1975 BMW 2002 review from North America

Manual transmission thrust bearing broke apart at 78,000 miles. This was attributed to not changing the transmission fluid at a frequent interval (I did not change it when I bought the car.) Down shifting into second gear becomes difficult as the brass synchronizing rings wear. I was able to rebuild the transmission myself using the full service manuals as a guide.

Since the transmission was apart, I rebuilt the engine using new components where possible. The engine was easy to rebuild.

Original head valve guides have a knurled surface without seals. Wear causes leakage resulting in smoke upon engine start. This can be fixed using new guides with rubber seals.

Guibo fitting linking the transmission to the drive shaft can become loose over time.

Floor mounted pedal assembly can get gummy causing accelerator pedal to stick.

Straw used in seats wears out over time.

I loved the car and was very sad on the day that I had to sell it. The car was black with tan interior and had a sunroof. The sunroof was very large for a car of this size, window area is amazing.

The car was made to be taken apart and put back together easily.

I replaced the original springs with lowered versions. I also increased the tire size. The handling was much improved.

I also used the 2002tii exhaust manifold, and removed much of the emissions objects and never had a problem passing New York inspections.