2017 BMW 2 Series Review

2017 BMW 2 Series 230i SULEV Convertible Exterior. Options Shown.

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$23,998 - $27,990

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byEdmunds^{Edmunds
The Edmunds content team brings you industry-leading vehicle reviews, news and research tips that make it easier for you to find your perfect car.}

Pros

Impressively quick performance yet fuel-efficient
Handling inspires confidence without sacrificing ride quality
Interior is well made and has a long list of features

Cons

Backseat is cramped for adults
Base models don't always have the features you want

What’s new

For 2017, the BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible get two new engines with a corresponding name change for the two distinct models, now known as the 230i and M240i.

Vehicle overview

What do you give the sport coupe that has everything? In the case of the 2017 BMW 2 Series, the answer is more power.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW 2 Series 230i SULEV 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$198/mo

$183/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

This small luxury coupe and convertible get two new engines this year, and the upgrades result in name changes: The former 228i becomes the 230i, while the former M235i becomes the M240i. Power output jumps to a healthy 248 horsepower and 335 horsepower, respectively, significant gains that are bound to make these already quick compacts just that much quicker.

Elsewhere, the 2 Series retains all the same good qualities that have made it popular since its debut, not the least of which is a well-tuned suspension. The result is a car that’s adept at blasting along a winding stretch of asphalt yet still composed and comfortable while motoring down long stretches of arrow-straight Interstate. The maneuverability that such a compact package delivers also gives the 2 Series practical advantages in everyday driving, including the ability to weave through traffic and squeeze into tight parking spaces.

Inside, the passenger cabin features a stylish design and top-notch materials reminiscent of the slightly larger BMW 4 Series. Unfortunately, the interior also reveals this car’s shortcoming: It’s really meant for front seat passengers only because the rear seats are cramped for anyone other than children.

If four-passenger utility is a priority, you might want to consider sporty four-door alternatives including the Audi A3 (and performance-oriented Audi S3), the Cadillac ATS and the Mercedes-Benz CLA-Class, all of which offer similar driving dynamics and amenities with slightly larger backseats (and we do mean slightly). For comparable performance at a lower price, you might also want to have a look at the Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang.

That said, the 2017 BMW 2 Series coupe and convertible are still sports cars that have everything, including now greater power output for more driving excitement.

Standard safety equipment on the 2017 BMW 2 Series includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and special brake technology not only compensates for fade in high-performance driving but also keeps the brakes dry and responsive in wet weather. Traction and stability control are standard, as is hill start assist for manual-transmission cars. Front-seat side airbags, front knee airbags and full-length side curtain airbags (coupe only) are also standard.

Optional safety equipment includes front and rear parking sensors, a rearview camera, lane departure warning system, and forward collision warning and mitigation with automatic braking.

During Edmunds testing, the 2016 version of the 228i M Sport came to a stop from 60 mph in 111 feet, a better-than-average performance. Last year’s M235i was even more impressive thanks to its high-performance tires, performing the same task in only 106 feet (104 feet for the convertible).

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the 2 Series its top rating of Good in the small-overlap front-impact, moderate-overlap front-impact, side-impact and roof strength crash tests. The seat and head restraint design was also rated Good for whiplash protection in rear impacts.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Ever wonder if a BMW might be right for you? The entry-level 2 Series is a great place to start because it blends performance and luxury into a compact package that's more affordable than you might think. It's a real BMW.

Driving

On the road, the 2017 BMW 2 Series quickly makes it clear that it's a serious sport coupe. Even the four-cylinder 230i offers acceleration lively enough to satisfy the vast majority of buyers. The M240i's new 3.0-liter six-cylinder delivers startling performance that shows what 335 hp beneath the hood of a small car can really do. The smooth-shifting eight-speed automatic transmission performs well, but it’s nice to see BMW still offers the six-speed manual gearbox as a no-cost option for those who prefer a more hands-on driving style.

The 2 Series suspension does an exemplary job of smoothing out rough pavement, even with the available adjustable dampers dialed in to their firmest setting. In terms of handling, the 2 Series seems as docile as any other small premium car in ordinary driving, yet it delivers a thoroughly engaging driving experience on a winding stretch of road thanks to precise steering and carefully controlled body roll. In short, the combination of civilized ride quality and crisp handling make this compact car everything you expect from a real BMW.

