1974 BMW 2002

The der Neue Klasse line of mid-range sedans gave BMW much of its postwar success and helped put it back on the path to prosperity. After narrowly avoiding a takeover bid by Mercedes-Benz, BMW turned from building hand-built V8-powered luxury cars to mid-sized sedans which could appeal to a much broader market. Fritz Fiedler, with Eberhard Wolff designing the chassis, Wilhelm Hofmeister heading body styling and construction, and Alex von Falkenhausen designing the engines, were among those heading this massive undertaking. This would be the first time since 1933 that BMW designed a new engine and car from the ground-up. It was given a practical 3-box shape with crisp styling and modern appeal. The engine was a single overhead cam four-cylinder unit with an iron block, alloy head, and hemispherical combustion chambers that sat canted over at 30 degrees in the engine bay. It had an independent suspension in both the front and rear, with McPherson struts upfront and trailing arms outback.

The New Class sedans quickly became the 02 - two-door sedans and coupes resting on the same platform. It was practical, stylish, attainable, and tunable. The factory quickly began offering higher tuned versions of the little sedan, starting with the 2002 Ti (for Touring International). The M10 engine was equipped with a twin-carburetor manifold, and the suspension was uprated. In 1971, the Tii was created when Bosch-Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection was added, boosting power to 130 horsepower, which was 30 more bhp than the standard 2002. Again, the suspension was reworked with stiffer sway bars, revised dampers, and fully boxed rear trailing arms. Large disc brakes were placed in the front to help cope with the additional power. Drum brakes were fitted in the rear, behind wider wheels.

Above the 2002 Tii rested the 2002 Turbo, produced in late 1973 and 1974, with just 1,672 examples built, all in left-hand drive. They were launched at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor show and were Europe's first turbocharged production car. With the help of the turbocharger, the engine delivered 170 bhp and 240 Nm of torque. The body was given a body-color front spoiler, black rubber rear spoiler, and riveted wheel arch extensions. Most examples received Motorsport stripes on the front spoiler and sides. Modifications to the chassis included heavier and sturdier front rails and the floor areas around the rear suspension mounting points were thicker. The quarter panels were cut-out for the flares, and the rear wheel housings were larger. The trunk area was re-arranged to accommodate the larger spare tire and special 70-liter fuel tank. Additionally, the nose panel is unique to the Turbo. On the front spoiler was the original style of Motorsport stripes featuring the word 'turbo' in reverse, designed so drivers could see the word clearly in their rear-view mirror. The German government, however, felt this was too aggressive, pressuring BMW into changing to a different style without any kind of turbo script on the front spoiler.

The 1974 BMW 2002 was the first year of the square taillight, which would run through the 1976 model year.

The 2002 was very successful, with nearly 400,000 of all types being produced between 1968 and 1976. The 2002 series was replaced by the ubiquitous '3' series in 1975. The 2002 is regarded as the last model to be introduced by BMW while they were still considered a specialist low volume niche automobile manufacturer.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 4290238

The first BMW 2002s to be turbocharged were entered in the 1969 European Touring Car Championship and, in the hands of Dieter Quester, won against stiff opposition from Alfa Romeo GTAs and Porsche 911s. The 2002 was introduced in 1968, but it was the later fuel-injected 2002tii that provided the basis for the 2002 Turbo with it deep front air dam, wheel arch extensions and distinctive boot-mounted spoiler. One lovely touch is the mirror-image signwriting applied by the factory on the front spoiler so other drivers knew exactly what car was about to overtake them. Produced in 1973 and 1974, the legendary 2002 Turbo was Europe's first turbocharged production car.

This example, number 238 of the 1,672 built, was shipped to England in March 1974. Although all were left-hand drive, the 2002 Turbo was never officially imported into North America. The current owner purchased this car in England in 2001 and restored it.

Sedan

1974 was the last year BMW exported the limited production 2002 Tii model to the US. The worldwide 2002 Tii Register lists this car as the lowest mileage 2002 Tii in existence. It is probably the best example of this model. The car has 9,500 original miles on it and retains its original engine, transmission and differential, which have not been removed since their original installation at the factory.

