Highlights

Comprehensively restored between 2017 and 2021 with documented expenditure exceeding £80,000
Upgraded drivetrain featuring a rebuilt BMW M44 1.9-litre engine, Getrag 240 five-speed gearbox and limited-slip differential
Uprated braking, suspension and steering
Driven across Europe without mechanical issues
Voluntary MOT valid until 27th April 2027

The Appeal

Widely regarded as the car that established BMW's sporting credentials, the 2002 in fuel-injected tii form offered a level of performance and engagement that was remarkable for its era and remains deeply rewarding today. Finding one that has been thoroughly sorted and is ready to drive with confidence is another matter entirely.

This 1975 example has benefited from a comprehensive restoration carried out between 2017 and 2021, with documented expenditure exceeding £80,000. Prior to the rebuild, the car had spent a considerable period in barn storage and had suffered significant corrosion. All known rust was addressed with extensive metalwork before the shell and panels were refinished in Granada Red Metallic. The interior was renewed with reupholstered light-coloured trim, new carpets and additional sound insulation.

Mechanically, the car has been substantially upgraded. A rebuilt BMW M44 1.9-litre engine replaces the original unit, paired with a Getrag 240 five-speed gearbox and a 3.91:1 limited-slip differential. The braking system, suspension and steering have all been uprated to complement the improved powertrain. The vendor reports that the car starts readily, pulls strongly and has proven reliable, having been driven across Europe without fault.

Acquired by the current owner in January 2024, the car has been continuously maintained and improved since. An extensive file of invoices, restoration records and service documentation accompanies the sale, offering the next keeper a clear picture of the work carried out and the investment made.

The vendor says:

"It is an absolute joy to drive. The M44 engine gives the car strong performance, while the upgraded suspension, brakes and limited-slip differential make it feel sharp, responsive and confidence-inspiring on modern roads. It has all the mechanical involvement that makes classic motoring so special, with a fantastic exhaust note and a driving experience that always feels memorable, whether on a local run or a long-distance road trip. One of the things I love most about the car is the reaction it receives wherever it goes. It attracts constant thumbs-ups, conversations at fuel stations and compliments from both classic car enthusiasts and people who simply appreciate a beautiful car. The Granada Red Metallic paintwork is particularly special. It looks elegant and understated, but when the sun hits it, the colour comes alive, and the car looks absolutely magnificent. Having driven it across Europe without any mechanical issues, I would not hesitate to get in and drive it anywhere. It is a well-sorted, highly usable classic that has benefited from a huge amount of investment and care, and it remains one of the most enjoyable cars I have owned."

Key Information

Mileage: 7,200 miles (indicated)
Technical inspection status: MOT valid until 27th April 2027 (MOT/road tax exempt)
Technical specs: 2.0-litre (1,895cc) inline four-cylinder petrol (BMW M44), five-speed manual
Paperwork: extensive invoices, restoration records and service documentation included

Maintenance history:

03/26 – JFI Classic Cars (£655.76)

Completed clutch and electrical maintenance, routine service, rear anti-roll bar work, and speedometer adjustment

08/25 – Pristine Classic Cars (£3,936.00)

Completed corrective bodywork to front and rear spoilers; fabricated custom spot-lamp brackets

01/25 – Deans Clean Detailing (£744.00)

Re-applied 3-year ceramic package, light machine polish, and engine-bay detailing

2025 – JFI Classic Cars (£802.76)

Completed routine servicing, protection, and rectification work covering exhaust, ECU, electrical system, and trim

06/24 – Quickfit Safety Belt Service (£746.46)

Completed safety belt installation and refurbishment work

08/23 – Pristine Classic Cars (£11,565.00)

Completed full repaint including door shuts, supplied new boot lid, and repaired solid bonnet panel

07/23 – Pristine Classic Cars (£4,515.00)

Completed mechanical rectification and full vehicle strip-down in preparation for bodywork

08/21 – Deans Clean Detailing (£400.00)

Applied 3-year ceramic coating package and completed machine polishing

06/21 – Euro Car Parts (£189.43)

Purchased two Bosch batteries

01/20 to 10/20 – Jaymic (£8,609.68 total across six orders)

Supplied extensive replacement exterior trim, seals, headlining, waist mouldings, bumpers, glass, safety parts, lighting, interior trim, and finishing parts

2019–2020 – JFI Classic Cars (£24,358.03)