Interior

Slip inside the 2017 BMW 2 Series and you'll find highly adjustable sport seats that provide good support in spirited driving and above-average comfort on extended jaunts. The rear seats are as cramped as you'd expect from a car this size, making them best suited to small children or as a place to stash a jacket, purse or backpack.

In terms of ambiance, the passenger cabin is attractive, functional and especially quiet in hardtop form, and it features good quality materials. The BMW iDrive infotainment system that’s used to call up various settings on the standard 6.5-inch display (or the optional 8.8-inch screen that comes with the Technology package) responds quickly to inputs, though in our experience it takes a few more twirls of the control knob and a couple of extra clicks to accomplish common tasks than similar systems from competing manufacturers.

Out back, the 2 Series hardtop offers a decent-sized trunk with 13.8 cubic feet of cargo space. The convertible's trunk checks in with just about 9 cubic feet.

2017 BMW 2 Series models

The 2017 BMW 2 Series is offered as a two-door coupe or convertible with seating for four. The hardtops and convertibles are equipped similarly, except the latter feature automatic pop-up roll hoops, a removable wind deflector and a power-operated black fabric roof (a brown roof with metallic weave is available). There are two trim levels: 230i with its four-cylinder engine and the M240i with its six-cylinder powerplant.

The 230i comes standard with 17-inch cast-aluminum wheels, automatic headlights, foglights, automatic wipers, automatic dual-zone climate control, imitation-leather upholstery, eight-way manual front seats, 60/40-split folding rear seatbacks and a tilt-and-telescoping leather-wrapped steering wheel. The standard electronics array includes Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, BMW's iDrive electronics interface with a 6.5-inch display, and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player, HD radio and a USB port.

A Premium package is available for the 230i, and it bundles power-folding and heated outside mirrors, auto-dimming side and rearview mirrors, ambient exterior and interior lighting, keyless entry and ignition, 10-way power front sport seats, driver-seat memory functions and satellite radio.

The M240i includes 18-inch cast-aluminum wheels, summer performance tires, adaptive suspension dampers, sportier variable-ratio steering, upgraded brakes, adaptive high-intensity xenon headlights with LED accent lights, a sport exhaust system, gray exterior mirror caps, an aerodynamic body kit, dark ("Shadowline") exterior trim, a rear spoiler and a sunroof (coupe only). Inside, you'll find upgraded aluminum trim and an M Sport steering wheel. Additionally, the M240i's standard equipment includes the contents of the Premium package.

Two options packages bring performance features from the M240i to the 230i, and can be ordered independently or in addition to each other. The M Sport package adds several of the performance-oriented features of the M240i, including the 18-inch wheels with several tire options, an aerodynamic body kit, Shadowline exterior trim, a sport suspension and an M Sport steering wheel. The Track Handling package includes 18-inch wheels, upgraded brakes, adaptive suspension and variable-ratio steering.

The comfort-oriented Luxury package offers 18-inch wheels, leather-upholstered seats and chrome exterior trim in addition to the features of the Premium package, and it cannot be ordered with the M Sport package.

Several other option packages are available on both the 230i and M240i. The Cold Weather package includes headlight washers, heated front seats and heated steering wheel. The Technology package adds a higher-resolution 8.8-inch display screen, upgraded iDrive controller with a touchpad (allowing freehand text entry), enhanced driver information display, a navigation system, BMW Apps (including Pandora and Facebook integration) and BMW Remote Services (allowing smartphone control of remote start and climate settings, among others).

The Driver Assistance package adds front and rear parking sensors and a rearview camera. You can also order the 2 Series with the Driver Assistance Plus package (requires the Premium and Technology packages) and acquire a suite of active safety features, including automatic high-beam headlights, lane departure warning, and forward collision mitigation with automatic braking plus pedestrian detection.

Stand-alone options for the 230i include 18-inch wheels, adaptive xenon headlights, heated front seats, power-operated front seats and a sunroof. A limited-slip differential is available exclusively for the M240i. Optional on both models are leather upholstery, a self-parking system, wireless cellphone charging and a Wi-Fi hot spot, enhanced Bluetooth and USB connectivity, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system.

