2002s are considered iconic among BMW fans and collectors. Produced between 1968 and 1976, they were part of the 02 series of compact “executive” cars built by Bavaria Motor Works using a shortened chassis of the New Class Sedans. Though the 2002s were officially imported into the U.S, the seller’s car was brought over independently from Germany and retrofitted to U.S. safety standards. But that was 27 years ago, and it’s been in mothballs most of the time since. Garage-kept, this Beamer is in Pequannock, New Jersey, and available here on craigslist for $16,000. Thanks, T.J., for continuing to bring tips like this to us!
Though other versions of the 02 were available in terms of performance, the 2002 seemed to offer the best combination of size, style, handling, and speed, accomplished with a 1990cc SOHC inline-4. Though most were sold with a 4-speed manual transmission, a 3-speed automatic was also offered. In the U.S., the cars produced 100 hp with a single carburetor, while fuel injection could raise the output to 130 hp. During the lifecycle of the 2002, more than 339,000 copies were built.
As the story goes, this lime green (original color) example was brought over from Munich by its original owner in 1995. That party still owns the car. It was brought up to U.S. standards, including the bigger-than-life cowcatcher bumpers they had after 1973. For reasons not specified, the BMW was not driven after 1997, put away in a garage, and covered for the duration.
We’re told that the machine has been “maintained” all this time, though the car has not been driven. The body and paint look nice although all the photos are from its captive location. The only rust the seller tells us of is a little on the rear right quarter panel behind the wheel opening. The paint is not original with at least one respray. With a new starter, we’re told the motor will turn over. But what about the fuel system? Was it drained 25 years ago? A good friend of mine owns about 20 of these cars and swears by them, although only a few of them are runners.
One of the ugliest colors for these,plus it’s an automatic.
Succinctly put :) I’ve owned two but thankfully they were roundies, A ’72 and a ’73. I actually dropped a Getrag 5 speed in my Baikal Blue ’72 sunroof with dealer installed air! So a buyer of this could always ditch the slushbox……and should. I’d like to know if it sells at this ask given the color and tranny.
i beg to differ on the bad rap the mintgrun has received. by far the worst 02 color is siennabraun. these 70’s colors are sought after on the west coast.
Never saw one with an automatic, I like the color.
Great color! Shame about the auto though (fun fact; it’s the same one as in a Chevette).
Non-tii, big bumpers, automatic, some rust, for $16k? Nope.
Ok, resprayed even under the hood and throughout the inside of the trunk with lots of overspray? Sort of odd. Rust behind the right rear wheel, yet no picture. No underside pics, no interior pics? “Car has not been driven in about 25 years, but has been maintained during that time” yet “Needs new starter, car will turn over” Maintained how? So does it run or not? Worst ’02 color and an automatic? $16k – nope, hard pass.
The ad is misleading as all 239xxxx VINs are US market for 1976 and no one back then added US bumpers either. And if truly rust free the asking price is fairly reasonable.