1973 BMW 2002

BMW sales during the 1960s increased, allowing the company to re-focus on Motorsports and building 'The Ultimate Driving Machine.' BMW's immensely successful 'Neue Klasse' line of four-cylinder sedans was introduced during the early 1960s and helped return the Bavarian company to profitability.

Following on the success of the Neue Klasse four-door 1500 saloon and its derivatives, the company capitalized with the introduction of a revised two-door range in 1966. Continuing the trend of the earlier cars, the new 1600 (later 1602) employed unitary construction, all-independent suspension and front disc brakes. Power was sourced from the Munich firm's dependable, single-overhead-camshaft, 1,573cc four-cylinder M10 engine, which despite its humble origins would go on to form the basis of a turbocharge 1,000 horsepower Grand Prix unit and Formula 1 World Championship winner.

The 1602 was introduced at the Geneva Auto Show in March of 1966 as the '1600-2' and would remain in production through 1975. It was a two-door car that was less expensive than the four-door saloon on which it was based. The M10 engine powering the 1602 offered 85 horsepower, which was good enough for a top speed of approximately 100 mph, with 60 mph attainable in twelve seconds.

In 1968, BMW introduced the 2002 which was based on the 2-door, 1,600cc 1602. It was the brainchild of New York BMW importer Max Hoffman and available in two-door sedan and three-door Touring guises. The 2002 joined the BMW model catalog for 1968 and was available in the progressively faster 2002 Ti and fuel-injected 2002 Tii specification, culminating in the 2002 Turbo. The high-performance 2002 Tii was introduced in 1971. It wore the same, elegant bodyshell of its two-door counterparts, but was powered by a 2-liter M10-series engine fitted with a mechanical 'Kugelfischer' injection pump with injectors capable of delivering 130 horsepower. In this guise, it could achieve speeds of around 120 mph. The Tii received a larger twin-air filter cylinder box, an uprated alternator, and the chassis of the two-carburetor '2002 Ti' with stiff springs, front and rear anti-roll bars, wider wheels, and larger front disc brakes. It had a slightly closer ratio, 4-speed gearbox, a stronger clutch, and a longer axle ratio which helped to increase its overall top speed.

Production of the Tii would continue until 1975 when it was replaced by the first generation E21 3-Series. It is believed that around 44,478 examples of the Tii were built, with 3,678 receiving right-hand drive configuration.

At the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show, BMW presented the 2002 Turbo, the company's first turbocharged production car. The engine had a KK&K turbocharger, a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system, and a compression of 6.9:1, which helped produce 170 horsepower and 240 Nm of torque. During its brief production lifespan, 1,672 examples were built, and never exported to the United States.

The 2002 Turbo was introduced following a successful racing program in which a Works entered, turbocharged equipped 2002 won the 1969 European Touring Car Championship driven by Dieter Quester.

Along with the introduction of the 2002 Turbo in 1973, the 2002 received revised grille, kidney trim, and tail-lights except for Touring models and in the United States, which had round taillights. The revisions would be applied to U.S. models for the 1974 models. The base 2-door 5-passenger 2002 had a price of $4,500. It came with a single-overhead-cam four-cylinder engine displacing 1990cc and offering 98 (SAE) horsepower.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 2590631

This is the automobile that put BMW on the map. A heritage of high performance is its legacy. This quality German automobile invented the 'sports sedan' and launched BMW's reputation as it is known for today. Every BMW built since can trace its roots to the famous 2002.

This 2002 has only 21,000 miles on it and is entirely original. The owners purchased the automobile from a lovely lady in Buffalo who drove it sparingly and cared for it tenderly. The current owner does the same.

Sedan
Chassis number: 2764021

This 1973 BMW 2002 Tii is powered by a 1990cc inline four-cylinder engine with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection. It is capable of producing 130 horsepower and has a five-speed manual gearbox and front disc brakes. It was offered for sale at the 2007 RM Auctions held in Meadow Brook where it was offered without reserve and estimated to sell between $18,000 - $24,000. This car was the first automobile to cross the auction block and bidding quickly escalated. Without reserve, the seller runs the risk of losing the vehicle for a low bid. This was not the case for this vehicle, as a high bid of $25,300 was enough to secure this gorgeous car. This car has been treated to an extensive restoration making it one of the finest examples of the 2002 in existence. This car is finished in red with a black vinyl interior, twin mirrors, 13-inch painted steel wheels, and period-correct tires.

The Tii version of the 2002 was introduced to the North American market in 1971. It sported wider wheels, larger brakes, and a four-speed gearbox as standard equipment. It was reported that after the 4000 RPM mark, the Tii stopped behaving like the standard 2002, and acted like a new vehicle with much more performance than the standard 2002. There was an increase in power thanks to the Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system, which added 30 pound feet of torque over the standard carburetor system between 4000 and 4700 rpm. This was done while satisfying all emission regulations, which were very stringent at the time.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan

In 1971, a particularly sporty type joined the ranks of the many variants in the BMW 02 Series. The 130 BHP engine from the four-door BMW 2000 tii was mounted in the two-door 2002 tii - lighter by 160 kg - to achieve tantalizing driving characteristics. Despite a purchase price around DM 2,000 higher, almost 40,000 customers turned to the 'Wolf in the sheep's clothing' with a top speed of 190 km/h, which was also available as a Touring version.

