Name: BMW M2 (2016 to 2021) | Expert Rating | The Car Expert
Item: BMW M2
Rating: 59.0

Summary

The BMW M2 was a compact sports coupé and the entry-level model in the BMW ‘M’ division range, sitting below the larger M3 saloon and M4 coupé.

This is the original M2, which first arrived on UK roads in early 2016. This initial model was then replaced by the more powerful M2 Competition in 2018, before the range-topping M2 CS coupé joined the line-up in 2020. This range came to the end of its production cycle in 2021, replaced by the second-generation M2 which arrived in 2023.

Described by Evo as “one of the most entertaining coupés money can buy”, the BMW M2 range received universal praise from the British motoring media during its time on sale – praised for retaining the practical sensibilities of the first-generation 2 Series Coupé it is based on, while offering the impressive pace and acceleration of an ‘M’ car.

“It’s probably the best sports coupé I have driven”, The Telegraph’s Andrew English explained, commending the M2 for its “thoroughly entertaining” driving dynamics and well-built interior.

That said, Carbuyer‘s Ben Custard pointed out that the M2’s interior was almost identical to the cabin design of the standard 2 Series, and thus concluded that the inside of the M2 is a bit bland by sports car standards as a result.

A few reviewers also noted the M2 was rather expensive, but as the cheapest model in the ‘M’ division family, Carwow‘s Mat Watson argued that the BMW was worth its high price tag. “The BMW M2 takes plenty of the M4’s high-tech components and squeezes them into a smaller yet still seriously rapid package to make one of the best driver’s cars you can buy.”

As of April 2024, the first-generation BMW M2 holds a Used Car Expert Rating of D, with a score of 59%. Although it scores top marks for its outstanding media reviews and driving characteristics, it’s let down by very high running costs.

M2 highlights

Serious pace and acceleration
More practical than the average sports car
Entertaining on the road
Comfortable and well-built interior
Attractive exterior styling

M2 lowlights

Expensive, base price and up
Interior is rather bland considering price
Manual gearbox could be smoother
Not very spacious in the rear

Key specifications

Body style: Coupé
Engines: petrol
Price when new: From £51,425 on-road

Launched: Spring 2016
Last updated: Summer 2020
Replacement due: Spring 2023

Image gallery

Media reviews

Reviews, road tests and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

Auto Express+

Model reviewed: M2 Competition
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW M2 Competition is the entry point to high-performance BMW ownership, but some would argue it’s the best.”
Read review

Auto Trader+

Model reviewed: M2 CS
“As soon as you get in the cockpit, you feel like you’re in a driver’s car. The driving position is perfect, the thick steering wheel gives a solid sense of ownership when driving, and the seats support you in a way that makes you feel fully integrated into the driving experience.”
Read review

Autocar+

Model reviewed: 2021
Score: 9 / 10
“As a flagship, the BMW M2 fits the billing.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M2 Competition
Score: 9 / 10
“Vastly more composed and better-controlled on a challenging road than a regular M2, with a markedly improved power delivery, the M2 Competition is a huge leap forward for BMW M’s affordable coupé.”
Read review

Car+

Model reviewed: Competition
Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW M2 Competition is faster, sportier and purer.”
Read review

Car Keys+

Score: 9 / 10
“With the rear-wheel drive setup combined with ample power, an excellent chassis and plenty of equipment, the M2 is more than deserving of your consideration.”
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Carbuyer+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 7.8 / 10
“The BMW M2 has all the virtues of the 2 Series coupe, but with added performance from a fantastic 3.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine and pumped-up looks.”
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Carwow+

Score: 9 / 10
“The BMW M2 is a hard-core version of the 2 Series but it’s still a very approachable sports car.”
Read review

Evo+

Model reviewed: Range overview
Score: 9 / 10
“The last of its generation, the BMW M2 is a throwback to a golden age of small, rear-wheel-drive performance models from Munich.”
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Model reviewed: M2 Competition
Score: 9 / 10
“Competition upgrades unlock the latent potential of the BMW M2, making it one of the most entertaining coupes money can buy.”
Read review

Model reviewed: M2 M Performance
Score: 9 / 10
“Despite a new, louder exhaust and adjustable suspension BMW’s smallest M-car retains its loveable character.”
Read review

Honest John+

Model reviewed:
Score: 10 / 10
“Blue touchpaper version of already quick M235i.”
Read review

The Sunday Times+

Model reviewed:
Score: 8 / 10
“Yes, it is as good as everyone says.” (Jeremy Clarkson)
Read review

The Telegraph+

Score: 10 / 10
“The BMW M2 Competition is probably the best sports coupé I have driven”
Read review

Top Gear+

Model reviewed: M2 Competition
Score: 9 / 10
“It really does tick a whole lot of boxes. You know you want one.”
Read review

What Car?+

Model reviewed: CS 2021
Score: 8 / 10
“The BMW M2 CS feels greater than the sum of its parts – it’s a proper little road racer that works well both on road and track.”
Read review

Safety rating

Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

No safety rating

The BMW 2 Series coupé family was not crash tested by Euro NCAP during its production life. Although it was based on the 1 Series hatchback, there were enough structural alterations to the 2 Series that it did not inherit the 1 Series rating.

Eco rating

Independent economy and emissions ratings from Green NCAP

No eco rating

The BMW M2 was not lab tested by Green NCAP during its production life.

Reliability rating

Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

Total claims: 204
Average repair cost: £628.90
Last updated: January 2024

Reliability score

All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

As of April 2024, the BMW 2 Series family has a better-than-average reliability score of 74%, according to workshop and warranty data provided exclusively to The Car Expert by our partner, MotorEasy. This score applies to all versions of the 2 Series (coupé, convertible, MPVs), including the M2.

The average repair bill for the 2 Series is just over £600, although that’s likely to be significantly higher for the M2 versions. The biggest bills to date have been gearbox-related, with an average repair cost of more than £2,300. Fuel system bills are also unusually expensive, with an average bill of £1,300.

If you own a BMW M2, or if you’re looking at buying a used M2, make sure that any used car warranty you purchase covers all of the problem areas shown above.