The 2017 BMW 2 Series is offered with a choice of two different engines. The 230i is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder that puts out 248 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. The M240i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that produces 335 hp and 369 lb-ft. BMW estimates this latter powertrain will rocket the M240i from 0 to 60 mph in 4.2 seconds.

Rear-wheel drive is standard for the 2 Series, and BMW's xDrive all-wheel-drive system is available as an option. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, with a six-speed manual offered as a no-cost option on rear-wheel-drive models only.

EPA fuel economy estimates are 25 mpg combined (21 city/32 highway) for the 230i coupe and 27 mpg combined (23 city/34 highway) for the 230i convertible. All-wheel-drive versions of the 230i coupe and 230i convertible come in at 27 mpg combined (24 city/33 highway) and 26 mpg combined (23 city/33 highway), respectively.

EPA estimates for the M240i coupe are 25 mpg combined (21 city/32 highway) with the automatic transmission and 22 mpg combined (19 city/28 highway) with the manual transmission. The M240i convertible is rated at 25 mpg combined (21 city/32 highway) with the automatic and 23 mpg combined (19 city/29 highway) with the manual. Adding all-wheel drive to either the M240i coupe or convertible gets you 25 mpg combined (21 city/31 highway).

All 2 Series models have an automatic stop-start function, which shuts off the engine when you're stopped to save fuel. Automatic-transmission cars also have a launch control feature for full-speed getaways.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3.5/5Above Average

#11 out of 26 among Luxury Compact Cars

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the BMW 2 Series from 2008-2022.}

$536/yr

vs. $554/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

1.35x/yr

vs. 1.57x/yr
for Average Luxury Compact Car

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

10.5%

vs. 11.1%
for Average Luxury Compact Car

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 BMW 2 Series.

5 (73%)

4 (13%)

3 (9%)

2 (2%)

1 (3%)

4.5

63 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

I bought this car to drive for fun

Richard, 06/29/2016

2016 BMW 2 Series 228i SULEV 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I bought the basic 'plain Jane' model because I already own a 2016 5 series which we use for long trips. Never was really considering this model until I drove it at the dealership....it was fun. I am 72 years old and 6'2" and yes, I go through a circus act to get in the back seat area. But in reality, at home there is only the wife and myself. If we have to share the car with adult … passengers, you can make it work. Frankly, I enjoy just getting out and driving this little coupe. I have taken it out on a road trip, and it is a comfortable ride. It is not made to be a luxuary riding vehicle, so yes, you will feel bumps..so what? My only complaint is that the seat belt is a far reach behind me, and I do not have satellite radio, or a navagation system but like I say...I bought the 'plain jane' and I can live without the extras......after all, I grew up in those years where you paid extra for an AC radio, and later, air conditioning was extra when it came on autos. The insturment panel reminds me of the old racing cars. This 4 cylinder turbo gas car has neck popping pick up, tracks true and will hug the curves. It is comfortable, and BMW put some style and nice lines on this car. Take a test drive and see if you remember when you once had a car that put a smile on your face, just driving no where in particular. December 29, 2016: My review of this car remains unchanged. Believe it or not, I wrote BMW about the navagation system on my 5 series asking why, with all their technical knowledge, they did not have a simple way to update navagation. My 2 series does not have navigation, but I solved it with a 10 year old Nuvi I put on the console held with a rubber band when I took a long trip. I get free life time updates on a hand held Nuvi that I paid around $200 for, and it has voice directions and shows filling stations hospitals etc...everything the high priced autos have, only the new car systems of major brands, are already 2 to 3 years old when they hit the show room floor. I can update my Nuvi by plugging it into my computer. I get ALL of North America on it. Right down to the new bypass installed around a park near my home. Again. I love driving the 228i. Have had absolutly no problems with it, hugs the road and curves. Great pickup and will get you around slow moving traffic in a flash on the expressway. You can also pack more into the trunk then you think. I do carry an air pump and a can of sealant because I have run flat tires, and while they have been no problem, I am just old school and needed peace of mind. UPDATE Jan 2018. I traded in the 228i for a 2017 M240 series. It was like saying goodbye to a family member, but I wanted to move up to a six cylinder with more options. The 228i did not remain on the lot of the dealers very long, and hopefully the new owners realize it was well cared for. The dealer did not even have to have it detailed for the advertising photos as I do that to my cars as a hobby. UPDATE July 2019. I still have a photo of the 228 in the garage. Was a great car.