The Tii model featured Kugelfischer-PL04 mechanical fuel injection, Bilstein gas shocks, larger front disc brakes and calipers, wider tires and rims, a special rubberized steering wheel. A lower final drive gear ratio and a VDO spott clock.

Sedan
Chassis number: 4290443
Engine number: 4290443

The BMW 2002 Turbo was introduced in 1973 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. It was the first production turbocharged car since General Motors' attempts in the 1960s.

This particular example was one of 52 delivered to the United Kingdom. Its first registered owner was a ferry captain on the England-to-France route. It came to the United States in 1985 and a restoration was begun but not completed.

The current caretaker acquired the BMW in 2001 and finished the restoration the following year. Since the work was completed, it was won the Max trophy and Best in Class at the Legends of the Autobahn Concours, among other awards. It was also displayed at the introduction of the M2 at the 2016 North American International Auto Show. It was also the heritage car for BMW's 100th anniversary at the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, and in promotional photography and videos.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 4290376

This is a BMW 2002 Turbo and is one of 1,672 examples built. It was delivered new to Verona, Italy on May 3rd of 1974. These Turbos were built over a two year period and were excluded from importation into the United States. This particular example is fitted with a dog-leg 5-speed close-ratio manual transmission. It has three-piece BBS modular wheels, Chamonix-White exterior, VDO gauges, and rear window defrost.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 2781157
Engine number: 2781157

This 1974 BMW 2002 tii has known provenance dating to the early 1980s. It has been well maintained and selectively restored during its lifetime, and it remains in the shade of Inka Orange. The car entered the care of its current owner in 2013, who commissioned further service and sorting by an authorized BMW dealer. The work totaled $20,000 and included a valve job, fresh gaskets, fresh fluids, and a rebuild of the injection pump.

This car is equipped with Mahle alloy wheels, a four-speed gearbox, Nardi wood-rimmed steering wheel, and Blaupunkt radio. There is a jack, owner's manual, service documents, a five-speed manual gearbox, front disc brakes, and hydraulic drum brakes in the rear. The 1,990cc single overhead cam 4-cylinder engine is fitted with a Kugelfischer Mechanical Fuel Injection system which helps produce 130 horsepower.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 4290558

The 2002 Turbo was launched in 1973 at the Frankfurt Auto Show. These were the first turbocharged production car offered by BMW. These limited-production cars were fitted with a KKK turbocharger, Kugelfischer fuel injection, wider wheels, riveted fender flares, motor sports graphics, and front air dam.

This particular example is one of 615 Polaris Silver examples produced by BMW. It was once owned by German BMW and Alpina racer Dieter Hegels, who was the winner of the 1970 German Circuit Master Championship. After Mr. Hegels had owned this 2002 for several years, it was given a comprehensive restoration.

The single KKK turbocharger helps produce 170 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox. There are hydraulic disc brakes in the front with drums at the rear.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 4290164

The BMW 2002 was introduced in 1968, followed by the fuel-injected tii model and ultimately the Turbo. The ultimate version of the 2002 series, the Turbo models were introduced following a successful racing program that resulted in a works-entered example winning the 1969 European Touring Car Championship. The road-going Turbos were identified by deep front air dams, wheel arch extensions, rear spoiler, and graphics.

This particular example was completed on February 2nd of 1974. It is finished in Chamonix paint over black leather and was delivered on March 14th of Autohaus Panzer of Nuremberg, Germany. During the late 1980s, it is believed that the car received a significant amount of work, and it was comprehensively restored between 2011 and 2014. The car remained in Germany until 2015, when it was exported to the United States. In 2019, this BMW was prepared for the 700-mile Raduno Rally, which it completed.

