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Exterior photo of 1975 BMW 2002 Automatic

1975 BMW 2002 Automatic

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Details

Price: SOLD

Mileage: 190,606 Indicated Miles

Engine: M10 4-Cylinder Engine

Transmission: Automatic Transmission

Exterior color: Pastel Blue Exterior (044)

Interior: Beige Interior

VIN: 2380464

Additional features:

Dual-Barrel Weber 32/36 Carburetor

tii Exhaust manifold

4-Spoke Steering Wheel

Sheep Skin Seat Covers

Behr Air Conditioning System (not operational)

Modern Pioneer CD Stereo

13-Inch Wheels

Michelin X-Radial Tires

Emissions Controls Deleted

Passes Emissions

Background

1975 BMW 2002 Automatic exterior photo

The BMW 02 Series sedans were defining models for BMW. Smaller and lighter than the Neue Klasse sedans they were derived from, the 02 cemented its own legacy and set the stage for the legendary BMW 3 Series that followed. It was the lens through which a generation of Americans discovered BMW and passed down that enthusiasm to their children. Its simple, sporty three-box design has aged into an iconic form that is recognized far beyond the vestiges of the BMW enthusiast. The best 02 Series was the 2002, powered by the 2-liter version of the 4-cylinder M10 engine. That engine was mated to a chassis, suspension, and brakes that were unapologetically driver focused, yet all in a comfortable two-door sedan that you could drive you mother to church in. Rust, neglect, and age have taken their toll, but a loyal and fanatical following have ensured that a healthy population of 2002s remains compared to other cars of the period—a testament to how good the 2002 is. As time continues to march forward the 2002 has enjoyed notable appreciation.

Summary

 exterior photo

This 1975 Pastel Blue 2002 came to us on consignment from a local long-term owner. Pastel Blue is one of the best colors in the late-2002 pallet and is the defining feature of this car. Inside is a beige vinyl interior and somewhat rare options for a 2002: an automatic transmission and factory Behr air conditioning. It has been lovingly maintained over the years with both the engine and transmission reportedly being rebuilt in the early 100K-mile range, although the owner was casual about their records keeping. Local 2002 specialist Mark Hutto has maintained the car more recently, including installing a Weber dual-barrel 32/36 carburetor, tii exhaust manifold, and deleting not longer functioning emissions controls. It is tuned to be emissions compliant in the State of Colorado and is pre-1976 so the original (and often faulty) components are not required.

It was purchased by the owner’s stepmother in Laguna Beach in 1975 who reported that the “Little BMW goes like a rabbit!” The current owner purchased it in 1980 and brought it to Colorado, where it has remained with ever since. The “little rabbit” has been their pride and joy, always living inside and being fastidiously maintained. Under their ownership it was repainted once in the original Pastel Blue. Records are sparse, as they never planned on selling it (41 years of ownership to date), but they have reached a point in life where it is time to find a new home for the car. It is a unique example of a 2002, being a late-model automatic car with air conditioning in very good driver-quality condition (detailed below). An automatic 2002 has a wider transmission tunnel, which makes 5-speed swaps easier than a 4-speed car, although the slush box has disappointed nobody at the hangar. We are proud to represent it and look forward to finding its new home.

Exterior

1975 BMW 2002 Automatic exterior photo

The Pastel Blue paint is in good condition thanks to its being repainted. The paint has no glaring defects and even close examination reveals only minor imperfections. There is evidence of a previous accident on the inside of the trunk on the passenger side, along with some filler at the bottom. There is a small area of rot there. There are no significant rust areas elsewhere; all of the common rust spots are clean. All trim is intact and in good condition with only small imperfections. The diving bumpers have light oxidation, but are very presentable. The headlight, indicator, and brake light lenses are clear and crack-free with the exception of light spider cracks on the front side marker lenses. The windshield has one small crack in the lower left corner, one chip in the upper right corner, and moderate pitting. The side window and rear glass are in good shape and lightly tinted. The windshield wiper arms and inserts are in good condition. The 13-inch E21 wheels are in excellent shape with good Roundel emblems. They are wearing Michelin X-Radial tires with lots of tread remaining, but 2008 DOT dates.

Interior

 interior photo

The Beige interior is in good shape commiserate with its age and mileage. There are no odors—other than that wonderful 2002 smell, it has never been smoked in. The carpet has no glaring stains or tears and was replaced by a previous owner. The front seats are covered with sheepskin covers; underneath the vinyl has some splitting and creasing. The rear seats have a proportionate amount of wear. The door cards are in good shape, but there are typical small imperfections and some delamination of the vinyl at the bases. The “scissor” door handles are quintessentially classic BMW. The driver’s door lock is inoperative. The manual windows operate smoothly and quietly. The dashboard has one large crack in the center and several smaller ones around the instrument cluster. The glovebox latch is loose but it closes. The 4-spoke steering wheel is presentable with some wear underneath the cover and several small cracks in the spoke. The headliner does not sag. All instruments function properly. The turn signal relay functions correctly. The stereo has been upgraded with a modern Pioneer unit. The heat blows warm and all controls function correctly. The blower motor is quiet. The air conditioning compressor engages, but I wouldn’t call the result cold air. The system is still R12 refrigerant. The trunk flooring panels are present, as is the spare tire and jack underneath. Several keys and the owners’ manual are included with the car.

Mechanical

 engine photo

As it sits this is a great driver-quality 2002. There are no glaring unresolved mechanical issues. The M10 fires on command on cold or hot starts. It idles smoothly and pulls strongly to redline. Both the engine and transmission have been reportedly rebuilt. The Weber 32/36 carburetor is jetted for Colorado altitudes. It hasn’t leaked or spotted any significant drips in our time with it, but it is a 46-year-old BMW. There are visible oil seeps at the front of the engine, along the underside, and at the differential. The transmission shifts smooth and does not slip. The suspension is quiet and the brakes are strong with plenty of pad thickness and. It passes emissions in the State of Colorado. It could be continued to be enjoyed exactly as it is or would be a great candidate for a 5-speed manual swap.