WHAT IS IT?
The BMW 2002 is the model most credited with establishing BMW’s presence in the US as a maker of fun yet understated German sports sedans (albeit, in this case the upright body is technically a 2-door coupe). The 2002 replaced the 1602 with a larger 2 liter four-cylinder engine in 1968. The carbureted inline 4-cylinder model produced around 100 bhp and offered spirited handling with a spacious and airy interior. 1971 saw the introduction of the optional 2002 Tii with the mechanically fuel-injected version of the engine upping the ante to 130 hp along with some handling updates.
1973 saw some body restyling, the most obvious difference being the change to larger and more modern square tail lights.
WHY THIS ONE HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
There are many 2002s out there but this has a number of things going for it. First, it was reportedly owned by the same person for 38 years who did a comprehensive restoration of the car, including rust repair and new paint in its original (and fantastically period correct) Inka orange. The 1972 round tail lights and original style grill are also more prized by the market than the later square version as well. The condition of the car appears better than new inside, outside, and beneath. Purists may complain about three non-original details. The Momo steering wheel and aftermarket stereo head unit being the most obvious but also easily returned to stock if one wishes. The 5-speed manual (replacing the original 4-speed) is hidden to prying eyes but certainly ups the car’s performance, economy, and freeway comfort. So TBOOTP jurors and fans, do sympathetic mods that improve a car for modern driving detract from a nominee’s ranking? This car recently sold on Bring a Trailer for a solid $50,000, so the market has spoken and seemingly embraces these updates.
Do sympathetic mods that improve a car for modern driving detract from a nominee’s ranking?
This one has potential. Clearly a passionate, detail-oriented owner has taken some time to get the important details right on this restoration. Round taillights and Inka Orange on a Tii are a plus, AND the Behr A/C system.
The overall condition, both inside and out, appears to be well above average. Judging only by the pictures, it looks like all the normal trouble spots for a 2002 have been addressed. Confirming how well they’ve been attended to would require closer in-person inspection. While in general the restoration looks comprehensive, some of the work showing through the paint on the rockers looks a bit rushed. I’d be curious to know what lives beneath the textured trunk lining as well. But it beats the alternative – visible rot in critical structures.
Forgivable are the aftermarket radio and Momo steering wheel. They undoubtedly make driving the little Bimmer more enjoyable and can easily be retrofitted with correct factory parts. The same goes for the incognito 5-speed swap, which is more livable in modern traffic.
There’s a lot to like about this one, but I’d demand further proof of how the rust repairs were handled. But I guarantee it’s a blast to drive and a hit wherever it parks.