BMW 2002

Turbo badge spells 170bhp of turbo lagging fun…very expensive to buy now

Interior trim and design was always plain and basic but hardy - later cars used cloth.

Trim parts are scarce, door cards are available although only in black so far

Convertible models are highly prized - later models were targa topped for strength

Corrosion is a worry, especially inner wings, sills and wheel arches

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What is a BMW 02?

It’s the granddaddy of the yuppie icon - the 3 Series! But when the 02 series was in production it was bought and appreciated by a far more discerning driver, more interested in its pedigree and driving prowess rather than sheer image. Often overlooked, an 02 makes a great starter classic that’s surprisingly inexpensive to buy and own.

History

As early as 1963 there had been discussions about a new and smaller BMW. Thoughts began to focus on a short wheelbase two door version of the New Class saloon and two-door model did not take long to design. The New Class wheelbase was shortened from 100.4 inches to 98.4 inches, Most of the running gear came directly from the existing four-door saloons, although there was a narrow track rear axle, which made front and rear tracks equal on the two-door model. The decision was made to launch the car with the 1573cc engine and, decided to call it the 1600-2. The additional figure 2 standing for its two doors and distinguishing it from the four-door 1600 saloon. The 1600-2 was announced in March 1966 and was immediately acclaimed as a winner. The lighter body made the car nearly as fast as the 1800 saloon, while the handling added a sporting ingredient, which was lacking in the larger car. The motoring press was unable to resist comparisons with Alfa Romeo’s sports cars, which suited BMW’s needs perfectly.

At the Frankfurt Motor show in autumn 1967, BMW announced an even more sporting version - the 1600ti - with a 105bhp twin carb engine and logically the 100hp 2-litre engine as seen in the 2000 coupe was a natural fit. And so the 2002 was born. There were three distinct “generations” of the BMW 2002 range during its eight and a half year production life. The first generation cars were built between 1968 and 1971. The second generation, or model 71, cars were built between 1971 and 1973. And the third generation, or model 73, cars were built between 1973 and the end of production in 1976. Variations of the 02 were the cabriolet, made by specialist Baur. Initially as the 1600-2 it was a pure drophead although by the time that the 2002 version came on line it became a targa for much needed bodyshell rigidity.

In 1972 the three-door Touring semi estate was launched; a sort of Scimitar GTE but with better build quality. It only used the 100bhp single carb engine.At the other end of the scale, the scintillating 170bhp Turbo was announced. Left hand-drive only and luridly decaled, this was the first real performance saloon from BMW and a forerunner to the M3. In 1975 BMW brought the 1502 to the UK as the new entry model with a 75bhp 1.5-litre engine. In total, almost half a million 02s were made in its ten year run and the only model not to surface in the UK was an 1802.

Driving

Be under no pretence; the 02 is a ‘sports car’. The Tii and 2.0 litre cars are surprisingly fast, the 1502 less so, but they are very nimble. The Turbo is a real handful with monster power that’s either on or off, requiring a large degree of respect. Don’t take the other models for granted either, as they can become tail-happy in slipperyconditions, as you’d expect from an old rear-wheel drive car. But if the handling lacks any direction, the front suspension bushes are more than likely shot, characterised by the steering pulling to the left or right under braking. Replacing the rear subframe and differential bushes will improve handling no end. The 2002 are the best performers and the tii offers Gti pace but if the entire range has one drawback it is the relative low gearing for modern roads. Although five-speed transmissions were listed as options most UK 02s were manual four-speeders.

Prices

All 02’s are grossly under valued; to build a concours winner from a Mot failure can cost tens of thousands of pounds and only the rare Turbo is remotely collectable - so far. Tatty 02s are easy £500 buys with average examples selling for around £1500 for the 1502 and 1600-2 cars with the far more desirable 2002 selling for £2300 - with the tii an easy three grand motor. Top tii kick off around the £7000 mark with the plainer 2002 worth around £4500 and the 1502 around £3500. Cabriolets are worth tii money while a top Turbo needs around £15,000 to relieve it from its current owner.