- Seller: Todd H
- Location: Boise, Idaho
- Mileage: 106,705 Shown
- Chassis #: 2382299
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 4-cylinder
- Transmission: Automatic
The seller of this 1975 BMW 2002 recently purchased it from its original owner. It had been parked for approximately ten years, so it had to be serviced, but it now runs and drives as it should. It’s a survivor with original paint, interior, and drivetrain. While the seller knows and enjoys these cars well, other projects demand their attention. It’s located in Boise, Idaho, and since we are friends with the seller, we offered to auction it for them.
According to the seller, the original owner’s husband maintained the car over the years, but after he passed away, the car remained parked in her garage. She needed it out of the garage, and since the seller used to run a European automotive repair shop, she knew he could get it going again. After getting it towed to his shop, the seller changed the oil and filter, drained the fuel system, cranked the engine to build oil pressure, and started it up. Once it was running, a timing chain noise could be heard, so they shut it off, replaced the timing chain, adjusted the valves, and fired the engine back up. It now runs and sounds great!
The 2002 is powered by BMW’s 2.0-liter version of the M10 4-cylinder. Several performance levels were offered: the base single-carb engine produced 99 horsepower, the dual-carb Ti produced 118, and the fuel-injected Tii was rated at 128. This example is a base model automatic, so its single-carb engine is paired with a ZF 3-speed automatic. While not the sportiest option, this car’s low weight and nimble handling will make for a fun driver. The seller states that the transmission shifts smoothly, be sure to watch the driving video below. The car is equipped with factory air conditioning but is not functioning. The seller also notes that the car was optioned with a sunroof, but they haven’t attempted to open it.
Inside, we find an original beige vinyl interior. It has some flaws, notably cracks in the dash and tears in the seats. The interior is functional as is, but could benefit from some work. Replacement parts are readily available with options to restore it to factory condition or custom options for those who want a sportier appearance. The odometer currently shows 6,706 miles, but the seller is confident it has rolled over and is 106k miles.
We sent one of our professional photographers over to help the seller capture all the needed pictures, and as you can see, they took lots of photos for us. The seller notes rust issues in the typical places, so our photographer took lots of pictures for closer examination. These cars are known to rust even in the driest climates. Given how popular they have become in recent years, replacement sheet metal is readily available to fix any issues this car might have.
The seller feels this car would be an excellent example for someone wanting to build a custom high-performance 2002, but it could also be driven and enjoyed as is. The rust should be addressed, but this might be one you can drive while you fix it up. And as fun as rowing through the gears is, sometimes an automatic is nice. This one will offer its next owner many options, whether to preserve it as is or build it into a hot rod ’02. So, which would it be for you? Please leave any questions you have for the seller in the comment section below!
Give BMW credit. They discontinued this model long before it could become a “2002 2002”. I do remember Car and Driver calling this car “Bavarian Cream” in a road test. And they were right, considering a lot of the junk that was on the market back then. This car, though it’s only a “base” model, will be expensive and rightfully so.
BMW without a Tach??
I know it’s an Automatic, but still…..