The 2 Series covers vehicles with almost nothing in common, and that is the first thing to understand before searching: the Coupe and Convertible are rear-wheel drive, the Active Tourer and Gran Tourer are front-wheel-drive MPVs.
Always check which body a listing is describing: the price, the use and the behaviour have nothing to do with each other.
Of the 166 used BMW Serie 2 listed right now: 46% are diesel. 70% have automatic transmission. Half are priced under €20,000.
The Coupe, rear-wheel drive, is the closest to the make's identity: careful road behaviour, two proper front seats and limited rear access.
The Active Tourer is a compact front-wheel-drive MPV, designed for interior space and volume. It is the family choice in the range, and it makes no pretence of driving like a conventional BMW.
The Gran Tourer stretches the Active Tourer and offers seven seats, of which the third row stays occasional.
The Convertible, derived from the Coupe, follows the logic of a second car.
Running costs are premium whatever the body: large tyres, brakes and services at upmarket rates.
On the automatic gearbox, the oil change at intervals should be in the book.
On diesels, the oil-change history governs the life of the timing chain.
On a Convertible, test the roof mechanism through its full travel and look for signs of water ingress.
The Coupe for driving pleasure, the Active Tourer and Gran Tourer for family use in a contained footprint. These are opposite choices.
The links below narrow by engine, gearbox or budget.
