Skip advert
Advertisement

Used BMW 2 Series (Mk1, 2014-2021) review - What do owners think?

The 2 Series has tried and tested powertrains and the brand is performing better in Driver Power best dealerships

The BMW 2 Series shares its engines, gearboxes, electronics and technology with the 1 Series hatchback, as well as a number of other models in the BMW and MINI line-ups. Both models have been on sale for a few years now, so there’s no need to have any concerns over new-car niggles.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Back in 2018, the 2 Series was placed 50th in our Driver Power new car survey, which is okay, but it was below the Audi A3 and BMW 3 Series. Its only top-20 scores were for infotainment, the engine and transmission; surprisingly the ride and handling weren’t highly rated, while build quality and reliability were even worse. Running costs got a thumbs up, but everything else was mid-table.

Reliability

In our 2020 Driver Power survey, BMW came 27th out of 30 manufacturers, while the 2 Series didn’t feature in the 75 cars ranked in the survey. It's a similar story for BMW's dealers, who often find themselves in the lower half of the Driver Power dealer ranking, although that's usually the case with its Audi and Mercedes rivals, too.


A year later, BMW had improved to 21st out of 29 manufacturers, but still behind the likes of Suzuki, Renault and Nissan.

Skip advert
Advertisement

New & used car deals

BMW 2 Series

BMW 2 Series

RRP £36,320Used from £24,400
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £34,280Avg. savings £7,311 off RRP*Used from £9,700
Audi RS3

Audi RS3

RRP £57,755Avg. savings £3,532 off RRP*Used from £41,999
Hyundai Tucson

Hyundai Tucson

RRP £29,840Avg. savings £6,068 off RRP*Used from £11,999
* Average savings are calculated daily based on the best dealer prices on Auto Express vs manufacturer RRP
Skip advert
Advertisement

Have you considered?

BMW 2 Series Coupe review
BMW 2 Series Coupe - front tracking

BMW 2 Series Coupe review

In-depth reviews
5 Aug 2026
New BMW M240i 2026 review: as engaging as ever, even with hybrid power
New BMW M240i - front 3/4

New BMW M240i 2026 review: as engaging as ever, even with hybrid power

Road tests
4 Jun 2026
New BMW M235 2025 review: is it a proper M car?
BMW M235i - front tracking

New BMW M235 2025 review: is it a proper M car?

Road tests
23 May 2025

Most Popular

Best electric cars 2026
Best electric cars - header image, July 2026 update

Best electric cars 2026

Thinking about making the switch to an electric car? Here are the best EVs that should be on your shortlist, and why…
Best cars & vans
14 Aug 2026
New Peugeot 308 to get radical fastback looks
Peugeot 308 Fastback render - front 3_4 Avarvarii

New Peugeot 308 to get radical fastback looks

Peugeot knows buyers are moving from hatchbacks to SUVs, so it’s considering a very different look for the 308
News
17 Aug 2026
Best electric estate cars to buy in 2026
Best electric estate cars - August 2026 header image

Best electric estate cars to buy in 2026

There are more electric estate cars available than you might think - these are the best
Best cars & vans
16 Aug 2026