Used 2019 BMW 2 Series 230i Convertible Review

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.

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 comes with more standard features than ever before. These include 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.

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 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA and 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 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 yet provides all of today's innovations.

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 trunk pass-through and do not fold flat.

Stepping up to the M240i coupe or convertible adds 18-inch wheels, auto-dimming driver-side and rearview mirrors, 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.

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 M235i Convertible (turbo 2.0L inline-4 | 8-speed automatic | RWD)

NOTE: Since this test was conducted in 2015, the current 2 Series has received some revisions, including some added standard features in 2016, increased power output, new model names (M235i to M240i) and an updated iDrive system in 2017. Our findings remain broadly applicable to this year's 2 Series, however.