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
Steve, the wheel-well hole and the wiring are the two I would price it on too. On a 2002 the rust that kills it is in the rockers, the floor pans and the rear shock towers, and the towers rot from the top where you can only see them from inside the trunk with the side panels out. Surface spots on the rockers almost always mean more under the trim and the carpets. Check the sunroof drains too; plugged drains put the water in the footwells and the frame rails. At ,000 the shell has to be dry under all of it. A solid 2002 with a bad motor is cheaper than a rusty one with a good one.
2K max or go buy a good one somewhere else.
Did they put any oil in the cylinders before firing… asking for a friend.
Yes, WD-40
That mouse pee aroma is coming thru my screen… $8k?… seriously?…
My pet peeve: an aftermarket steering wheel. My other pet peeve: aftermarket seats. Also, I don’t see the pedals, are they there?
I have to say, there’s way too many people that are bringing cars that have been hibernating for years and years, after collecting not only dirt and grime, but rusting out also, then posting them either for sale or trying to auction them, expecting too much money.
But they’re Classic Cars, ya know.
There have always been a large number of sellers asking way too much, the only difference is they are easier to share online. In the early-1980’s one of the highlights of me and my friends, after we met at the local 7-11 after classes of Fridays was laugh at the overpriced cars and projects. The main difference is, people no longer laugh at those ads
Steve R
Is that gold dust covering it ? Reason its so expensive !
Wow. I agree, taking even just a hose to this would have been helpful. Where are the clutch, brake and accelerator pedals? This is way too rough for $8000. I bought a non-running 1972 2002 for $500 that looked way better than this one, no rust and a solid, intact interior and had it resurrected for about $8000.
These were my cars of choice for a greater part of my life. My first was in 74 and drove them up to 2010 when I sold my last. I had 22 in various project and 5 were solid everyday drivers. This one has too many irregularities as it was worked on using various different year parts. That’s not a bad thing if you want a good driver. As a 1970 there were no side markers. They came out in late 71. The seats are cloth which came out after 74. Clearly the owner thinks he has gold but he has to present a bit better for good numbers. The biggest thing are the frame rails and the rear shock towers. If they are toast, you have a lot of work. The pre 71 cars used a terrible recycled steel which was prone to disintegration, especially if you live in the northeast like me. Not too many pre 71 cars lasted here. I would agree with Bobhess that $2K looking like this is a good gamble. It may be better than its presentation, but ‘C’mon!” Give it a cleaning and some better pictures!!
My last car sold in 2010 on Ebay for $6500 and I had two people fighting for it. What a driver. The motor was acquired in a VT junkyard for $150 for a totaled car. The motor had $10K ( back then) put into it. What a runner!! What most people don’t know is that the 2002 motors had more nickel content in the blocks than any other manufacturers. Even more than Porsches!
This is one rough looking 2002. Where are the accelerator, brake and clutch pedals? I bought my 1972 2002 for $500 from a repair shop that worked on BMWs. It had been sitting dead as a door nail for years but had no rust. I spent $8000 getting it back to road worthiness. I agree that $2k would be more reasonable.
BMW and rust belt do not mix. An under car and in trunk inspection required before even making a $2k offer.
The unibodies on these can rust very badly, and it looks to be sitting on a moist dirt floor. Would need many undercarriage photos before even thinking about a price.
Correct me if I’m wrong, I don’t see any pedals in the driver side foot well.
You’ll definitely be underwater on this one, but it is a roundie. It’d be a good track car, but not at 8k. I’d want to see the driver side frame rail and the wheel wells in the trunk
Or bring it out with the dust take a picture then after a bath and more clean pictures ? I had a 318 ,1985 it was a really fun car once the rpms came up
Pictures in the barn with dust all over and dark shadows are good pictures to show where the car has been for 30 years, in less than desirable conditions, but another set of pictures needs to show the car outside , in the sunlight; cleaned up, just a little bit. Otherwise the car looks like it’s been parked in a salvage yard.
Too expensive! A2002TI in good order would cost usd 18K if in very good condition. This is a barns find! . Spare parts are not uptanible, but very rare to find today.