Description
A cherished example of BMW’s beloved 2002, a lightweight and engaging two-door classic saloon that helped define the brand’s sporting credentials in the 1970s.
It is powered by a rebuilt naturally aspirated 2. 0-litre ‘M10’ inline-four, delivering 163hp to the rear wheels via a five-speed manual transmission.
The engine was rebuilt in 2015 by renowned specialist Lester Owen at a cost of £8, 983.
This example was originally registered in Vienna, Austria, in November 1971, I imported to the UK in July 2014.
The odometer indicates 19, 787 miles, though this is not warranted due to the speedometer being replaced with a secondhand mph unit. The mileage when I purchased the car was around 64, 500 km, so the true mileage is believed to be around 59865 miles, though this is also not warranted and may slightly increase with occasional use.
I believe I am the third or fourth owner. The documentation shows the original owner kept the car for many years. I purchased the car from a dealer in Belgium who believed to have purchased from the second owner.
EQUIPMENT AND FEATURES
This 2002 is finished in Bristol Grey, with a dark blue vinyl-trimmed interior, with reupholstered front seats in the original blue.
It rides on a set of 14-inch powder-coated steel wheels shod in Dunlop Sport Bluresponse tyres.
Performance and usability upgrades include a ceramic-coated stainless steel exhaust system, Bilstein sports dampers with Jaymic lowering springs, polybushed suspension, camber correction plates, a leather-trimmed Moto-Lita steering wheel, a rebuilt E21 limited-slip differential, and upgraded E21 vented front discs with Volvo 240 calipers.
A rebuilt BMW E21 five-speed gearbox improves high-speed cruising, though the original four-speed gearbox is included in the sale.
The car is accompanied by the original 1971 Austrian registration document, the BMW UK Classic confirmation of vehicle information, two ignition keys and two immobiliser keys, the original owner’s handbook, and extensive invoices detailing restoration and servicing work.
CONDITION
Please refer to the photo gallery to assess the exterior and interior condition. Viewing can of course be arranged on weekend and evenings.
There are now small areas of flaking paint around the rear light surrounds and behind the rear bumper, a slight paint run under the chrome trim on the driver’s door and some stone chips at the front.
The door card chrome trim is flaking in places, and the dashboard has a few small cracks due to sun damage.
The most recent MOT test was on 21 June 2025 at an indicated 19, 556 miles, which resulted in a first-time pass with no advisories.
SERVICE HISTORY
The last maintenance was in June 2025 at an indicated 19, 556 miles, carried out by EDF Motorsports, including an engine oil and filter change, the gearbox and differential oils renewed, and a new battery installed.
The engine bay was repainted during the engine rebuild, and minor corrosion repairs and localised resprays were completed in early 2025.
Previous engine oil and filter services were in March 2022 at an indicated 18, 606 miles and in March 2023 at an indicated 19, 063 miles.
The engine was re-jetted in 2023 on a rolling road, producing 163hp.
The engine was fully rebuilt in 2015 by legendary M10 engine builder, Lester Owen, at a cost of £8983, with an all-new crankshaft, con-rods, pistons and valvetrain. The head has also been re-machined and ported.
Other notable maintenance includes a new brake master cylinder being fitted in August 2023, a complete braking system overhaul, and a full suspension overhaul.
Dates and mileage:
Mar 2018 – 16, 050 miles (Indicated)
Mar 2019 – 16, 544 miles (Indicated)
Mar 2020 – 17, 030 miles (Indicated)
Mar 2022 – 18, 606 miles (Indicated)
Mar 2023 – 19, 063 miles (Indicated)
Jun 2025 – 19, 556 miles (Indicated)
Reason for sale is simply lack of use as indicated by the MOT history. I have loved owning the car for the last 11 years, but it is now time for the car to have a new owner to enjoy the car.
Please feel free to ask any questions, kind regards, TomThis BMW 2002 is a compelling example of the model, sympathetically uprated with high-quality mechanical enhancements for improved usability and performance. With a rebuilt engine, significant drivetrain and suspension upgrades, and an elegant factory colour combination, it is an exciting proposition for any classic BMW enthusiast. Ideal for spirited B-road drives or as a standout entrant at classic car shows.
