Tell me about BMW 2002s

[jyl]

Like, love, ehh?. Best years, models?. What are they worth? Can you get parts?. Are they too old to be daily drivers? What do they drive like? Pictures?

[tcar]

Find the article written by David E. Davis, Jr. in the 60's - "Car and Driver"

[jyl]

Read it. But that was a long time ago. Lots of cars were very nice back in the day but haven't aged well.

[Jim Richards]

Why Are We Such Poor Decision Makers

[Ferraripete]

of all the cars that I have owned...my 73 fjord blue tii was among my most memorable. man what a great car that was!!!!

[Seahawk]

I owned a 1972 2002 Tii for four years. It was, in it's day, an absolute joy.

I had such fond memories of the car that about five years ago I set out to find another one of my very own.

From hundreds of ads and phone calls, I test drove probably 25 cars of various nick and price points, from unmolested 2002/2002Tii's to modified cars. As you might expect, the modified cars ran the gamut from professionally done German porn to Frankenmutts.

I put an offer on three. I was outbid on one, late to the party on another (I mistakenly decided to "sleep on it" for the night while others in search of 2002's did not) and the third car spectacularly failed the PPI...a very sad story that frankly put an end to my quest. Prices have risen since I was actively looking.

My impressions over 35 years after selling my first 2002?

The cool factor remains what it was when I first saw one. It is, to my sensibilities, a beautiful automobile that has aged sublimely.

The interior is as I remembered it, spacious and functional: I can still remember where I put my Pioneer Supertuner radio and cassette player.

Reality collides with memory in performance and handling. Yes, they drive well and are still a hoot to toss around but they are no longer "Whispering Bombs" compared to even modest cars today and the four speed transmission is awful.

What I began to really covet was a modified 2002 with a 320i engine and drive train with no exterior mods at all, no rust, etc. I looked at a few in person and did put an offer on one...the seller simply wanted more than I was willing to spend.

I decided on another make and model of car over three years ago, which continues to be a great experience.

However, I still want a 2002. I have shifted my focus to finding a 2002 in need of manageable work (rust is the great enemy of these cars) that I will then convert to the car I want. I am in the homework phase of trying to get pricing for the various bits, what I can do myself and what I'll need to farm out to get the performance and creature comforts I want wrapped inside the style I still find so appealing.

In the end, something like this: http://bringatrailer.com/listing/1973-bmw-2002-6/

[GG Allin]

Just like an old 911, only shaped different.

[LWJ]

Slowish but wonderful.

[fanaudical]

For "local resources", you might check out Peter's Hobby Shop in Wilsonville. He specializes in older BMW's, I think he has some for sale.

There are a couple 2002's around PDX that have been updated very well (they show up at the Cars & Coffee event at World of Speed occasionally).

[908/930]

Was my first car, a 1971 purchased in 83, it had rust problems then, so I can only imagine now. But lots of fun to drive, reasonably light. I went through a guibo every six months and three transmissions over four years but never any engine problems.

As a daily driver? if has been maintained no reason it wouldn't make a good driver, do you require AC?.

The pre 73 seem to be more desirable (round taillights) . The Ti or Tii with some extra power would add to the fun factor but easy enough to mod a regular one. From what I have heard the Tii fuel injection is quite sensitive and probably not the best for a daily driver. Not sure on parts availability.

[scottmandue]

I know nothing other than I would love to have one... though for a real world fun car I would probably be better served with a Datsun 510.

[jyl]

Weird. 10 footers go for $5K, mintys go for $20K. As far as I can tell.

[scottmandue]

Originally Posted by jyl

Weird. 10 footers go for $5K, mintys go for $20K. As far as I can tell.

Googled 510's for sale.... I retract my statement... range found is $7K to $25K
Would rather have the much better looking 2002 at that price.

[DonDavis]

I owned a '76 02 and a '74 tii. Wish I still had both. At the time, the tii was a basket case. It was all there, but sorely needed a LOT of attention. The '76 was mechanically great. Had some rust, but looked great from 10'. Drove it cross country 3x. No a/c, just a basic car that was a blast to drive.

Originally Posted by Seahawk

In the end, something like this: 1973 BMW 2002 | Bring a Trailer

Let's see what this one goes for. At 22k it seems like a solid deal. A lot of the heavy lifting has been completed. I'd feel fine modding this one to my liking.
It could need a glass out respray sooner rather than later. Would have to get a closer look.
Overall it's a sweet ride.

[jyl]

Looked at a beater 2002 today. 1976, mileage unknown (odo broke), rust at trailing edge of left front fender, doors don't close well, various dents and waves in body panels, missing headliner over sunroof, needs new upholstery, dash cracked, holes where speakers go, rat's nest of wiring under dash, generally every part of the car needs cosmetic attention. On the positive side, other common problem spots were rust free, car was compete, runs and drives okay, 5 speed trans, looks good from 20 feet, maybe 30 feet. $8K. I estimate will need $15K to be nice not mint.

[sugarwood]

Here is an outlaw 2002 mindset
VWVortex.com - bought my first bmw(s)! (2002 content))

[JQ911]

Nice to know im not the only one itching to get one. Im on the hunt as well. Started when the owner of the shop i hang out has 3 and its starting to grow on me.

[tcar]

Hell of a step up from the Isetta...

[Otter74]

The 2002 is one of two cars I've wanted since I was a kid. 911 is the other one, and I've got that. I'm probably safe from ever buying a 2002 because I've got my Sentra SE-R that I'm never getting rid of.

[DonDavis]

1973 BMW 2002 | Bring a Trailer

~40 min to go. It's at 25k.