2019 BMW 2 Series Review

BMW 2 Series M240i xDrive Coupe Exterior. European Model Shown.

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byMark Takahashi^{Correspondent
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.}

Pros

Impressive power with strong fuel economy
Sporty handling without sacrificing ride comfort
Well-crafted interior with plenty of features

Cons

Back seats are cramped

What's new

Advanced safety features and parking sensors are now standard
Part of the first 2 Series generation introduced for 2014

Over the decades, BMWs have gotten bigger, heavier and pricier. If you compare today's 3 Series with its early predecessors, you wouldn't even think they were in the same vehicle class. However, there is one vehicle in the lineup that maintains a relatively close link to those smaller BMWs of the past: the 2019 BMW 2 Series.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 BMW 2 Series 230i 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 $5.27 per gallon for premium unleaded in Hawaii.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Hawaii

$228/mo

$234/mo

Avg. Compact Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Sold as a two-door coupe or convertible, the 2 Series provides entertaining driving dynamics and relative affordability (for a BMW). At its most accessible price, you won't feel as if you're getting a cheaper car with a BMW badge stuck on it. The base 230i is solidly built and now comes with more standard features than before, including a suite of advanced safety features to keep it competitive with most every other car today.

Where the 2 Series really sets itself apart from rivals is in its commanding performance. The 230i's 248-horsepower four-cylinder engine crushes its direct competitors, and the M240i's 335-hp six-cylinder is worthy of that "M" in its name. Both models also deliver sporty handling that doesn't sacrifice comfort in the process.

The main downside to the 2 Series is its two-door layout, which can make getting in and out of the already smallish back seat difficult. Other cars in this price range — such as the Audi A3, the Mercedes-Benz CLA and the forthcoming A-Class — are sedans, making them better choices if you need something more practical. Or for comparable performance at a lower price, you might want to have a look at the Chevrolet Camaro and the Ford Mustang. Overall, though, we love how the 2019 2 Series maintains the spirit of those old BMWs while providing all of today's innovations.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

8.6 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions that are fundamentally similar. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the BMW 228i Coupe (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | RWD).

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2014, the current 2 Series has received some revisions, including some added standard features in 2016, increased power output, new model names and an updated iDrive system in 2017. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's 2 Series, however.

Scorecard

Overall	8.6 / 10
Driving	9.0
Comfort	9.0
Interior	8.0
Utility	8.0

Driving

9.0

Acceleration, braking and handling all combine to make the BMW 2 Series an inspiring performer. With the available M Sport adaptive suspension, the poised handling doesn't come at the expense of comfort. There's a great seat-of-the-pants feel, which instills confidence.

Acceleration

9.0

The 2.0-liter turbo engine gets the 2 Series up to 60 mph quicker than pretty much all of its rivals. Whether the 2 Series is storming onto highways or just commuting, shifts from the eight-speed automatic transmission are quick and smooth.

Braking

9.0

With the optional M Sport brakes and summer tires, our test vehicle stopped from 60 mph in only 111 feet. During these panic stops, distances were consistent, and the car remained composed and controllable.

Steering

8.0

The 2 Series is very responsive. Steering effort is light at low speeds and weights up appropriately when going faster. Feedback is a little lacking, but the M steering wheel feels great in your hands.

Handling

9.0

It's an absolute joy to toss the small 2 Series into a series of sharp bends. In Sport Plus mode, the stiffer suspension settings relay all vital information to the driver, and the stability control allows for some thrills.

Drivability

9.0

In Comfort or Eco Pro mode, the softer suspension settings and dialed-back throttle response make the 2 Series well-mannered for everyday driving. The stop-start system is quick to respond and requires no forethought from the driver.

Comfort

9.0

Even though the BMW 2 Series is sport-focused, its ride quality can still be adjusted to a compliant level. And at least for the front passengers, the level of comfort is exactly what you'd expect from a luxury brand.

Seat comfort

8.0

The front sport seats offer adjustments for seat cushion angle and length, with power side bolsters. Tall and short drivers alike will find a perfect position. The rear seats are cramped and suitable for children only.

Ride comfort

9.0

The available M Sport adaptive suspension gives the 2 Series a wide range of comfort and performance. Comfort mode admirably smooths out the vast majority of ruts and bumps. But even in Sport mode, bumps are never intrusive.

Noise & vibration

9.0

Wind noise is essentially absent, and road noise never rises above barely detectable levels. The little engine noise heard at higher revs sounds slightly burly and pleasing. The amount of insulation is excellent for the class.

Interior

8.0

The 2 Series uses interior components from larger and more expensive models in the BMW lineup. The design and quality of materials are close to identical, and as a result, the car exceeds entry-level expectations.

Ease of use

8.0

The well-placed and clearly labeled controls simplify operation and are intuitive enough that you don't have to look away from the road to use them. The iDrive interface has a slight learning curve, but it's one of the better systems available.

