1972 BMW 2002

BMW introduced the 1500 in 1962, the first of a long line of models known as the New Class (Neue Klasse) and the foundation of the company's post-war resurgence. The diminutive Isetta is though to have saved BMW, while the 2002 is regarded as the vehicle that defined the company. The 'New Class' had an overhead cam engine, MacPherson strut front suspension, and front disc brakes. Demand was so strong that production could not keep pace. Through a series of developments during the 1960s, BMW produced a succession of record-breaking new cars based on the original 1500 concept. The four-door 1500 saloon was followed by a revised two-door range in 1966, headed by the 1600 (later 1602). Demands for increased power, not least from BMW's US importer Max Hoffman, led to the introduction of the 2002 in 1968. BMW's director of product planning, Helmut Werner Bönsch, and engine designer, Alex von Falkenhausen, already had 2.0-litre engines installed in their personal 1602s and proposed to BMW that the company should build a production model along similar lines.

The BMW 2002
The 2002 became BMW's best-selling model with its single-carburetor, 2-liter (1900cc) engine, producing 15 horsepower more than the 1600. With the single carburetor, it developed 100 horsepower at 5,500 RPM, and in twin Weber configuration as installed in the 2002Ti, output rose to 120 bhp. The 2002ti was introduced in the U.S. in 1972 and a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel-injection system helped it achieve 130 horsepower.

BMW introduced the 2002 Turbo in 1973 at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the company's first turbocharged production. It delivered 168 horsepower at 5,800 RPM and 177 lb-ft of torque. It used the 2002 tii engine with a KK&K turbocharger and a compression ratio of 6.9:1. Introduced just prior to the 1973 oil crisis, a total of 1,672 examples of the 2002 Turbo were built.

The 2002 was a sporty and sophisticated vehicle that offered sports car handling, room for four, a large boot, and an airy greenhouse.

The BMW 2002 had a 98.4-inch wheelbase, an overall length of 166.5 inches, a height of 55.5 inches, and a width of 52.4 inches (the 2002tii measured 52.8 inches in width).