BMW 2002 Turbo
The BMW 2002 is the car that saved BMW and created the sports sedan segment. In the late 1960s, BMW was struggling financially — the company was nearly acquired by Daimler-Benz. Then came the 2002: a compact, lightweight two-door sedan with a willing engine, precise steering, and handling that made every drive an event. It was the right car at the right time, and it launched BMW's transformation from a struggling manufacturer into the 'Ultimate Driving Machine.'
The standard 2002 used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder producing 100 hp — enough to make the lightweight car genuinely fun to drive. The tii variant added Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection for 130 hp. But the ultimate expression was the 2002 Turbo (1973-74) — Europe's first turbocharged production car.
The 2002 Turbo packed 170 hp from its KKK-turbocharged engine into a car weighing just 1,080 kg (2,381 lbs). It was crude, laggy, and thrilling — a raw, unrefined blast of speed that was the fastest four-cylinder BMW until the M3 arrived 13 years later. The turbo lag was legendary: nothing happened for what felt like an eternity, then ALL the power arrived at once.
The Turbo was visually aggressive for its time — wide fender flares, front spoiler, and most controversially, reversed '2002 turbo' lettering on the front spoiler so it could be read in the rearview mirror of the car ahead. This was deemed too aggressive by authorities in some countries and had to be removed.
Only 1,672 2002 Turbos were built during its short 1973-74 production run, which was cut short by the oil crisis. The standard 2002 (1968-76) sold over 861,000 units and established BMW as a maker of sporty, engaging sedans — a reputation the company still trades on today.
The 2002 is the intellectual ancestor of every BMW 3 Series and M car. Without it, there would be no M3, no 1M, no M2. It proved that a compact, affordable sedan could be as exciting to drive as a dedicated sports car — a revolutionary concept in 1968.
The 2002 Turbo is extremely rare and expensive ($100,000-$200,000+). Standard 2002s are more accessible ($20,000-$60,000) and nearly as fun. Rust is the primary enemy — check inner fender wells, rocker panels, floor pans, and trunk floor. The Turbo's KKK turbocharger is unique and expensive to rebuild. The Kugelfischer mechanical injection (on tii and Turbo) requires specialist knowledge. Roundie (round taillight, pre-1974) 2002s are generally more desirable than square-taillight cars. Matching numbers matter significantly for Turbo models. Irish Green, Golf Yellow, and Chamonix White are the most desirable colors.
Total 2002 production (all variants, 1968-76): approximately 861,000. 2002 Turbo: 1,672 units (1973-74). 2002 tii: approximately 38,703. The Turbo production was curtailed by the 1973 oil crisis. The Touring (hatchback) variant was produced 1971-74. The Baur cabriolet conversion is also available.