Going to look at a 2002 tomorrow, what do I need to know?
 

75 automatic ,not running for 2 years, supposedly rust free with the exception of some bubbling in the lower doors. Looks like it will shine up decent with elbow grease, I can get it for a grand. Owner has no idea why it does not run.
I think I know where to look for rust, any other gotcha's?

I've been casually looking at these as well. Am guessing you've seen these resources (am posting in case you haven't):

2002 Buying Tips - How to find a good one - BMW 2002 FAQ

BMW 2002 Buyer's Guide

Rust...rear shock towers, visible inside the trunk on each rear wheel well, rocker panels (inner & outer), spare tire well in trunk, floors, around parking lights/directionals in front fenders, front strut mount area in engine compartment, and front frame rails. Almost sounds like a 911, doesn't it?

It sounds like you are describing my old 2002...

I love 2002's!

On my bucket list to own one.

Just checked out eBay and found this one right here in NSB...looks nice but I don't have room for it in my stable at the moment.

Some good photos though of the things Dave mentioned to look for, Fred.

BMW 2002 Chrome | eBay

Please let me know how this turns out. Not an ideal car (auto) but if you don't buy it I may be interested.

Not a fan of automatic transmission either.....what fun are those --- in a car like this?!?

Plenty of swaps available...for a grand I have barn space:D Have trailer will travel. I need to stop in and see Dave as well.

If it was an unmolested round eye, Tii, etc., whole different scenario.

Something to check is the front brake calipers mine were were a bit sticky. If the shell is in good shape the rest you can change, possibly drop in a 5 speed from a 320i, the lower mount for the clutch pedal is probably there.

Lots of fun to drive.

I took my trailer, and a pocket full of cash, but did not buy it. It was mostly rust free, but there was some in the rear of the front fender wells, and front of the rocker panels, near the turn signals, and lower doors. Definately restore able, but the killer for me was that 1). it was a 75 automatic model, just about the least desireable 2002, and 2). whoever tried to diagnose it a year and a half ago, took out the spark plugs, and some plugs in the intake manifold, and left the engine open to the elements. I could see standing rusty water in the intake manifold, and the motor was rusted tight. I could not for the life of me turn it. Little more of a project than I was looking for, even though it was cheap. If I have to expend that much effort, I'd rather do a p Paul, I can forward you the contact info. He was a decent guy.
My kid lost my cell phone last night, so I did not get any photos.

PM sent Fred. If the rust is reasonable, I'll stick it in the barn until I can get to it.

How far from you is it? Is he stuck on 1K?

Best.

An S14 in one of those as a very very fun car

An M3 motor fits? Tranny?

You are an evil man.

Yes it does you just have to modify the upper radiator support. Well that and you have to find an S14 that won't cost a few internal organs plus an appendage

Given that my internal organs are a bit used, what is a reasonable engine/tran combo for this thing?

As you know, I prefer more than a dash of patina, so a runner 2002 works for me.

The S14 is the power plant out of an E30 M3, it fits a 2002 because it is a four banger, the inline 6's are too long for the engine bay in the 2002. If you buy the car, I'll come up, yank the engine and haul it home and overhaul it for ya. Internal mods too. trust me, nothing too crazy

V8?

I just missed a '69 2002 4-speed complete and bone stock for $1500 obo in L.A. It needed complete resto from front to rear but only had surface rust on top of trunk, etc.

Someone got it for maybe $1200(?) You can find a lot better cars/deals than the car in this thread if you look.

M42 and five speed swap. Good weight balance.

M42 head on an M44 block. Solid little engine set up. I ran one for years in an E36