Which used BMW 2 Series should you buy?

The BMW 2 Series is a small coupe that has come in a vast range of guises, from economy-focused diesels up to super-powerful sports cars. With the engine situated at the front, but powering the rear wheels, it delivers a fantastic drive. 

Another big selling point for the BMW 2 Series is its high-quality cabin and slick media system. Many of the car’s functions are controlled through the system's rotary wheel, located in front of the gearstick, which is very intuitive to use and means you don't have to prod away at the screen to change settings. 

Many engines have come and gone in the time of the BMW 2 Series, including now-axed diesels, petrols, and a few high-performance petrol models. Rear and four-wheel drive have also featured in the line-up.

There is also a BMW 2 Series Convertible and it pretty much shares its engine and trim range with the coupe. 

Read our full BMW 2 Series review

What used BMW 2 Series trim levels are available?

The entry-level model is the BMW 2 Series SE, but it may be worth looking for a BMW 2 Series M Sport which is the most popular model. That means plenty of choice on the used market.

BMW 2 Series SE

The BMW 2 Series SE kicks off the range, but it’s hardly basic, as the equipment list below demonstrates. When browsing used models, look out for cars fitted with desirable options packs. These include Comfort Pack I, with folding and anti-dazzle mirrors, heated front seats and automatic climate control, or Comfort Pack II, with a heated steering wheel, keyless entry and electric front seats.

Alternatively, the Tech Pack I provides a reversing camera, front and rear parking sensors, adaptive cruise control and a self-parking system. And the Tech Pack II came with an upgraded sat-nav system, wireless charging for phones and a WiFi hotspot.

• Cloth seats
• Automatic LED lights
• Automatic windscreen wipers
• Manual air-conditioning
• Folding rear seats
• Bluetooth
• Sat-nav
• 17-inch alloy wheels

BMW 2 Series Sport

It’s a popular trim, but there’s not a great difference between the BMW 2 Series Sport and the BMW 2 Series SE. A number of upgrades make the difference, including some cosmetic modifications and the addition of driving modes.

• Adjustable ambient lighting
• Sports seats
• Styling upgrades
• Driving modes
• Different 17-inch alloy wheels

BMW 2 Series M Sport

Jump up to BMW 2 Series M Sport trim and you get some racy equipment and add-ons. An M Sport Plus Pack upped the kit count even further.

• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Chrome-finish exhaust tailpipes
• M Sport bodykit
• M Sport door sill inserts
• Retuned sports suspension
• Suede-like fabric
• Enhanced sports seats
• Styling kit (M Sport Plus Pack)
• Uprated brakes (M Sport Plus Pack)
• Harman/Kardon audio system (M Sport Plus Pack)

BMW M240i

The exciting BMW M240i sits between a regular BMW 2 Series and the fire-breathing BMW M2. Under the bonnet is a 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbocharged engine that delivers 345PS. If you want to save a bit more money, the older BMW M235i uses a less powerful version of this engine, and should be cheaper to buy, and run.

• Uprated suspension
• Ugraded brakes
• Variable ratio steering
• 18-inch alloy wheels
• Body styling kit
• Launch control mode
• Leather upholstery
• Heated front seats
• Dual-zone climate control
• Folding anti-dazzle mirrors

BMW M2

The first-generation BMW M2, later known as the BMW M2 Competition, sat at the top of the range with a 416PS 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine. It’s good for 0-62mph in 4.4 seconds, or 4.2 seconds with the optional dual-clutch automatic transmission. The latest generation BMW M2 features a 459PS twin turbo 3.0-litre straight-six.

Is a used BMW 2 Series a good buy?

Whichever model you choose, the BMW 2 Series is great to drive.

Even better, it’s a compact package on the outside with four proper seats inside. So when you need to carry rear passengers over the age of six, they will fit quite comfortably – unlike in an Audi TT which is decidedly cramped for any adult in the back seats.  

As well been superbly engaging from behind the wheel, it’s comfortable too, making it well suited for long-distance drives.