Spotter's Guide
This guide identifies the major year to year differences of the U.S. model 2002. The 2002 was offered in the U.S. from 1968 through 1976. The guide is intended to be used as a reference for anyone who is considering purchasing a 2002. It is by no means complete, but does cover the major differences between each year of production.
1966
The first 1600-2 was introduced.
1967
The 1600-2 was revised with a 12-volt system, an alternator replaced the generator, and adjustable fold-down backrests (no headrests).
In September 1967, BMW introduced two more variants of the 1600-2: The 1600ti, and the 1600 Cabriolet. The ti had two twin-barrel Solex sidedraft carbs, resulting in 105 bhp at 6000 rpm. It was equipped with a front anti-roll bar, wider rims, and larger brakes. Although it was a nice sports sedan, the Solex carburetor setup was expensive and needed frequent tune-ups, the fuel economy was not too good, and the engine needed high revs to show its best. And, worst of all, it didn't pass the federal US emission tests.
The Cabriolet was a limited-series special, only 1,682 were built 1968-71. BMW shipped empty bodies to Karrosserie Baur in Stuttgart, where they were reinforced, converted and equipped with the cabrio-unique parts. The cars were then shipped back to BMW in München for final assembly. Although the body was almost unchanged in appearance (except of course for the missing roof), it had a lot of modifications. Reiforcements in the kicker panels, box sections at the firewall, under the front and rear seats and in the area where the top folds down were some of the invisible items. More obvious were a different windscreen, different triangular windows on the doors, different seats and upholstery, and of course the foldable soft top.
The front beltline trim piece has simulated vents molded into it. This pieces is extremely difficult to locate.
1968
To overcome these problems, and to satisfy the performance-seeking US market, BMW looked for an alternate solution. It was found within the current product line: The 2-liter 100 bhp engine from the 2000 model. This engine was robust and reliable, had a powerful low-end torque and complied to the US emission laws. The 2000 engine was transplanted into the 1600-2 body, and the BMW 2002 was born. It was introduced early 1968, and only a few months later the 1600-2ti was discontinued.
In July 1968, the BMW 2002 receives dual circuit braking.
This is the first year for the 2002. 1968 cars have the plain trim, with only the upper chrome molding, simple chrome bumpers, and a simple (spartan) interior. The cars have round taillights and the silver/black combination metal grille. These early 2002's have the older style brakes with two-piston front calipers and smaller rear drums (for the first 200 or so cars. The rear axle uses the long-necked differential with sliding type universal joints, though many have been upgraded to the newer style by now. Emissions equipment consisted of an air pump, although it may have been stripped off sometime during the life of the car. Stock, the engines used a simple, bulletproof one barrel Solex carb.
1969
The 1600-2 receives the dual circuit braking and brake servo.
The 2002ti receives disk brakes.
All models receive hazard lights.
Same as '68, but the brakes were upgraded to 4-piston front calipers. A new style (short neck) rear axle was incorporated with regular style CV joints. Some miscellaneous interior trim was also upgraded.
1970
All models have self-adjusting clutch hydraulics (except the 1600), homokinetic drive shaft, and radial ply tires standard.
1971
In April 1971, the 1600-2 designation is changed to 1602.
In 1971 another member of the 02 family, the 1802, was introduced. Its 1.8 liter engine produced 90 bhp (only 5 more than the 1602, but it had much better low-end torque). Some 87,000 were produced before the 1802 was discontinued in 1975.
Same as '70 for half a year, then a minor facelift occurs. This includes the addition of the mid-section side rubber molding and rubber strips in the bumpers. The instruments were updated in appearance, and the dash and console were also updated slightly. Engine and horsepower levels remain the same as previous years. See the engine specifications section for more details.
1972
The 2002tii makes its appearance in the US. Tii stands for Touring International, injection. The touring international (TI) designation was used to denote the higher performance version of a model, and the extra "i" was added to denote the existence of fuel injection. This model has Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, higher compression (9.0:1 vs. 8.5:1), larger intake valves (46 vs.44mm), bigger brakes (larger front rotors/calipers/pads, larger rear wheel cylinders, and larger master cylinder/brake booster), and stronger suspension components (strengthened control arms, spindles, hubs). Also, it came with 1/2 inch wider wheels (5X13 vs 4 1/2X13). The fuel injection and higher compression are good for a 25-30HP increase over the carburetted version.
