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BMW 2002

BMW

BMW 2002: BMW's compact two-door (1968-1976). The 2002 tii and 2002 turbo are recognized classics. Foundation of modern
Photo: Alexander-93 / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 4.0

BMW's compact two-door (1968-1976). The 2002 tii and 2002 turbo are recognized classics. Foundation of modern BMW sport sedan heritage.

The BMW 2002 is a compact two-door produced from 1968 to 1976. The 2002 was BMW pivotal product that established the brand modern reputation for sport-oriented compact sedans. The 2002 used the M10 inline-four engine; tii (Turismo Internazionale) had fuel injection and 130 horsepower; the turbocharged 2002 turbo (1973-1974) made 170 horsepower in one of the first turbocharged production cars. The 2002 platform was the foundation for the BMW 3-Series introduced in 1975. The 3-Series continued the formula of compact two-door sport sedan; the 2002 lineage runs through every subsequent 3-Series generation including the modern G20. Modern 2002 prices have appreciated significantly. Project 2002s start around $10,000-$15,000; clean 2002 tii examples sell for $30,000-$60,000+. The 2002 turbo is even rarer; prices have crossed $200,000+ for clean examples. On WhipJury, 2002 submissions are uncommon but always memorable, particularly tii and turbo variants.

2002 variants

2002 (1968-1976). Standard. M10 carbureted inline-four.

2002 tii (1971-1974). Fuel-injected. 130 horsepower.

2002 turbo (1973-1974). Turbocharged. 170 horsepower. Very rare.

Frequently asked questions about BMW 2002

Why is the 2002 important?
The 2002 established BMW reputation for sport-oriented compact sedans. The platform was the foundation for the BMW 3-Series introduced in 1975. Every subsequent 3-Series traces its character to the 2002. The car defined the affordable European sport coupe category.
Are 2002s reliable?
The M10 inline-four is durable. Common issues are typical for cars now 50+ years old: rust, electrical concerns, fuel system. With proper restoration and maintenance, 2002s can be daily driven; barn finds typically need significant work.
How much does a 2002 cost?
Used pricing varies. Project 2002: $10,000-$20,000. Driver-quality 2002: $20,000-$40,000+. Clean 2002 tii: $30,000-$60,000+. 2002 turbo: $200,000-$400,000+ (very rare).
What is the difference between 2002 and 2002 tii?
The tii had Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection instead of carburetors. Output increased to 130 horsepower (vs around 100 for carbureted 2002). The tii is widely considered the connoisseur 2002 variant.
Is the 2002 turbo really first?
Among the first production turbocharged cars. The Saab 99 Turbo (1977) and Porsche 911 Turbo (1975) are also early turbocharged production cars. The 2002 turbo production was very limited (around 1,672 cars total) due to the 1973 oil crisis. Pre-Saab and pre-Porsche, the BMW 2002 turbo represents a notable early example.

More on the BMW 2002

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Why Some Cars Age Beautifully and Others Don't
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The 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1 looks better today than it did when it was new. The 2002 Pontiac Aztek looks exactly as bad as it did in 2002, possibly worse now that the cultural context that produced it has faded. Both cars are over twenty years old. Only one of them aged. The question of why some cars improve with time and others calcify into their worst qualities is worth taking seriously because the answer tells you something about what good design actually is...

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