BMW 2 Series Coupe review - Reliability and Safety
Lots of safety kit as standard or on the options list, and BMW reliability is on the up too
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.
In our 2018 Driver Power survey, BMW itself came 21st out of 26 manufacturers, while the 2 Series came 50th out of 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.
Euro NCAP hasn’t crash tested the 2 Series, although you can consider that the five-star score earned by the 1 Series in 2012 applies to the two-door model. Impressive safety features include dynamic brake lights, which change their intensity depending on how hard you’re braking, while head, side and knee airbags and an alarm are standard. Other safety options include city-friendly autobrake and lane departure warning, and every 2 Series comes with run-flat tyres.
Warranty
As standard BMW offers a three-year/unlimited mileage warranty with the 2 Series. That beats Audi's three-year/60,000-mile guarantee, and will better suit high-mileage drivers.
Servicing
Service intervals are variable for the 2 Series range, but BMW offers a range of service packages to cover the first 50,000 miles or five years of driving to have the vehicle assessed at a certified dealer. Owners can keep tabs on how components like the brake pads or various filters are ageing by checking the iDrive system on board the car, and the car's electronics will let you know when maintenance is needed.
Which Is Best
Cheapest
- Name218i SE 2dr [Nav]
- Gearbox typeManual
- Price£25,245
Most Economical
- Name218d SE 2dr [Nav]
- Gearbox typeManual
- Price£27,495
Fastest
- NameM240i 2dr [Nav] Step Auto
- Gearbox typeSemi-auto
- Price£39,920