During the 1960s, BMW slowly built a reputation for its luxurious and athletic sedans and coupes, but understood that an entry-level model was needed, one that would cater to the younger demographic. Wilhelm Hofmeister, BMW's design director, tasked designers George Bertram and Manfred Rennen to produce a well-equipped, efficient, entry-level car built atop the shortened New Class chassis. The result was the well-built, fun-to-drive, comfortable Model 1600-2, introduced in 1966, and it immediately revolutionized the concept of 'entry level' model. While it excelled in many areas, it was criticized for its lack of performance. To resolve this issue, a 2.0-liter inline 4-cylinder engine was installed in a 1600-2, creating a 2002 - with the name meaning 2.0-liter 2-door. The 2002 was discontinued at the end of the 1976 model but by then, it had cemented this Bavarian carmaker's leadership position. It was renowned for its superb mechanical components, fully independent suspension, Getrag '232' 4-speed transmission, potent 2-liter engine, and outstanding handling.
SedanThe 1976 BMW 2002 was powered by an overhead-cam four-cylinder engine that displaced 121.3 cubic inches and offered nearly 100 horsepower. The 2-door sedan came equipped with a four-speed manual gearbox and disc brakes in the front and drums in the rear. A three-speed automatic was available as optional equipment. An independent suspension setup was placed in both the front and rear. The BMW 2002 was the company's most popular model in the United States for 1976. Changes were few and consisted of dual hemispherical combustion chambers in the engine and the elimination of the catalytic converter. Pricing began at $6,560.
by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011
Sedan
by Daniel Vaughan | Dec 2011
Related Reading : BMW 2002 History
Those manufacturers that had found a niche in the marketplace to survive the Great Depression were forced once again to figure out how to stay in business after World War II. BMW stayed successful with their affordable and efficient bubble car, named the Isetta. They also produced luxury cars such as the 507 and aircraft parts. In 1959, BMW was on the brink of bankruptcy. Their Isetta vehicle had....
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2002 Generation 3 Specification Comparison by Year
Year
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98.40 in.
4 cyl., 121.50 CID., 100.00hp
4 cyl., 121.44 CID., 125.00hp
4 cyl., 121.44 CID., 168.00hp
4 cyl., 121.44 CID., 125.00hp
4 cyl., 121.44 CID., 168.00hp
$4,970 - $6,606
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