Used BMW 2 Series for sale: everything you need to know

The BMW 2 Series is a compact and bijou four-seat couple, which can also be had as a convertible, which comes with all of the familiar trademarks that are synonymous with this premium German brand. Considering its reasonably small size, the BMW 2 Series is surprisingly practical and is therefore well suited to all sorts of used car buyers. Combine that with reasonably frugal fuel economy and you've got a car that is tailor-made for everyday drivers.

Adding yet more appeal is the overall driving experience, which even in its most basic specification is pretty good fun. Pick one of the models higher up the performance chain and you're in for even more of a treat. The BMW 2 Series packs power, but it also handles very nicely too, making it a good option if you consider yourself to be a keen driver. However, this is also balanced with the undeniable practicality of this car, so in that respect you can view any of the BMW 2 Series models as well-rounded and more than able to meet the needs of most folks.

There's a model to suit most needs and budgets too, with most cars being rear-wheel drive but four-wheel drive comes as part of the package for selected cars. Even better is the wide variety of engine and transmissions, with petrol and diesel cars along with manual and automatic gearbox options. Anyone hankering after a genuinely impressive high-performance experience would do well to explore the likes of the M235i, the M240i or indeed the M2 for a truly exciting driving sensation.

As you'd expect from the BMW stable, there's refinement and tech at all trim levels too, with all model variants coming armed with plenty of the everyday essentials. Buying a used BMW 2 Series that was originally purchased with all of the options available will add lots of appeal too, with the likes of beefier audio systems, leather seats and an electric folding roof in the case of the convertible giving the car an extra edge.

There are rivals, however, with anyone wanting a sporty offering having the Toyota GT86 as one option to think about or, indeed, the Volkswagen Scirocco while open top competition is healthy with the Mazda MX-5 being a prime example along with the Mercedes-Benz SLC. Porsche might also tempt you with its Cayman or Boxster models too as could the Audi TT.

Should you buy a BMW 2 Series?

There's plenty to choose from when it comes to buying options for the BMW 2 Series. Anyone on a tight budget should investigate the entry-level BMW 220i Coupe and the frugal diesel BMW 220d Coupe while at the other end of the spectrum, fans of premium cars with all the trimmings will be drawn to the range-topping BMW M240i xDrive Coupe. 

Pick of the bunch, depending on your requirements, would have to be the BMW 220i Coupe with its 2.0-litre petrol engine that offers up 184PS and 300Nm of torque and will get you from 0-62mph in 6.8 seconds. Similarly the BMW M240i xDrive is even punchier and features a 3.0-litre six-cylinder petrol engine mated to an eight-speed automatic gearbox. Adding to the driving appeal is the way the M240i uses BMW’s xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

A BMW 2 Series not for you? We've got 1000s of used cars for sale to suit all budgets and needs.

What’s the best used BMW 2 Series model to buy?

Most buyers will find the standard BMW 220i Coupe M Sport won't leave them wanting (in fact, it's expected to account for around 60% of sales in the UK). Not only is it well-equipped, but the 2.0-litre petrol engine is a peach combining impressive performance with reasonable frugality.

It's hard to overlook the range-topping M240i xDrive Coupe, though, particularly if you enjoy driving and are looking for one last petrol-powered purchase before making the switch to electric. It's not cheap, although it makes powerful versions of the 4 Series look expensive, and it'll cost a little more to run than the entry-level 220i. It's where our money would go, though...

Used BMW 2 Series fuel economy and performance

Buyers of used BMW 2 Series cars have a good range of options when it comes to engines, with both petrol and diesel powertrains being available. 

