Review: BMW F22 2-Series Coupe (2014-on)

Review: BMW F22 2-Series Coupe (2014-17)

Overview

Released in Australia in March 2014, the BMW F22 2-Series Coupe was a compact, rear-wheel drive coupe. Manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, the F22 2-Series Coupe range initially consisted of the 220i, 220d and M235i models (see table below), with the 228i following in September 2014. All models, however, were fitted with eight-speed automatic transmissions and BMW’s EfficientDynamics technologies such as:

• ‘Auto Start Stop’ which enabled the engine to shut down when the vehicle is stationary in traffic;
• Brake Energy Regeneration which regulated alternator output to recharge the battery when the vehicle was coasting or braking;
• On-demand operation of ancillary components; and,
• An ‘Eco Pro’ driving mode which included a coasting function that could decouple the engine from the powertrain when the driver released the accelerator to minimise engine braking.

From November 2014 production, the F22 220d was powered by BMW’s 2.0-litre B47D20A engine. In July 2016,

• For the 220i, the B48B20 engine replaced the N20B20A engine;
• The 228i was replaced by 230i which was powered by the B48B20B engine; and,
• The M235i was replaced by M240i which was powered by the B58B30A engine.

Dimensions

Compared to the BMW E82 1-Series Coupe which preceded it, the F22 2-Series Coupe was 72 mm longer (at 4432 mm), 26 mm wider (1774 mm), 5 mm lower taller (1418 mm) and had a 30 mm longer wheelbase (2690 mm). Furthermore, boot capacity increased by 20 litres to 390 litres and the 220i Coupe had a drag coefficient of 0.29 Cd.

Suspension and steering

The BMW F22 2-Series Coupe had a double-joint tie-bar front axle with spring struts, a five-link rear axle and electric power steering with speed-sensitive power assistance. The M235i, however, was fitted with BMW’s ‘Adaptive M’ suspension – which included electronically-controlled dampers and lowered the ride height by 10 mm – as standard.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW F22 2-Series Coupe included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, corner braking control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

The BMW 2-Series was also fitted with an active bonnet which automatically raised the rear section of the bonnet in the event of a collision with a pedestrian or cyclist to provide additional deformation capacity and reduce the risk of serious injury.

From July 2016, the BMW 220i, 230i and M240i were equipped with BMW’s ‘Driving Assistant’ which included:

• Approach Control Warning: if the driver was rapidly approaching an obstacle ahead, the driver would receive a visual warning in the instrument cluster, followed by a warning tone. If the driver failed to respond, the brakes would be applied automatically with deceleration of up to 3 m/s²;
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW): operating at speeds above 70 km/h, a camera could scan the road up to 50 metres ahead and detect lane markings. If the driver unintentionally deviated from their lane, the driver would be alerted via steering wheel vibrations and a visual warning in the instrument cluster;
• Pedestrian Warning with Light Braking Function: used a camera to scan the road ahead when the vehicle was travelling at speeds between 10 km/h and 60 km/h. if a potential collision with a pedestrian was identified, the driver would receive a visual warning in the instrument cluster and an alert tone; simultaneously, the braking system would be primed for maximum response. If the driver failed to respond, medium-force braking would be automatically initiated – this would reduce the risk of collision and prompt the driver to react. Once the driver applied the brake pedal, maximum braking force would be applied; and,
• Attentiveness Assistant: monitored driver behaviour for signs of fatigue and, if detected, provided visual and audible warning.

Optional safety equipment (2014-16)

Optional safety equipment for the F22 2-Series included Cruise Control with braking function and a ‘Driving Assistant’ package with Lane Departure Warning and Collision Warning Systems. For speeds in excess of 70 km/h, the Lane Departure Warning system would alert drivers with a signal in the instrument cluster and a vibration in the steering wheel if they inadvertently drifted out of their lane. Operating at speeds above 15 km/h, the Collision Warning system detected when the vehicle had become too close to the vehicle ahead and would visual and acoustic warnings to the driver, as well as priming the brakes.

Features: BMW 220d, 220i and 228i Coupe

Standard features for BMW F22 220d and 220i included 17-inch alloy wheels, a six speaker sound system with CD player, MP3-compatibility, auxiliary inputs (3.5mm/USB/iPod) and Bluetooth connectivity, BMW’s ‘Business’ navigation system with a 6.5-inch colour screen, climate control air conditioning, cruise control, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, 60:40 split and folding rear seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with gearshift paddles, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, height adjustable front seats, a 12 volt power outlet, tyre pressure monitoring, a trip computer and an immobiliser.

The BMW 228i was further equipped with 18-inch alloy wheels, Dakota leather upholstery, bi-xenon headlights with washers and front parking sensors.

In September 2015, standard features for the BMW 2-Series Coupe were extended to include a rear view camera, BMW ConnectedDrive Real Time Traffic Information, BMW ConnectedDrive Services and Remote Services; the 228i Coupe and M235i Coupe were also fitted with a digital radio tuner (DAB+).

From July 2016 production, standard equipment for the revised BMW 2-Series Coupe range – i.e. the 220i, 230i and M240i – included xenon headlights, power folding door mirrors and an Interior Lights Package.