Between 1971 and 1975, 38,703 examples were produced. Power was from a 1990cc four-cylinder engine offering 130 bhp at 5800 RPM. They came equipped with either a four- or five-speed manual gearbox. Disc brakes were in the front with drums in the rear.

Sedan
Chassis number: 4291515
Engine number: 4291515

The BMW 2002 Turbo was introduced following a successful racing program that saw a Works entered, turbocharger equipped 2002 win the 1969 European Touring Car Championship driven by Dieter Quester. The BMW 2002 Turbo was produced for just the 1973 and 1974 season, and was Europe's first turbocharged production car. The Turbo cars were distinguishable for the rest of the 2002 lineup by its deep front air dam, wheel arch extensions and boot-mounted spoiler.

The road version produced 170 horsepower and had a top speed of 130 mph, making it the fastest medium-sized sports saloon of its day.

This particular example is finished in Chamonix White. It has 16,500 kilometers on the odometer which are believed to be the actual distance the turbo has traveled. Inside, there are Skia trim sports seats and the original three-spoke steering wheel. It has the optional rear window defroster, rear seat belts, radio with cassette player, and the exterior Motorsport stripes.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 2763507

This 1973 BMW 2002 tii is fitted with air-conditioning, Becker Europa AM/FM radio, manually operated sunroof, and a five-speed manual gearbox. It is finished in blue over tan livery and has been restored in previous ownership and earned AACA national first-prize honors in 2011. It entered the care of its current owner in January 2015 from an owner in North Carolina. The engine is a 1,990cc single overhead cam 4-cylinder unit fitted with a Kugelfischer Mechanical Fuel Injection system and delivering 130 horsepower. There are disc brakes in the front and hydraulic drums at the rear.

by Dan Vaughan

Targa by Baur
Chassis number: 2795954

The two-liter 2002 made its debut in 1968 and was built through 1976. Among the various variants and specifications produced during this time was the Baur-designed Targa.

Karosserie Baur was established in 1910 and among its innovations was a patented folding-top mechanism that was installed on many luxury automobiles of the era. By the 1930s, the company was building complete car bodies. During the early 1950s, the company collaborated with BMW on the BMW 501 and 502 convertibles, nicknamed the 'Baroque Angels' for their curved and flowing lines. Future projects included the Baur-modified 1602/2002 cars that were sold exclusively outside the US.

This particular vehicle is a 1973 BMW 2002 Targa by Baur. It is finished in dark green metallic paint with a dark removable roof panel, black canvas convertible top, and black leatherette interior. It wears an older restoration and benefits from a recent thorough detailing.

This BMW 2002 is powered by an inline 4-cylinder engine displacing 1990cc and breathing through a single Twin-Throat Downdraft carburetor. It produces 100 horsepower at 5,500 RPM and backed by a four-speed manual gearbox. Braking is handled by front disc and rear drum hydraulic brakes.

by Dan Vaughan

Cabriolet
Chassis number: 2796017
Engine number: 2796017

This 1973 BMW 2002 Cabriolet wears coachwork by Karosserie Baur and is equipped with a 1,991cc SOHC inline four-cylinder engine with a single carburetor developing 100 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. There is a four-speed manual transmission, an independent suspension, front disc brakes, and rear drums.

This open-top 2002 is one of 2,517 Cabriolets built by Baur. Its three-position top is composed of two pieces - a removable Targa roof and a folding rear quarter.

This BMW was manufactured in July of 1973 and delivered new to Belgium. It was acquired near Leuven by the current owner in 1987 and promptly shipped to the United States.

by Dan Vaughan

Sedan
Chassis number: 2762755
Engine number: 2762755

The Neue Klasse four-door 1500 saloon and its derivatives were the foundation for BMW's post-war resurgence. Equipped with a single-overhead-camshaft, 1,573cc four-cylinder M10 engine installed in a chassis with unitary construction, front disc brakes, and all-independent suspension, it would evolve from humble origins and form the basis of a turbo-charged 1,000-horsepower Grand Prix unit and Formula 1 World Championship winner. The '1600-2' two-door model followed in March of 1966 at the Geneva Auto Show and would remain in production through 1975. The quest for even more power led to the introduction of the 2002 in 1968. The 2002 tii - for Touring International and Injection - had mechanical fuel injection installed on its 1,991cc engine, boosting output from 120 bhp (in twin Weber configuration) to 130 bhp at 5,800 RPM. Available body styles on the 2002 platform included a two-door saloon, a three-door Touring estate car, and a Cabriolet.

This particular BMW 2002 tii was owned by a single enthusiast for 25 years before entering the care of its current caretaker in 2019. The previous owner treated the car to a restoration which took several years to complete. Upon completion, it wore a Fjord Blue exterior with gray carpeting and black vinyl seats. The fuel-injected engine was completely rebuilt and the car was further upgraded with a 5-speed Getrag transmission from a BMW E21 3-series. Additional modern upgrades include Kenwood stereo and speakers, period correct Panasport wheels, modernized suspension components as well as a Momo Monte Carlo leather 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