2018 BMW 2 Series Convertible

Over a range of $12,000, the 2 Series Convertible is available in four trims. The lowest trim is the 230i Convertible which has a rear wheel drivetrain. It has a 4-cylinder inline engine and gives a combined fuel economy of 27 mpg.

Trim	230i	230i Xdrive
MSRP	$40,750	$42,750
Key Features	Mesh wind deflector	Includes same features as 230i Convertible.
	Power-folding fabric top
	Seven-speaker sound system
	Power-adjustable front sport seats
	Dual-zone automatic climate control

The top trim is the M240i Xdrive Convertible. It runs on an all-wheel drivetrain with a 6-cylinder inline engine. It has a slightly poorer fuel economy of 24 mpg. The base engine size for the M240i Xdrive is 3.0 liters whereas it is 2.0 liters for the former. As far as the safety features go, the trims are more or less similar to the M240i Xdrive missing front fog lights and the 230i lacking self-leveling and adaptive headlights.

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Given the range of options to choose from, the most feature-rich yet economical for its segment is the M240i convertible trim. With the transmission being standard across all trims, the all-wheel driving experience of the M range is impressive along with some additional perky features such as the adaptive suspension, 10-way adjustable front seats and most importantly, adaptive cruise control. This one is certainly a joyride for the road trip enthusiasts.

"The 230i gets an eager 248-hp 2.0-liter turbo inline-four and an eight-speed automatic...
...A smooth 335-hp 3.0-liter turbo inline-six powers the M240i, and it’s the car for drivers. Rear-wheel drive is standard; all-wheel drive is available." - Car and Driver

Engine and Transmission

Priced significantly lower than its competition, the BMW 2 series convertible sports a base 2.0l Turbocharged 4-cylinder inline engine and is backed by an 8-speed automatic gear arrangement. The car is available to be driven on the rear wheels only or on all four wheels depending upon the trim choice. The standard engine has a base power of 248hp and generates a 258 lbs-ft of torque.

Models	BMW 2 Series Convertible	Audi TT Roadster	Mercedes C300 Cabriolet	Porsche 718 Boxter
MSRP	$40,750	$ 47,450	$51,200	$ 59,000
Engine	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0L Turbocharged Inline-4	2.0L Turbo Premium Unleaded	2.0L Turbocharged Boxer-4
Transmission	8-Speed automatic	7-Speed S Tronic Automatic	9-Speed automatic	6- Speed Manual
Horsepower	248 hp	400 hp	241 hp	300 hp
Torque	258 ft.-lbs.	354 ft.-lbs.	273 ft.-lbs.	280 ft-lbs

The other, more expensive cars in the bracket all have quite different transmissions compared to the BMW and generally generate more torque. Even the power delivery of the other vehicles is greater than the BMW except for the Mercedes C300 Cabriolet which has comparable engine figures.

Acceleration

For its significantly lower base price, the BMW has a decent acceleration parameter when 0-60 MPH is concerned as compared to its rivals. Even over a quarter mile, it has a comparable acceleration. The most glaring and impressive spec of the BMW 2 series convertible is its relatively low CO2 emission.

Models	BMW 2 Series Convertible	Audi TT Roadster	Mercedes C300 Cabriolet	Porsche 718 Boxter
0-60 MPH	5.6 sec	5.6 sec	6.4 sec	4.9 sec
Quarter mile	14.4 sec	13.8 sec	15.3 sec	14.2 sec
Engine	2.0L	2.5L	2.0L	2.0L
Emission (Tons/yr of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)	6.6	6.7	7.6	7.3

The TT Roadster, with the biggest engine of the bunch, posts the best acceleration times.

Handling and Steering

The 2-series handles itself with finesse, thanks to its quick, accurate steering responses and its rock-solid chassis. The ride over uneven surfaces is generally good, and passengers are isolated from most bumps by the firmly controlled suspension. An adaptive suspension with adjustable shocks is standard in the M240i, and that, plus grippy summer tires, gives this car seriously responsive handling capability.

Braking

The 2018 BMW 2 Series Convertible includes four-wheel antilock disc brakes, and BMW’s special brake technology not only compensates for fade in high-performance driving but also keeps the brakes dry and responsive in wet weather. An optional track handling package add-on also gives the vehicle M brakes among other things.

