Used 2021 BMW 2 Series for Sale near New Jersey

How much does the 2021 BMW 2 Series cost?

Prices have softened 10.33% compared to this time last year, making it a favorable time to shop this model year.

There are 601 listings available, which gives you a useful amount of inventory to compare before you buy.

If you find a listing below $21,667.33, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

Is the 2021 BMW 2 Series a good car?

Yes — the 2021 BMW 2 Series earns a 5/5 user rating and a 6.33/10 expert rating.

The model scores 8/10 across Performance, Technology, and Safety.

It stands out as a compact BMW aimed at buyers who want an affordable entry point into the brand, with multiple body styles, great handling, and impressive technology. At the same time, the expert review flags uncomfortable seats and a cramped back seat, so you should expect a sporty feel rather than broad family-friendly comfort.

The market shows 34.4% of listings as good or great deals, which suggests there are still some attractive opportunities if you shop carefully.

Is the 2021 BMW 2 Series reliable?

Owners rate it 5/5, a strong signal of long-term satisfaction.

The expert review describes it as an entry-level BMW that still feels upscale when equipped well, and it also notes free scheduled maintenance for three years or 36,000 miles. Its performance notes point to a lively turbocharged setup, strong road manners, and a car that feels composed when driven hard.

For used buyers, the main long-term ownership risk is that a sporty luxury car can be more sensitive to maintenance history and prior use than a simpler commuter car.

What should I look for when buying a used 2021 BMW 2 Series?

At 73.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.

You should start with a vehicle history report and then prioritize a pre-purchase inspection, especially if the car has been modified, heavily optioned, or priced unusually low. Focus on seat condition, rear-seat usability, and whether the car’s equipment matches what you expect from the trim and package mix.

Key things to evaluate:

• Trim level: The car is offered as 228i and M235i model series, and the xDrive all-wheel-drive system is optional on the 228i and standard on the M235i. The base setup is the one most likely to leave you wanting more equipment, while the better-equipped versions add the features that make the car feel more complete.
• Powertrain: The 228i uses a turbocharged four-cylinder with an eight-speed sport automatic transmission, and the review notes quick acceleration and lively response. xDrive can help if you want extra traction in poor weather.
• Safety package: The Active Driving Assistant suite includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning with intervention, and a speed limit information system. A separate Driving Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature.
• Infotainment: The system uses an 8.8-inch touchscreen with iDrive 7.0, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, satellite radio, navigation, connected services, and over-the-air software updates. The Premium Package adds Live Cockpit Pro with a 10.25-inch digital display.
• Fuel efficiency: The test car averaged 27.9 mpg, and the review says that beat the EPA estimate of 27 mpg in combined driving.

Which 2021 BMW 2 Series trim should I buy?

The 2021 BMW 2 Series is offered in 2 trim levels: 228i and M235i.

Here's the short version:

• 228i: This is the better-value choice if you want the entry point into the lineup and still care about the core BMW experience. It gives you the affordable path into the model, and xDrive is available if you want extra traction.
• M235i: This is the stronger pick if you want the more performance-focused version and are willing to pay for it. It comes with xDrive standard and is the trim that gets the sport automatic transmission.

The safety package note matters here: the Driving Assistance Package is optional, so you should verify whether the car you’re considering has it.

Is now a good time to buy a used 2021 BMW 2 Series?

This looks like a moderate, selective buyer’s market, so you can shop with some leverage if you’re patient.

• Deal availability: 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• Inventory: There are 601 listings available.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.33% compared with last year.
• Clean inventory: 73.5% of listings are accident-free.

If you find a listing below $21,667.33, that's toward the low end of the year-round range and worth acting on quickly.

What is the 2021 BMW 2 Series's resale value?

The current average of $21,667 sits slightly below last year's $24,163.

That price decline suggests the model has already absorbed some depreciation, which can help if you buy now and hold it for a while. If demand stays steady, a lower entry price can make future resale easier because you are starting from a more favorable purchase point. The flip side is that a sporty luxury car with a cramped back seat and mixed value reputation may not command the strongest resale premium unless it is well kept and well equipped.

Vehicles with strong owner satisfaction ratings, like this model year's 5/5, tend to retain buyer demand, which supports resale value over time.

Is the 2021 BMW 2 Series safe?

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety says the car misses earning a Top Safety Pick because its headlights rate either Poor or Marginal, and the vehicle-to-pedestrian test also falls short of perfect.

It earns a 8/10 safety score from our experts.

The Active Driving Assistant suite includes forward-collision warning, automatic emergency braking, lane-departure warning, lane-keeping assistance, active blind-spot warning with intervention, and a speed limit information system. A separate Driving Assistance Package adds adaptive cruise control and a parking-assistant feature, but it was not on the test car.

The main caveat is that the IIHS headlight results keep it from a top award, so you should pay close attention to the exact lighting and driver-assistance equipment on any used example.

Should I buy a 2021 BMW 2 Series or consider a different year?

If you're weighing the 2021 against nearby model years, here's how to think about it:

Choose the 2021 if:

• 34.4% of listings are priced as good or great deals.
• At 73.5% accident-free, a meaningful share of listings has prior incidents — history verification is especially important.
• Price trend: Prices have softened 10.33% compared with last year.
• Owners rate it 5/5 — a strong satisfaction signal.
• It offers multiple body styles, great handling, and impressive technology.

Consider the 2020 if:

• At $22,663, the 2020 costs more than the current year's $21,667 average.
• It is an affordable entry-level luxury sedan with easy-to-use technology and standard advanced safety features.

Consider the 2022 if:

• At $26,193, the 2022 costs more than the current year's $21,667 average.
• It brings a refreshed look, larger proportions, increased power, and more performance.

The bottom line: If you want the best balance of price and availability, the 2021 is the sensible starting point. If you are shopping strictly on budget, the 2021 still gives you a lower average price than the 2020 and 2022, so it is the primary year to target. If you want the newest redesign and can spend more, the 2022 is the upgrade path to consider.

These recommendations are based on CarGurus' proprietary market data from September 4, 2026, CarGurus experts' opinions, and generative AI.