This BMW Turbo is powered by a 1,990cc single overhead cam inline 4-cylinder engine fitted with a Bosch Kugelfischer Mechanical Fuel Injection system and a single KKK turbocharger. It produced 170 horsepower which is sent to the rear wheels via a four-speed manual gearbox. Disc brakes are in the front and drums are at the rear. The suspension is independent with coil springs.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan

This 1974 BMW 2002 was delivered new to J. Ronald Kruel of Weirton, West Virginia from Cummins Motor Sales in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, on May 12, 1974. The window sticker had a suggested retail price of $5,819.30. In January 2012, returning from an overseas flight, the current owner noticed a very small classified ad in the back of the Delta magazine stating BMW 2002 for sale to settle the estate. He had been looking for a 2002 for a long time and called the number as soon as he cleared customs. He did something he had never done before, bought it over the phone, and put it on his American Express card. When this 2002 arrived home in Muncie via truck, it was nearly as new, inside and out with 14,002 miles. Muncie Imports was commissioned to replace consumables only - not restore it. Numerous 'consumables' were ordered from BMW Classic in Munich. Today, with its original red paint and original black interior it appears like a new 2002.

Sedan

The 1974 BMW 2002 was the first year of the square taillight, which would run through the 1976 model year. It was then replaced by the 3 Series. The BMW 2002 proved to be a major milestone for BMW as the company worked to build itself up again after World War II. The car was key to BMW's survival. They were made as a driver's car and have kept that appeal ever since. The car had a reputation for being reliable and near bulletproof. Parts are readily available, making the restoration and maintenance within the reach of the enthusiast. This BMW was restored eight years ago, and the mint green color elicits thumbs up and smiles everywhere it is driven.

Sedan
Chassis number: 2780949

The production of the 2002 Tii accounted for less than ten percent of the total 2002 production built between 1971 and 1974. It came equipped with a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system to help boost output of the two-liter, four-cylinder engine to 130 hp.

This particular example is from the final year of tii production. It was given restoration work by its previous owner, Timothy Jason of Waukesha, Wisconsin. The previous four-speed gearbox was replaced by a later five-speed unit. Additionally, it gained European-spec bumpers, turn indicators, a modern air-conditioning system from Dtechparts, and a Nardi steering wheel.

by Dan Vaughan

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 sold well for a period of time but it was quickly losing ground to the VW Beetle. A vehicle that had similar features such as excellent fuel economy and practicality, but offered more room for passengers.

Harald and Herbert Quandt provided financial backing to BMW to produce a four-door car that came known to be Neue Klasse or 'New Class'. This happened to be the savior for the struggling company. In 1962 the vehicle was debuted and dubbed the 1500. It featured a four-cylinder engine. In total, 24,000 of the 1500's were produced.

The 1800 was introduced near the end of 1963. It had a four-cylinder, 1773cc engine that was capable of producing 90 horsepower. Variants such as the 1800 Ti and 1800 Ti/SA soon followed.

In 1964 the 1600 replaced the 1500. The 1600 was a responsive, four-door sedan that received excellent reviews from the automotive tests all over the world. The 1600-2 was soon introduced. It was a sportier, two-door version of the four-door 1600 that offered more horsepower and sat atop shorter 98.4 wheelbases, thus decreasing the overall weight of the vehicle and improving performance. The 1600-2 featured a 1573cc (1600) cc engine. The additional '2' represented the number of doors. A 105 horsepower 1600Ti soon followed. BMW was once again inching closer to its sports-car roots; a heritage it had not visited since the 1930's.

Helmut Werner Bonsch and Alex von Falkenhausen, both employee's of BMW's, had independently experimented with a 2.0-liter engine in the 1602 body. The combination was a success.

In 1966, the sale of 1600's in the United States began to escalate. The press had done much to stimulate the desire for this small and responsive vehicle. The problem was that the sportier version, the 1600ti, was unable to pass the US Federal exhaust emissions regulations and thus, unable to be sold in that market. This was due to its twin-carburetor engine. The solution was to sell the 2-liter version which was able to pass the emissions regulations. So, in 1966, the 2002 was introduced.

During the life span of the 2002, which ranged from 1968 through 1976, there were three generations. The first generation was from 1968 through 1971. The second generation was built from 1971 through 1973. The third generation was built from 1973 through 1976.

From 1968 through 1976, BMW produced around 80,000 vehicles for the US market.

The vehicle produced from 1968 through 1973 can be identified by their round taillights. Vehicles built after that and through 1973 had larger bumpers and sat atop a wider track.

A turbo version of the 2002 was introduced but due to safety concerns, only produced in limited numbers. Less than 2000 were made; all were left-hand drive.

by Dan Vaughan