Review

Review: BMW F23 2-Series Convertible (2015-on)

4 stars

  • Responsive turbocharged petrol engines
  • Impressive ride/handling balance
  • Accurate steering
  • Cramped rear seat
  • Intrusive road noise, particularly on coarser surfaces
  • For M235i, suspension lacks compliance

Review: BMW F23 2-Series Convertible (2015-17)

Overview

Released in Australia in January 2015, the BMW F23 2-Series Convertible was a four-seat convertible with a power-operated soft top roof. Manufactured in Leipzig, Germany, the rear-wheel drive BMW F23 2-Series Convertible range initially consisted of 220i, 228i and M235i models.

All engines for the 2-Series Convertible were compliant with Euro 6 emissions standards and featured the following technologies –

  • Auto Start Stop: shut down the engine when the vehicle was stationary in traffic;
  • Brake Energy Regeneration: regulated alternator output to recharge the battery when the vehicle was coasting or braking; and,
  • Eco Pro drive mode: adjusted engine management, throttle response and transmission behaviour to minimise fuel consumption. Eco Pro also included a coasting function that could decouple the engine from the powertrain when the driver eased off the accelerator and did not apply the brakes to prevent engine braking.

From July 2016 production,

  • 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.

BMW F23 2-Series Convertible specifications
  Engine Years Trans. Peak power Peak torque
220i 2.0-litre N20 B20A turbo petrol I4 2015-16 8sp auto 135 kW at 5000-6250 rpm 270 Nm at 1250-4500 rpm
2.0-litre B48 B20A turbo petrol I4 2016-17 8sp auto 135 kW at 5000 rpm 290 Nm at 1350-4250 rpm
228i 2.0-litre N20 B20A turbo petrol I4 2015-16 8sp auto 180 kW at 5000-6500 rpm 350 Nm at 1250-4800 rpm
230i 2.0-litre B48 B20B turbo petrol I4 2016-17 8sp auto 185 kW at 5200 rpm 350 Nm at 1450-4800 rpm
M235i 3.0-litre N55 B30A turbo petrol I6 2015-16 8sp auto 240 kW at 5800-6000 rpm 450 Nm at 1300-4500 rpm
M240i 3.0-litre B58B30A turbo petrol I6 2016-17 8sp auto 250 kW at 5500 rpm 500 Nm at 1500-4500 rpm

Dimensions and body

Compared to the BMW E88 1-Series Convertible which preceded it, the F23 2-Series Convertible was 72 mm longer (at 4432 mm), 26 mm wider (1774 mm) and had a 30 mm longer wheelbase (2690 mm). Furthermore, torsional rigidity increased by around 20 per cent and bending rigidity by 10 per cent, while the 220d model had a drag coefficient of 0.31 Cd.

The 2-Series Convertible’s power-operated fabric roof could be opened or closed in twenty (20) seconds and operated at speeds of up to 50 km/h. With the roof in position, the 2-Series Convertible had luggage compartment volume of 335 litres, though this decreased to 280 litres when the roof was lowered.

Suspension

The BMW F23 2-Series Convertible 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. Furthermore, the M235i was fitted with BMW’s ‘Adaptive M’ suspension which lowered the ride height by 10 mm and included electronically-controlled dampers.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the BMW F23 2-Series Convertible included dual front airbags, front seat-mounted side/head airbags, 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 Convertible 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.

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

Similar to the related F22 2-Series Coupe , standard features for the F23 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 with braking function, front fog lamps, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, 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 Convertible 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 Convertible were extended to include BMW ConnectedDrive Real Time Traffic Information, BMW ConnectedDrive Services and Remote Services; the 228i Convertible and M235i Convertible were also fitted with a digital radio tuner (DAB+).

From July 2016 production, standard equipment for the revised BMW 2-Series Convertible 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 Convertible, the 230i Convertible 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 F23 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.

Features: BMW M235i Convertible

Positioned as the performance model within the range, the N55B30 engine for the M235i featured dry sump lubrication. The M235i Convertible was fitted with 18-inch M light alloy wheels with 225/40 R18 front and 245/35 R18 rear tyres, an ‘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 include 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 Convertible were extended to include a 205 watt HiFi sound system with seven speakers, BMW’s ‘Professional” navigation system with iDrive touchcontroller and internet functionality, front and rear reading lights, and front and rear ambient lighting. Inside, the ‘M Sport package’ includes 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) and an M driver’s footrest.

Features: BMW M240i Convertible

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.

Related links

Review: BMW F23 LCI 2-Series Convertible (2017-on)

Overview

Production of the BMW F23 LCI 2-Series Convertible commenced in June 2017 and it was available in Australia from September 2017. Visually, the BMW F23 LCI 2-Series Convertible 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 F23 LCI 2-Series Convertible 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 F23 LCI 2-Series Convertible 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.

BMW F23 LCI 2-Series Convertible specifications
  Engine Trans. Peak power Peak torque
220i 2.0-litre B48 B20A turbo petrol I4 8sp auto 135 kW at 5000 rpm 270 Nm at 1350-4600 rpm
230i 2.0-litre B48 B20B turbo petrol I4 8sp auto 185 kW at 5200 rpm 350 Nm at 1450-4800 rpm
M240i 3.0-litre B58B30A turbo petrol I6 8sp auto 250 kW at 5500 rpm 500 Nm at 1520-4500 rpm

Features

Compared to the BMW F23 2-Series Convertible, standard features for the F23 LCI 2-Series Convertible were extended to include a digital radio tuner (DAB+), bi-LED headlights, LED front fog lights and front parking sensors.

For the F23 LCI 230i Convertible, standard features were extended to include power adjustable and heated front seats, 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 F23 LCI M240i Convertible gained Adaptive LED headlights.

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