Do It All M240i xDrive

Jim, 01/07/2017

2017 BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive 2dr Coupe AWD (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

I love this car. I live in the midwest so decided to get xDrive, which is only available with the 8 speed ZF automatic. My last 4 BMW's had manual transmissions and rear wheel drive but I wanted a car that handled well in both good and bad weather and one my wife wouldn't complain too loudly about driving occasionally. I can't afford to buy both a weekend fair weather car and a commuter … car for year round driving so I bought a car that does both well. The car is a rocket-the xDrive is faster than its' manual or automatic rear drive counterparts and only about .1 second slower to 60 than the M2. I do miss the manual trans. but this ZF is unreal, upshifting and downshifting when it should. I wish BMW would go to a touch screen interface for radio, nav., etc. because the iDrive can be tedious. The car could use a couple more USB ports-there's ONE in the console, that's it. Voice recognition works great for both on board and Siri use with Apple Car Play. The 360 degree distance sensors are excellent and will even warn you of a curb your front or rear end is about to scrape. Haven't tried auto-park yet. The suspension adjusts from firm to firmer, but hey, I didn't buy the car to drive grandma to church. Trunk room is more than adequate and the rear seats fold if more room is needed. Before I bought the BMW I looked at the Camaro SS-like sitting in a tank, no visibility (but that LT1 sounds fantastic!) and the Ford Mustang GT-nice but bland. Both Camaro and Mustang have less rear seat room than the BMW, which has adequate leg room but limited head room (those over 5'5 will be uncomfortable). They also had belt lines so high you couldn't rest your arm on the door. I find myself looking for excuses to drive this car-it reminds me of my first BMW, a '69 2002, but on steroids. In an age when cars are constantly getting bigger and heavier BMW has gone the other direction and created a modern day throwback-thanks, BMW! Update-I now have 12700 miles on the car and love it more than ever. I had a Dinan Elite piggyback ecu mod. installed which raised hp to 414 and torque to 479lb ft and has a warranty that is the same as factory, 4 years/50,000 miles. Wow, talk about making something great into something special-blindingly fast but still quiet-no drama just seamless speed. The car and I are one, she is an extension of me. I dream, like all car nuts do, of having other cars but the bottom line is that for the money I can't think of a car I'd rather have as a daily driver; it's near perfection.

Great toy

idc, 12/23/2016

2016 BMW 2 Series M235i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

The car is a great toy for the mid life crisis male without kids to haul around anymore. Great performance without being too flashy, very practical for the day to day use, can be both a regular commute car and the car to have fun with. Hits the sweet spot for me of practicality, comfort and features, power, convenience and fuel economy. I have the manual RWD option, and the car is …

WOW! Hold On!

D. Moore, 09/29/2016

2016 BMW 2 Series M235i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

I have owned the car for about a month so far. Love it in sport plus with the DSC off. I have had the car sideways a few times and it is fun. The late lock-up of the active differential does sometimes catch me off guard and I have to struggle to keep it under control or can spin out. The car is capable an a hoot to drive with acceleration that will keep you scanning down the road a …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2017 BMW 2 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 2 Series since its last redesign.

See all 63 reviews of the BMW 2 Series

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2017 2 Series Highlights

Type:

Convertible

Trim:

230i SULEV

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$38,950
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	27 MPG
Cost to Drive	$205/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	11.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the 2 Series include:

Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control
Post-collision safety system

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Good
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2017 BMW 2 Series Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW 2 Series 230i SULEV 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Interior

2017 BMW 2 Series models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2017 BMW 2 Series.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

I bought this car to drive for fun

Do It All M240i xDrive

Great toy

WOW! Hold On!

2017 2 Series Highlights

Safety

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2017 BMW 2 Series Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Vehicle overview

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW 2 Series 230i SULEV 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Driving

Interior

2017 BMW 2 Series models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

I bought this car to drive for fun

Do It All M240i xDrive

Great toy

WOW! Hold On!

2017 2 Series Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Related Used 2017 BMW 2 Series info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2017 BMW 2 Series 230i SULEV 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}