The 2002

Special Thanks to www.bmw2002.co.uk 

Some Quick Facts

Total 02’s Built: 401 947

Length: 13’ 10 ½"

Width: 5’ 2 ½"

Height: 4’ 7 ½"

Kerb Weight: 19 ½ cw (02), 19 ¾ cw (tii), 21 ¼ cw (turbo)

Tyre Pressures: 27 psi F&R (normal conditions)

Performance

These figures are the best averages I can find, there are loads of original road tests on the various models and seems to be quiet a bit of difference. Also it’s varied between European and U.S. cars.

Safety

Extensive crash tests had already been implemented in development of the 02 models. An extremely stable passenger cabin, & a front section designed to deform in a precise way, gave these cars a degree of passive safety which was also among the most advanced in the world.

A steel safety cell that completely surrounds the passenger compartment & computer determined "crush zones" all contribute to reducing injury to a minimum should an accident prove un-avoidable.

Dual twin-circuit disc/drum braking system that provides adequate braking power above the legally prescribed limit even if one of the two systems should fail.

1. Deformable energy absorbing front & rear sections. Absorb impact energy by buckling or folding.
2. All doors have been reinforced by additional struts.
3. Passenger compartment is resistant against roll-over deformation.
4. Bonnet is designed to buckle according to a pre-determined pattern & leave the windscreen intact.
5. Specially designed cardan tunnel plus a rigid front partition will prevent the engine from being driven back into the passenger compartment upon frontal impact.
6. Safety locks keep the doors closed during impact, yet permit subsequent opening.
7. Bumpers are braced against shock.

But of course this is all useless if the car is rotten.

What to look for when buying an 02.

1. Under the front on each side are box shape chassis rails that run through the engine compartment to the underneath of the car. These should be solid.

2. Check the seals each side under the car, use a hammer in case they covered with underseal giving the impression that there ok.

3. Remove the spare wheel in the boot & check the floor is solid. Also while in the boot check the suspension turrets.

4. Check inside the car for damp & wet carpets. Lift them in the foot wells & once again check the floor pans are solid & not full of holes. Check inside bottoms of doors.

5. See if there's any history & a current MOT. Check mileage with any old MOT's & History the lower & genuine the better. Cars without a current MOT are worth £400 Max.

6. Take it for a test drive, check the brakes work (Tii's have servos these are not cheap to replace). Make sure you get it upto Temp & it doesn't over heat.

7. Check the oil isn't milky, this means the head gasket has blown.

8. Chrome trim & interior should also be a sign of bad abuse & wear.

9. Lux models came with wood trim, velour seats, tinted windows, delay wash wipe & a few other goodies.

All cars are prone to rust, most of the mechanics & cosmetics are cheaper to replace than the structure. Trust me I've been there.