Getting in/getting out

7.0

As small as the 2 Series is, getting in and out of the front seats is relatively pain-free, even in tight parking spaces. There is a long reach back to grab the seat belt, though. The rear seats are best left to smaller passengers.

Roominess

7.0

The front seats easily fit taller occupants, with a wealth of headroom and legroom. The rear seats lack both, and the low seat cushions make them suitable for children only. In truth, this is expected from any compact coupe.

Visibility

8.0

The forward roof pillars are on the thick side, but overall visibility is commendable. Even without the parking sensors, the car is easy to maneuver into a tight parking spot.

Quality

9.0

Everything about the 2 Series has a solid and reassuring feel. The interior materials are top-notch, and all elements are precisely fitted. It is a true BMW from top to bottom.

Utility

8.0

There are plenty of pockets and bins in the cabin to hold your small items, and the trunk is bigger than those of most competitors. There are few sacrifices considering the car's small size.

Small-item storage

8.0

Many bins, pockets and cupholders adequately accommodate your personal items.

Cargo space

8.0

Trunk capacity is above average for the class. Remote latches in the trunk make folding the split rear seats effortless.

2019 BMW 2 Series models

The 2019 BMW 2 Series is available as either a coupe or convertible in 230i and M240i trims that are mainly distinguished by engines. The 230i coupe is powered by a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine (248 horsepower, 258 pound-feet of torque). The M240i gets a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder (335 hp, 369 lb-ft). Both engines are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission that sends power to the rear wheels. A six-speed manual is available at no additional cost, but it is not offered with the 230i convertible. All-wheel drive is available as an option for all models and requires the automatic transmission.

The 230i coupe's standard features include 17-inch wheels, LED headlights, LED foglights, front and rear parking sensors, automatic wipers, selectable drive modes, keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control, simulated-leather upholstery, power-adjustable front sport seats, driver-seat memory settings, 60/40-split folding rear seats, a rearview camera, a 6.5-inch infotainment screen with iDrive control, BMW's ConnectedDrive telematics, Bluetooth, a USB input, and a seven-speaker sound system with a CD player and HD radio.

Standard advanced safety features include forward collision warning with automatic braking at city speeds and daytime pedestrian detection, lane departure warning and a drowsy driver warning system. The 230i convertible comes with a power-folding fabric top and a mesh wind deflector, but the rear seats feature only a ski pass-through and do not fold flat.

Stepping up to the M240i coupe or convertible adds 18-inch wheels, an auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirror, a sunroof (coupe only), sporty exterior flourishes, a rear spoiler, a sport exhaust, an adaptive suspension, upgraded brakes and satellite radio.

Many of the M240i's extra features are available as options on the 230i. One major option package to consider is the Premium package, which gets you a navigation system, BMW remote services, Apple CarPlay, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. Other add-ons include adaptive headlights, adaptive cruise control, leather upholstery, a universal garage door opener, a wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system.

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

3/5Average

#20 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.}

$799/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).}

1.65x/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).}

16.9%

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 2019 BMW 2 Series.

5 (91%)

4 (0%)

3 (7%)

2 (0%)

1 (2%)

4.8

43 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

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.

Gives me this silly grin...

Dan, 01/16/2019

2019 BMW 2 Series 230i 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

...whenever I drive this car. I’ve been a long time Bimmer owner and this model gives me the same “Ultimate Drive” joy similar to when I had the 2003 E46 325i car. It drives crisply, handles well through the curves and actually rides smoother and quieter than the E46. The driver's and passenger's seats are comfortable and supportive with multiple adjustments available including …

Exceeds my expectations

E. T. Eure, 12/18/2017

2018 BMW 2 Series M240i 2dr Coupe (3.0L 6cyl Turbo 8A)

This is an awesome car. I wasn’t considering a BMW or a coupe or a two door or a rear wheel drive. But I researched it, test drove it, compared it, test drove it again with a 6-speed and fell in love with BMW all over again!

Great Car So Far

Jeff, 04/24/2017

2017 BMW 2 Series 230i SULEV 2dr Coupe (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 8A)

I bought a 2017 230i coupe. I ordered it from my local dealership. It took about 2 1/2 months to arrive. I've had the car about 7 months. So far it's been a great car. I had one electrical issue when the car was only a few weeks old. It was fixed and no problems since. It's a fun car to drive and it handles really well. It's only a 4 cylinder but the twin turbos provide more than …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2019 BMW 2 Series, so we've included reviews for other years of the 2 Series since its last redesign.

See all 43 reviews of the BMW 2 Series

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2019 2 Series Highlights

Type:

Coupe

Trim:

230i

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,300
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	28 MPG
Cost to Drive	$228/month
Seating	4 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.8 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the 2 Series models:

BMW Assist eCall: Automatically calls for help in the event of a collision and also lets passengers request roadside assistance by pushing a single button.
Forward Collision Warning: Alerts you if the system detects a possible front collision and automatically applies the brakes if you don't react in time.
Lane Departure Warning: Warns with audible and visual alerts if you begin to drift out of your lane.

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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