Test drive how BMW became what it is
The new class and the 02 series revive BMW in the years of stagnation and not only lay the foundations for the third and fifth series, but also provide fresh and solid finances for their creation. Driving a 2002 BMW, carefully prepared by the BMW Group Classic.
Situated among its contemporary heirs, it awaits us in the middle of a vast space behind the BMW Museum and four-cylinder office building. Its sky-blue color stands out even more against the background of gray thick clouds and pouring rain. This BMW 2002 tii, owned by the BMW Group Classic and born in 1973, may look a bit like its successors, but in practice it is a large model that contributes significantly to their existence. Because it was in the 60s that the introduction of the 1500/1800/2000 sedan from BMW's new class and the two-door models 1602 and 2002 forced BMW to break out of a long-standing financial quagmire and take a quick step forward to get there. Where is he now. It is the solid sales of these models that provide funds for the construction of the four-cylinder building in question. And it is these models that become the prototypes of today's fifth and third series.
The formal harmony of 2002 is captivating at first sight and retains its appeal in all other respects. Although it was designed to be more affordable than a four-door sedan, it surpasses it with its unique airiness, in which the trapezoidal shapes are perfectly synchronized and fit perfectly into the low line of the windows and side folds of this temporary Chevrolet Corveyr style. In this model, BMW is already using an architecture with a very short front overhang, which is not only stylistically but also functional. 2002 embodied all the classic values that will be most fully expressed in the third series.
It's impossible to get started until we take a look under the hood, but it turns out to be quite a ritual that in itself can send you into ecstasy. The procedure involves pulling out a long lever that offers quite a bit of resistance, and actuating a complex mechanism, which in turn rotates a whole shaft with cams and clamps that fix the cover. So, German is the first thought that comes to mind. The engine compartment glows with cleanliness, like the surrounding streets, everything is arranged like a thread. Transparent nozzles and a piston fuel pump are immediately identified in the abbreviation of the second i model - the four-cylinder M10 engine, known for its reliability and dynamic qualities, is equipped with a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection system. With its 130 hp this is the most powerful version with atmospheric filling in 2002 (2002 turbo engine is from another planet) and is produced until the very end of the lineup. I also want to look below - the entire bottom of the car is carefully treated with a black anti-corrosion coating, and on both sides of the differential there are two studs. BMW's decision to use this type of rear axle is crucial - independent suspension, at a time when almost all cars in this class use a rigid axle, is one of the main culprits in popular road behavior. Another foundation on which BMW will build its image. Only later I will find photos of the same BMW 2002 tii in the materials of 2006 on the pages of Motor Klassik, a subsidiary of auto motor und sport. It turns out while many of the new cars released this year are already obsolete. those eight years have left no marks on the car, and the blue coupe looks as healthy as it did then. A good review for representatives of the BMW Group Classic. Let's see if he moves like that.
The essence of BMW
The door clicks in some mysterious way, and you realize that you want to open and close it over and over again. It might sound a little crazy to those around you, so I prefer to focus on the ignition key. Even before I heard the starter, the engine came to life. Like the whole of 2002. Classic cars want to be driven. With a long stay in garages and hallways, varnish can accumulate on the sheets, but every fan will tell you that a car is revived when, after parking, it accumulates kilometers behind it.
This fully applies to our BMW. Ridiculously compared to today, the little chrome wipers seem to caress the glass and are definitely losing the battle with a thick layer of water. The sound of water in the wings creates a feeling of some forgotten immediacy, and drops of water make the sheets resonate. However, the engine spins in a whirlwind - the creation of Baron Alex von Falkenhausen still commands respect, a well-maintained machine absorbs gas with bait and has its own 130 hp. They don't seem to have a problem with the relatively light coupe. According to the documents - the maximum speed is 190 km / h, acceleration to 100 km / h in 9,5 seconds. It is no coincidence that this particular unit became the basis for the creation of racing turbo versions with a capacity of more than 1000 hp. Can anyone brag about this? After all, this is 1973. And above all - the height of the oil crisis.
We leave through the gate and drive along the motorway to the palaces of the Bavarian kings and the history of Bavaria. Along the way and into the past BMW, which created the present of the concern ...
