A Diamond in the Rough: 1973 BMW 2002 Project
Picture this: a classic 1973 BMW 2002, dressed in a fresh coat of metallic red but currently taking a nap in project-land. Under the hood, it’s got a 2.3-liter S14 inline-four engine and a Getrag five-speed manual transmission, both added back in the early 2000s. Fast forward to 2008, and the previous owner decided to call it quits on any further tinkering. Fast forward again to 2024, and the current seller stepped in, ready to give the Bavarian beauty another shot at life.
Features? We’ve Got A List!
- Sunroof & pop-out rear windows
- Classic round taillights
- Bigger front brake rotors and calipers
- Lowering springs paired with Bilstein dampers
- 14″ E30-style wheels
- Recaro front bucket seats
- A snazzy BMW-branded wooden shift knob
But don’t get too excited just yet—the wiring, cooling fan, and brake systems need some TLC before you can take her for a spin. Want to take the plunge? This classic piece of German engineering comes with no reserve, alongside an Aardvarc Racing M2 Conversion guide, a pile of service receipts, spare parts, and it boasts a clean California title.
The Aesthetic & Condition
The car’s been resprayed and shines metallic red. Some nifty features include a driver-side mirror, those aforementioned pop-out rear windows, and a chrome trim that screams vintage cool. However, it’s not all rosy, as rust is rearing its ugly head around the sunroof, trunk trim, and a couple of other places you’d not want it.
Rubber & Suspension
The 14″ alloys sport Doral SDL 60A tires, dated 2016. It’s also been fitted with lowering springs and Bilstein dampers—pretty nifty, right? As for the brakes, the car has a Top End Performance brake kit with bigger rotors and calipers. But, and there’s always a but, the hydraulic system isn’t filled, which means the brakes aren’t exactly operational.
Interior: Inside the Cabin
Welcome to the inside, where you’ll find Recaro bucket seats, with visible wear, and a rear seat in black vinyl. The dash houses your essential controls and a quartet of auxiliary gauges. Need a conversation starter? There’s a wooden shift knob to break the ice, although the stained headliner might draw some remarks too.
The Heart of the Matter
The engine room hosts a 2.3-liter S14 inline-four, which according to the seller has been well-kept under prior ownership. The seller notes the engine turns over by hand—nice. Additional jazz includes an Aardvarc Racing M2 Conversion oil pan and a high-pressure electric fuel pump among others. But—the wiring is an electric puzzle waiting for a maestro.
Transmission & More Edgy Facts
The BMW boasts a five-speed Getrag 245 manual transmission purchased from Aardvarc Racing. The clutch system? Needs some love, as it’s running dry on fluids. To polish off this powerhouse package, there’s a limited-slip differential in play.
Old BMWs like this one are like time capsules—they offer a retro experience that’ll make you feel like you’ve jumped back to when disco was still king.
Old BMWs like this one are like time capsules—they offer a retro experience that’ll make you feel like you’ve jumped back to when disco was still king.
What’s in the Box?
Buying a classic isn’t just about the car. It’s a package deal here—you’re getting a treasure trove of service records and receipts, plus some extra parts that might just come in handy. Looking to dig deeper into classic vehicle offerings? Take a peek at the latest gems in the world of Citroën and Peugeot 108.
So, are you ready to embrace the quirks, tackle the challenges, and bask in the rewards of reviving a classic BMW 2002? Your adventure is waiting right here.