BMW Série 2 F22/F23 Coupé/Cabrio (2013 – 2021)

Reliability score : 8.2/10

The BMW 2 Series (F22 for the Coupe, F23 for the Convertible) succeeds the 1 Series Coupe (E82). Based on a rear-wheel-drive architecture (or xDrive all-wheel drive), it embodies the very essence of BMW's compact sports coupe. Praised for its dynamic balance, ideal weight distribution (50/50), and the excellence of its 6-cylinder engines, it underwent a facelift (LCI) in 2017, bringing new LED headlights, a modernized interior, and a technological update. The transition from the old-generation engines (N20/N55) to the new modular architecture (B48/B58) in 2016 marked a major turning point in terms of reliability.

✅ Strengths

Exceptional road handling (RWD, 50/50 weight distribution)
Responsive and reliable ZF 8-speed automatic transmission (BVA8)
Remarkable reliability of 'B' generation engines (B48, B58)
Improved finish and assembly quality (especially post-2017 LCI)
Very intuitive iDrive infotainment system

⚠️ Weaknesses

Very limited rear passenger space
Reliability of N20 (timing chain) and N47 (timing chain) engines before 2015
High maintenance cost at official dealerships
Imperfect sound insulation on the highway (especially on F23 Convertible)
Sometimes stingy standard equipment on lower trims

🎯 Verdict

The BMW 2 Series (F22/F23) is a future classic, representing one of the last true compact rear-wheel-drive BMWs. Engine choice is crucial. Models equipped with 'B' series engines (230i with the B48, M240i with the B58) produced after 2016 are remarkably reliable and represent the best buys. Earlier versions (228i, M235i) remain desirable but require a more substantial preventive maintenance budget (timing chain on N20, peripherals on N55). To avoid: unreliabilized N47 diesels and N20 petrol models without a clear service history.

Common issues

Problèmes de chaîne de distribution (moteurs N20/N26) High

🔧 80 000 – 150 000 km

💶 1 800 – 3 500 €

Vérifier l'historique d'entretien et écouter les bruits anormaux du moteur.

Fuites d'huile (joints de cache-culbuteurs, support de filtre à huile) Medium

🔧 70 000 – 120 000 km

💶 300 – 700 €

Inspecter régulièrement le moteur pour toute trace d'huile.

Défaillance de la pompe à eau électrique (moteurs N55) High

🔧 90 000 – 150 000 km

💶 700 – 1 200 €

Surveiller la température moteur et les alertes de liquide de refroidissement.

Fissure de la durite d'admission (Charge Pipe) (moteurs N55) Medium

🔧 60 000 – 120 000 km

💶 350 – 700 €

Envisager un remplacement préventif par une pièce renforcée, surtout si reprogrammé.

Usure prématurée des silentblocs de suspension avant Low

🔧 80 000 – 130 000 km

💶 250 – 500 €

Tester la direction et la tenue de route, vérifier l'usure des pneus.

Estimated maintenance costs

Oil change	£90 – 160
Timing chain	£1 800 – 3 500 (coût de réparation si problème)
Clutch	£900 – 1 600
Complete brakes	£450 – 800
Estimated annual budget	£700 – 1 400

Indicative estimates (independent garage, UK market). Prices vary by region and year.