Back to history
In the late 50s, BMW was far from its current reputation and could not compete with Mercedes-Benz in the same way as it does now. Although the German economic miracle is already underway, BMW can't boast of any economic achievements. Motorcycle sales are steadily declining due to rapid economic development because people are starting to turn to cars. Just a few years earlier, in 30, BMW motorcycle sales had dropped from 000 1957 to 5400. A year later, the prestigious 3,2-litre saloon known as the Baroque Angel appeared. symbolic 564 cars were sold. Even worse is the sporty 503 and the more compact 507, which sold a total of 98. The Isetta microcar and its long version with a side door can boast a little more success. However, this seems strange - in the brand's assortment there is a huge gap between microcars and luxury models. In fact, the relatively small manufacturer at the time, BMW, had no more mainstream model. The compact 700 for those years can only partially correct the situation. Obviously, in order for the company to survive, it is necessary to do something fundamentally new.
He was born thanks to the efforts of BMW's largest shareholder at the time, Herbert Quant. Being very interested in the development of the company, he invited shareholders to invest in creating a completely new model. He also symbolically suggests the name Neue Klasse.
One way or another, the necessary money was raised, and Alex von Falkenhausen's team set about developing a new engine. Thus was born the famous M10, which will become an iconic engineering creation for the brand. The project manager from the development level established the possibility of increasing the cylinder diameter and increasing the engine volume, which in the original version was only 1,5 liters.
New class
BMW's "new class" debuted at the 1961 Frankfurt Motor Show and the model was simply called the 1500. The reaction from the people was also very clear and definite - interest in the car was incredible and only three months before the end of 1961. , Received 20 requests. However, it took a whole year to fix the structural problems with the body, and the car became a reality in the second half of 000. This is a "new class", but puts BMW on a new footing, focusing the brand on its dynamic character. The main contribution to this is made by a reliable sports engine with an aluminum head and four-wheel independent suspension. Thanks to the "New Class" in 1962, the company became profitable again and is now among the big players. The growth in demand forced BMW to create more powerful versions - so in 1963 the model 1963 was born (actually a displacement of 1800 liters) with an increase from 1,733 to 80 hp. power. An interesting nuance in the story is that it is in this turmoil that Alpina is built and begins to improve already sold 90 models for customers who feel damaged. BMW continues to develop the series with a more powerful version of the 1500 TI with two twin Weber carburetors and 1800 hp. In 110, the BMW 1966/2000 TI became a fact, and in 2000, the fuel-injected 1969 tii. In 2000, the latter already accounted for the lion's share of sales. So, we come to the essence of history, or how “our” 1972 was born.
02: code of success
If we go back a little, we will see that even with the advent of the 1500, there is still an empty niche in the BMW lineup. 700 has a very different design and relatively small size, so the company decided to create a model based on the new sedan, but with a more affordable price. So in 1966, the 1600-2 two-door coupe was born (pair is the designation of both doors), which later became the direct 1602. Soon a more powerful version of the 1600 ti appeared with two carburetors and a power of 105 hp. Basically, the model is based on the sedan, but has a significantly changed front and rear styling and is the work of the company's designer Wilhelm Hofmeister (after whom the famous "Hofmeister bend" on the rear column). Since 1600, a serious competitor to the then legendary Alfa Romeo models appears on the market, which, however, in addition to combining elegance and sporty style, offers a unique behavior with its independent suspension with inclined rear wheels and MacPherson struts in front. However, according to company historians, a more powerful 2002 would hardly have been born if a strange story had not happened. Or rather, a strange coincidence - the creator of the M10, Alex von Falkenhausen, installed a 1600 for himself in a compartment on a two-liter unit. Almost at the same time, planning director Helmut Werner Behnsch does the same. These facts became known to both of them when their cars accidentally got into one of the BMW workshops. Naturally, they both decide that this is a good reason to propose a similar model to the governing bodies. It will be the main market asset for the brand's planned overseas offensive. Adding fuel to the fire is American BMW dealer Max Hoffman, who also believes that a more powerful version will be a success in the US. Thus was born 2002, which in 1968 received a more powerful version of the 2002 TI with 120 hp, and in September of the same year, the model that we met some time ago appeared - 2002 tii with the aforementioned Kugelfischer injection system. The Baur convertible and the Touring series with a large tailgate would later be born on the basis of these models.
