2016 BMW 2-Series Convertible

[₩ăřņîñĞ]

 

228i and 228i xDrive models have now gained much of the Sport Line package as standard equipment, less the sport suspension. An all-new Luxury package is also available.
Overview
The 2-Series Convertible is almost identical to the 2-Series coupe from the rocker panels up to the belt line. Above that, the 2 gains a multi-layer cloth soft top that can be opened or closed at the push of a button in just 20 seconds, even while driving at speeds of up to 30 mph. The top comes standard in black, but buyers can order it in gray or in brown at an extra cost.
Life Aboard
Inside, the 2-Series borrows much of clean design and comfortable appointments with the iconic 3-Series sport sedan; the two also share numerous powertrain and platform components. A duo of simple, legible gauges greet the driver from behind a sporty three-spoke steering wheel, while a choice of brushed aluminum, wood or silver matte trims adorn the dashboard and door panels. Available Sport and M Sport lines - more on those later - let buyers personalize the interior with unique trim, upholstery and design elements.
Supportive standard seats or optional sports thrones provide a comfortable experience for those sitting up front, though limited leg- and headroom means that the rear seats are an occasional-use only affair.
Cargo capacity checks in at 9.8 cubic feet with the top down and 11.8 with the top up.
All 2-Series models are fitted as standard with BMW's knob-based iDrive infotainment system, which has evolved over the years from a bewildering complex unit to surprisingly simple and user-friendly system. It displays stereo and vehicle information on a tablet-style 6.5-inch screen mounted atop the dashboard; navigation-equipped coupes get a larger 8.8-inch display along with a touchpad mounted on the iDrive knob that lets users write out phone numbers, contact names and navigation destinations - and also zoom in or zoom out the map - with a finger.
Other notable technologies include options such as automatic high beam headlights and an automatic parallel parking system that steers the 2-Series into a spot while the driver controls the gearshift, accelerator and brake.
Performance
The 2-Series is offered in 228i and M235i forms, each of which is powered by a unique motor.
The 228i's engine bay is home to a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder with 240 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. That output lets the 228i sprint from zero-to-60 mph in 5.7 seconds.
The M235i takes things up a notch with a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline six-cylinder that produces 322 horsepower and 332 - making it roughly powerful as the acclaimed 1-Series M. Sixty mph arrives from a dead stop in five seconds flat.
Both the 228i and the M235i come standard with an eight-speed automatic transmission, and the 235i can be ordered with a six-speed manual as a no-cost option. Fuel economy is rated at 23/34 city/highway mpg the 228i, while the M235i returns 21/32 with the auto and 19/26 with the stick.
Buyers in cold climates can order the 228i with BMW's xDrive all-wheel drive system at an extra cost. xDrive lowers gas mileage to 22 in the city and 32 on the highway.
Aside from its more powerful engine, the M235i is set apart by an Adaptive M Suspension with electronically-adjustable dampers; Variable Sport Steering that adjusts to provide heightened low-speed agility and increased freeway stability; upgraded M brakes; an aggressive exterior bodykit; and sport-flavored interior trim. Notably, all of these items can be added as optional extras to the 228i.
Standard and Optional Features
The 228i is fitted as standard with leatherette upholstery, an AM/FM/CD/HD radio stereo with USB input, Bluetooth connectivity, dual-zone automatic climate control, cruise control, iDrive with 6.5-inch display, multi-function steering wheel, rain-sensing windshield wipers, auto on/off headlights, foglights, power windows and locks and 17-inch alloy wheels. High-gloss black exterior trim, upsized 18-inch alloy wheels, sport seats and oxide silver matte interior accents are also standard.
The 228i can be upgraded with optional Sport and M Sport Lines. The Sport Line brings a stiffened M Sport suspension and a less intrusive top speed limiter that increases maximum velocity from 130 to 155 mph. The M Sport Line includes an aggressive exterior body kit, shadowline exterior trim, a rear spoiler, 18-inch M alloy wheels, M Sport suspension, an M Sport steering wheel, a unique instrument cluster, special Estoril Blue interior accents, M driver's footrest and ambient interior lighting.
The M235i adds the more potent turbo straight-six motor, the contents of the M Sport Line, an M Adaptive Suspension, variable sport steering, Xenon adaptive headlights with LED accent lights, retractable headlight washers, power-adjustable front seats and an advanced vehicle & key memory that retains climate control, exterior mirror, stereo tone and lighting preferences.
Many of the M335i's features can be added to the 228i.
Both models are offered with several optional equipment packages.
The Cold Weather Package includes heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. The Driver Assistance Package brings parking sensors and a rearview camera; while the Driver Assistance Plus Package builds on those items with speed limit info, Lane Departure Warning and Active Blind Spot Detection. The Technology Package adds a navigation system with an 8.8-inch display, real-time traffic info, BMW Online and BMW Apps, an iDrive touchpad, enhanced USB and Smartphone integration, and BMW remote services emergency communications system. The Premium Package brings leather upholstery, auto-dimming mirrors, Comfort Access with remote start (automatic models only), SirusXM radio and a universal garage door opener. The all-new Luxury Package is available on the 228i Convertible and the 228i xDrive Convertible and adds a different exterior design with added chrome elements. The Luxury Package is only available in combination with Premium Package and Leather upholstery.
Finally, the Track Handling Package adds a lower Adaptive M suspension setup, variable sport steering, beefier M brakes and Michelin Pilot Super Sport tires mounted on 18-inch alloy wheels.
Stand-alone options include a 16-speaker, 600-watt Harman/kardon premium stereo, automatic high beams, an anti-theft alarm system, heated front seats, parking assistant auto parallel parking system and concierge services, which includes personalized services such as restaurant and hotel recommendations that are sent to the 2-Series' navigation system.
Occupant Safety
All 2-Series models are fitted as standard with dual front, front side, front knee and full-length side curtain airbags in addition to traction and stability control systems.
Available safety options include a lane departure warning system, blind zone alert and automatic collision notification.
Key Competitors
As a compact luxury sport coupe, the 2-Series doesn't have any true rivals. The Audi TT Roadster is similarly coddling but larger, less agile and more expensive. The Infiniti Q60 Convertible is similarly sporting, though it too is bigger and much pricier. On the lower end of the price spectrum, the Ford Mustang Convertible is quicker but less luxurious.