Used BMW 2 Series (Mk1, 2014-2021) review - How much will it cost?
The BMW 2 Series petrol engine line-up strikes the right balance of performance and fuel economy
Opt for a diesel version and the BMW 2 Series shouldn’t be any more expensive to run than a standard supermini or hatchback.
Prices
Used prices have dropped below the £10,000 mark. For this, you get a coupe with more exclusivity than the 1 Series hatchback and the sort of driving characteristics that are absent from many small to medium-sized cars of today.
You’ll pay slightly more for a 2 Series Convertible, but you’ll still get change from £15,000. Facelifted versions of the BMW 2 Series start from around £15,000, but you’ll need to find nearly £40,000 for a 2021 model.
You can check out the latest used prices for the BMW 2 Series on our sister site BuyaCar.
Economy and CO2 emissions
The big-sellers in the UK used to be the diesel-powered 2 Series models, partly down to their low running costs. The 218d was the cheapest of the bunch, boasting economy under the latest WLTP test system of up to 52.3mpg and CO2 emissions as low as 120g/km. However, BMW decided to strip diesel from the 2 Series Coupe and Convertible engine line-ups towards the end of 2020.
In the meantime, the turbocharged petrol models aren’t particularly far behind in efficiency, and they’ll serve buyers well enough for the remainder of this generation’s lifespan. The 218i gets a 1.5-litre three-cylinder engine and will return up to 38.5mpg, while the 220i auto has the same quoted figure. Alloy wheel size and transmission choices will have an effect on these figures.
The M240i is pretty economical when you consider it can do 0-62mph in 4.6 seconds; a figure of 34.0mpg is pretty good, and is helped by the fact that this model now only comes with the eight-speed auto ’box with no manual option.
Running costs
All 2 Series models have variable servicing, with attention usually needed every 18,000 miles or two years. BMW lists minor, intermediate and full check-ups for the 1.5-litre petrol at £182, £252 and £486, while a three-year/36,000-mile service package costs £299.
The brake fluid should be renewed every two years (£70), but the long-life coolant should never need to be replaced and there are no timing belts to change.
With its sporty character and punchy performance you won’t find insurance especially cheap: 220i models start in group 26, while the hot M240i earns a group 39 rating. Still, it’s not too bad in comparative terms, because the Toyota GT86 sits at group 33 and the Audi TT starts at group 35.
