Fantasy Junction

Description

1973 BMW 2002 Tii

Chassis Number – 2762965
Exterior Color - Red
Interior Color – Tan
Engine Type – 2.0 Liter SOHC in-line 4 cylinder
Gearbox – 4-speed manual
Current Miles– 115,049 TMU
Current Owner – Purchased in 1989 with 89,000 miles indicated

General History

Derived from the New Class Sedan designs which launched BMW into volume production in the early 1960s, the 1600 series BMW would serve as the cornerstone for development of the 2002. Upgraded with the new M10 2 liter engine, the added hp put the 2002 in a competitive class, ushering in sports coupe performance with sedan versatility. By 1971 the fuel-injected 2 liter engine arrived in the 2002, designated the Tii. Though changes in trim and features would evolve as the model line advanced, the charming round taillight and metal grille configuration continue to be sought after by enthusiasts seeking connection to the original, pure design. Regarded as a critical car in BMW brand expansion as a compact but capable world-car offering, the lightweight, agile performance, and ease of maintenance earned the confidence of legions of dedicated BMW owners – a feature that continues to prevail among contemporary enthusiasts who still seek out the 2002 for the very same reasons today.

Owner History

This is a very nicely restored BMW 2002 which has been thoughtfully customized by the current long-term owner. According to the current owner, he purchased the car from the second owner in 1989 with approximately 89,000 miles indicated at purchase. Records accompanying the car date back to 1983 with ownership placing the car in San Diego, CA, where the current owner believes it to have been delivered new to the first owner, then sold to the second owner also in California. Currently showing 115k miles, records for service dating back to 1988 indicate 79,547 miles when the car was extensively serviced at Bavarian Rennsport, San Diego, CA. In 1988, the engine was rebuilt by Bavarian Rennsport with 82,000 miles using upgraded pistons for higher 10:1 compression and increased horsepower. In 1998 with 13,610 miles indicated, the engine was removed, and the head was replaced by Schulba BMW (Belmont Motor Works, Belmont, CA). Work at that time also included replacement of several engine components, painting the engine compartment, new brake shoes, new rear drum, new rear wheel cylinders, new front brake pads, new radiator, new hand brake handle, and numerous other mechanical details. Also at this time, the engine components were polished and finished to a very high level and detailed in preparation for reinstallation after body and paint were completed.

Having purchased more than $10k in correct BMW parts, the current owner commissioned a comprehensive repaint in 2019 with a professional body and paint shop (invoiced at $15,000). The car was stripped, prepped, and repainted including all door jambs and underside hood/trunk surfaces. At this time numerous door, hood, and trunk rubber seals, various gaskets, and trim parts were installed including newly chrome plated parts, trim, and emblems, totaling over $25k in paint, parts, and preparation. In March 2021, a new interior was installed (invoiced at $11,000) including carpets, custom dash and door tops, trunk trim and finishing, new headliner, and leather seating surfaces. A pair of Recaro electric adjustable bucket seats, VDO center console gauges, Momo steering wheel and shifter, and stereo system were also purchased ($4,000) and installed at this time, totaling over $15,000 for interior work.

Recent services performed on the car include:

October 2018 – New fuel-injection drive belt installed, a water pump pulley installed, new fuel pump, new fuel filter, electronic ignition conversion installed, and fresh coolant.

June 2020 – A set of four Cooper Evolution tires installed.

March 2021 – 14,934 miles. New clutch slave cylinder installed, Tii suction boot replaced, idle adjusted, brake fluid flushed.

November 2021 – 14,996 miles. Heater box repaired, idle adjusted, new heater control valve installed, shift lever repaired, and the differential resealed with new gear oil.

Cosmetic Overview

Today, this BMW 2002Tii presents in very attractive condition finished in glossy red paint applied over handsomely finished body panels. The polished features, distinctive exterior details. and various trim are all in excellent condition, including the chrome plated bumper overriders and owner-added protective front and rear bumper tube bars. The doors, hood, and rear hatch open and shut with confidence and panel fit is very good, including door jambs and underside surfaces. The emblems and script confirm the Tii series and BMW logos. The familiar 14” BMW basketweave wheels are finished with red accent centerpieces accompanied by other custom touches applied by the current, long-term owner including a trunk mounted luggage rack.

The beautifully finished interior is in excellent condition throughout, here too with custom touches selected by the current owner. Having been reupholstered in 2019 with correct high-quality materials, low-pile carpeting, and leather finishes, the upgraded Recaro electric bucket seats are in excellent condition and the hand stitched brown leather dashboard is finished with contrasting stitching which continues on the center console side panels. Fit and finish throughout the interior has been very well done, especially considering the complexity of the dashboard shapes, including the steering column surround. The door panels are finished with matching brown leather caps also stitched to match the interior trim. The gauges and controls feature excellent color and contrast. An aftermarket Momo wood rim steering wheel matches the gear selector handle. An aftermarket stereo and CD player is installed with separate Infinity speakers and tweeters mounted in the front foot panels, also covered with matching brown leather, and contrasting stitching. The rear seat is finished in matching tan leather with the rear package shelf finished in contrasting brown leather with twin rear speakers mounted. The trunk compartment is finished with brown leather and tan carpet including selective custom nomenclature touches added to the removable floor panels. A spare stamped steel wheel is stored underneath the removable panels.

The engine compartment is accessed via BMW’s articulated forward hinging hood, which makes access to the engine very convenient. Both the engine and engine compartment have been very nicely prepared, here too using custom touches and polished finishes combined with original components and properly sorted hardware. The valve cover, fuel-injection plenum, and air intake box have all been finished and polished to a very nice surface, giving the engine compartment an impressive presentation. The engine compartment is clean and reflects generally correct factory finishes and textures along with modern hood insulation lining the underside of the hood. The underside of the car is clean and tidy with good finishes to the various alloy castings, suspension components, and floor pan. The chassis and various suspension mounts show no evidence of structural compromise and there is no visible evidence of corrosion on the major components or structural chassis members.

The car runs and drives very well, starting easily, revving freely, and shifting smoothly. The brakes are very effective for this period while the chassis has a well-sorted and confident feel which is enjoyably usable especially with additional power on tap from the fuel-injected engine. Light, nimble, and offering space for four adults, the 2002 is a wonderfully manageable vintage sport coupe offering enjoyable driving for a range of enthusiasts.

Included with this car

The car is accompanied by a car cover in a storage bag, dozens of invoices dating back to 1983, a BMW shop manual, a spare Hella spotlight, a wheel spanner and lug wrench, various small parts, and two sets of keys.

The above vehicle information is complete and accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time it is posted to this website. Corrections or additional information is always appreciated. All advertised prices exclude government fees and taxes, any finance charges, any dealer document preparation charge, and any emission testing charge. Vehicles are subject to prior sale. All advertised to be true but not guaranteed. We assume no liability for errors or omissions.

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Fantasy Junction  •  510-653-7555  •  1145 Park Ave, Emeryville, CA 94608