Otherwise, it is the same as the regular '02 in appearance, save for the badge on the rear. The carburetted '02 stays the same as the late '71 for half a year, then the engine gets a major revision in emission controls. A new style cylinder head is used (referred to as the E12 head, whereas the earlier ones used a 121 or 121TI head), with a different combustion chamber shape, and bigger valves (46mm, same as tii). A two barrel Solex carb is used, as well as EGR, and the air pump is dropped. This improves performance slightly. The tii gets the new head in mid-'72, combined with aluminum intake runners (121 head tii's use plastic intake runners) but all else stays the same.
1973
Same as '72, except the bumpers are extended outward slightly to meet U.S. bumper regulations. Slight changes in interior switch placement/trim.
1974
A major facelift occurs. The taillights are changed to the rectangular variety, big aluminum impact bumpers are installed to meet US federal regulations, the front grillework becomes black plastic, and the interior is upgraded with newer style upholstery and an slightly updated dash/instrument cluster with fake wood grain surround. The turn signal stalk is moved to the left of the steering column, whereas previously it was on the right. The carbureted engine is pretty much the same as the '73, but the EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) system becomes a little bit more complicated/sophisticated.
The clutch is replaced with a 215mm diameter unit on carbureted cars, the tii retains the previous 228mm unit. The tii gets the same facelift, the fuel delivery curve is modified, a vacuum retard mechanism is added to the distributor, and a deceleration control valve is added. Last year for the US tii.
1975
Same external appearance as the '74 cars, but the engine gets saddled with full emission controls. Thermal reactor, air pump, EGR, lower compression are all on this car. Seats are slightly redesigned, similar to those used on the 320i.
1976
Same appearance as '75, but emission controls lightened up for 49-state (non-California) cars. Thermal reactor is gone, as well as the EGR but air injection is still used. Rear axle ratio is lowered on 49-state cars to improve acceleration (3.9:1 vs 3.64:1) at the expense of top speed. 49-state cars get a new cylinder head (designated the E21 2.0), the same one used on the '77-'79 320i, with a special emissions-oriented camshaft. California cars identical to '75.
Automatics
Automatic transmissions came only on the carbureted cars, from '69 to '76. These are reasonably reliable units, but are not very desirable due to the fact that they cut performance and the sporty feel. But these cars came with a wider transmission tunnel to accommodate the auto trans, and are therefore good candidates for 5-spd conversions. (all of the later model transmissions are wider than the '02's 4-speed)
Turbos
Turbos were built in 1974 only, by the factory, at least, and were never officially imported into the US. Touring (hatchback '02s) were built from '71 to '75, and were never officially imported either. Ditto for the Baur-converted 1600/2002 Cabriolets. Through '71, there were full-convertibles, mainly being of the 1600 variety, then from '72-'75, they were targa-topped, with a removable metal roof section over the front seats, and a soft fold-down rear window. All of the targa models were 2002's.
How to Identify a 2002tii
The 2002tii is considered by many to be the most desirable '02 produced by BMW and imported to the United States. Compared to a standard 2002, a tii offers greater performance and overall value. Thus, a 2002tii is usually worth more, and therefore, more highly touted. Since the last U.S. tii's were made in 1974, finding one in good shape, without owner modifications has grown increasingly difficult. This is especially true considering the tii's mechanical uniqueness and cost of some of those unique parts. Furthermore, since the 2002 is a "tinkerer's car", many owners have upgraded their regular 2002's with tii hardware, to increase their performance. Likewise, tii owners sometimes strip their cars of original tii items such as the Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system, in favor of cheaper (but not necessarily better!) carburetors. These two factors can cause some confusion for a prospective tii buyer.
When shopping for a 2002, the question often arises as to how to identify a tii. This brief guide was written to highlight some of the differences between stock 2002's and stock 2002tii's. The term "stock" simply means original condition, or "as equipped" from the BMW factory back in the 1970's. When shopping for a tii, there are several "quick checks" which can be performed relatively easily, for simple verification. The following list details specific differences between a 2002tii and a regular 2002.
