BMW 2002 tii 1972 review
Saloon Petrol
Photo: MrWalkr (CC BY-SA 4.0), via Wikimedia Commons
Overview
The 2002 tii is the car that invented the sports saloon - and arguably saved BMW. With Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection lifting the 2.0-litre four to 130 bhp, the tii could embarrass Porsches while carrying four people in comfort.
Light, balanced and endlessly tuneable, the 2002 remains the purist's classic BMW. The tii is the one to have: sharper, faster and rarer than the standard 2002, with values to match.
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UK price from: £27,500
Specifications
| Engine | 2.0-litre inline-4 (1,990 cc) |
| Power | 130 bhp @ 5,800 rpm |
| Torque | 131 lb-ft @ 4,500 rpm |
| 0-60 mph | 9.0 seconds |
| Top speed | 118 mph |
| Fuel economy | ~28 mpg |
| Transmission | 4-speed manual |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive |
| Production years | 1971-1975 |
| Kerb weight | 1,010 kg |
Features
- 2.0-litre M10 with Kugelfischer injection - 130 bhp
- The original sports saloon, built 1968-1975
- Superb chassis balance with near 50:50 weight distribution
- Four-speed manual, rear-wheel drive
- Timeless styling with the Hofmeister kink
- The car that made BMW's reputation
Common parts & prices
| Part | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake pad set | £40 | Standard road pads |
| Clutch kit | £160 | Cover, plate and release bearing |
| Kugelfischer pump rebuild | £600 | Specialist injection pump overhaul |
| Exhaust system | £350 | Mild steel full system |
| Water pump | £55 | M10 cooling service item |
| Injector seal set | £30 | Tii-specific seals |
Pros
- Exquisite handling - one of the great drivers' cars
- Strong values and international demand
- Simple, robust M10 engine
- Huge BMW community and parts network
Cons
- Rust in shock towers, sills, floors and boot
- Kugelfischer pump rebuilds are specialist and costly
- Tii-specific trim is hard to source
- LHD cars are common - RHD commands a premium
Frequently asked questions
How much is a 2002 tii worth?
Good tii cars sell for £22,000-£32,000, with the best reaching £40,000-plus. RHD cars command a premium over LHD.
tii or standard 2002?
The tii's fuel injection brings 130 bhp versus 100 bhp, plus uprated running gear. It is rarer, faster and holds value better.
What about the Kugelfischer injection?
It is reliable when set up correctly but rebuilds are specialist work costing around £600. A poorly running tii usually needs pump attention.
Where does the 2002 rust?
Front shock towers, sills, floors, boot floor and around the windscreen. Shock-tower rot is structural and expensive.
Are parts easy to find?
Very - the 2002 has superb support from BMW Classic, Walloth & Nesch and a host of specialists. Most parts are available new.
