1976 BMW 2002 Silver Gun Metal Grey Metallic 5-Speed Manual

1976 BMW 2002 Description

After approximately 3 years of searching, I finally found my ’02 project in the hands of a reluctant-to-sell thirty-something outside of Kansas City, Missouri in 2007. A few years into fatherhood, his priorities had understandably shifted away from classic car ownership. I remember it seeming difficult for him to let go of what quickly became an every day part of my life. From reading through buying tips I had found online on sites like 2002AD, I knew to look out for a few problem areas. This one had rust-free shock towers, no issues around the boot, and only a small patch of rust forming at the front corner of the bonnet. There were small signs of paint peel along the rain gutters and the floor plans would need replacing, but this felt minor; “doable”. The seats stank a bit, shed a bit more, and were far from comfortable, but those would be replaced with Recaro’s anyway, right? The carpet had a few stains, the dash a crack or two, and the vinyl a few rips but I was not deterred. I had not driven a 2002 prior to that day, but once I shifted through the four gears and up to cruising speed on Interstate 70 roaring at 4600 rpm, I was sold. We shook hands and off I went.

For the next two years or so I forgot almost completely about my restoration/upgrade plans and focused mostly on daily driving that silver old beaut. Fun to drive, great to look at, and an excellent conversation piece with friends over drinks in the driveway, it was easy to just keep things as they were. Finally, one afternoon after a fun drive on some favorite backroads, I noticed rust under the passenger side floor pan and I knew it was time to dive in.

And what a project it was. Starting in 2009 and continuing for the next 7 years, I removed every bit of rust from the car I could find, replaced a multitude of parts for both maintenance and upgrades, and spent thousands of hours - and dollars - creating a reliable daily driver that starts easily and runs/drives well.

Many experts were consulted and employed along the way as I realized the limits of my abilities to master certain tasks. I’ve been impressed by an excellent welder and a semi-famous 2002 mechanic and couldn’t have taken the car this far without their assistance and expertise.

Meanwhile, I would also be working full time, obtaining my engineering degree, getting married, relocating to Seattle, and finally, starting a small family of my own.

The car has now had rust removed, metal replaced, and new paint. All seals are new. The suspension and bushings have been completely upgraded for a fun, stiff ride. The 5-speed manual transmission swap has been completed. New interior. Longer duration cam, underdrive pulley, alternator, hoses, fuel lines, carb re-build and re-jet, distributor cap, points, etc., the list goes on and on….

See below for a synopsis of the restoration to date. Please feel free to message me for any specific photos or with questions. A large amount of purchase and service information from the original owner and myself is contained in a fire/water resistant container in the boot.

We now live in a condo and spend much of our time hiking and playing with our 6 month old daughter. The car is garaged and has been for nearly all of the time I’ve owned it (and under a custom fitted cover whenever left outside). I’ve realized, sadly, that it is time for the car to move on to a new owner. The car is far from perfect and will not likely ever be show quality. It is a beautiful car that is impossible to drive without a smile on your face. If you find yourself at a time in your life that has room to own such a wonderful representation of a bygone era, I wish you happy bidding.

Exterior Details

Rust at front corner cut out and replaced.

Lower trim removed and mounting holes welded over.

Passenger floor pan completely replaced and welded in place.

Drivers side floor pan drain plug replaced and welded.

Rear license plate area rust found during restoration; completely removed rust area and replace metal.

Entire car was skim coated prior to painting. Professionally painted in late model BMW metallic grey.

New rain gutter trim replaced damaged existing trim. Existing trim was completely removed for rust remediation and for painting.

Accordion style bumpers characteristic of 73-76 model years were completely removed and large mounting holes filled with metal. New bumpers were omitted in place of front low spoiler. Rear bumper has not been installed.

New seals at windscreen, doors, windows, rear glass, and boot. New lock strips at windscreen and rear glass.

Trim is missing at rear above license plate
Purchase includes custom fit cover with room for RH side mirror, if ever installed.

Interior

Existing seats were reupholstered with grey/green vinyl and re-filled (still no Recaros.:))

New carpet throughout

New pedals gasket

New fuel line through cabin

Odometer does not function. Mileage is estimated.

Mechanical

Camshaft upgrade (292 grind - IE)

Underdrive crank pulley (Ireland Engineering)

New timing chain, tensioner (Bavarian Autosports)

3-angle valve job, valve eccentrics/adjustment (Lawrence, KS shop, Bavarian Autosports)

All new coolant hoses (Bavarian Autosports)

Stainless Steel brake lines (Ireland Engineering)

Clutch replacement (Local parts dealer)

Complete poly bushing replacement (Bavarian Autosports)

H&K lowering springs (Ireland Engineering)

Billstein sport shocks (Ireland Engineering)

Ignition cables, cap, points (Bavarian Autosports)

Cabin fuel line replacement (Local parts dealer)

5-speed transmission (Getrag from 320i) with kit from Aardvark Racing

Fuel fill neck – April 2019, Seattle Car Tender

Carb jetting – April 2019, Seattle Car Tender

Alternator Upgrade – April 2019, Seattle Car Tender

Currently maintained through Midnight Motorsports, Seattle, WA

Known Issues

Noticeable fuel odor at times. Seems to be exhaust related.

Heater fan functions but is noisy

Handbrake light stays on. Appears to be bad connection at switch under lever.

The drivers side window crank works but is difficult. May be fixed with lube.

Door locks have been removed from the handles after issues with the keys sticking. Boot lock does not match door locks.

Over-buff on boot lid at last detail will require touch up paint eventually.

Free pickup. Contact to test drive or for additional photos. Idle video available upon request.

BMW 2002 Idle Video Link:https://youtu.be/boHL2IhjZK8

BMW 2002 Heater Fan Noise Video Link:https://youtu.be/Rhc7vbprgl4