The BMW 2 Series Review
It’s one of BMW’s most compact cars, and it’s certainly one of the most affordable. We’re talking about the BMW 2 Series. Critics and drivers alike love these nimble little cars because they exemplify what a sports car should be. It’s a classic BMW through and through.
The 2 Series models may be small, but they are a force to be reckoned with on the road. Our experts at German Auto Center have come to discover that the 2 Series is everything the 1 Series was and then some.
The BMW 2 Series Essentials
Sitting low and a little wide, the 2 Series demands attention from all the bigger cars. That is, if they actually see the car as it flies by. Drivers agree that the 2 Series models are extremely fun to drive, and are an addictive introduction into the world of sports cars.
BMW 2 Series Body Styles
Compact and curvy are the two words that describe the body styling of the 2 Series best. True to its sports car roots, the 2 Series only comes in two models:
• 2 Series Convertible – It’s everything you’d expect out of a fun little sports car that makes you feel like you’re on vacation every time you get behind the wheel.
• 2 Series Coupe – The coupe is slightly more sporty than the convertible but every bit as stylish.
Each model comes in two trims: the 228i and M235i, both of which have all-wheel drive options. Word on the street is that BMW will soon be releasing the 2 Series Gran Tourer. With seating for up to seven, it will be a serious departure from the other models in the 2 Series.
BMW 2 Series Performance and Pricing
The power to weight ratio of the 2 Series is insane. It’s powered by a turbocharged four cylinder engine that kicks out a lot of horsepower. If that’s not enough power for you, the upgrade to the six cylinder engine should please any speed freak. In the 2 Series you can pick your poison of either a 6-speed manual or an 8-speed automatic.
The performance specs for the latest BMW 2 Series models include:
• Up to 320 horsepower
• 50/50 weight distribution
• 255 lb-ft torque
• 0-to-60 in 4.4 seconds
• Up to 36 MPG on the highway
• iDrive system
• Rear-wheel drive
• Dynamic Stability Control
• Five link rear suspension
• Double-pivot spring strut front suspension
• Automatic headlights
• Rain sensing wipers
With a base price of just over $32,000, the 2 Series is close to being the most affordable BMW you can get brand new. But if you prefer to ride with the top down you’ll have to add another $6,000 to the starting price. With all the bells and whistles a BMW 2 Series convertible will run you around $47,000. Not bad for the ultimate driving machine.
BMW 2 Series Interior
What the 2 Series lacks in space it makes up for with loads of style. The black on grey coloration with pops of brushed aluminum accents are subtle yet stunning at the same time. Sitting in the 2 Series you’d never think it was an entry-level model even though it is a little less tricked out than the 4 Series. One nice feature that gives the car a little more practicality is the split-folding rea seat.
The strategy in the design was high quality materials done simply. The interior is paired down but comfortable with a no-frills luxury feel.
BMW 2 Series Model Repairs, Service and Maintenance
Like the BMW 4 Series, the 2 Series has only been on the road for a few years. It’s hard to say at this point what regular 2 Series BMW repairs in Austin we’ll see at our shop. However, based on its predecessor the 1 Series, here’s what drivers will likely need to watch out for:
• Groans and noises from the front suspension
• Low AC refrigerant that causes noise
• Problems with the folding mirror operation
• Rough idling
German Auto Center is a premier Austin BMW maintenance shop that has over 35 years of experience working on all models. Come by our Bosch-authorized service center today if you’re in need of performance enhancements, regular maintenance or repair.
