The BMW 2002tii – a simpler time, but great fun!

The BMW 2002tii was on the automotive scene (available
in the US) from 1971-1974. As compared to other collectable
cars, the 2002tii was available in one-half the number of the
Shelby Mustang and one-fourth the number of the 67-69 Z/28
Camaro.
So what is the big deal about the 2002tii? Well, it is said that
you would only need to drive this car a few miles to discover
that it is the car that put BMW “on the map” in the United
States. Not only did it earn a big spot on the map, but it became
known as the first “cult car.”
What made it so great? It had excellent handling, a great fuel
injected engine, it was designed to cruise at 100 mph for hours
on end, and it provided 30+ mpg when driven at the legal speed
limit. Furthermore, it had good looks on the outside and style
on the inside.
The 2002tii was quite coveted when new, and such interest
helped to create the cult status that started the BMW Car Club
of America. This club only added more fire to the interest in
the car.
The “2002” signified its 2.0-liter engine with 2 doors. The
“tii” signified “touring, international, and injected.” The high
performance 2002tii was the great grandfather of the BMW M3
that started in 1983.
Although the 2002tii was sophisticated for its time, the car
provided a very down to earth and straight forward driving
experience. An experience that has been lost on the many of
today’s cars. BMW recently introduced the 135i series as a
means of providing drivers with a modern experience of what
the 2002tii offered.
If you drive a BMW 2002tii, you will know why it was the original
“Ultimate Driving Machine.” Most contemporary auto manufacturers
are still trying to capture the magic of this Ultimate Driving Machine.
Specifications:
(Source: US Auto Parts – The Auto Parts Experts)
Engine:
Type | Inline, water-cooled 4-cylinder |
Bore x Stroke (mm) | 89 x 80 |
Displacement (cc) | 1990 |
Valve Operation | Single Overhead Cam (SOHC) |
Compression Ratio | 9.5: 1 |
Fuel Injection | Kugelfischer-PL04 manual fuel injection |
Power | 104.4 kw / 140 bhp @ 5800 rpm |
Torque | 176.26 nm / 130 ft lbs @ 4500 rpm |
Chassis & Drivetrain:
Transmission | 4-speed synchromesh manual standard, 5-speed manual ZF optional |
Steering | Worm and roller |
Suspension, Front | MacPherson struts, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
Suspension, Rear | Semi-trailing arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar |
Axle Ratio | 3.64 |
General:
Price (October 1971) | 2550 / 100.4 |
Wheelbase (mm/in) | 2550 / 100.4 |
Track front/rear (mm/in) | 1342 / 1342-52.8 / 52.8 |
Brakes front/rear | Fixed-caliper discs / Simplex drums |
Wheels/Tires | 165 HR 13 / 5J x 13 - 5.5J x 13 (April 73) |
Maximum Speed (kph/mph) | 189.9 kph / 118.0 mph |
Notes | The 2000tii was produced from 1971-1975, including Touring models. In 1973, US versions received impact bumpers and side-clearance lights. |
The BMW 2002tii – a simpler time, but great fun!
Kyle Busch is the author of “Drive the Best for the Price…” He
welcomes your comments or car questions at his auto web site:
www.DriveTheBestBook.com