1975 BMW 2002 from North America - Comments

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.

Yes, but you would've been batting the dreaded 2002 body rot by now.

I made the same mistake and sold mine 5 years ago. I should have known it was a mistake when it sold on the first call sight unseen. They are becoming increasingly hard to find due to the rust issues so when I found a rust free one last year I snapped it up even with no engine. Fast, fun, cheap to fix, and simple to work on. What could be better. FYI the "straw" in the seats is called "Gummihaar". I just love saying that word! find another one, join the BMWCCA, and stock up on undercoating.

I own an impreza, but I must admit to finding this car intriguing, it looks very odd, but it must be one of the first fast saloons with a 2.0 turbo engine. I think it has about 170 BHP doesn't it? whats it like to drive? does it feel very fast? it must be quite a bit lighter than todays 2.0 turbo saloons. Did this come out before any of the BMW M models? must have.

I know of a decent 2002 sitting in a yard. Not sure if running... probably not.

Any help as to contacting the owner and what to offer?

Thanks,

Shenton.

I sold my 75 2002 and regret it even now 25 years later.

These are the best cars. My beloved 72 sits in the garage ten years or more now, softly rotting. Her 2.0 litre original solex twin (ti) still fires up with fresh gas, and sounds raspy without the filters!

Only difference for performance is a 1600 model diff - makes her go like a rocket to about 85mph on the speedo, then getting a bit shrieky in fourth. Standard tops out at 110.

Last time I took her out we drove up and down a narrow winding hill, then out on a long straight with a sharp corner. Brakes went to the floor.

No-one ever mentions what a crappy after-thought the 2002 handbrake is.

Still I'm alive and a touch wiser and greyer for it. Hey, this is a car that gave me 20 years of thrills - you want it should change?