Which BMW 2 Series coupe is better: diesel or petrol?

The current iteration or F22 model of the BMW 2 Series coupe was launched locally during 2017. Since then the German automaker has added two performance models to the range namely the M2 Competition and more recently the M2 CS (Competition Sport). Throughout the five derivatives on offer, BMW included one diesel motor and two petrol engines.

 

Related: Is the BMW 2 Series good for new drivers? Here’s our verdict.

 

The 2 Series offers a good blend between luxury and sportiness and is a popular model in the entry-level luxury sport segment. The BMW 2 Series offer contemporary styling and good levels of standard specification and is still on sale locally at the time of writing this article, however, customers might also want to consider a used BMW 2 Series as they might get a higher specified example for the same price as an entry-level model.

 

Powertrains

As mentioned earlier, the BMW 2 Series coupe is offered with a selection of engines, one diesel and two petrol. The entry-level petrol unit takes shape as a 4-cylinder, while the mid-range to flagship 2 Series offerings come fitted with a 6-cylinder motor, each rated at a different power output. Let us compare each of the configurations side-by-side to find out which is better.

	BMW 220i coupe	BMW 220d coupe	BMW M240i coupe	BMW M2 Competition	BMW M2 CS
Engine	2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, twin-scroll turbocharged, petrol	2.0-litre, 4-cylinder, twin-scroll turbocharged, diesel	3.0-litre, inline 6-cylinder, twin-scroll turbocharged, petrol	3.0-litre, inline 6-cylinder, twin-scroll turbocharged, petrol	3.0-litre, inline 6-cylinder, twin-scroll turbocharged, petrol
Transmission	8-speed Sports Steptronic	8-speed Sports Steptronic	8-speed Sports Steptronic	7-speed automated dual-clutch	7-speed automated dual-clutch
Power	135 kW	140 kW	250 kW	302 kW	331 kW
Torque	270 Nm	400 Nm	500 Nm	550 Nm	550 Nm
0-100 km/h	7.2s	7.0s	4.6s	4.2s	4.0s
Top speed	230 km/h	230 km/h	250 km/h	250 (opt 280) km/h	280 km/h
Fuel consumption	5.5 L / 100 km	4.0 L / 100 km	7.1 L / 100 km	9.1 L / 100 km	9.4 L / 100 km
CO2 emissions	126 g/km	104 g/km	163 g/km	207 g/km	214 g/km

*This table was compiled using information gathered from www.duoporta.co.za

 

Conclusion

Comparing all the models side-by-side, one quickly notices that the models are divided into two distinct groups. One group which consist of the 220i and 220d is more focussed on being frugal and eco-friendly. The other group which is made up of the M240i, M2 Competition and M2 CS are more performance-oriented. Let us draw two conclusions here for the discerning buyer. 

If you are in the market for the more tamed 2 Series variants, the diesel outshines the petrol not only in its frugality but also in its performance. Offering more power and torque while using less fuel, however, the diesel does carry an R41 564 premium over the petrol. But in our opinion, it is still the one to have. Now let us take a look at the performance models.

 

The BMW M240i, M2 Competition and M2 CS all feature the same inline 6-cylinder motor, however, the difference in performance is noticeable. Now before we discuss the merits of each, it is worth noting that the M2 CS was brought into the country in limited numbers and each one has already been sold. So the only two that remains on offer is the M240i and M2 Competition. 

Although the M2 Competition offers customers an additional 52 kW and 50 Nm of torque, the difference in acceleration and top speed is marginal when compared to the M240i. Ultimately the only reason you would buy the M2 Competition is for the exclusive specification and bolstered exterior styling. For us, the M240i is the winner as it not only competes in performance levels but is more frugal and has a lower purchasing price.

 

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