We’ve only seen about six examples of BMW’s sweet 2002 cross our desks at Barn Finds in the last year, so seeing two within days of each other is a rare treat. The last one was a tidy survivor, but this 1970 example has been less fortunate. But when we peel back the heavy layer of dust, we find a rock-solid, complete vehicle. The big question is whether the seller’s price makes it a worthwhile restoration candidate. They have listed the BMW here on Craigslist in Hickory Hills, Illinois. It could be yours for $8,000, and it is unclear whether that figure is firm.
The BMW 2002 was a happy accident. Helmut Werner Bönsch, the company’s Director of Product Planning, had slipped a newly developed 2.0-liter M10 four-cylinder motor under the hood of his 1600-2. Coincidentally, Alex von Falkenhausen, the engine’s designer, had done the same thing. When they discovered each other’s like-minded approach, they pitched the concept of the 2002 to BMW’s Board, which gave the new model the green light. Our featured 2002 rolled off the Munich production line in 1970, and it is unclear when its previous owner drove it into this barn. And yes, it did get there under its own steam. Beneath the heavy dust layer is the car’s original Night Blue paint, but its condition is impossible to determine. Reassuringly, the seller claims that the only rust is a couple of spots of surface corrosion in the rockers. If that is accurate, this little “BM” would be a rock-solid project candidate. It retains all of its original trim, while the factory sunroof adds to its appeal.
This BMW is consistent because its interior is as dirty as the exterior. I also believe someone swapped the front seats, because they wear non-standard cloth trim that doesn’t match the remaining Blue vinyl. It also sports an aftermarket sports wheel, while the missing column shroud exposes a rat’s nest of wires. Step one would be to deep clean everything, because I believe the results would be surprising. It will still require a reasonable shopping list of parts, but I feel that quite a few interior components would serve well in a driver-grade restoration.
The 1,990cc M10 four-cylinder engine defined the 2002, producing 99hp and 118 ft/lbs of torque. The more potent 2002Ti placed 118hp at the driver’s disposal, but since these cars weighed less than 2,100 lbs, even the least potent of the pair provided respectable performance. Add this car’s four-speed manual transmission and four-wheel independent suspension, and it’s easy to see why the 2002 earned wide acclaim as a genuine driver’s car. Interestingly, this classic has sat for years, but the seller coaxed its motor to life with starting fluid. If an in-person inspection reveals no nasty mechanical issues, returning it to a mechanically roadworthy state may not be difficult. The buyer will probably need to replace perishable components and rebuild or replace the brakes, but if the motor is okay, it’s a solid starting point.
I’m optimistic, but I’m also a realist. I acknowledge that restoring this 1970 BMW 2002 to its former glory will be a major undertaking, and it may not be for the faint-hearted. However, it would be interesting to wash the exterior, because it is virtually impossible to accurately assess its overall condition beneath the heavy layer of dust. If it is as solid as the seller suggests, it might be a financially viable DIY restoration project, because clean examples consistently sell for around $20,000. The seller’s price leaves plenty of room to move for someone willing to be hands-on. Is that thought enough to tempt you, or is this a classic you would give a wide berth?
We understand that it’s a Barn Find and it’s sat for years, but give the car a bath, then post it for sale.
Rough, there is more rust than the seller is letting on, the chunk of metal missing from the wheel well is not “surface rust”, the wiring around the column is a mess, where else other than the engine compartment was there a rodent nest. All for just $8,000, he must be using the sellers of rusty 68-70 Didge Chargers for inspiration.
Steve R