After launching the legendary 1M Coupe in 2011, BMW realised the demand for a daily driver 2-door coupe with a lower price tag. Enter the 2 Series Coupe, launched in 2014 with the F22 and the F23 in Convertible guise.

The 2 Series range kicked off with bog-standard engines like the 2.0L 220i and the much tastier 230i, kicking out 248 hp. But the models with future classics with potential are the ones with BMW’s fantastic 3.0 inline-six engine, such as the M235i and M240i, not to mention the excellent M2 and the newer M2 CS (Competition Sport).

A brief history of the 2 Series

The BMW 2 Series launched with the F22 Coupe and F23 Convertible, produced between 2014 and 2021. That model was replaced by the second generation G42 in 2021, mercifully retaining the rear-wheel drive layout, unlike the new BMW 1 Series, which ditched the RWD setup for a front-wheel drive one (blasphemy!).

Despite this, out of the F22/F23 and the G42, we prefer the older generation because the steering, playfulness, and rawness feel much more BMW. Sadly, modern BMWs lack the feel of older models in favour of refinement and luxury.

Models with future classic status

There are a few 2 Series models to keep an eye on for future classic status:

228i (2014-2016)

This model has the N20B20 2.0 L I4 turbo engine, a modified version of the 220i with the boost turned up. It kicks out 241hp and 258 lb-ft of torque and is rare, accounting for only 1 out of 10 BMW 2 Series sales at the time. Made for only 2 years, this model was replaced by the more powerful 330i in 2016.

330i (2016-2021)

Speaking of the 330i, this has potential as a future classic because it offers excellent performance at a low price. It has the B48B20 engine with 248hp and 258 lb-ft of torque, small gains over the 228i but alongside fresher 2 Series bumpers & headlights. The B48B20 is also a smoother and more efficient unit than the N20B20.

M235i (2014-2016)

If we had to pick one model as a future classic, this is it. The M235i has the N55B30O0 engine, kicking out 322hp and 332 lb-ft with a 0-62mph time of 4.8 seconds. It goes like the clappers and loves to stick its tail out. Best of all, you can get it with a manual gearbox to slog those cogs and work your way through the engine.

M240i (2016-2021)

After only two years, the M240i replaced the M235i, integrating with the newer B58B30O0 engine with 335hp and 369 lb-ft of torque. This engine is smoother than the M235i’s and lowers the 0-62mph time to as little as 4.4 seconds. You can also get this model in xDrive in some markets, such as Germany and the US.

M2 (2015-2018)

Okay, the M2 is in a different league entirely and is 100% a future classic, but only the original model for now! The N55B30T0 3.0 L I6 turbo engine in this baby kicks out 365hp with 343 lb-ft of torque, with a rapid 4.3 second 0-62mph time. But the balance, noise, and rawness of the first M2 steal the show. A true driver’s delight.