want to buy a 2002

[mrhankyco2]

I am just starting a search for a good 2002. I am not too particular about the year but I want limited rust, any mechanical condition but must be running. If anyone can point me to the likely places to search it would be great. I am in Florida and would like to find something in the southeast.

Also when I find some cars to look at, what things should I look for?

[Alpine003]

http://www.bmw2002faq.com/component/option,com_forum/Itemid,50/page,viewforum/f,5/

[mrhankyco2]

This helps a lot. Thanks.

[Dickfruster]

Look for rust everywhere. These cars rot from inside. The rule of thumb is this: the amount of rust you can see is only half of what really is rotted.

Watch for worn out front end, rusted/cracked subframes, rusted brake lines, noisy rockers in the motor, bad syncros/bearings in the trans, worn driveshaft/quibo, and of course BODY CANCER. All this affects the value.

P.S. To find rust use a flashligh and screwdriver/hummer combo to poke everywhere you can (I mean everywhere)

[mrhankyco2]

Thanks. I guess the rust is the biggest issue, the rest is just time and money. Whats it like sourcing the parts that usually fail, water pump, starter, gaskets, etc?

[Dickfruster]

Very easy indeed. Thanks to E21 320i + lotsa parts will fit from some other cars. If you look right you can get used/new/rebuilt parts dirt cheap. Consider getting a parts car for cheap. Some special items like trim, electrical switches, dashes are increasingly harder to find.

From my experience the rust by 2002 standarts is sometimes "easy" to fix as long as the rest of the structure is fine. For ex., if a 02's floor has some holes, but not all roted- it can be fixed at a relatively small price. Than, if this same car has bad rear 1/4s, which are $500 each new+ some 10 hours of work + paint. This car probablly is a subject to recycling.

Keep in mind that you are getting a 40 year old car thats likely to have some hidden rust creeping in different places you wont even know about, therefor the "rust free" title applies only to fully restored cars which were stripped and dipped.

P.S. These cars are VERY affordable calssics, which are to be very popular soon. Dont miss out on these. You are making a good choise, and it is always nice to see another 02'er

[Alpine003]

From my experience the rust by 2002 standarts is sometimes "easy" to fix as long as the rest of the structure is fine.

Along those lines, make sure you inspect the front frame/ rear trunk / rockers for signs of accidents. 2002's didn't have the best bumpers and I've seen a few for sale that had the usual crumple zones in the trunk and some in the front.

[John in VA]

Wayne Watkins here in the DC/MD/VA area has a nice late model - green '76 (I think). He's ready to sell it. I think he's looking for around $5,500.. not sure. He can be reached at wayne1129@aol.com (wayne1129@aol.com)
I haven't seen it in several years, but it always made a strong showing at the area gatherings.

[2many02s]

My sister may have one she would let go. It is an automatic, but it was mine and I bought the car outo of california because I was going to put a 5 speed in it. It is detrimmed. Painted viper red. It has working A/C and sunroof. 32/36 weber. When my kids wanted modern vrs an 02 it went to her. all new rubber seals on it and I think it has the E 30 BBS wheels. Zender front spoiler. It is a 76. Repainted about 16 months ago. Orginal interior with high dollar Seams Perfect square weave carpet. thought I had a pic but can't find it. It also has my indianpolis steering wheel. Never seen another one like it.

[2many02s]

found it/ The other 02 I have here in AR it is also for sale. the red one is much better though.http://i126.photobucket.com/albums/p120/2man02s/huntersride.jpg