Wednesday 10th September 2014

BMW 2 Series convertible launched

Longer, wider and more spacious than a 1 Series cab, plus there's an M235i as well

---

Following the success of the 1 Series convertible (more than 130,000 of them were sold), BMW has not tinkered with the recipe too much for its 2 Series replacement. It still has a fabric roof, there are still a range of petrol and diesel engines and it remains a little chubby with all models over 1,500kg.

And a picture of the one people will buy

In the UK the 220d will likely be the biggest seller. It will be launched alongside a 220i and 228i initially but expect a few more models to join the range eventually. The diesel has 190hp, 199lb ft and a 140mph top speed.

But of far more interest is that an M235i convertible will be sold. Mechanically identical to the coupe (right down to the optional M Performance limited-slip diff), it will hit 62mph in 5.2 seconds or five dead with the eight-speed auto. BMW has actually released an interior pic of the 235i with a stick in the middle just to prove it really is being offered. Most inappropriate drift device ever?

Anyway, probably best consider the 2 Series as a convertible than a hooligan's plaything. Torsional rigidity is up 20 per cent over the 1 Series, which is a good start. The roof raises or lowers in 20 seconds at up to 30mph, just in case you get caught at the traffic lights. With the roof up the boot is 335 litres and with down 280 litres is left. The roof comes with 'additional insulation and optimised acoustic comfort' and three colour choices are available: Black is standard, then Anthracite with silver effect and Brown with silver effect (really) are on the options list.

The 2 Series convertible will go on sale next month with first deliveries in February. The range will start at £29,180 for the 220i Sport. An M235i is £37,710, but don't forget to budget for that diff.

[em177]

As 4 seat convertibles go that looks relatively well proportioned.

[GTEYE]

Not bad looking.

Arguably slightly better than the coupe, which I personally find looks rather heavy and dumpy, even on the larger wheels sizes.

[Esseesse]

Uglier than the old 1er convertible.

[TaylotS2K]

Not sure on this. Looks fairly well proportioned for a 4 seater. Stop with those cheap looking silver wing mirrors.

[tyrrell]

looking good I like that

[anonymous-user]

em177 said:

As 4 seat convertibles go that looks relatively well proportioned.

That'll be because the rear seats will be a token gesture only and not suitable for adults or child seats or any of the other things that you might want rear seats for.

[GTEYE]

dme123 said:

em177 said:

As 4 seat convertibles go that looks relatively well proportioned.

That'll be because the rear seats will be a token gesture only and not suitable for adults or child seats or any of the other things that you might want rear seats for.

I think that's a little harsh. Whilst its obviously not an MPV its not an Audi TT either.

[Megaflow]

I think BMW may have reached a turning point in their naming structure. I saw the thread title and thought why would anybody want a FWD convertible people carrier...

BMW. Confusing model line up matters!

[mwstewart]

Ugly, but less ugly than the 1 series - which isn't difficult. Such a shame as the 3/4 has become too large.

[Roma101]

mwstewart said:

Ugly, but less ugly than the 1 series - which isn't difficult. Such a shame as the 3/4 has become too large.

Yawn.

[Mermaid]

Megaflow said:

I think BMW may have reached a turning point in their naming structure. I saw the thread title and thought why would anybody want a FWD convertible people carrier...

BMW. Confusing model line up matters!

Niche, super niche, super super niche. Confusing. But BMW have some damn good cars in their portfolio - I8,i3, M3/M4/M5/M6, 330DM Touring, M235i,M135i plenty of choice - too much choice?

[gsuk1]

I for one really want one of these.
I love convertibles but I want a proper drivers car that I can use everyday, this looks like it might be just the ticket.

[Limpet]

Why would anyone want a four cylinder diesel convertible?

[kambites]

Proportions aren't bad as four seater cabrios go. Detailing is still a bit nasty, but no more so than the hard top.

[Lost soul]

Limpet said:

Why would anyone want a four cylinder diesel convertible?

Why not ,,,, don't start the anti d bullst on this thread its about the 2 series convertible not D

[aka_kerrly]

mwstewart said:

Ugly, but less ugly than the 1 series - which isn't difficult. Such a shame as the 3/4 has become too large.

dme123 said:

That'll be because the rear seats will be a token gesture only and not suitable for adults or child seats or any of the other things that you might want rear seats for.

So guys is it too big or too small?

Should a 4 seater convertible be suitable for 4 adults or 2 adults and 2 dwarfs/children?

I reckon it looks good and appears more practical than the 1 series but it's not close to looking as good as the older facelift E46 (dark exterior with red interior for me please)

[kambites]

aka_kerrly said:

So guys is it too big or too small?

Probably both - too big on the outside, too small on the inside.

[Lost soul]

kambites said:

aka_kerrly said:

So guys is it too big or too small?

Probably both - too big on the outside, too small on the inside.

I knew you would not be happy

[gsuk1]

kambites said:

aka_kerrly said:

So guys is it too big or too small?

Probably both - too big on the outside, too small on the inside.

I guess we should all steer clear of BMW as they have clearly failed to invent the four wheeled TARDIS.

[B10]

2 series convertible 220d OR E class convertible 220cdi?