1972 BMW 2002tii  FINISHED IN VERONA RED / BLACK INTERIOR

BORN & RAISED CALIFORNIA CAR; ORIGINALLY OWNED FOR 20+ YEARS

COMPREHENSIVE MECHANICAL & COSMETIC RESTORATION

*In the early 1980’s this BMW 2002tii reportedly sustained damage after hitting a freeway pothole that resulted in a broken axle and damaged suspension components.  A claim was filed, and with the value of the 2002’s being so low at the time (roughly 10 years old), the cost of the parts and repair exceeded the amount that insurance was willing to pay thus branding the car “salvage” on the title.  The owner, knowing what the car was and determining the damage not to be terminal, opted to purchase the car back from the insurance company and have it repaired.  We had the car inspected by a highly respected local BMW specialist with 30+ years of experience who indicated there are no signs of rust or current/previous damage suggesting a total loss due to damage. The printed results of the inspection will be posted once received.

This desirable 1972 BMW 2002tii represents a beautiful example of a “tii” that has a history of spending its entire life in Northern California.  Prior to the significant cosmetic and mechanical work that took place less than 3 years ago, the car was in dry storage for 20+ years.  When the previous owner acquired the car, he completed a comprehensive refurbishment addressing virtually all the car’s mechanical needs along with a complete respray in the original color and new seating surfaces while retaining the original dash and door cards.   The BMW has its originally issued California blue license plates and reportedly has a numbers matching engine and driveline.  The BMW carries VIN# 2761271  falling within the production range of approximately 4,521 USA delivered 2002tii’s from April 1971–August 1973 cars: with a VIN range of 2760001–2764522.  Photos of the engine bay and VIN numbers can be seen in the listing.

Within the previous 1,000 miles, the car received considerable mechanical and cosmetic refurbishment documented by extensive receipts from local professional repair facilities, including BMW specialists.  A summary of the restoration can be viewed below under “Restoration and Upgrades – Summary.”

The 2002tii is finished in Verona Red (Color code 23) over a black interior.  In late 2020, the BMW received the benefit of a complete trim removed, 2 stage, ceramic clear coat respray in the original color along with any necessary body work.  The included receipt documents the cost of the paint and body work at over $10,000 and included addressing body imperfections, blocking, and priming resulting in a high-quality finish.  Most of the rubber trim and other exterior brightwork was replaced at the time of the respray.  The BMW retains a stock exterior appearance including dual side mirrors, original early style round taillights, a single polished exhaust outlet, new front and rear bumpers with overriders, a polished grille, and window surrounds. Wheels are date coded 1974 but are stock 2002tii mated to excellent Kuhmo tires with date codes of 42/20.

Front seats are upgraded Recaro with matching black interior and perforated inserts that show extremely well with no damage or wear to the bolsters or other parts of the seating surfaces. The salt and pepper carpeting was replaced when the car received cosmetic upgrades 3~ years ago.  The leather 3-spoke steering wheel sits ahead of the 120mph speedometer and a 6400RPM tachometer along with gauges to monitor fuel level and coolant temperature.  An Alpine Bluetooth radio unit has been fitted to the glovebox with upgraded speakers mounted in the rear footwell.  The reported original dash, door panels and headliner have been very well preserved, and the overall interior is excellent, with only minor cosmetic imperfections consistent with the age of the car.  Specifically, a few of the “chrome” trim pieces show some delamination.

Underbody photos show the very original, solid condition of the drivetrain, suspension, and floors. The BMW floors and chassis members remain free from any paintwork or after production undercoating or painting.  There has been no attempt, or need, to cover up or prepare the original excellent underside and the photos reflect its clean, oil/grease free nature.  The engine compartment is very clean and presentable, reflecting the care the car has received over the years.  The underside of the hood was painted when the complete respray was completed and new under hood padding was added.  The entire car is very solid with excellent panel fit and no signs of rust, including the trunk floor, the rocker panels, and under the doors.  The trunk is totally solid and contains a factory spare, jack and factory tools.

