various-sized air scoops for cooling.

Fuel type:: Diesel / Hybrid - Petrol/Electric / Petrol
Engine Size:: 1.5 - 3
MPG:: 31 - 470
Acceleration:: 4.6 - 11.8 seconds
Boot space:: 335 - 645 L capacity
NCAP Safety rating:: 5 / 5 stars

Greenest
225xe Luxury 5dr Auto
Cheapest
218i SE 5dr
Fastest
M240i 2dr [Nav] Step Auto

Buying a used car checklist: what to look for

Buying a used car can be a daunting task, but with our checklist, you can make sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

View guides

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Used BMW 2 Series snapshot review

Pros