Bmw 2002

Hard-Deck · 04-08-2008, 04:51 PM

I posted this on the BMW side, but only hear crickets. Maybe someone over here has some feedback.

I'm thinking of buying a 1969 BMW 2002 Automatic. I'm new to BMW and would like to know what to check for before purchasing?

pmacmn · 04-08-2008, 04:55 PM

Grassroots Motorsports had an article on these cars just recently. You might have a look on their website. The 2002 is on my list of wants, they just look right.

Pat

Don Plumley · Don Plumley's Garage

Here's two other forums to check:

www.bmw2002faq.com

Bimmerforums

JayG · 04-08-2008, 05:01 PM

^The faq is the best resource to check into. I'd steer away from the auto cars unless it also has a/c. Then it would be a sweet daily. I had a Laguna Seca blue (was agave green) '76. Nice little 100 hp street rod.

If you go on the faq then project blogs mine is on like page 4-5 as JayG's 76.

onlycafe · 04-08-2008, 05:05 PM

i had a '69 about thirty years ago. what a great car that was.
bored it .30 over, put in a medium hot cam, headers , balanced etc.
surprised many with it.

Hard-Deck · 04-08-2008, 05:10 PM

Thanks so much for all of the quick responses. Please continue if anyone has input.

Steve_in_SB · 04-08-2008, 05:12 PM

Agree the bmw2002faq would be your best resource. Here is the link to a 2002 buying guide http://www.bmw2002faq.com/content/view/80/32/ Lurk on the discussion forum for a while, or after utilizing the search, post up a question, we are not at a loss for opinions.

Good luck, the 02's are great cars

Hard-Deck · 04-08-2008, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayG

^The faq is the best resource to check into. I'd steer away from the auto cars unless it also has a/c. Then it would be a sweet daily. I had a Laguna Seca blue (was agave green) '76. Nice little 100 hp street rod.

If you go on the faq then project blogs mine is on like page 4-5 as JayG's 76.

Yup, this one has A/C

Hard-Deck · 04-08-2008, 05:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JayG

^The faq is the best resource to check into. I'd steer away from the auto cars unless it also has a/c. Then it would be a sweet daily. I had a Laguna Seca blue (was agave green) '76. Nice little 100 hp street rod.

If you go on the faq then project blogs mine is on like page 4-5 as JayG's 76.

Jay, your car is beautiful.

porsche930dude · porsche930dude's Garage

theres one at my local junk yard

I stole the coil and dizzy from it

TimT · 04-08-2008, 05:54 PM

I had a 1602Ti and a 2002Ti.. great cars... check for rust.. avoid the automatic

Hard-Deck · 04-08-2008, 06:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TimT

avoid the automatic

This car has no rust, even in the common trouble areas. Why do I avoid the auto?

stevepaa · 04-08-2008, 06:25 PM

I restored my 69 and drove for many years. I think the stick is the only way to go. I would not worry about ac at all. just roll the window down.

aigel · aigel's Garage

German cars back then were 95% sticks. Autos were for geriatric and handicapped people. As a result, the auto trans was rather crude. Not comparable to anything in the US of that vintage. Test drive an old German auto car, and you will see what I mean. Even top of the line S class autos from that day are not very good - IMHO.

George

tchanson · 04-08-2008, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aigel

German cars back then were 95% sticks. Autos were for geriatric and handicapped people. As a result, the auto trans was rather crude. Not comparable to anything in the US of that vintage. Test drive an old German auto car, and you will see what I mean. Even top of the line S class autos from that day are not very good - IMHO.

George

Agreed. The slushbox saps pretty much all the fun right out of that car. And, as an ex '02 owner, check for rust (and then double check) with severe prejudice, especially in the rear shock towers in the trunk. All can be fixed, but at a cost that will quite quickly put you underwater based on the current value of the car.

2002's are wonderful cars, but aren't remotely rare. You should be able to easily find a (relatively) rust free, manual gearbox example as God and Max Hoffman intended.

Good luck,
Tim

Hard-Deck · 04-08-2008, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aigel

German cars back then were 95% sticks. Autos were for geriatric and handicapped people. As a result, the auto trans was rather crude. Not comparable to anything in the US of that vintage. Test drive an old German auto car, and you will see what I mean. Even top of the line S class autos from that day are not very good - IMHO.

George

Damnit. This car is in perfect condition but with the auto. I might take it anyway despite that setback.

Porsche-O-Phile · Porsche-O-Phile's Garage

Guy at a place I used to work had one - thing was reliable as a tank.

Jays72T · 04-08-2008, 08:52 PM

Great cars, I've had a few but never an auto. If the price is right and rust is not too bad then go for it, prices are going up. The FAQ is the best place but for more info check out www.bayarea02.com .

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

you could probably swap the auto for a 5 spd - not sure how much effort or cost for that

way back when, the hot setup was to toss the small single carb & put on dual Webers...

These are outstanding cars - the Porsche of sedans. And they started it all -- the whole sports sedan concept

Hard-Deck · 04-09-2008, 04:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWebb

you could probably swap the auto for a 5 spd - not sure how much effort or cost for that

way back when, the hot setup was to toss the small single carb & put on dual Webers...

Swapping trans is a good consideration. I think I'd rather have this absolute rust free auto than a stick with other issues. The car has been modified with a single Weber 2bbl, and a Petronix Flamethrower, those are the only mods, otherwise it's bone-stock.

Other than the negative replies about the Auto, you all are convincing me that this is a good addition to my 911. Keep comments coming that are useful please.