Model	BMW 2 Series Convertible	Audi TT Roadster	Mercedes C300 Cabriolet	Porsche 718 Boxter
Brake Front (in.)	12.3	12.3	13	13.0
Brake Rear (in.)	11.4	11.8	11.8	11.8
Curb Weight (lbs.)	3680	3164	3472	2944
60-0 MPH (ft.)	NA	124	109	112 ft.

The Mercedes C300 Cabriolet has the best brakes in class with a 60-0 MPH deceleration distance of only 109 ft. Audi TT takes a significantly longer distance to come to a halt as compared to other cars of this segment.

As far as the fuel economy is concerned, the BMW 2 series convertible fairs pretty well. It has an impressive highway mileage of 34 mpg. The city mileage is also pretty average at 23 mpg. The overall fuel efficiency is also taken away by the BMW 2 series at 27 mpg, however, this may be a little misleading as the higher trims of the car have a 24 mpg efficiency.

Model	BMW 2 Series Convertible	Audi TT Roadster	Mercedes C300 Cabriolet	Porsche 718 Boxter
MPG (city)	23	19	24	21
MPG (highway)	34	29	33	28
MPG (combined)	27	26	26	24

Comparing with its competition, the best in the segment city fuel economy is of the Mercedes C300 Cabriolet at 24 mpg and as mentioned above, the BMW is the most fuel efficient on highways.

Its technology is similarly refined, and though the infotainment system is user-friendly, it does take some time to get used to it. This car best accommodates two people, as the back seat is too cramped for adults. The 2 Series has more trunk space than most vehicles this size. - cars.usnews

Seating and Comfort

The interior experience of the 2-series convertible is decent, functional, yet not nearly overwhelming. The cabin is well designed, with adequate room for front-seat passengers and comfortable standard front buckets. Legroom in the rear, however, is rather cramped and many may find it inconvenient to sit back comfortable for long hours. Straightforward gauges and a simple instrument panel speak to this car’s sporty intentions, but some of its interior materials are uninspired for a car in this price range.

Model	BMW 2 Series Convertible	Audi TT Roadster	Mercedes C300 Cabriolet	Porsche 718 Boxter
Passenger capacity	4	4	5	2
Front (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	40.5/54.4/41.5	37.1/53.6/41.1	40.9/55.3/41.7	N/A
Second (Head/Shoulder/Leg) (In.)	36.5/42.2/31.8	33.8/47.9/28.9	37.1/55/35.2	N/A

The front seating is quite exceptional, especially in the higher trims which offer 10-way adjustable seats. Customization options also include heated seating systems. The 2018 models have a new Cognac upholstery color variant as well.

Interior Features

Some of the BMW’s prominent interior features:

• Anti-theft AM/FM in-dash stereo CD/MP3 player with Radio Data System (RDS)
• HiFi Sound System with 7 speakers and 205-watt digital amplifier
• USB audio connection and hands-free Bluetooth® including Audio Streaming
• iDrive system with on-board computer, 6.5″ center screen, Controller and 8 programmable memory buttons
• 3-spoke leather-wrapped multi-function sport steering wheel
• Three 12V power sockets
• BMW TeleService

Infotainment System

The car is equipped with standard AM/FM stereo and a speed sensitive volume control. Auxiliary audio input is also available and provided along with it is a USB interface with external media control. The power output of the sound system is 205 watts through a 7-speaker arrangement. The system is equipped with Apple CarPlay and is also capable of creating its own WiFi hotspot.

Cargo Capacity

The BMW 2 Series Convertible has a very decent cargo space given that it is a compact vehicle. It has the largest storage volume when compared to its competitors with a capacity of 13.8 cubic feet.

Model	BMW 2 Series Convertible	Audi TT Roadster	Mercedes C300 Cabriolet	Porsche 718 Boxter
Volume (cube ft.)	13.8	8	12.6	9.7

The Audi TT Roadster falls behind in this category with only 8 cubic feet of storage space.

Although we wouldn’t call it the prettiest BMW, we like the muscular proportions of BMW’s 2018 2 Series. This is a very attractive little 2-door, with an aggressive stance, dramatically swept headlights, BMW’s now-signature L-shaped taillights, and a beautifully tapered roofline. – Kelley Blue Book

Dimensions and Weight

The BMW 2 Series Convertible is the heaviest of the lot, probably one of the reasons for its smooth handling and steering capabilities. Weighing in at 3680lbs, it is at least 200 pounds heavier than the rest of its competition and is also the narrowest in its segment with a width of almost 70 inches. The car’s length is pretty compact at close to 175 inches.

