1974 - BMW 2002 model advice needed

[falcon16]

I'm considering a 1974 BMW 2002, I found one that does not have a working speedometer or air-conditioning.

The body is in very good shape with some rust on the underside.
The main concern is this

• Is this model reliable (assuming it's been well maintained and looks to be)
• Is general maintenance affordable?

I guess I would just like any buying advice and I believe it has 140k miles on it.
Burgundy in color.


any thoughts advice appreciated even if it means getting another model BMW.
Incidentally the person driving it most has little interest in restoration beyond an additional $1k to $1,500.

Thanks

[quinnfiske]

This is square light car. Some people prefer the "roundie" style earlier cars, but I like the square light ones better. Lights are more visible in modern traffic and they seem to fit the shape of the car better. The battering ram bumpers on the US cars are a bit ugly but offer good protection. They can be changed to the Euro style if you wish.

Rust is the major issue in these cars, so look it over in that regard. Rocker and jackpoints and rear shock towers are of particular interest. As far as A/C and the speedo, remember these cars are 35 years old and stuff like that is a part of the program. If you have to worry about emissions testing in your area, make sure the proper hardware is in place.

These are great cars and easy to maintain once you get the minor stuff fixed. There is a good supply of parts available (the factory makes a lot of stuff in their Mobile Traditions program).

[Layne]

No unrestored 1974 vehicle is "reliable". Thats not why people buy these cars.

[BillyTheKid]

I use my '74 as a daily commuter (about 25mi each way). On top of the routine stuff (oil, tires, brakes, etc...) I've spent a decent chunk of change 'upgrading' various parts as I go along. It's more of a 'rolling project' than a daily driver...but it will soon get there. If you are willing to invest a little money and have some mechanical know-how, then the 2002 is a wonderful car to own. Check out www.bmw2002faq.com for just about any and everything you ever wanted to know about the beloved 'oh two' - check out the links page there for additional goodies.

Cheers,
bill

[Hammer03]

No unrestored 1974 vehicle is "reliable". Thats not why people buy these cars.

Agreed. If you're planning on keeping as close an eye on it as you would a car <15 years old, it won't be. If you're handy, have some tools, and keep an eye on things, or fix issues before they become real problems, then sure, there are a number of people who daily drive 2002's.

The upside is, they're easy to work on yourself if you have the time/patience/space. The downside is, there aren't many specialists who know what they're doing unless you happen to be close to one of the few shops who specialize in them.

[DaHose]

If the engine has good compression numbers and isn't blowing oil, you might get another 20K out of it before it starts blowing some smoke. If it is blowing smoke on deceleration, then you might need to rebuild the engine. I know you can just re-do cylinder heads in many cases, but doggone it, I haven't had good luck with that. The bottom end can't take the new car compression and oil seals end up giving out. If you are buying the car for just $1500, the I say plan on a new engine. If the tranny feels good and leak free, it will be a terriffic daily driver with a new engine.

Ditto on the rust issues and ditto on ownership of a 30 year old car. If you are not a handy mechanic, then little issues will nickle and dime you to death. You need to be capable of a full brake job. That would make me confident of someone's skillset. Few specialty tools are needed on these cars, which makes working on them possible for most people. My 02 is laid up, but I can't wait to get him back on the road.

Jose