• BMW 2 Series 1.5-litre: A three-cylinder petrol as seen in the likes of the 218i, which delivers 0-60mph in 8.6 seconds, has a top speed of 130mph but can still offer 52.3mpg.
• BMW 2 Series 2.0-litre: A beefier four-cylinder petrol engine that features in the 220i, which is faster with 0-60mph arriving in 6.8 seconds and returning up to 47.1mpg economy.
• BMW 2 Series 2.0-litre diesel: A frugal engine option, which in the 218d can return 61.4mpg but still do 0-60mph in 8.2 seconds with a top speed of 130mph. The 220d meanwhile, is faster again with a top speed of 143mph achievable in the Coupe. Note that convertibles are slightly slower due to the extra weight considerations. The 225d is a Coupe-only option that boasts a 0-60mph time of just six seconds, a top speed of 151mph and returns up to 61.4mpg.
• BMW 2 Series 3.0-litre: A six-cylinder petrol as seen in the M240i, which sports 335hp, offers a 0-60mph time of just under five seconds and has a top speed of 155mph. Nevertheless, the Couple can manage 36.2mpg.
• BMW 2 Series 3.0-litre: A six-cylinder variant for the M2 is even more powerful, with 365hp, which gives it a 0-60mph time of 4.3 seconds while returning 33.2mpg.

What used BMW 2 Series trim levels are available?

Whichever BMW 2 Series model you choose from the plentiful supply of used examples that are out there, you'll find that this is a well-appointed car, even at the lower trim point. Fit and finish is impressive too, with all interiors giving of a premium air and leaving you with the distinct feeling that everything has been well put together. 

• BMW 2 Series SE: This trim option is featured on the entry-level 218i and 218d cars, which means you get 17-inch alloy wheels, a drive mode selector, BMW's Connected Drive system, DAB radio, rear parking senrors and heated adjustable door mirrors.
• BMW 2 Series Sport: The next step up, which includes all of the kit listed above but also adds in a multi-function steering wheel, better sports-style seats, a Sport+ drive mode, cool ambient lighting all topped with a sporty instrument cluster.
• BMW 2 Series Coupe M Sport: Features 18-inch alloy wheels, an acoustic windscreen, chrome kidney grille surround, high-gloss shadowline exterior trim, folding door mirrors and M Sport exterior styling plus Alcantara/Sensatec upholstery, Anthracite headlining and ambient lighting. Heated sport seats, automatic air conditioning and M Sport leather steering wheel add extra appeal as does adaptive LED headlights, cruise control, automatic windscreen wipers and headlights, front and rear parking sensors and M Sport suspension. Topping it off is BMW's Connected Package Pro that features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, a 10.25-inch infotainment display and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster.
• BMW 2 Series Coupe M2: There's less additional kit with this car as the focus is on performance, but lookout for the benefit of 19-inch alloys and the Xenon headlights.
• BMW M240i xDrive Coupe: Features include 19-inch alloy wheels, M Sport exterior styling, high-gloss shadowline exterior trim and exterior highlights in Cerium Grey. The front cockpit boasts M Sport heated seats with adjustable lumbar support, M seat belts, an M Sport leather steering wheel and Vernasca leather upholstery. Tech is well represented too with adaptive LED headlights, cruise control, selectable drive modes, front/rear parking sensors, M Sport brakes, the M Sport differential along with M Sport suspension.

Used BMW 2 Series dimensions and boot size

The BMW Series 2’s dimensions are:

• Length: 4537mm
• Width: 1838mm
• Height: 1570mm
• Ground clearance: 158mm

The BMW Series 2’s boot size is:

• 390-litres

Used BMW 2 Series road tax

The BMW 2 Series Coupe costs £165 a year to tax (VED) after the first year. Cars with a list price of more than £40,000 (such as the BMW M240i xDrive) will be charged an extra £355/year in premium car tax for five years (from the second time the car's taxed). New car buyers have been advised to be careful with the options as they could end up costing a surprising amount in tax if they take the car's value over the £40,000 threshold, though naturally buyers of used examples should escape this, while benefitting from all the additional goodies.

How much is it to insure a BMW 2 Series?

The cheapest BMW 2 Series Coupe to insure is the 220i M Sport, which is in insurance group 28. The BMW 220d M Sport is in insurance group 29. As you'd expect, most expensive to insure is the BMW M240i xDrive, which is in insurance group 37. As always, it's a good idea to shop around for insurance quotes before buying a 2 Series Coupe because this is after all a premium sports car and insurance prices are likely to reflect this.

Read our full BMW 2 Series review