Model	BMW 2 Series Convertible	Audi TT Roadster	Mercedes C300 Cabriolet	Porsche 718 Boxter
Curb weight (lbs.)	3680	3164	3472	2944
Length(in)	174.7	165	184.5	172.4
Width(in)	69.8	72.1	71.3	70.9
Height(in)	55.6	52.9	56.8	50.9
Ground clearance (in)	5.5	6.4	6.6	4.3
Wheelbase (in)	105.9	98.6	111.8	97.4
Track width (in) F/R	59.9/61.3	61.6/60.8	61.5/60.9	59.6/60.3

The Porche 718 Boxter is the lightest of the batch weighing less than 3000 pounds. She also has the lowest ride with a ground clearance of only 4.3 inches and the smallest wheelbase is also possessed by the Boxter. The longest is the Mercedes being at least 10 inches longer than the rest of the cars.

Exterior Features

The BMW 2 Series Convertibles features, among others:

• Double Spoke bi-color light alloy wheels
• 205/50 run-flat all-season tires
• LED fog lights
• Sport kidney grille
• Chrome-line exterior trim

 

The 2 Series contains major safety features you’d expect from a premium car. When it comes to safety equipment, even a backup camera is optional in the 2-series, and features such as blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control, and lane-keeping assist—which are becoming commonplace even in non-luxury cars—aren’t available in all the trims of the convertible.

Standard safety features include:

• Programmable LED Daytime Running Lights
• Impact sensors that activate Battery Safety Terminal disconnect of alternator and starter from battery; disable fuel pump; automatically unlock doors; and turn on hazard and interior lights
• LATCH attachments for child-restraint safety installation
• Automatic-locking retractors (ALR) on all passenger safety belts for installation of child-restraint seat
• Coded Driveway Protection
• Front-passenger-seat occupation recognition with Passenger’s Airbag Off indicator
• Front safety belts with automatic pretensions
• Knee airbags for driver and front passenger
• Seat-mounted front side-impact airbags
• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
• Tire Pressure Monitor
• Anti-theft alarm system
• BMW Assist eCall with Emergency Request (SOS button) and Enhanced Automatic Collision Notification
• Driver’s and passenger’s front airbag supplemental restraint system (SRS) with advanced technology: dual-threshold, dual-stage deployment
• Rollover Protection System

BMW 2 Series Convertible has not yet been rated for its safety yet by the NHTSA and the IIHS Safety Ratings.

BMW 2 Series Convertible vs Audi TT Roadster

The main edge the TT Roadster has over the 2 Series Convertible is that of engine performance and power delivery. Even though both the cars sport a 2.0l turbocharged inline-4 engine, the power delivery and generation of the Audi is far superior compared to the BMW.

The Audi’s engine powers 400hp and generates 354lbs-ft of torque whereas the BMW powers 248hp and its torque is 258lbs-ft. Acceleration and carbon emissions of both the vehicles is the same. The Audi, however, is much less fuel efficient than the BMW on both highways and on city roads. The Audi is also shorter and lighter than the BMW.

BMW 2 Series Convertible vs Mercedes C300 Cabriolet

Despite the Cabriolet being around $10,000 more expensive than the 2 Series Convertible, their engine performance specs are almost identical. The Cabriolet sports a 9-speed automatic transmission as compared to the BMW’s 8-speed gearbox. The cabriolet is slower to accelerate compared to the BMW and has a lot more carbon emissions too.

The cabriolet can seat five people as compared to four in the 2 series. As far the interior features go, the two vehicles are similarly packed in features with minor differences.

BMW 2 Series Convertible vs Porsche 718 Boxter

The 2 Series offers an all-wheel drive to maximize traction under poor conditions, especially in snow. The 718 Boxster doesn’t offer all-wheel drive. The 2 Series’ optional lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane. This feature is absent in the Porsche. BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series for 2 years and 26000 miles longer than Porsche pays for maintenance for the 718 Boxster (3/36,000 vs. 1/10,000).

The 2 Series Convertible makes a very good case for itself in its segment of compact sedans. The 2 Series being available in the coupe as well as convertible body styles is a refreshing choice for the buyers depending upon their usage and also the region of driving. The availability of various engine options for M240i trim does justice to most aspects of a thrilling ride for sporty driving enthusiasts.

Being quite a cheaper option than most of its rivals and not doing too badly in head to head comparisons, the 2 Series convertible is certainly a mouth-watering prospect for buyers and a nail hit on the head for the makers.