This 1973 BMW 2002 is a case of looking like an absolutely fantastic deal for someone that’s been on the hunt for a so-called “roundie,” or round tail light example. With a desirable color scheme known as “Golf Yellow” and a highly elusive slicktop – otherwise known as the deletion of the factory sunroof, which was so popular it was practically standard – this is pretty far up there on the desirability list for a non-Tiii 2002. The seller has priced it quite reasonably here on eBay, asking $7,500 or best offer.
Interestingly, it’s listed as best offer but in the description, the seller claims the price is firm. Either way is fine with me, as it seems more than fair for the current market. The 2002 does have some rust, but it all appears to be manageable in terms of repair. The round tail light cars have always been cherished by the 2002 faithful, and I’m honestly surprised it hasn’t been purchased yet. Perhaps there’s more rust lurking that I don’t see in the photos, but even so, it looks quite solid by my New England standards. The earlier cars also benefit from the far more attractive small bumpers.
Heck, the interior doesn’t even look that bad, and I was halfway expecting to see an automatic transmission in here. With the preferred 5-speed, black leatherette, and seemingly lots of original details that are typically lost over the years, like the steering wheel, this seems more and more like an honest 2002. The car is located in North Carolina, which is the home turf of the annual “The Vintage” event which attracts hundreds of faithful BMW owners. It would be a treat to show up in a 2002 like this one, as the seller notes it still runs and drives and you could likely live with the rust holes for a little while.
The standard BMW engine produces 99 b.h.p. and 116 lb.-ft. of torque, and while the Tii is significantly more powerful,, there are numerous ways to make the base engine more entertaining. Even so, drivers found lots to love about this charming European sports sedan when it was new, as BMW practically created the segment that combined seating for four with a chassis that was seriously fun to drive. While values have softened a bit, there’s still a significant amount of support for these classic BMWs, and this one will be a treat to own just seeing that bright yellow paint job in the garage every day. I don’t expect this one to last long.
Strongly doubt that it’s a 5-speed, it was a very rare option for the 2002. I think the front seats are from a 3-series? Kudos to the seller for not shying away from pictures that show also the uglier sides of this car.
But I don’t know, it’s in the difficult market where it’s too expensive to just be a ratty driver, and if you’re thinking about restoring it you would be so much better off paying $20k for a car that’s already finished.
Given it is a 4 speed…. what is a number that would be reasonable to have a reliable driver someday. And I personally hate the color so assume I would need to paint it myself and I am capable of that. Don’t care if the seats are not the correct year as long as they are rebuilt to provide the support they had when new… thx in advance
I didn’t see a reference in the ebay ad to this, being a 5 speed. Did I miss something? That said swapping in a Getrag 265 5 speed OD trans from a later BMW is one of the most popular modifications done to these cars. And anyone who’s ever driven one with a 4 speed will tell you why.
Considering the condition, this price is market correct. And every part you would need to restore it is readily available thru the 2002 community.
But unless you have welding skills, I agree your better off starting with a more solid canvas. You can easily spend $7.5k to buy this car and another $30k to restore it to wind up with a $25k finished product.
I was in the fix-it business back in those days, never saw one with a 5 speed. Hate to see that weber too. While they were a godsend for Toyota and Datsun owners, the original Solexs were quite repairable.
I could see myself buying this, leaving it just the way it is, so I could drive the obsessive-compulsive types nutty at Cars-&-Coffee…. ;-)
Rost schläft nie!
Rear shock towers look sketchy, no surprise there.
Neil Young würde zustimmen.
“slicktop – otherwise known as the deletion of the factory sunroof”
one of my peeves with automotive writers.. if something is a factory option, i.e. must be ordered specifically, how is it deleted?
Mine was a ’72, golf yellow, 4-speed. Drove it until it died of rust. Lots of fun until every frame-member was unsafe at any speed. Parted out. Sigh.
Nice find. Would be a good deal for someone who wants to clean it up a little and enjoy it. It covers that middle ground between project cars and restored cars. While the listing covers many photos well, it lacks underside photos and is scarce on written description. I guess they want you to contact them.