The Iconic First BMW Series 2: Performance Meets Legacy
Birthplace of timeless design and dynamic performance, the first BMW Series 2 wasn’t just a car—it was a statement. Born in the late 1960s, this compact executive coupe redefined what a sporty sedan could be, combining precision engineering with a driver-focused cockpit.
Launched as the E21 in 1968, the first BMW Series 2 introduced the world to a new benchmark in compact luxury performance. With its low-slung stance, rear-wheel drive, and finely tuned inline-six engine, it offered a seamless blend of agility and comfort. Designed by the legendary BMW team, every detail—from the precise steering to the intuitive dashboard—was crafted to deliver an unmatched driving experience. The Series 2 quickly became a favorite among enthusiasts, balancing everyday usability with track-ready responsiveness.
More than just a model, the first BMW Series 2 laid the foundation for one of the most enduring automotive lineages. Its success inspired decades of evolution, leading to the modern BMW 3 Series—still celebrated today for its performance and refinement. Collectors and driving purists prize the original Series 2 for its raw charm, mechanical integrity, and role in shaping BMW’s reputation for engineering excellence. Its influence echoes in every new generation, proving that first impressions can define a legacy.
The first BMW Series 2 remains a cornerstone of automotive history—a masterpiece of design and performance that continues to inspire. Whether you’re a seasoned driver or a collector, experiencing the first Series 2 is more than a drive—it’s a connection to the past. Discover your original or restore this icon today and drive the legacy forward.
![[Official Photos] The first-ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe - BMW.SG | BMW ...](https://www.bmw-sg.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/P90383594_highRes_the-first-ever-bmw-2.jpg "[Official Photos] The first-ever BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe - BMW.SG | BMW ...")
The BMW 02 Series is a range of sporty compact executive cars produced by German automaker BMW between 1966 and 1977, based on a shortened version of the New Class Sedans. The first 02 Series produced was the 1600-2 (later renamed 1602) in 1966. In 1975, the 02 Series was replaced by the E21 3 Series (except for the 1502 model, which continued until 1977).
The BMW 2-Series Coupe is unchanged for 2016, but the convertible gets more standard equipment as well as the option of all-wheel drive. The 2016 2-Series convertible now comes standard with an anti-theft alarm system along with many of the features from last year's Sports Line Package, including nicer seats, additional exterior trim pieces and. 1966: The BMW 02 Series Debuts The first of the 02 Series BMWs was the 1600-2.
It debuted in March 1966 at the Geneva International Motor Show. The car derived from the Neue Klasse (New Class. Initially known as the 1600-2, as the first 02-Series' was a new entry-level BMW, created as a logical down-scaling of the 1500-2000.
The 1600-2 (the -2 meaning two-door)was launched at the Geneva auto show in March 1966and was sold through 1975, with its name simplified to 1602 in 1971. With 85bhp from its M10 engine, the 1602 won friends for its excellent dynamics and brilliant handling. The first hybrid BMW was the 2010 BMW ActiveHybrid 7, and BMW's first electric car was the BMW i3 city car, which was released in 2013.
After many years of establishing a reputation for sporting rear-wheel drive cars, BMW's first front-wheel drive car was the 2014 BMW 2 Series Active Tourer multi-purpose vehicle (MPV). Complete timeline of BMW 2 Series Coupe models and generations, with photos, specs reference and production years. The BMW 1602 was a variant of the BMW 02 Series that debuted for the 1967 model year.
The 1602, which was originally introduced as the 1600-2, was built in Coupe, Cabriolet, and Touring body styles. The first-gen BMW 2 Series ran from the 2014 to the 2021 model years. In its outgoing iteration, the car was available in rear-wheel-drive and xDrive versions of the base 230i, powered by a turbo.
The first 02 Series produced was the 1600-2 The BMW 02 Series is a range of compact executive cars produced by German automaker BMW between 1966 and 1977, based on a shortened version of the New Class Sedans. The first generation of the BMW 2 Series, codenamed F22 for the coupe and F23 for the convertible, debuted in 2014. This generation was built on the same rear-wheel-drive platform as the F20 1 Series, but it featured a more aggressive and stylish design to attract a younger, sportier demographic.