5 Speed Transmission, Well-Maintained Driver.

Description for BMW 2002 1974

Alas, it is with great sadness that I offer my beloved BMW 2002tii for sale. This is a great example of a brilliant car. It is not perfect, so do not bid assuming this is a concourse restoration. In its current condition, it is a really solid, well-sorted, strong driver; it is not too precious to be used as it is intended. Driving this car is pure pleasure; it is spirited and energetic, corners wonderfully, and is a very engaging aesthetic and visceral experience. None of my other cars are nearly this fun to drive. There are quirks to this car, and I will do my best to accurately convey its condition. If you have any specific question PLEASE ASK! I want the next owner to know what they are getting. I am selling it because I have a little too much on my plate at the moment; owning a vintage car is a bit of a commitment. But honestly, this car has been easy. The other day I passed a beautifully restored Fiat spider that had stalled in an intersection, and the guy was pushing it out of the way. This car doesn't do that. There are a few projects left to do, as well as continued ongoing love and maintenance. This car has been well-kept most of its life, it appears, and has several thoughtful and tasteful upgrades - such as the E30 "bottle cap" wheels and leather sport seats, and a 5 speed transmission. Let me know if you'd like to see additional specific pictures, but be respectful. I have done my best to capture the condition of the car in 24 images, and I feel they present a pretty good overall picture of the vehicle. I'm not trying to hide anything. Bottom line - this car has great juju, it's not trashed, and it's a joy to drive. It is a great driver or restoration candidate. I bought it in California in 2011, and drove it back to Colorado. Such a fun trip. I really am sad to see it go, but, here we are. Life.
MECHANICAL
This is this car's strength. The engines fires right up, idles consistently, and pulls strong. It shifts smoothly, with nice, crisp shifts, good clutch engagement and no grinding or groaning any gear. It and has a sump full of fresh oil. It has a few minor oil drips (like weeps, really), but overall it is pretty tight. The engine bay is clean and sorted. It has never overheated on me. There are a few hoses that could be replaced, but the filters are in good shape. Here are some highlights:

• 5 speed transmission - this was done at some point around 50k (in 1987) according to the owners manual. It says "New Engine and 5 Speed Tans" without further elaboration. So, there you go.
• KYB Gas-a-Just shock absorbers.
• Steering is pretty tight, with very little play
• Car does not pull when coasting or braking
• Exhaust is in great condition, appears to have been replaced recently. Not all rusty and nasty. But the mounts need to be sorted a little better.
• Recent wheel bearing service.
• Suspension bushings could use a re-fresh.
• Very few rattles and creaks - it feels pretty tight.
• Could use a fresh tune, but just for preventative maintenance.
• New-ish battery, holds a charge well.
• e30 bottle cap 14" alloy wheels in great shape. The front wheels have spacers so the tires don't rub the fenders.
• Yokohama tires need to be replaced.
• Comes with an extra set of 5 basketweave 13" alloy wheels with mismatched studded snow tires. I haven't driven it in the snow, but I picked up these wheels thinking I might. They could use a good cleaning/refinishing and fresh tires.

BODY
The body is in pretty good shape. The paint appears to have been redone a while ago, and it was a pretty thorough job - the trunk, door jambs, engine bay, are all painted Verona Red (originally Siennabrun). It is showing signs of aging; the paint is a little dull and in some places it is just kind of flaking off, revealing pretty solid metal underneath. The worst place is probably the back edge of the sunroof - take a look at the image. Other spots include the hood next to the roundel, next to the driver's door, and on the back of the car under the trunk lid. It could use a renovation. Or, drive it and enjoy it, and you won't be stressed out about ruining your concourse machine. Another note - this car was from California, so there is very little rust. Some, but it's not too bad, and does not appear to be structural. Zoom in on the pictures and you will get a good idea. Some highlights:

• Headlights upgraded with Euro H4 Halogens. Big difference.
• Most lights work, but the rear side marker light is out.
• Brightwork is all intact, but kind of tired in places.
• Front bumper sits unevenly on its extensions. This predated my involvement, so I don't know the story. There is no evidence of impact.
• Rear bumper in good shape.
• All logos and badges intact, but roundels have faded somewhat. In my mind they look just right.
• Windows all operate as they should.
• Sunroof opens and closes, but the crank does not stay folded. No big deal.
• Trunk in good shape, but missing one of the plywood panels over the spare tire. It smells faintly of petrol, which feels retro. There are some rust pinholes beneath the spare - see images. The shock towers are intact and rust-free.
• Hand brake will need a new bracket - it is non-operational currently.
• Door seals should be replaced.
• Needs new door check straps - easy to fix.
• Passenger door has been "kind of" rebuilt - I installed dynamat, installed fresh rubber o-rings on the door latch and locking mechanism, and it closes with a solid thunk. I didn't get around to the driver's door, for some reason. Life, I guess.
• Definitely signs of some body filler in places.
• A couple little dents (on trunk, rear driver's side fender) - enlarge pictures and take a look.
• Door locks work, trunk does not.

INTERIOR

• Upgraded leather sport seats from an E30. In pretty good shape, good patina, but they should be rebuilt. The adjustments all work, but it requires the "right touch". They need to be better secured to the chassis.
• Original seats are included. They need to be rebuilt, but the seats that are in there are much better.
• Rear seat has been reupholstered using material from a 320i and fresh foam, and look pretty good. Someone spilled a small amount of white paint on them at some point, but, well, there you go. Check out the photos, it's really not bad.
• Door cards are a little grimy, and have openings for front speakers, one of which is missing.
• Stereo does not work.
• Original mechanical tii clock works. Really. And it's loud, it sounds really cool clicking away.
• Dash has some cracks, but in a way, it looks OK. It's never really bothered me, but that's kind of how I am.
• Gauges - the tach jumps like a jackrabbit when you blip the throttle, and the gas, temp, speedometer all work, as do all the warning, high beam, oil and voltage lights. The odometer does not work.
• Blinkers are moody. They seem to not work reliably in really warm weather, or when it's wet. But usually they work.
• Horn works.
• New-ish headliner - looks clean and tidy. I mean, not perfect, but it's not all gross and saggy.
• Carpets are original, and kind of faded, and I recently shampooed them. They have a nice, tasteful patina, and don't look disgusting and trashed.
• Upgraded steering wheel also from an e21, it feels right for this car.
• Heater works passively, as the fan clanks loudly.
• Wipers are a little slow to wake up, but they work
• Defrost I don't think works. I never drive in conditions that require it.

EXTRAS
I will include a bunch of things that "go along" with the car, including:

• Original owners manual, handbook, and a bunch of pamphlets in German. Ja.
• Service manual and restoration guide
• Original seats. They need to be reupholstered.
• replacement radiator from a 320i I picked up at a used parts store. It's marked "OK" so, there you go.
• Original key, and another copy.
• Original seatbelt receptors that were bolted to the replacement seats. The original seatbelt receptors are bolted to the body, which feels safer anyway.
• Original handbrake. Needs to be reattached to car with a new bracket. The original ones were so flimsy, almost all of them broke.

As I mentioned earlier, please contact me with other questions. Picking up or shipping the car is your responsibility. $500 due at auction's close, non-refundable, so be serious when you bid! Ask questions before bidding! I wouldn't drive it across the country without fresh tires and a solid going-over, but that would be super fun, if that's your bag. Know that you are getting a sweet car, that has been well-loved and will bring you joy, if you are willing to put in the time to care for it. Best of luck and happy motoring!