Executed multi-year OEM+ build programme, including:
- Engine & Drivetrain: Sourced BMW Z3 1.9 donor vehicle for M44 engine; fitted M44 conversion with E30 M40 Getrag 240 gearbox, custom E30 upper/lower sumps, new engine gaskets, crank seals, thermostat, and water pump.
- Engine Management & Exhaust: Installed modified ECU (mapped to 7,000 rpm / 159 bhp with EWS delete & speed input), conversion exhaust manifold, and full stainless steel exhaust system
- Cooling & Driveline: Fitted E36 4-cylinder radiator; modified and balanced propshaft with new centre bearing and rubber coupling; fitted 3.91:1 LSD with fresh LSD oil.
- Fuel & Electrical: Installed new fuel pump, filter, lines/fittings, and boot-integrated fuel system; relocated battery to boot with extensive wiring loom integratio
- Brakes: Installed brake servo, new brake pipework, E30 master cylinder, E21 323i vented front discs with refurbished front calipers & spacer kit, E21/Turbo-type 250mm rear brake conversion, and braided brake/clutch hoses
- Suspension & Steering: Installed Eibach springs, new centre link, track rods, negative-camber plates, and front tie-bar poly bushes.
- Instruments & NVH: Fitted electronic speedometer conversion/pick-up, rev-counter integration, sound deadening, new headlining, and roof-panel wor
- Interior & Audio: Completed carpet and interior trim work; installed Alpine speakers and Kenwood under-seat subwoofer.
- Exterior & Wheels: Installed new glass, seals, and trim; fitted wheels with staggered Hankook tyres and Alpina-branded centre caps/badges
- Commissioning: Completed MOT, road testing, and final fettling

10/19 – Jaymic (£1,868.85 total across two orders)

Supplied brake/suspension upgrade components and fuel-system parts

10/19 – VWJM (£373.00)

Supplied remote brake servo delivered for installation

09/18 – Classic World Racing Ltd (£9,179.28)

Completed front axle/suspension, steering, brake hydraulics, clutch hydraulics, and fuel system mechanical restoration

12/17 – On2One Motorsport (£7,000.00)

Supplied two used doors, stripped/blasted bodyshell, doors, front wings, boot lid, and bonnet.
Repainted body in Granada Red Metallic 023 and applied stone-chip finish to underside, chassis, and boot.

05/17 – Classic World Racing Ltd (£7,357.93)

Completed initial structural and mechanical restoration work

The Detail

Prior to restoration, the car had suffered significant corrosion following a prolonged period in barn storage
Restoration between 2017 and 2021 focused on structural integrity and reliability, with all known rust addressed through extensive metalwork
Shell and panels refinished in Granada Red Metallic; further cosmetic work carried out in 2023
Original engine replaced with a BMW M44 1.9-litre unit sourced from a BMW Z3, fully stripped, vapour blasted and rebuilt before installation
Getrag 240 gearbox and 3.91:1 limited-slip differential fitted, along with a modified and balanced propshaft
Upgraded fuel system and improved cooling package installed
Vented front brakes, larger rear drums and braided brake hoses fitted
Suspension improvements, geometry enhancements and revised steering components carried out
Electrical systems refurbished during restoration
Interior reupholstered with light-coloured trim; new carpets and additional sound insulation fitted
Original front seats retained; a set of Recaro seats may be available by separate negotiation
Front chin spoiler and rear spoiler installed in 2025 by Pristine Classic Cars
Modern immobiliser fitted
RetroSound Bluetooth/DAB stereo system installed with speakers mounted in the rear parcel shelf
Rear seat belts fitted
Regularly serviced by BMW and classic-car specialists, including routine oil changes and preventative maintenance
Always stored indoors under a protective cover
The vendor reports one minor scratch adjacent to the fuel filler cap, left untouched rather than concealed
Driver's door does not lock using the exterior key but unlocks correctly from outside and operates normally from inside
The vendor states the underside is clean, solid and well protected, inspected annually
Only issues with the car are that the drivers door doesn't lock from the outside and a small scratch near the petrol tank
The vendor describes the car as an absolute joy to drive, with strong performance, sharp handling and a fantastic exhaust note

BEFORE YOU BUY

This sale is subject to the Car & Classic Terms and Conditions. By bidding and/or making an offer, you also agree to the following:

✓ 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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Comments

Hectors••••

Bidder

1 week ago

Hello, has the DVLA been notified of the engine change for a ligbook update please.

Marspev••••

Seller

Hi, the engine conversion was carried out during the previous owner's ownership and is extensively documented. Following your question, I checked the V5C and noted that it had not been updated to reflect the engine change. As updating the record at this stage would result in the V5C being unavailable during the sale process, I have elected not to submit an amendment prior to the auction. The successful buyer will receive all relevant documentation relating to the conversion, including engine details and supporting paperwork, to enable the DVLA record to be updated.