Used BMW 2 Series for sale near Southend-On-Sea

CarGurus expert rating: 4 out of 5
CarGurus user rating: 4.8 out of 5
Percentage of good/great deals available on CarGurus: 33.2%
Overall CarGurus rating:* 4.4 out of 5
Available Listings: Around 1,500
Average Price: Around £17,000

BMW 2 Series (2014-2021) Pros and Cons

Pros	Cons
Four different versions to suit different buyers	Cramped third row of seats in the Gran Tourer
Impeccable interior quality	Convertible is heavier and slower than the coupe
Competent handling and a comfortable ride	The 2 Series is quite a pricey used car

Quick Summary

The BMW 2 Series (2014-2021) is a remarkably versatile range that offers four distinct variants to suit different buyer needs. You can choose between the glamorous coupe and convertible models with sleek, two-door styling, or the practical five-seat Active Tourer and seven-seat Gran Tourer MPVs. All variants share the desirable BMW badge, impeccable interior quality with lush materials, and solid build standards. The coupe offers 390 litres of boot space, whilst the convertible provides 335 litres (280 with the roof down), making them surprisingly practical for their class.

Across all variants, the 2 Series delivers a polished driving experience with sharp handling, decent ride comfort, and good refinement. The Active Tourer and Gran Tourer provide excellent practicality with flexible seating arrangements and up to 560 litres of boot space in the latter. Fuel economy varies by engine choice, with diesels achieving over 50mpg in the coupe, whilst petrols return mid-to-late 30s. The Active Tourer uniquely offers a plug-in hybrid option for those with regular charging access. Running costs are comparable to premium competitors, though purchase prices are higher than non-premium alternatives.

Best for: Buyers seeking premium quality and badge appeal, those wanting versatility across different body styles, and drivers prioritising interior quality and refinement over budget considerations.

Not ideal for: Budget-conscious buyers, those needing maximum practicality in the rear seats (Gran Tourer), or drivers seeking the lowest running costs in the supermini segment.


Comparison vs Key Rivals



The Verdict

You should buy the 2 Series if: You value premium quality and badge appeal, seek versatility across different body styles, or prioritise interior refinement and competent handling.

Consider alternatives if: You're on a tight budget, need maximum rear-seat practicality, or are seeking the lowest running costs available in the premium compact segment.

Competitive Position: The BMW 2 Series (2014-2021) stands as a premium offering in its segment, matching rivals like the Audi A3 on overall ratings and user satisfaction. Its key advantage lies in its remarkable versatility, offering four distinct body styles where competitors typically offer one or two. Whilst the Mercedes-Benz B-Class provides similar MPV practicality, the 2 Series edges ahead with superior interior quality and more refined driving dynamics. The Toyota GT86, though sporty, lacks the versatility and premium appeal. As a used car, the 2 Series commands higher prices than non-premium rivals but delivers exceptional quality, refinement, and the prestige of the BMW badge, making it an excellent choice for buyers prioritising premium credentials and design flexibility.

Read our full BMW 2 Series Review

*The Overall CarGurus rating: that informs these recommendations is based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from May 2026, CarGurus expert reviews, and CarGurus user reviews.