Compare the2022 BMW 2 SeriesVS 2021 Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet

The 2 Series has a standard PostCrash iBrake, which automatically applies the brakes in the event of a crash to help prevent secondary collisions and prevent further injuries. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a post collision braking system: in the event of a collision that triggers the airbags, more collisions are possible without the protection of airbags that may have already deployed.

Over 200 people are killed each year when backed over by motor vehicles. The 2 Series offers optional Active Park Distance Control that uses rear sensors to monitor and automatically apply the brakes to prevent a rear collision. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer backup collision prevention brakes.

The 2 Series’ standard lane departure warning system alerts a temporarily inattentive driver when the vehicle begins to leave its lane and gently nudges the vehicle back towards its lane. A lane departure warning system costs extra on the C-Class Cabriolet.

To help make backing out of a parking space safer, the 2 Series has a standard rear cross-path warning system, which uses sensors in the rear bumper to alert the driver to vehicles approaching from the side, helping the driver avoid collisions. Rear cross-path warning costs extra on the C-Class Cabriolet.

Both the 2 Series and the C-Class Cabriolet have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, daytime running lights, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available around view monitors.

The 2 Series’ corrosion warranty is 7 years longer than the C-Class Cabriolet’s (12 vs. 5 years).

BMW pays for scheduled maintenance on the 2 Series for 3 years and 36,000 miles. BMW will pay for oil changes, lubrication and any other required maintenance. Mercedes doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the C-Class Cabriolet.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the 2 Series first among small premium cars in their 2021 Initial Quality Study. The C-Class Cabriolet isn’t in the top three in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that BMW vehicles are better in initial quality than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 20th in initial quality. With 27 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 25th.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2021 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. J.D. Power ranks BMW 10th in reliability, above the industry average. With 14 more problems per 100 vehicles, Mercedes is ranked 15th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ January 2021 Auto Issue reports that BMW vehicles are more reliable than Mercedes vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks BMW 8 places higher in reliability than Mercedes.

The 230i’s standard 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder produces 21 lbs.-ft. more torque (294 vs. 273) than the C-Class Cabriolet’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder. The M240i’s standard 3.0 turbo 6-cylinder produces 127 more horsepower (382 vs. 255) and 96 lbs.-ft. more torque (369 vs. 273) than the C-Class Cabriolet’s 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) certifies the BMW 2 Series as a “Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (SULEV). The Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet is only certified to “Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle” (ULEV) standards.

The 2 Series’ launch control uses engine electronics to hold engine RPM’s precisely in order to provide the most stable and rapid acceleration possible, using all of the available traction. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer launch control.

For better stopping power the 2 Series’ brake rotors are larger than those on the C-Class Cabriolet:

The 2 Series stops shorter than the C-Class Cabriolet:

For better traction, the M240i Coupe’s optional tires are larger than the largest tires available on the C-Class Cabriolet (F:245/35R19 & R:255/35R19 vs. F:225/45R18 & R:245/40R18).

The M240i Coupe’s optional tires provide better handling because they have a lower 35 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the AMG C 43 Cabriolet’s optional 40 series front tires.

The 2 Series offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads. The C-Class Cabriolet’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 2 Series is .6 inches wider in the front and 2.7 inches wider in the rear than the track on the C-Class Cabriolet.

The BMW 2 Series may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 150 to 350 pounds less than the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.

The 230i is 5.5 inches shorter than the C-Class Cabriolet, making the 2 Series easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The 2 Series has 1 inch more front headroom, 1.1 inches more front shoulder room, .2 inches more rear legroom and 3.9 inches more rear shoulder room than the C-Class Cabriolet.

The 2 Series has a standard center folding armrest for the rear passengers. A center armrest helps make rear passengers more comfortable and it can provide a boundary between children. The C-Class Cabriolet doesn’t offer a rear seat center armrest.

Insurance will cost less for the 2 Series owner. The Complete Car Cost Guide estimates that insurance for the 2 Series will cost $40 to $5935 less than the C-Class Cabriolet over a five-year period.

The 2 Series will cost the buyer less in the long run because of its superior resale value. The IntelliChoice estimates that the 2 Series will retain 45.59% to 47.38% of its original price after five years, while the C-Class Cabriolet only retains 42.21% to 42.8%.

IntelliChoice estimates that five-year ownership costs (depreciation, financing, insurance, fuel, fees, repairs and maintenance) for the BMW 2 Series will be $5442 to $23242 less than for the Mercedes C-Class Cabriolet.

The M235i/M240i was chosen as one of Car and Driver’s “Top Ten” for 3 of the last 8 years. The C-Class Cabriolet has never been a Car and Driver “Top Ten” pick.

The 2 Series was chosen as one of Automobile Magazine’s “All Stars” in 2015. The C-Class Cabriolet has never been an “All Star.”