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 £19,490
BMW 3 Series

BMW 3 Series

RRP £14,530Avg. savings £5,405 off RRP*Used from £9,700
Audi RS3

Audi RS3

RRP £44,250Avg. savings £3,186 off RRP*Used from £41,490
Volkswagen Tiguan

Volkswagen Tiguan

RRP £37,020Avg. savings £3,308 off RRP*Used from £22,000
* 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
23 Sep 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

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO
Volkswagen Polo - front cornering

Volkswagen’s culling of 75 models by 2035 was inevitable, says CEO

Brand boss Thomas Schäfer says halving the number of models made by the VW Group is part of a “natural transition”
News
14 Oct 2026
Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking
Hyundai Ioniq 3 - front action

Car Deal of the Day: Hyundai Ioniq 3 at £206 per month will get the neighbours talking

The Ioniq 3 is one of a new crop of affordable EVs. It’s our Deal of the Day for 15 October.
News
15 Oct 2026
Mazda CX-30 updated in bid to push back the Ford Puma
2027 Mazda CX-30 - grey front 3/4

Mazda CX-30 updated in bid to push back the Ford Puma

Sporty new trim level and fresh colours mark out 2027 update for popular Mazda crossover
News
14 Oct 2026