Description
The BMW 2002 Ti has long since earned its place as one of the most charismatic and usable competition saloons of its era—light, communicative, and endlessly adaptable. But every so often, one emerges that goes a step further. Not merely restored, but reimagined with purpose. This is one of those cars.
Finished in the unmistakable Jägermeister livery—a nod to one of motorsport’s most evocative sponsorship eras—this 1973 example was subject to a comprehensive bare-shell rebuild between 2015 and 2018. The approach was exacting: a lightened and seam-welded shell forms the foundation, complemented by lightweight single-skin GRP panels including bonnet, boot lid, and the distinctive ‘pig cheek’ wings. The result is a car engineered not just for aesthetics, but for performance and durability in equal measure.
At its heart lies BMW’s venerable M10 engine, here developed into a mild competition specification producing circa 182bhp. Equipped with a 280/ 282 cam, uprated valvetrain, electronic ignition, and a modest overbore, it delivers strong, reliable performance with scope for further enhancement—210bhp comfortably within reach for those inclined. Supporting hardware is equally considered: an aluminium radiator, full stainless exhaust system, ARP fastenings, and a lightened M30 flywheel paired with an uprated clutch.
Power is delivered through a Getrag 260 gearbox to a 4. 10 limited-slip differential, offering the kind of immediacy and engagement that defines the very best historic competition machinery. The chassis has been set up with equal care—coilover adjustable dampers, quick rack steering, and a braking system comprising drilled discs all round with four-pot calipers—ensuring the car feels as capable as its specification suggests.
The stance is completed by custom staggered Minilite wheels—8x13” at the front and a purposeful 9” at the rear—perfectly filling the arches and reinforcing the car’s competition intent.
Inside, the attention to detail continues. A full Safety Devices roll cage is integrated into a thoughtfully executed cockpit, centred around a custom flocked dashboard housing VDO instrumentation, twin Brantz rally trip meters, OMP intercom, and an array of period-correct timing devices—including twin Omega stopwatches and a MIG fighter clock.
Crucially, beneath the surface, the car benefits from a completely new, full electrical loom, ensuring reliability and consistency—something so often overlooked in historic competition builds, yet absolutely essential for long-distance events.
A plumbed-in fire system and FIA-compliant foam-filled aluminium fuel tank—mounted low and forward for optimal weight distribution—underscore the car’s readiness for serious use.
Importantly, this is a car built with events such as the Tour Auto and Modena Cento Ore firmly in mind. As such, it strikes a rare balance—focused and capable, yet not so highly strung as to detract from enjoyment on the road. It remains eligible for FIA papers and a variety of historic racing series, offering versatility that is increasingly difficult to find.
With just circa 1, 764 miles covered since completion, including light use in European tarmac events, it presents as a well-developed and lightly exercised example. Naturally, following a period of dormancy, a prudent recommissioning and inspection would be advised prior to competitive use. Minor cosmetic and mechanical notes—such as a small manifold crack and an imperfection to the rear wing paint—are entirely in keeping with a car of this nature.
In essence, this is not a project, nor a half-finished idea. It is a thoughtfully executed, highly usable historic competition BMW—equally suited to rally stages, endurance events, or fast road enjoyment.
And perhaps most importantly, it is a car that delivers exactly what the best of its kind always should: character, capability, and the unmistakable sense that it has been built to be driven.
