Generation-specific owner insights from 53+ substantive owner discussions, with US complaint and recall records.
Should I buy one?76
US owner complaints (NHTSA), 2014–2021
4
recall campaigns
electrical system
most-complained area
Our take, from owner reports
Owner discussions about the F45 2 Series Gran Coupe and Active Tourer are predominantly negative, with frequent criticism of the front-wheel-drive platform, styling that owners describe as generic or resembling other brands, and the perception that these models dilute the BMW brand identity.
5 problems reported (2 very frequent, 2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · high confidence
Numerous owners described the design as resembling a Kia, Hyundai, Civic, or Buick Verano, with one saying it "doesn't look like a BMW.".
Many owners cited the FWD architecture as a fundamental flaw and reason to avoid the car.
Multiple owners reported annoyance with the artificial engine sound, with one saying they regretted the purchase because of it and another noting the car sounds bad with the feature disabled.
Multiple owners predicted the F45 would depreciate quickly, with one stating it would be a "$10k car in a few years.".
One owner reported the speakers "suck" and noted there is no Android Auto.
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus. Owners do not identify any specific trim or engine of the F45 as desirable. The highest trim mentioned, the M235i xDrive Gran Coupe, is noted as having a four-cylinder engine, which several owners view negatively. One owner described the 228i as "base of the base models" and predicted it would be a "$10k car in a few years."
Owners compare it most often with the Kia Forte, Honda Civic, Mazda3, Toyota Corolla and VW GTI.
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Owner discussions about the F45 2 Series Gran Coupe and Active Tourer are predominantly negative, with frequent criticism of the front-wheel-drive platform, styling that owners describe as generic or resembling other brands, and the perception that these models dilute the BMW brand identity. Owners frequently note that these vehicles are not "real" 2 Series models compared to the rear-wheel-drive coupe, and several advise against purchasing them, predicting rapid depreciation. A small minority of owners who daily-drive these cars report they are comfortable and practical, but this praise is consistently overshadowed by the dominant negative consensus.
Owners position the F45 as a compromised entry-level luxury vehicle that competes more with mainstream compact sedans than with traditional BMW offerings. Several owners note that while the BMW badge and interior quality are a step up from economy cars like the Corolla or Forte, the driving experience does not justify the premium. One owner suggested a VW GTI as a better value proposition with lower service costs and regular fuel. Another owner compared the F45 unfavorably to the Audi TT, noting the TT is faster, nicer inside, and better to drive, while also claiming BMWs are generally unreliable and depreciate quickly. When cross-shopped against the Mazda3 Turbo, owners noted the Mazda offers superior comfort and smoothness, while the BMW provides a more thrilling but bumpier ride.
Insufficient owner data available. No owner recommends a specific configuration of the F45. Multiple owners explicitly advise against purchasing the four-door 2 Series models, with one stating "Don't buy one of these four-door 2 series." Another owner noted the 228i is "kinda not loved by BMW enthusiasts though as it's based on a FWD platform."
Owners generally advise against purchasing the F45 for anyone seeking a traditional BMW driving experience. Those considering the car should be aware it is front-wheel-drive based, which several owners cite as a fundamental compromise. One owner noted the car has "hardly any options standard." For buyers who insist on the car, one owner suggested looking at certified pre-owned options with extended warranties. Several owners recommend looking at the rear-wheel-drive 2 Series coupe instead, with one saying to "get a real BMW" and recommending the 230i coupe or 330i sedan. Another owner noted that if the car is being considered for daily commuting, a Honda or Toyota might make more sense economically.
The F45 2 Series Gran Coupe and Active Tourer are frequently conflated with the rear-wheel-drive F22/F23 coupe in general discussions, but owners who are aware of the platform differences are consistently more critical of the F45. The 2022 redesign of the Active Tourer received some interest from existing owners, with one 225xe owner praising the acceleration and another calling their 2017 model "one of the most comfortable and fun cars I've owned." These positive comments are rare and come exclusively from owners of the Active Tourer variant, not the Gran Coupe. Analysis based on approximately 53 substantive owner discussions about this generation.
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 16 | 0 | exterior lighting |
| 2020 | 8 | 0 | wheels |
| 2019 | 1 | 0 | engine |
| 2018 | 3 | 0 | engine |
| 2017 | 6 | 0 | air bags |
| 2016 | 18 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2015 | 17 | 0 | electrical system |
| 2014 | 7 | 4 | electrical system |
Source: US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
2014 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 15V189000
BMW of North America LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2014 228i Coupe, M235i Coupe, 320i, 320xi, 328i, 328xi, 335i, 335xi, ActiveHybrid 3, 328xi Sports Wagon, 428i Coupe, 428xi Coupe, 435i Coupe, 435xi Coupe, 428i Convertible, 428xi Convertible, 435i Convertible, 328xi Gran Turismo, 335xi Gran Turismo, and 2015 428i Gran Coupe, 428xi Gran Coupe, and 435i Gran Coupe vehicles. Improper nickel plating of components within the fuel pump may result in the fuel pump failing.
2014 · air bags:side/windowcampaign 24V288000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive, M3, 328d, 328d xDrive), 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive, M4), and 2015 4 Series Gran Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
2014 · engine and engine cooling:cooling system:pumpcampaign 24V608000
BMW of North America, LLC. (BMW) is recalling certain 2012-2015 X1 sDrive28i, X1 xDrive28i, 2012-2016 Z4 sDrive28i, 528i, 528i xDrive, 328i, 328xi, 2016-2018 X5 xdrive 40e, 2014-2016 228i, 228xi, 428i, 428i xDrive, 328xi Gran Turismo, 2013-2017 X3 sDrive28i, X3 xDrive28i, 2015-2018 X4 xDrive28i, 2015-2016 428xi vehicles. An improperly sealed electrical connector on the water pump may be exposed to water and short circuit.
2014 · air bags:side/window:headcampaign 25V871000
BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain 2014 4 Series Coupe (428i, 428i xDrive, 435i, 435i xDrive), 3 Series Sedan (320i, 320i xDrive, 328i, 328i xDrive, 335i, 335i xDrive), and 2014-2015 2 Series Coupe (228i, 228i xDrive, M235i, M235i xDrive) vehicles. The head air bag inflator may fail at the weld joint, which can cause gas to leak from the inflator or result in an inflator rupture.
Owner insights summarize real ownership discussions for this generation only. Complaint and recall data is public NHTSA (US) information. Always verify recalls against your VIN at nhtsa.gov.