Used 2018 BMW 2 Series for sale 

The 2018 BMW 2 Series comes as a coupe and convertible body styles. The BMW 230i coupe is loaded with a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The M240i has a 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder turbocharged powertrain. The 8-speed automatic transmission is a standard on both trims. All-wheel drive is available as an option for both models. However, a 6-speed manual transmission is available at the same cost on all RWD models except for the 230i convertible.

The 230i features LED headlights, LED fog lights, 17-inch wheels, 60/40 split-folding rear seats as a standard. The 240i trim levels up the game with more premium leather upholstery, sporty exterior flourishes, a sunroof for the coupe model, and upgraded brakes.

We Recommend

The 230i provides enough power to satisfy your driving desires. The RWD variant is the one to go for. However, we'd recommend you to add the optional driver-assistance package which includes some advanced safety and semi-autonomous features for easier drivability and better handling.

The BMW 2 Series is offered in two engine options. The base variant 230i is powered by a 2-liter BMW TwinPower Turbo inline 4-cylinder engine which produces a maximum power of 248 hp and 258 lb-ft of torque while the 240i steps up to a bigger 3-liter inline-6 cylinder turbocharged engine with the same transmission configuration. The 230i has a SULEV engine, which means it makes drastically low emissions.

This year, BMW has launched the AWD variants in all models. While for driving enthusiasts a 6-speed manual transmission is available at no additional cost in all models except for the 230i convertible. The 230i beats everyone but the S3, which is powered by a similar-sized engine, churns out a whopping power of 292 hp and a torque of 280 lb-ft. However, if charted, the 240i leads the flock with a humongous power of 335 hp and a max torque of 369 lb-ft which is pack leading for a coupe or a convertible in the segment.

2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe Acceleration

The 2 Series shows the same aggression in acceleration as it does in power with minimal turbo lag and a responsive punch. The Coupe pulls up from 0-60 in just 5.3 sec and hits the quarter-mile mark in 14.4 secs which is the fastest in the segment after Audi.

While S3 beats the 230i, keeping 240i in the equation changes the story a little bit. The latter is much faster, owing to the larger engine. The Acura is quite slow, taking over 15 seconds to cross the quarter-mile. The CLA is slow too initially but then builds up speed as it overcomes the turbo lag.

2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe Ride and Handling

The 2018 2 Series is one of those rare cars which doesn't sacrifice handling for ride quality. The Coupe is quite agile, and particularly the RWD is happy to slide through corners. The rigid yet lightweight chassis helps the car give a precise and quick steering response. However, the AWD variant gives up a bit of the agility that the RWD car has.

The 2 Series provides a supple ride quality along with snappy performance. The optional adaptive suspension is brilliant in the comfort mode and offers a luxurious and cushioned ride isolated from major jerks and jolts. Put it into sport mode and the suspension hardens up to maximize the road feel. The active noise insulation grants a quiet cabin with minimal engine whir.

2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe Braking

The 230i's braking is as quick and substantial just like its acceleration. The light chassis of the car makes it quite easy to handle. The Coupe can come to a halt from 60 mph in just 115 ft, which is the best performance figure in this segment.

The 250 CLA being a bit lazy hits the bottom of the table, which is surprising considering it is the lightest car in the lot. The large brakes on the Audi S3 give the heavier car a surprisingly quick braking response.

The 2 Series is one of the most fuel-efficient cars in the segment with a combined mileage of 28 mpg along with 24 mpg in the city and 35 mpg on the highways. The motor on the 230i is a SULEV, meaning it maximizes output and minimizes emissions.

The Merc and the Acura share the top spot, just ahead of the 230i with a combined mileage of 29 mpg. The Audi S3 is the bulkiest and the least efficient coupe of the competitors, with just 25 mpg combined.

The interior of the BMW 2 Series is pleasing for sure but not excellent, particularly in the lower trims. The leatherette covered dashboard is unchanged as compared to the previous 230i model and aids the look of the cabin quite a bit. The instrument panel is redesigned with a piano black tone and simple analog gauges which goes nicely with the sporty aesthetics of the coupe.

The front cabin has ample headroom, in fact, best in the segment but it's the rear row that rains over the parade for the coupe. Due to its smaller length, the 230i can't accommodate even two average passengers at the rear comfortably. Larger passengers would find it quite tedious to ride in the rear seat for longer rides.

The ILX makes up for its lacking performance by being extremely roomy and comfortable. It offers a great balance of interior space, front and rear combined. It is beaten by the S3 though, which has the best rear row legroom.

