Highlights

Restoration described by seller as completed two years ago
Work said to have covered body, paint, interior and mechanicals
Around £14,500 reportedly invested in the restoration process
Desirable 2002 model upgraded to double Weber carburetors
Reconditioned gearbox installed with documented invoice
UK NOVA document showing VAT and duties paid ready to register

The Appeal

The E10 was the sober-suited saloon with the heart of a race car. The agile and engaging 2002, with its 2L M10 engine, was arguably the pick of the range, providing the sort of real-world performance that made any suburban commute a proper joy.

This 1972 2002 was first registered in Germany but has spent most of its life in the warm climate of the Lebanon. The vendor acquired it there eight years ago, since when he has undertaken what he calls a ‘sympathetic’ restoration that we are told was completed two years ago. The work is said to have cost around £14,5000 covered bodywork, a respray in original Chamonix White, electrics and a retrim of the blue interior. During the process it was fitted with twin Weber carburettors to dial up the performance.

The car presents generally well. There are a few areas to note in photos and perhaps some attention required to the interior. Now located in the UK, the car comes with HMRC NOVA documentation showing that all import and VAT duties have been paid. So it is ready for the first keeper to road register.

The vendor says:

“Overall, the car is in very good condition, both mechanically and cosmetically. The remaining items are relatively minor — mainly finishing and detailing work.

“I received a professional estimate of around £4,000 to complete all outstanding areas (paint touch-up, minor electrical and interior refinements). Once completed, the car would be ready for regular use, shows, or sale at a premium level.

“In summary, this is a beautifully restored classic with the hard work already done — solid body, quality paint, reliable mechanicals, and tasteful interior. With minimal investment and final detailing, it could easily be brought to an excellent or even concours standard.”

History and Paperwork

Originally manufactured on 29th September 1972
Road registered in Germany in October 1973
Paperwork from BMW confirms the above
Imported from Germany to Lebanon in 1976
Acquired by current keeper in Lebanon around eight years ago
Comprehensive ‘nut-and-bolt restoration’ said to have been undertaken two years ago
Documentation includes invoice for reconditioned gearbox fitted in the UK
No formal service book, as maintenance was carried out privately or during restoration
HMRC NOVA document confirming VAT and duties paid
VIN number 3630614

The Condition

Vendor states that bodywork was stripped to bare metal during restoration
We are told that all necessary metalwork was completed
Vendor states that paintwork is finished to a good standard
He advises small section on the bonnet (5 cm x 10 cm) requiring touch-up
Paintwork and trim shows a few marks in photos which buyers can check
Bodywork as shown in photos with some metalwork adjustments remaining
Sits on BBS lattice alloy wheels in good general condition
Fitted with auxiliary driving lights
Blue vinyl and fabric interior said to have been fully refurbished
The vendor reports that this refurbishment included upholstery and trim
He reports that the interior would benefit from further refinement
Wood veneers, dashboard and other trim show areas of deterioration
Carpets show some age and discolouration as can be checked in photos
Electrical system said to have been renewed during restoration
Vendor reports that some “small electrical items potentially needing fine-tuning”
All nickel components replaced with high-quality reproductions or restored originals we are told

The Mechanics

1,990cc M10 4cyl engine
Manual transmission
Fitted with double Weber carburettors
Reconditioned gearbox installed in the UK with invoice documentation
Starts and drives well with smooth power delivery we are told
Mechanically sound with regular servicing according to seller
Vendor states car outstanding issues could be rectified for £4,000

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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