BMW · Chassis code E10
The 2002
The little two-door that saved BMW, invented the sports sedan, and is still the easiest way into a classic BMW.
Produced
1968–1976
Body styles
Coupe · Touring · Cabrio
Engine
2.0L M10 I4
Weight
~2,200 lb
Market range
$15k–$125k
The story
The car that made BMW, BMW.
In the mid-1960s BMW was a small company recovering from near-bankruptcy. Its “Neue Klasse” sedans had put it back on its feet, and the two-door 02 series took that formula and made it smaller, lighter and more fun.
Legend has it that the 2002 exists because two BMW engineers separately fitted the 2.0-liter engine into the 1602 for their own use. The US importer Max Hoffman pushed for it, and the result became a hit in America. Car and Driver’s famous 1968 review helped make it the car that defined the small sports sedan.
The tii added mechanical fuel injection, and the Turbo became a legend. Today the 2002 is the most approachable classic BMW. It’s simple, light and loved, with an enormous community behind it.
Models & specs · US market
Pick your 2002
| Model | Years (US) | Engine | Power | Why you'd want it | Typical price* |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | 1968–76 | 2.0L M10 I4, carbureted | 100 hp | Light, simple, and the most affordable way in | ~$24,400 |
| 2002ti | 1968–71 (Europe) | 2.0L M10 I4, twin carbs | 118 hp | The Euro-only hot version; rare in the US | ~$50,000 |
| 2002tii | 1972–75 | 2.0L M10 I4, Kugelfischer injection | 125 hp | The sweet spot, with mechanical injection and better brakes | ~$36,700 |
| 2002 Turbo | 1973–75 (Europe) | 2.0L M10 I4, turbocharged | 168 hp | Europe's first turbo production car; a blue-chip collectible | ~$123,000 |
*Power is US SAE for US models, converted DIN for Euro-only models. Touring hatchbacks and Baur cabriolets trade separately. As of November 2026.
Why buy one
Pros
- Tiny, light and genuinely fun at legal speeds.
- Huge parts availability and one of the strongest owner communities in the hobby.
- The M10 four is simple and easy to rebuild.
- Values are steady, so a good one rarely loses money.
- Easy to upgrade (5-speed, brakes, suspension) without losing the character.
Think twice
Cons
- Rust is everywhere, and most cars have had some repair.
- Many cars are modified, so true originals command a premium.
- Kugelfischer injection on the tii needs a specialist.
- Period safety; no crumple zones to speak of.
- Big US bumpers on 1974–76 cars are an acquired taste.
Buyer's guide
What to check before you buy
Body
Shock towers, floor pans, rocker panels, the trunk floor and the front valance. Check door gaps for signs of a sagging shell.
Engine
Look for a cracked head or overheating history. On a tii, ask who services the Kugelfischer pump and check that it starts cleanly.
Drivetrain
Many cars have a 5-speed swap. Check the guibo (driveshaft flex disc) and the rear subframe mounts.
Originality
Verify the VIN and engine numbers if a car is sold as a real tii or Turbo. Clones and conversions are common.
Market · November 2026
Where values sit
Base 2002s sit in the low-to-mid $20k range, and good tiis run mid-to-high $30s. Exceptional cars and the Euro-only ti go higher, while a real 2002 Turbo is a six-figure car.
Sources: Classic.com. Updated quarterly.
The verdict
Buy a tii if you can, a clean base car if you can't, and don't be afraid of tasteful upgrades. This is a car to drive.
Sources