BMW laid the foundation for the success of its now-legendary 3 Series with a compact, nimble two-door sports sedan named the “2002”. This 1976 BMW 2002 automatic in Westwood, New Jersey features shiny original paint, relatively low miles at 70,000 (113k km), and it “runs and drives strong.” The auction here on eBay includes a Make Offer button. Can’t wait? Simply demonstrate your enthusiasm by clicking Buy It Now for $18,000.
Owners prize the BMW 2002 for its simplicity, utility, and a sensory-rich driving experience lacking in modern cars. While the mechanically fuel-injected tii model adds collector value and horsepower, the tii fuel system features a host of parts that can quickly total more than the value of a decent non-tii model 2002. Believe me; I own one! This 2002 features a simple carburetor. The large bumpers and square tail-lights of these later 1974-76 models render them less collectible, but you’ll never notice those bits when you’re charging along your favorite twisty two-lane with a ridiculous smile on your face.
While the 80s-style Recaro bucket seats represent an improvement for spirited driving, their color and style look out-of-place on this mostly stock 2002. Aftermarket sources offer many common parts, and BMW itself supplies nearly everything needed to refurbish a 2002 from a bare shell, as documented in this fascinating video. A one-owner car until two years ago, this one enjoyed decades of care and some recent updates. Its automatic transmission may represent an opportunity for someone who can appreciate this classic sedan with no need for a superfluous thrashing.
Despite looking rather dirty and unimpressive, the sweet 2.0-liter inline four-cylinder mounted longitudinally, provides 101 HP. If that number sounds, small remember that Cadillac’s 500 cubic inch (8.2L) V8 made 190 HP the same year. The race-proven M10 engine, especially when mated to the perfectly-geared four-speed manual transmission, provides all the thrust required to thoroughly enjoy a 2,100 lb BMW. Power upgrades are limited only by your budget and willingness to deviate from stock. Thanks to wikipedia.org for some details. How would you use this clean, mostly-original classic?
Ah the bathtub-ring BMW, no style, no character and made for little folk.
I didn’t like them then & still don’t.
To bad the interior is not styled like a ’93 Buick. Because then not only do you have the outside bathtub-ring but you would also have the inside bathtub-ring.
Disconcerting to say the least.
Excellent writeup Todd. You hit the nails on the head on the important aspects of the 2002 series.
The only thing I would add is mention of David E. Davis’ piece in Car and Driver magazine decades ago, in which he showed that the 2002 series of BMWs made carmakers take notice of a new genre: the small sports sedan.
The hotted up versions that BMW made, like the tii series that has become a collector car now, were especially important in the development of those kinds of small performance cars.
How would I use it?
I’d give it to my grandmother.
I had 2 2002s that I thoroughly enjoyed. In answer to one of the other comments, I am 6’2″, and found the car to well designed, roomy, with excellent visibility, excellent handling, and extremely reliable performance. The handling was as good as any 1960s sports car and yet, had a better ride. I know, because I owned a few.
The only change I would like to have made, would have been to swap in a 5 speed, to get the rpm down when highway cruising at 70 mph.
On the negative side, rust on the front corners, spring towers, and the rear wheelwells was a problem, but that doesn’t make them much different from any other cars of the time.
The car was a favourite of my wife and kids, who both learned to drive on this car.
Owning the 2002, was the positive experience that made me move on to the big coupes. I still own a 633csi and a 635csi, not as much fun as the 2002, but great driving cars in their own right.
Bob
Exactly what I did to a cherry ’72 BMW in Baikal blue with a sunroof and dealer installed a/c……….dropped a Gettrag 5 speed into it………….and serial car owner I am……..sold it for six grand , which I thought was a ridiculously lot of money, back in the eighties.
Why oh why did I get an itch and sell the car?
For some reason the square lights just dont do it for me. But thats just me..and the slushbox? Fugedaboutit!
In the day, these were fun little cars. I would definately prefer to have a stick shift. This was also the l azt year of the 2002. The next generation, was a 320i. I had a 78 320i. It was a nice car, but I always had a soft spot for the 1973 320i tri. Best of luck to whoever takes this one on. I doubt if I would hand it to mom to drive, it can be a very nice little ride.
Thank you to the author for posting this car here as I’m the current owner who is selling. It’s an incredibly clean and fun little car that will make the next owner extremely happy. I will comment that this style Recaro seat was a factory option in ’76 and they were recovered along with the rear seat in in Navy Blue German Vinyl and are a near-perfect match with the rest of the original Navy Blue Interior. I’ll also comment that while the engine bay isn’t gleaming with ArmorAll, its alo incredibly clean. Thank you again folks.
The seat upgrade is necessary on 2002s that have some years on them if you don’t restuff them early. The horsehair just keeps falling out until you are sitting on springs. I put 320i seats in mine. Simple bolt-in and change the seat belt receiver. No more horsehair.