The sale includes the original owner’s manuals, 2 sets of keys, and original tools, all of which can be seen in the detailed photographs.  The car has a salvage title as a reported result of the owner in the 1980’s hitting a pothole and damaging the suspension including a broken axle and suspension components.  The history indicates there was no body damage but that the car was considered a total loss due to the relatively low value at the time, so the owner opted to purchase the car back from the insurance company.  We had the car inspected by a highly respected local BMW specialist with 30+ years of experience who indicated there are no signs of rust or current/previous damage suggesting a total loss due to damage.

RESTORATION & UPGRADES – SUMMARY

Receipts document considerable mechanical repairs in late 2020 but within the previous 1,000 miles.  A total of more than $35,000.00 was invested in cosmetic and mechanical improvements.  While the repairs are too extensive to list in detail, a summary of the mechanical repairs can be seen below. All receipts are shown in the listing and for those who have an interest in additional specifics.

• A compression check was completed and revealed the following results: 1) 175lbs. 2) 170lbs. 3) 170lbs. 4) 170lbs.
• Cooling system including all new hoses, heater hoses,
• Charging system with relocation of battery to the trunk, new battery and starter cable
• Fuel system, reseal tank, new fuel hoses, clamps, etc.
• Braking system evaluated and necessary items replaced, system bled & adjusted.
• Fuel injection – new fuel injection pump, warm-up regulator, and fuel injection tune, cold start relay box, and linkages
• Complete major tune-up and conversion to electronic ignition
• New muffler
• New rear mounted Optima battery
• New rear sway bar
• Reseal differential.
• Reseal transmission.
• Check and adjust suspension and steering components and install new center-link.
• New quartz internals in clock
• Rebuilt and recalibrated speedometer
• New heater box and hoses
• Front end alignment and replacement tires
• New door handles and rekeyed locks

DRIVEABILITY (an enthusiasts perspective)

Frankly, we are not totally objective when it comes to the 70’s 2002s, especially the 2002tii “Roundies.”  We have loved these cars since “the day” and have had the pleasure of owning and driving several examples when they were just a few years old.

BMW won its reputation in the 1960s / 1970’s because its cars were comfortable, practical, easy to drive, and excellent handling, in addition to being very quick for the era. This is the combination that defined BMW’s. As the 2002 developed into the 3-Series, it became highly respected but larger, more complicated and heavier.  Some would argue that the original simplicity of the 2002 as a true sporting sedan was lost.  After all, it was the early BMW 2002 that first led Americans to turn their hymnals to verse 2002.

A recent drive in the BMW took us away from the office, anxious to drive our latest addition.  The bright Verona Red 2002 that was parked in the reserved spot just waiting to go for a drive on a beautiful, sunny California day.  As we take our place behind the wheel, we are reminded of the excellent “greenhouse” vision provide by the “2002tii.”  The seating is comfortable as we settle into the snug, bolstered leather front Recaro seats.  The narrow front and rear pillars provide unobstructed visibility in all directions.  A glance at the dash provides a reminder that the 2002 characterizes functional German engineering at its best.  It is simple, yet well designed and purposeful.

The BMW starts easily and runs smoothly.  The engine is free from any noises and the car does not have any significant fluid leakage.  The clutch engages without fuss and the shifting is characteristically short and firm.  The BMW is tight, free from rattles and squeaks and surprisingly tight for a collector coupe that is over 40 years old.

Once underway, the BMW offers excellent performance from the smooth-running engine, communicative steering, and its supple ride. The steering on this car is tight with virtually no play; the brakes stop the car straight and sure due to relatively recent brake work.

As you begin to drive you also appreciate the “green-house” that the “tii” offers allowing for great visibility.  Additionally, you are reminded that the driving position is excellent and that the car would make a great long-distance touring car in addition to being a practical, fast, and fun every day or weekend car for use on those twisty back roads.

Once you gain momentum this car is noticeably quicker than a “non-tii” 2002.  The suspension is taut, well damped and the steering precise and certain.  The braking system is entirely rebuilt and the car stops straight and sure.  The emergency brake is properly adjusted and fully functional.

