Bmw 2002

[HarryD]

I am thinking that in about 9-12 months from now I will need to replace my 2006 Ford Focus commuter "appliance" with another car (my kids are in college and they will be needing a car of their own soon).

For what ever reason, I want a BMW 2002 with the round taillights to use as my daily commuter. I am open to other suggestions but I have a bit of sentiment for this particular model.

I could use my 1973 911 but I do not like driving it in the Portland Oregon winters due to the deicers they spread with great abandon here.

My 1970 bus would be another ok option but it's lack of decent heat in the winter makes it a big negative.

Questions:

1-Is this a car that I can reasonably expect to be able to use regularly with an expectation of a high degree of reliability?
2-How much should I expect to pay for one that is in ok shape that is not intended to be a "concours/show car"3-If I do look at them, what areas do I need to look at for "fatal" flaws.

Thanks for your thoughts.

[911T1971]

2002 have little protection again rust, salt etc, just like early 911's.

Why not a Porsche 944 or BMW 3-series E30 ( I had once a 325i touring), great cars although not as old as an 2002.
But probably more reliable in dailiy use and just as fun as a 2002. Just my opinion.

[boxster03]

agreed that an early 2002 would not be your best for a DD thru all elements

[dummkopf]

2002 have little protection again rust, salt etc, just like early 911's.

Why not a Porsche 944 or BMW 3-series E30 ( I had once a 325i touring), great cars although not as old as an 2002.
But probably more reliable in dailiy use and just as fun as a 2002. Just my opinion.

I was thinking the same. Cool little cars though. I almost bought one but the deal went south.

How about a late 70's or early '80s 911? They were better at keeping the rust at bay, weren't they?

[uai]

Hi, having just one 02 at the moment (sold my 1600-2 convertible last fall and still have a 1600-2 sedan) and a 3.0 Csi I've often thought of using the Csi as a dd during summer.
However the idea never came with the 02s - maybe because of the covertible not being waterproof enough.
The 1600-2 is not finished yet but it will be beyond dd as it will be a bit too much tweaked.
A 2002 dd would imho definitely need a long 5th gear (e21 gearbox) but being in germany where cruising speed is between 140 and 160 kph this may be different in the U.S.
If you happen to have the chance to test drive an e3 - give it a shot. If I were to buy an old BMW as a dd I'd probably choose an e3 - not as costly as an e9 but all the comfort of the 6 cylinder and get an e30 ix for the winter.
Cheers

Uli

[76911S]

Spend some time perusing this site.. You will get lots of DD ideas.
http://bringatrailer.com/

[platas]

I find the 2002 great cars, plus they are still reasonably priced, and you can fine tune them to make it yuor dayly driver. I have being looking at some here, square light, you save some money, and the later models are much better. You can always look at a 2002 TI, Kugelfisher pump.

[HarryD]

Thanks for all the feedback. Please keep it coming.

As far as the rust issue, I am aware given I already have a 73 911 and a 70 VW Bus. For the bimmer, as long as I can keep it sound by doing inexpensive rust repairs and touch it up I will be satisfied. If the repairs tend to center around critical structural areas this is a different story and I am unwilling to trust my hillbilly repair skills to keep me safe. For those of you who have seen my Bus, I think you get the idea.

I need decent heat and the ability to haul more than two folks on occasion hence the lack of desire for a 944/911. I do not want a soft top as the Pacific Northwest is damp for much or the time and that really diminishes my desire to have a second open top car. In the late '70's early '80s I had a Triumph spitfire that, while lacking in in power was a hoot to drive and the open top just made that feeling even better.

I often think the 2002tii would be the exact vehicle for me but the more I think about the trials and tribulations of the mechanical fuel injection systems, I think carbs are a more "DIY dude" friendly option.

In Portland, Oregon where I live, cars built prior to 1975 are exempt from emissions testing and that just adds to the appeal of getting an older car.

Also the 2002 represents for me an opportunity lost many years ago when I decided to be practical instead of the crazy 20 something guy I should have been.

[platas]

I would go for it Harry, a carb car, less money , and whats left to tune it a tad.

[HarryD]

My commute is about 30 minutes each way with a 50/50 combination of freeway and city street driving. This summer I needed to drive my 911 and bus regularly to work (my daughter was using the Focus and I use my wife's C300 at the risk of death) and I found nothing wrong with that experience. On the other hand, over the winter break, my daughter again started using my Focus and I did not want to drive the 911 on the days the Oregon DOT decided to spread it's "car safe deicer" so I used the bus. While I did not freeze to death, the ride was less than warm and comfy.