Let’s rewind to an era when driving was more about the thrill of the road and less about autonomous features and touchscreens. Picture the early 1970s, a time when a car’s character was defined by its engine’s roar and the feel of the road beneath its wheels. That’s where we find our car in the spotlight star today – the BMW 2002 Tii.
A Compact Powerhouse
The 2002 Tii packed a punch with its fuel-injected 2.0-litre engine, delivering a then-impressive 130 horsepower. This power, combined with its lightweight chassis and nimble handling, made the Tii a joy to drive, whether navigating city streets or carving through countryside bends.
But the 2002 Tii’s appeal extended beyond mere performance. Its boxy yet charming design, with its signature round headlights and Hofmeister kink, became an icon of the era. It was a car that exuded a sense of sportiness and sophistication, a perfect blend of practicality and driving pleasure.
The Tii Legacy: A Brief History
The BMW 2002 Tii traces its roots back to the 1960s, a time when BMW was undergoing a transformation from a maker of luxury saloons to a producer of sporty, driver-focused cars. The 2002 series, launched in 1966, was a pivotal moment in this evolution.
- The Birth of the “Tii”: In 1968, BMW introduced the 2002 ti, featuring a twin-carburettor engine that boosted power to 120 horsepower. However, it was the 2002 Tii, launched in 1971, that truly captured the hearts of enthusiasts. The “Tii” designation stood for “Turismo Internazionale injected,” highlighting its advanced fuel-injection system.
- A Driver’s Delight: The Tii’s Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection delivered crisp throttle response and improved performance across the rev range. Combined with its sharp handling and well-balanced chassis, the Tii quickly gained a reputation as a driver’s car par excellence.
- Enduring Appeal: The 2002 Tii remained in production until 1975, leaving an indelible mark on BMW’s history. Its combination of performance, style, and practicality continues to resonate with enthusiasts today, making it a sought-after classic.
An Owner’s Viewpoint
Before we get to the answers Richard Stern has shared to our Spotlight questions, here’s his YouTube video detailing his lifelong love of the BMW 2002 Tii.
1. What do you love the most about your car?
It’s FUN to drive. It’s not like many classic cars, it performs and keeps with modern cars making it a breeze to drive. All BMW 02’s were way ahead of their time and the competition.
2. When and where did you buy the car?
I had a message from a friend who told me the car was sitting in a driveway rotting, but I knew the car was worth the asking price as it had a lot of period mechanical upgrades on it. It of course needed full restoration and did cost thousands of pounds and sadly took several times to get right.
3. Why did you buy this particular car, as opposed to another model or manufacturer?
Having had 02’s before they get under your skin. The quality, fun and practicality makes it an easy choice. My first 02 was the Tii (touring injection international), these are the “GTI” of it’s day (before the Golf) and fun and fast.
4. What was the purchase price of the car, and what is its current value?
New in 1973 it was £4500 and now Insured for £45,000. Tii’s are worth even more in Europe and USA (LHD of course) and seen as a colt car, some even fetching six figures for very special Tii’s.
5. How much does it cost to service and tax?
Servicing isn’t expensive and can be done by many old school garage. Obviously oil changes, etc., most garages can support this. But the mechanical fuel injection system can be hard to sort out properly. There is a handful in the UK that know the cars, but on the up side, once set up their rarely go wrong.
6. How does it feel like to drive?
All 02’s perform well, great driving position and good performance. My car is sure-footed and corners like on rails. It’s fast and fun. Lots of glass in the cabin ensures that great visibility and promotes confidence when driving.
7. How often do you drive it?
Most weekends and to shows and events all over UK. I’ve even taken it across Europe several times to the big 02 events, the Tii is effortless and takes long journeys in its stride.
8. Has it been on any eventful journeys?
Yes – Bavaria Tour 2016.
9. How do you look after the car?
Periodic preventive maintenance and servicing I do myself, bigger jobs I go to local specialists who understand the car. It’s cleaned and polished most weekends and kept in a garage on a battery conditioner.
10. Is there another classic or supercar that you’d like to buy, and why?
I always fancied a nice 150PI Triumph TR6 or Aston, but to be honest “I have the right car now” so why change?
11. What advice do you have for anyone looking to buy this model of car?
Buy one.
12. How does it compare to newer models, or other cars you’ve driven?
Way ahead of other models in its day and even today will keep up and possibly beat modern day cars.
13. How is the current market for this car, and how do you see this evolving?
Mint Tii’s are worth £50K all day long and will cost that to restore to top condition. Turbo’s are silly money and not worth the premium. Get a Tii for less and it will leave you with less dramas too.
14. Is the car a keeper or can you see a time that you’d sell the car to another custodian?
I can’t see me selling it as what would I replace it with, I have toyed with the idea before but glad I kept it. Obviously if I got a mad offer I guess it would leave me, but I’d probably have to go and get another one 😉
To view more pictures and get a full history of Richard’s BMW 2002 Tii, check out his dedicated site. A seriously passional car guy is Richard, and I have bumped into him a few times at car shows.
To conclude
We would like to say a big thank you to Richard into his insight to his ownership of his cool BMW 2002 Tii. The car certainly got our attention when we saw it in person. I love the colour and styling.
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