2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe Cargo Volume

Even with a smaller length than its competitors, the clever design of BMW manages to make up a better space of 13.8 cubic feet for the rear boot. However, the smaller back seat area leaves a tiny usable space after folding the seats. The opening of the boot is also quite congested taking away from the utility.

The Audi S3 offers the least space to stash items in the rear, which makes us wonder whether the S3 draws a bit too much from this petite sibling, the Audi TT. the Acura ILX as well as the Mercedes Benz CLA 250 have lower space in the rear as compared to the BMW 2 Series.

2017 BMW 2 Series Coupe Infotainment System

For 2018, the 230i comes loaded with a 10.2-inch infotainment screen. There are a number of Internet-connected features that work online or with special BMW apps. However, BMW lacks essential smartphone integration options. Android Auto and MirrorLink are not available even as an add-on. The car offers some features as standard in the base trim:

• Navigation
• iDrive rotary knob
• Touchpad controller with gesture control
• Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity
• Wireless Qi charging station
• 16-speaker Harman Kardon sound system
• Apple CarPlay (Optional)

The 2018 BMW 2 Series almost carries over the same look and style as that of its predecessor. The car has a petite frame, which is simpler than other BMW cars, but at the same time looks menacing and powerful at the front. The 2 Series gets LED lights all around. 

The only notable differences are the kidney grilles and a new catalog of colors which include Mediterranean blue, metallic blue, sunset orange, and metallic orange. BMW also offers new wheel designs: two 17-inch designs for 230i and two 18-inch choices for 240i.

The 230i offers ample headroom in the cabin. The coupe is narrow and cramped which makes the rear cabin space a bit congested and lessens the legroom for an average 6 ft tall person. Some standout exterior features are:

• Adaptive LED headlights with automatic high beams
• Automatic windshield wipers
• Auto-dimming rear-view mirrors
• Keyless entry

The NHTSA has not tested the 2 Series coupe as of right now. The IIHS has awarded “Good” scores to almost every crash test. The IIHS has even named the 2 Series coupe as the “Top Safety Pick+'' for 2017. The car includes a wide range of safety tech, though a lot of these are only available as add-ons. These are:

• Driver and front passenger advanced airbags, knee airbags, and front head/thorax side airbags
• Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD)
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC) with secondary collision brake assist and traction control (ASR)
• Anti-theft alarm system
• Tire-pressure monitoring system
• Safety belt reminder for driver and front passenger
• Lower anchors for child seats in rear seats
• Electromechanical parking brake

Acura ILX VS BMW 2 Series

Although the new Acura ILX is a promising mid-range sedan, it still has a long way to go before competing with BMW's 2 Series. Despite using a bigger 2.4-liter engine, it poses disappointing performance figures in power, acceleration, and torque as compared to the 2 Series.

The ILX is about $5000 cheaper than the 230i, but the price difference is justified once you look at the latter's aesthetics and details. Maybe with a better engine, Acura can get a foothold in this segment next year but as of now, one may look for other options in a similar price range.

Audi S3 VS BMW 2 Series

The Audi is powered by a 2-liter 4 cylinder engine which produces the best in class power and torque. It also offers a plush and luxurious interior with a better infotainment center than the BMW's but the 2 Series basically one-ups the new Audi S3 in the driving experience.

Also, Audi doesn't offer the S3 with a manual transmission, and with add-ons, it's almost 20 grand more costly than BMW. Overall owing to the handling and petite character the BMW is the better pick in the competition.

Mercedes-Benz CLA 250 VS BMW 2 Series

The 250 CLA surely is a complete package on its own, with a powerful engine, sleek styling, and immersive infotainment system. It, however, fails to pose a threat to the more premium, luxurious, and sporty 2 Series BMW.

The Mercedes-Benz CLA has noticeably shorter gear-ratios which makes it a little eager to upshift while BMW's 9-speed automatic transmission is fine-tuned to perfection and offers responsive shifting conditions.

The 2018 BMW 2 Series is a great entry-level car with punchy performance, agile handling, and loaded with the latest features, which make it enough to captivate a buyer. The Coupe is handsome inside out with well-made interiors and an ergonomic setup. The exteriors are also well made and show off BMW's heritage. The 2 Series is not just a car that is fun to drive but also easy to live with as a daily commuter. For those looking for a sporty and stylish ride around 40 grand, this car is one of the best options in the market.