Found on eBay: 1976 BMW 2002

October 13, 2013

Found on eBay: 1976 BMW 2002

Not a Roundie but still a goodie. Photo by ebay user: simons95

This week, there is a rather photogenic BMW 2002 from 1976 on eBay. It's a little rough around the edges, and the seller doesn't claim the car to be all original -- but among the nicer examples of the 2002, there really aren't that many that are completely original, and that's understandable. The engine in this example was replaced around 10,000 miles ago, and the four-speed transmission has been swapped out for a five-speed one.

The seller says:

"This car has only been owned twice, it's latest owner has had the car since 1976. All maintenance and repair records have been kept since 1976 and will come with the car. The car had a new engine put in it about 10,000 miles ago. The odometer has turned over so it's hard to say how many miles the chassis has."


The engine bay is reasonably clean, though the engine is not original to the car. Not a bad thing either. Photo by ebay user: simons95

Some nicks in the paint are evident on the body, but it's nothing major. As nicely as the paint shines, the car is still squarely in driver condition, and the seller doesn't try to argue otherwise. There are some bumps on the body and the chrome moldings, and they all appear to be presented honestly in the listing photos.

The seller writes:

"The original seats have been replaced with Italian leather seats. Everything else on this vehicle is original. The car was kept in dry storage when it wasn't being used. The paint has began to peal back exposing the metal in some spots, but the rust is almost non existent. The front turn signals are in tact but are sun cracked. The rear window rubber molding is missing in a few sections. I had a chance to drive the car in very heavy rain and there are no leaks on the interior. Car comes with factory A/C (works but could use a charge). There are a few very small dents in the car and the right front bumper's plastic wind fairing is sun warped."


The interior has been maintained reasonably well. Photo by ebay user: simons95

The later 2002s, like this one, obviously, take a back seat to early 2002s, value-wise. Collectors prefer the earlier "roundie" models, with their charming details and less-federalized appearance -- and you'll notice this example remains more or less original rather than being retrofitted with smaller bumpers. The cosmetic flaws do not appear to detract from the nice overall appearance of the car, at least in the photos, and they all appear to be in a category where the new owner can address them without breaking the bank.


With just five days left in the auction, there's still plenty of time to consider this one. Photo by ebay seller: simons95

An example with lots of small cosmetic needs that nevertheless presents well is how we would sum up this car just looking at the listing. Few owners try to get the later-model 2002s up to concours condition, and this example is squarely in driver-plus condition. The seller here gets bonus points for painstaking photography and for pointing out tiny cosmetic faults that other sellers (sadly) would have glossed over and failed to bring to light.

Jay Ramey
