Compare the2024 MINI Cooper ConvertibleVS 2023 BMW 2 Series

Both the Cooper Convertible and the 2 Series have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver and front passenger knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, plastic fuel tanks, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, rearview cameras, driver alert monitors and available front parking sensors.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the Cooper Convertible’s reliability 39 points higher than the 2 Series.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in their 2023 Initial Quality Study. The 2 Series was rated third in its category.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2023 Initial Quality Study of new car owners surveyed provide the statistics that show that MINI vehicles are better in initial quality than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in initial quality. With 13 more problems per 100 vehicles, BMW is rated lower.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2022 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that MINI vehicles are more reliable than BMW vehicles. J.D. Power ranks MINI above average in long-term dependability. With 19 more problems per 100 vehicles in the first three years of ownership, BMW is rated lower.

On the EPA test cycle the Cooper Convertible gets better mileage than the 2 Series:

Regenerative brakes improve the Cooper Convertible’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the MINI Cooper Convertible higher (7 out of 10) than the BMW 2 Series (3 to 5). This means the Cooper Convertible produces up to 24.5 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the 2 Series every 15,000 miles.

The Cooper Convertible offers a manual transmission for better acceleration, control and sportiness. The 2 Series doesn’t offer a manual transmission.

The Cooper Convertible offers an optional sequential manual gearbox (SMG). With no clutch pedal to worry about and a fully automatic mode, an SMG is much more efficient than a conventional automatic but just as easy to drive. The 2 Series doesn’t offer an SMG.

Changing a flat tire near traffic can be dangerous and inconvenient. The run-flat tires standard on the Cooper Convertible can be driven up to 50 miles without any air pressure, allowing you to drive to a service station for a repair. Run-flat tires aren’t available on some tire packages on the 2 Series.

For better maneuverability, the Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 1 foot tighter than the 230i’s (35.4 feet vs. 36.4 feet). The Cooper Convertible’s turning circle is 2.8 feet tighter than the M240i’s (35.4 feet vs. 38.2 feet).

The MINI Cooper Convertible may be more efficient, handle and accelerate better because it weighs about 650 to 750 pounds less than the BMW 2 Series.

The Cooper Convertible is 2 feet, 2.8 inches shorter than the 230i, making the Cooper Convertible easier to handle, maneuver and park in tight spaces.

The Cooper Convertible has 1.7 inches more front headroom and 4.3 inches more rear headroom than the 2 Series.

J.D. Power and Associates surveys of service recipients show that MINI service is better than BMW. J.D. Power ranks MINI fourth in service department satisfaction. With a 7% lower rating, BMW is ranked 7th.

The Cooper Convertible’s standard power windows have a locking feature to keep children in the rear seat from operating them, but the driver can still raise and lower all of them with the lock engaged. BMW does not offer a locking feature on the 2 Series’ standard power windows.

Heated windshield washer nozzles are standard on the Cooper Convertible to prevent washer fluid and nozzles from freezing and help continue to keep the windshield clear in sub-freezing temperatures. The 2 Series doesn’t offer heated windshield washer nozzles.

The MINI Cooper comes in coupe, convertible and four door hatchback bodystyles; the BMW 2 Series isn’t available as a convertible or four door.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the MINI Cooper Convertible and the BMW 2 Series, based on reliability, safety and performance.

J.D. Power and Associates rated the Cooper Convertible first among compact sporty cars in owner reported satisfaction. This includes how well the vehicle performs and satisfies its owner’s expectations. The 2 Series was rated second in its category.