The spritely BMW 2002 served as the German powerhouse’s point of entry to the mainstream American market in the late ’60s, and for years the 2002 also served as many enthusiasts’ point of entry to BMW ownership. While good 2002s are still plentiful, demand has driven prices strongly upward in the last few years, so finding a solid, driver-quality 2002 at a four-figure price has become much more challenging. At $7,995, this ’72 seen here on craigslist out of Sparta, Wisconsin might just fit the bill.
This “roundie”—so called for its round taillights, as opposed to the rectangular units fitted to ’74-76 models—is described as “all original except for wheels and stereo.” All original BMW, perhaps, but those seats are clearly original to a ’90s E34 5-series, not this or any other 2002. Sharp-eyed BMW freaks will also note that the bumpers appear to have come off of an earlier car, as a ’72 should have rubber rub strips all around and a rear bumper that wraps further around the sides of the car. Nevertheless, those seats are surely much comfier than the originals, and the bumpers look clean enough, although the front could stand to be straightened.
Nothing looks too amiss under the hood; reassuringly, the fan is in motion in this photo, so we know the engine runs! The shock towers, a common spot for rust, look good, too. The M10 inline-four is a stout piece if properly maintained, and the 2002 enjoys exceptional support for both restoration and modification, so this car could probably just be driven, or it could be taken pretty much anywhere a new owner’s imagination wants to go.
Nothing too exciting about these ’80s-vintage “bottlecap” wheels, but more importantly, this photo shows that at least the driver’s side quarter panel seems to be free of rust. That would be my biggest concern about a Midwestern car like this one, as BMWs might be the ’70s German car most vulnerable to the dread cancer; an in-person inspection is the best way to be sure, but the Sahara tan paint looks original, there are promising underhood and trunk shots, and overall, this 02 looks like a nicely maintained driver. The price isn’t as low as they used to be, but still reasonable—could you see this 2002 being your entry (or return) into vintage BMW ownership?
Kind of strange that someone put an earlier rear bumper on there. Usually it’s the other way around. Is it possible that this is a very late ’71 titled as a 72? I had a sunroof ’72…..they’re great cars. This one looks interesting for having most of its original bits aside from the wheels seats and bumper. Wish it were closer.
Late ’71 is a possibility, but the rub strips along the sides would suggest that it should have the later bumpers. That said, it’s not unheard of for “transitional” cars to have mix-n-match bits. You never know until you look, I guess!
Used to have one back in the 1990s. Was a fun and interesting car. I have been into 510s as well (Datsun) and one time jacked both up and the 510 is a near carbon copy from the underside on a rolling creeper. Nearly identical.
Issue I had with mine was watch that reverse polarity, Vapor locking on hot days, and that damn rattle from the heat shield which they all do that.
I had a shop customer I built a British bike for and he owned a dealership and service center and knew these inside and out.
He restored-modded one of this vintage as well and thought highly about a Stainless header pipe and had it ceramic coated and this cut down on the heat as well as eliminated the rattly heat shield plus the attending small power boost.
Still recall fondly the interior smell of these. (And the Blaupunkt stereo). They were not super fast or handling but they were fun and I enjoyed my years of ownership. Sold it when buying another property. I doubt I would pay as much as these are going for now for another. But they are cool
this is either a mid-year ’71 or later car because it has 12-fuse box. it’s been cobbled together with an earlier 3-piece dash, short console and short rear bumper. those seats should go. this example is priced ambitiously at 7K.
Given the somewhat tatty underhood shots, I’m thinking the exterior looks a little too nice by contrast.
And please, if you’re going to sell a car at least shovel the dirt from inside…
robj