Features: BMW 230i

Compared to the BMW 228i Coupe, the 230i Coupe was fitted with BMW’s ‘M Sport Package’ which included 18-inch ‘M’ alloy wheels, M Sport Brakes, M Sport Suspension and M Aerodynamics package. The F22 230i was also equipped with BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system with an 8.8-inch display. The updated Professional navigation system also included BMW’s ‘iDrive 5’ system which introduced new controls and an app-style interface.

BMW M235i: details and features

Positioned as the performance model within the range, the N55B30 engine for the BMW M235i featured dry sump lubrication, while top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h. With its eight-speed automatic transmission and Launch Control function, the M235i could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds.

The BMW M235i was fitted with 18-inch M light alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 front and 245/35 R18 rear tyres, BMW’s ‘Adaptive M’ suspension, ‘M Sport’ braking package and ‘M’ aerodynamics exterior body package (larger front air intakes, side skirts and a rear diffuser). Other cosmetic changes for the M235i included ferric grey mirror caps, eight high-gloss black vertical slats for the front kidney grille and high-gloss chrome exhaust tailpipe finishers.

Compared to the 228i, standard features for the M235i were extended to include a 205 watt HiFi sound system with seven speakers, BMW’s ‘Professional’ navigation system with iDrive touch controller and internet functionality, front and rear reading lights, and front and rear ambient lighting. Inside, the M235i featured BMW’s ‘M Sport package’ which included front sports seats, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim strips with an Estoril Blue accent strip, a unique instrument cluster, aluminium door sill strips (with the M logo), an M driver’s footrest and anthracite roof liner.

Features: BMW M240i

Compared to the M235i, standard features for the BMW M240i were extended to include a harman kardon audio system with twelve speakers, power adjustable and heated front seats, ‘adaptive headlights’ with variable light distribution and BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’ (i.e. proximity key for keyless entry and push-button start). Like the BMW 230i, the M240i was also equipped with ‘Professional’ navigation system with BMW’s ‘iDrive 5’ system which introduced new controls and an app-style interface.

Sport Line, Modern Line and M Sport package

For BMW F22 2-Series Coupe models other than the M235i and M240i, buyers could select from either the Sport Line or Modern Line packages which had distinct interior upholsteries. Cosmetic changes for the Sport Line included high-gloss black finishes for the outer air intake surrounds, front kidney grille bars, cross rib in the centre air intake and rear apron. The Modern Line, however, had matt aluminium finishes for these elements, though the cross rib in the centre air intake had a body-coloured paint finish.

For models other than the M235i and M240i, an optional M Sport package was available which included 18-inch ‘M’ double-spoke alloy wheels, sports suspension for a 10 mm lower ride height, the M aerodynamics package (larger front air intakes, side skirts, rear diffuser and bootlid spoiler), high-gloss black vertical slats for the front kidney grille and high-gloss chrome tailpipe finishers. Inside, the M Sport package included front sports seats, Aluminium Hexagon interior trim strips with an Estoril Blue accent strip, a unique instrument cluster and aluminium door sill strips (with the M logo).

Specifications

• Specifications: BMW F22 2-Series Coupe (April 2014)
• Specifications: BMW F22 2-Series Coupe (August 2016)

Related links

• Press Kit: BMW F22 2-Series Coupe (January 2014)
• Behind the Wheel: 2015 BMW 218i Review

Review: BMW F22 LCI 2-Series Coupe (2017-on)

Overview

Production of the BMW F22 LCI 2-Series Coupe commenced in June 2017 and it was available in Australia from September 2017. Visually, the BMW F22 LCI 2-Series Coupe could be identified by its bi-LED headlights (fitted as standard), revised kidney grille for ‘greater presence’ and ‘visual breadth’, larger outer air intakes, new L-shaped LED tail-lights and new alloy wheels designs. Three new paint finishes – Mediterranean Blue, Seaside Blue and Sunset Orange – were also introduced.

Inside, the F22 LCI 2-Series Coupe had a redesigned dashboard that had fewer joins, a black-panel instrument cluster, an 8.8-inch touchscreen for the ‘Professional’ navigation system (for the 230i and M240i) and a high-gloss black finish for the centre stack. The F22 LCI 2-Series Coupe was equipped with BMW’s iDrive6 infotainment system with iDrive Touch Controller, while an inductive charging tray was available as an option to re-charge smartphones wirelessly.

Features

Compared to the BMW F22 2-Series Coupe, standard features for the F22 LCI 2-Series Coupe were extended to include a digital radio tuner (DAB+), bi-LED headlights, LED front fog lights and front parking sensors.

For the F22 LCI 230i Coupe, standard features were extended to include power adjustable front seats, cloth/Alcantara upholstery (previously Dakota leather upholstery), BMW’s ‘Comfort Access’ (i.e. a proximity key and push-button start) and a ‘BMW Individual’ anthracite-coloured roofliner. Furthermore, the ‘Professional’ navigation system had an 8.8-inch touchscreen (for the F22 230i, the display did not previously have touch functionality).

Finally, the F22 LCI M240i Coupe gained Adaptive LED headlights.

Related links

• BMW Press: The new BMW 2 Series Coupe and Convertible (May 2017)
• BMW Australia: BMW 2-Series Coupe
• Wikipedia.org: BMW F22 2-Series Coupe