This particular car runs and drives very well and is ready to enjoy.  The car was recently “freshened” and would also make a wonderful choice for regular use, local shows, or road rallies.

SPECIFICATIONS OF THE 1972 BMW 2002tii

• BMW M10 single overhead cam I4 engine, 1990 cc, inclined at 30 degrees
• 140 hp @ 5800 rpm, 130 lb-ft torque @ 4500 rpm
• 0-60 mph in 9.0~ sec
• Top speed 115 mph
• 4 speed manual synchromesh transmission
• Wheelbase 98.4 inches

HISTORY OF THE BMW 2002tii

The BMW 2002tii (which stands for “Touring International Injection”) represents one of the most desirable cars in the 2002 or “new class” range, and commanded a price premium above standard 2002 coupe models. It is therefore important that those looking at purchasing or restoring these cars have a good understanding of the individual characteristics that make a BMW Tii original. Please note that this guide has been produced for the tii Coupe, however, much of the criteria for identification of an original car is similar for the Touring edition car

The BMW 2002 Tii had the following external features which make a good starting point for identification:

Bumpers:

• S. models had bumpers extended slightly outward from the standard Euro bumpers in 1972
• In 1974, the U.S. market cars had large impact bumpers installed to meet local regulations.
• European and other market models maintained the standard bumper size.

Tail lights:

• Pre-1974 cars had circular taillights (referred to by enthusiasts as “Roundies”)
• 1974 onward cars had a design update with rectangular taillights.

Front grille:

• Pre-1974 cars had aluminum surrounds / bezels around the lights and grille.
• Post 1974 cars had black plastic with no metal finishes on the front grille other than the central two-piece BMW grille.

Badging:

• “2002 tii” emblem on rear body panel (positioned to the lower left of the RHS tail light on pre-1974 cars, and above the RHS tail light on cars from 1974 onward)

Wheels and tires:

• 1972 – 1973 tii’s had standard 5” X 13” steel wheels (1/2 inch wider than the standard 2002). As the width is added to the outside edge of the wheel, standard hubcaps sit visibly deeper in the wheel dish when compared to a standard 2002.
• 1974-1975 tii’s had styled 5” X 13” steel rims, with exposed lug nuts and a small BMW center cap, identical to the rims supplied on every other 74 – 76 2002.
• Several alloy wheel combinations were available as dealer options for the tii.

Chassis number prefix:

The chassis number on a BMW 2002 Tii will depend on the market where it was sold, as well as its date of manufacture. The markets and timeframes with the relevant chassis number prefix ranges are outlined below:

US Market:

April 1971 – August 1973 cars: From 2760001 – 2764522

September 1973 – December 1974 cars: From 2780001 – 2782929

BMW 2002tii MECHANICAL FEATURES / BENEFITS

The BMW 2002tii offered a host of improvements over the base BMW 2002 including:

• Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection.
• Higher compression (9.0:1 vs. 8.5:1 on standard 2002).
• Larger intake valves (46mm vs.44mm on standard 2002).
• Larger brakes (larger front rotors/calipers/pads (256mm or 10.8″ diameter), larger rear drum wheel cylinders (17.46mm or 11/16″ diameter), and larger master cylinder diameter  (23mm vs. 20mm on standard 2002), and larger / longer brake booster (6″ length and 7″ diameter).
• Stronger suspension components including strengthened control arms, spindles and hubs
• Larger hubs – (see images for differences).
• Larger spindles (larger in diameter with caliper bolt holes further apart than the standard 2002 – see images).
• Boxed rear trailing arms.
• 1/2 inch wider wheels (5” X 13” vs 4 ½” X 13” on standard 2002).
• The 1972 BMM 2002was devoid of the full emission controls. The thermal reactor, air pump, that strangled the engine in 1975
• Alternator mounted down low (below battery).
• Oil return line in engine block for injection pump, with a feed line in the oil filter head.
• Larger diameter exhaust manifold (see comparison image with standard manifold).
• On a standard 2002 car, the dust cap for the suspension strut is flat at the end where it sticks through the wheel. The Tii version is rounded and larger (3.5″ vs 3″).