“235i is a beast and the handling is great. The car drives so smooth and is up there in power with the 240i, but significantly cheaper!”
2016 BMW 2 Series: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
For 2016, the BMW 2 Series gets broader standard equipment, led by an alarm system on every coupe and convertible. It is a light equipment update rather than a redesign.
About the 2016 BMW 2 Series
1st generation (F22 coupe / F23 convertible), pre-facelift, early-cycle year before the 2017 engine and name change.
BMW positioned the 2 Series as its compact, driver-focused luxury coupe and convertible: smaller and lighter than the 4 Series, but still offering classic BMW proportions, strong turbo engines, a driver-centered cabin, and everyday comfort. The core appeal was simple: this was the choice for shoppers who wanted a premium small car with real rear-drive balance and playful handling, plus the option of open-top driving or all-wheel-drive traction.
The 228i is the efficient, sporty entry point, with a 240-hp turbo four-cylinder engine, sport seats, and Sport Line trim now standard. The M235i is the enthusiast-focused step up, pairing a 320-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with adaptive suspension and stronger brakes. All-wheel-drive xDrive versions add extra bad-weather traction, and the M235i xDrive now extends to the convertible.
What changed, by category
Powertrain
BMW added the M235i xDrive Convertible, bringing all-wheel drive to the six-cylinder convertible for the first time.
Styling
The 228i and 228i xDrive gained standard Sport Line content, including sport seats plus sport-themed exterior, interior, and instrument-cluster details.
Tech
An alarm system became standard across the coupe and convertible lineup. M235i models also gained former Premium Package features as standard, including proximity keyless entry, power front seats, lumbar support, auto-dimming mirrors, ambient lighting, and satellite radio.
2016 BMW 2 Series specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.0T / 4-Cyl, Turbo, 2.0 Liter | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter | 4-Cyl, SULEV, 2.0T | 6-Cyl, Turbo, 3.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 8-Spd Sport | Auto, 8-Spd Sport | Auto, 8-Spd Sport | Auto, 8-Spd Sport |
| Drivetrain | RWD | RWD | AWD | AWD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 23 mpg | 20 mpg | 23 mpg | 20 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 35 mpg | 31 mpg | 33 mpg | 30 mpg |
| Horsepower | 240 hp | 320 hp | 240 hp | 320 hp |
| Torque | 255 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft | 255 lb-ft | 330 lb-ft |
| Trunk/Cargo | 13.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft | 13.8 cu-ft |
| Seats | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Doors | 2 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
| Adaptive Headlights | ||||
| Alarm System | ||||
| Automatic High Beams | ||||
| Automatic Leveling Headlights | ||||
| Lane Departure Warning | ||||
| Park Assist | ||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Fog Lights | ||||
| HID Headlights | ||||
| Memory Exterior Mirrors | ||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||
| Bluetooth | ||||
| Navigation System | ||||
| Premium Audio | ||||
| Satellite Radio | ||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||
| USB Ports | ||||
| Aluminum Interior Trim | ||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||
| Heated Steering Wheel | ||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||
| Interior Ambient Lighting | ||||
| Leather Seats | ||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||
| Proximity Keyless Entry | ||||
| Push-Button Engine Start | ||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2016 BMW 2 Series a redesign?
No. The 2016 BMW 2 Series remains part of the first-generation coupe and convertible lineup, with equipment and model-range updates rather than a full redesign.
What is the main difference between the 2016 and 2015 BMW 2 Series?
The main difference is more standard equipment for 2016. Every coupe and convertible gained a standard alarm system, while the 228i received standard Sport Line content and the M235i gained several formerly optional convenience features.
What changed on the 2016 BMW 228i?
The 2016 BMW 228i gained standard Sport Line content and an alarm system. Sport seats and sport-themed interior, exterior, and instrument-cluster details became standard on both rear-wheel-drive and xDrive versions.
What changed on the 2016 BMW M235i?
The 2016 BMW M235i gained a standard alarm and several features that were previously bundled in the Premium Package. These include proximity keyless entry, power front seats, lumbar support, auto-dimming mirrors, ambient lighting, and satellite radio.
Was the M235i xDrive Convertible new for 2016?
Yes. The M235i xDrive Convertible joined the lineup for 2016, combining the 320-hp turbocharged six-cylinder engine with all-wheel drive in the convertible body style for the first time.
2016 BMW 2 Series Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2016 BMW 2 Series.
4.5
2016 BMW 2 Series
(527 reviews)
“The BMW M235i is a really fun car to drive. It's like a Honda Civic with a 230 hp engine and uncanny performance. Does not look particularly fast but it is.”
“It's great looking, fun to drive, and has most of the safety features I wanted. I think visibility for changing lanes is poor and therefore fore safety reasons I wish it had a blind spot warning system.”