For BMW, the 02 series also played the role of a huge marketing launch vehicle, and its success was greater than that of the original New Class. By the end of 1977, the total number of cars produced of this type reached 820, and the company received the necessary funds to invest in the creation of the first representatives of the third and fifth series.
End of a beautiful day
All this definitely makes me treat this car with special respect and attention. But it looks like he doesn't want to skimp. Each throttle is followed by a sharp thrust on the coupe, which weighs just 1030 kg. Of course, there is no brutal and sharp Turbo grip, but the absence of restrictions on the German track does not interfere with the bike, and a constant speed of 160 km / h is quite natural. Unfortunately, we have a copy from the versions with a four-speed gearbox (five-speed was offered as an option), which is definitely not the best solution. Although the lever comes into its positions tightly and pleasantly, the gearbox definitely torments the engine, which is forced to constantly work at high revs. In addition to the increased noise, this is accompanied by a specific directness of the reactions, which, unfortunately, when the pedal is released, leads to an equally specific sharp braking torque. It is no coincidence that most of the modern counterparts in 2002 have twice as many programs.
The real temptation of this car is on the beautiful and scenic back roads of Germany. The thin steering wheel may not be in harmony with the character of the car, but the lack of power steering is hardly felt. And the suspension is the suspension! Apparently, BMW engineers worked so hard to create it that even now it can be a benchmark for dynamic behavior. Let's not forget that it performs so well, even though the car is fitted with tall 13-inch tires that are just 165mm wide (which doesn't look small, though, and doesn't compromise on visual dynamics!).
It was a really wonderful day. Not only because of the privilege and pleasure of being behind the wheel of this car, but also because of its amazing ability to bring me back to the origins of the brand. Maybe I understand her a little better now. The blue 2002 tii is back in place, and although it has driven nearly 400 km in the pouring rain, there is not a speck of dirt on its leaves. After all, he moves to his native Germany.
BMW Group Classic
BMW recently returned to its roots by buying the old factory from Knorr Bremse, where it began producing aircraft engines two years after its founding. This is where the company's new Classic Center is located.
BMW Group Classic inherited BMW Mobile Tradition in 2008. Launched in 1994, Mobile Tradition aims to join forces to restore and preserve the company's legacy and the vast array of existing models. According to BMW, the number of "historic" cars with blue and white propellers reaches 1 million, to which should be added at least 300 motorcycles. To this end, the company intensively cooperates with various clubs. Anyone looking to rebuild their car can count on full service from a single source. The center possesses vast theoretical and practical know-how for models, has a huge number of original BMW parts and the necessary infrastructure for repairs. This is a business that is getting bigger and probably more profitable. The BMW Group Classic currently has a stock of 000 units and can rebuild almost any car. To demonstrate this fact, a few years ago, employees created the 40 tii from scratch and with only inventory, and even made an unworked but unused raw case.
If parts or devices are not available, they may be manufactured by BMW or by agreement with the supplier. One example: If a 3.0 CSi owner wants to replace their manual transmission with an automatic, BMW can do so, although this model has never been offered with such a transmission. However, since on the basis of the drawings, pilot variants with an automatic transmission have been designed, to which the designers have unlimited access, the customer can order the development of such an option. As long as he can afford it. The work is divided by type of activity: at the Dingolfing plant they deal with bodywork and paintwork, in Munich they are responsible for the mechanics, at BMW Motorsport and M GmbH they take over the M models. BMW has also signed a number of contracts with specialist companies to whom they provide the necessary documentation for production activities. And for those looking to find parts for their BMW, there is the BMW Classic Online Shop. The company can find everything about your car, and based on a huge database of documentation, they try to ensure maximum reliability.
Text: Georgy Kolev
technical detailsbmw 2002 tii, Type E114, 1972
Engine Four-cylinder, four-stroke, water-cooled in-line engine, aluminum alloy cylinder head, gray cast iron block tilted at 30 degrees, five main bearings, forged crankshaft, one in-head camshaft driven by a chain, V-figurative arrangement of valves, working volume 1990 cm3, power 130 HP at 5800 rpm, max. torque 181 Nm at 4500 rpm, compression ratio 9,5: 1, mechanical fuel injection Fugu fisherman, with a crankshaft belt driven pump.
Power transmission Rear-wheel drive, four-speed, optional five-speed manual transmission, limited slip differential