Hopefully, with this guide, and enough perseverance, you can go out and find that "perfect" tii that you've always wanted to own. There are still deals to be found. The grandmother who's garaged the car every day, the owner whose stored it for 10 years, or the fellow BMW enthusiast who wants to move up to a larger car. The list of possibilities for that "rare find" are endless. I could kick myself because two years ago, I passed on a deal to purchase a 1972 tii in original condition for less than $1000. It was rust free, and ran. All it needed was some paint and some TLC. Due to space limitations, I had to pass. Upon return several months later, the car was sold. The cars are still out there, but they are getting tougher to find. Happy hunting!
Check in the engine compartment for the presence of the mechanical fuel injection system.
If you're specifically looking for a tii model, and prefer one in original condition, it behooves you to try and purchase a car with this system intact and functioning. The Kugelfischer injection system is what makes the tii special and gives it it's combination of midrange torque and top end power (of course, the higher compression helps here too). The lower front aluminum engine timing cover and alternator mounting location are different from a normal 2002, as well. tii's also have an extra fitting on the intake side of the engine block for an injection pump oil return line as well as an extra fitting on the oil filter head for the injection pump oil feed line. Finally, an original E12 2002tii cylinder head(late '72-'74 cars) will have no fuel pump mounting holes on it for a standard 2002 mechanical fuel pump. 121/121TI head equipped '72 tii's will have the mounting holes, but with the center pushrod hole plugged. The fuel pump mounting holes are used to mount the intake plenum on '72 cars.
This photo shows a disassembled intake manifold plenum, and runners. The actual throttle body bolts to that center hole. Also visible in this photo are fuel lines, and fuel injector nozzles. The inlet runners here are the later, more common cast aluminum variety.
Two comments from Ben Thongsai on tii's
"The fabled, supposedly most desirable of all US tii's are the 121/121TI head equipped 1972 tii's. If you're looking for originality, these cars should still have the plastic intake pipes. Often times, these pipes will crack and leak, leading owners to replace the entire intake manifold with one off of a later E12 head equipped car, which has aluminum intake pipes. The aluminum pipes are actually better in terms of both reliability and performance, but keep in mind that they're not original on all but a handful of '72 tii's."
"Does the '72 tii deserve it's fabled status? Typically, not really. I don't think the average 1972 is any faster than the average 1973. However, the '72 we have is noticeably quicker than the '73's we have, sooo.... However, this may be a function of lower mileage on the '72 (only 70K or so) and lighter weight. Nevertheless, the '72 tii is the one that gets '02 buffs "ooohing and ahhing", and it took me forever to find the right '72, whereas the '73s and '74s seem to just come to us...
tii's received an upgraded braking system.
The first clue to this may also be found in the engine compartment. Under the hood, the tii has a larger diameter (23mm vs. 20mm) master cylinder, and a larger (actually longer) brake booster. The dimensions of this larger booster are: 6 inches length and 7 inches diameter.
Under the car, the tii has larger front brake discs, which measure 10.08 inches in diameter vs. 9.45 for the standard 2002. These are accompanied by larger calipers and pads, as well as larger hubs and spindles. The rear drums are the same size as a normal '02, but the wheel cylinders are larger (17mm vs. 15mm). In the rear, the trailing arms of tii are boxed, for increased stiffness (instead of the standard C-section).
Inside the car, a clock should be present
It is located on the left most end of the parcel tray.
Outside the car, the only obvious clue is the 2002tii emblem on the rear trunk.
See the photo below. The red car is a tii, which can be seen by the identifying rear badge. For those that are really sharp, and this only works on original '72-'73 tii's, the wheels are 1/2in wider, and all of this width is added onto the outside of the wheel, resulting in wheel covers that appear to be set in further.
Summary of major 2002tii differences:
1972-1973 US 2002tii VIN's begin with 276
1974 US 2002tii VIN's begin with 278
Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection
alternator mounted down low, under battery
oil return line in block for injection pump, feed line in oil filter head
larger brake booster
23mm master cylinder
larger 10.08 in. diameter front brakes, larger calipers/pads
larger front hubs and spindles
boxed rear semi-trailing arms
interior clock
This area is still under construction. It will contain a form for listing a car for sale.