For many automotive enthusiasts, the BMW 2002 holds a special place. For decades, the pursuit of these iconic cars often involved searching for well-priced examples that needed some TLC – a manageable repair that brought the price down. The dream was a solid body needing mechanical work, a project to dive into. However, as the years have passed and the value of these classic BMWs has surged, finding such diamonds in the rough has become incredibly rare, almost mythical. Especially when you’re talking about the coveted Bmw 2002 Tii.
The Allure of the Round Tail Light 2002 tii
The round tail light, or “roundie,” 2002tiis, produced and imported only in 1972 and 1973, represent the pinnacle of desirability within the standard 2002 range sold in the US. While exceptions like turbos, tourings, and Voll cabriolets existed elsewhere, the mechanically fuel-injected roundie tii was the top-tier offering through Max Hoffman’s official dealer network. In today’s market, a round tail light tii in comparable condition can command nearly double the value of a carbureted round tail light 2002. The later, big-bumpered, square tail light tiis from 1974, while still desirable, simply don’t possess the same cachet or value as their earlier, more petite siblings.
This desirability translates directly to the market. The idea of stumbling upon a pristine, shiny round tail light tii offered at a bargain price because it needs some work is, frankly, unrealistic. These cars are too valuable, too sought after. Owners are well aware of their worth, and any needed repairs are unlikely to drastically reduce their asking price.
And yet… sometimes, against all odds, a glimmer of hope appears.
Riviera Blue BMW 2002 tii barn find project car advertised online
A recent online advertisement surfaced on Facebook groups dedicated to BMW 2002s: “BMW 2002 Classifieds” and “BMW 2002 Buy Sell Trade.” Posted by a seller named Bobbie Morrone, it presented a 1972 BMW 2002tii project car with a compelling story:
“Hey all. After much consideration I am selling my 1972 BMW 2002tii project. I found this car in a barn a while ago and ended up purchasing it with a non-tii parts car that a friend is saving. This car, in my opinion, is a great candidate for a patina driver. I am swamped with other projects so am regrettably selling. I believe the car was last on the road in ‘93. Have the plate.
Details: -VIN: 2760322 (very early vin for a ‘72 car) -Clean title in my name -Nose has been replaced with snorkel nose -Slicktop car -Engine block is not original -Engine is locked up (atf and acetone are soaking as we speak) -“121″ cylinder head -Has AC -Non-original patina paint (hood is the worst) -Original early plastic intake runners -Car rolls and steers -Wiper linkage damaged (replacement included) -Has rust but overall pretty solid. Car was stored on gravel over plastic, so moisture wasn’t eating away at the under side while it sat. -Original 13×5 tii steelies with new tires -I also have an m42 dropout available for extra coin if that’s your thing. I personally think the car deserves to stay M10 powered.”
The accompanying photos depicted a Riviera blue tii that appeared largely original. The paint, while not perfect, shone, the interior showed a pleasing patina of age, and hints of rust were visible, notably around the left rear shock tower. The fact that the engine was seized was almost a peculiar advantage, opening the door to utilizing a spare tii engine that had been waiting for the right project. While a later engine with an E12 head and metal intake plenums, it still represented a significant reduction in potential risk.
Initial Impressions and Further Investigation
The initial photos were undeniably enticing. The car seemed to strike a balance – showing its age but retaining a fundamental appeal.
Front three quarter view of Riviera Blue BMW 2002 tii showing shiny paint and original features
Rear view of Riviera Blue BMW 2002 tii highlighting the iconic round tail lights
Interior view of BMW 2002 tii showcasing original worn interior with patina
Close up view of rust on the rear shock tower of the BMW 2002 tii, highlighting a common rust area
Further communication with Bobbie, the seller, revealed more details. While the initial impression of “shiny Riviera paint” was somewhat optimistic – the hood, for example, showed evidence of a repaint and underlying red paint – the car still presented well for its age and status as a barn find.
Side view of the BMW 2002 tii showing the overall condition and patina
Close up of the engine bay of the BMW 2002 tii showing signs of being a barn find
Close up of rust on the rear quarter panel of the BMW 2002 tii, an area requiring attention
Crucially, photos of the undercarriage painted a more encouraging picture regarding rust. The frame rails and floor pans appeared remarkably solid, exceeding expectations for a car of this age and type.
Undercarriage view of the rear floor pan and frame rail of the BMW 2002 tii, showing solid condition
Undercarriage view of the front floor pan and frame rail of the BMW 2002 tii, further illustrating the solid chassis
Rust: The Inevitable BMW 2002 Challenge
While the undercarriage was surprisingly sound, closer inspection revealed the typical rust areas common to BMW 2002s. These included bubbling on the quarter panels, door corners, and rocker panels, along with some rust-through in the rear wheel arch and frame rail. However, in the context of a project car, and considering the asking price, these issues seemed manageable, falling within the realm of expected repairs for a vehicle of this vintage. The crucial factor was the structural integrity, which appeared to be largely intact.
Rust on the rear fender lip of the BMW 2002 tii, a common spot for corrosion
Rust on the bottom of the left quarter panel of the BMW 2002 tii, requiring attention
Rust on the bottom of the right quarter panel of the BMW 2002 tii, another area needing repair
Rust on the bottom of the right door of the BMW 2002 tii, a typical rust location
Rust on the right rocker panel of the BMW 2002 tii, indicating potential structural concerns
The Deal Breaker: Hidden Rust and Honest Sellers
Despite the generally positive assessment, a request for further photos, specifically of the rear subframe mounting points under the rear seat, revealed a more concerning issue. This area, often hidden from casual inspection, is a known rust trap in 2002s.
Right side subframe mount under the rear seat of the BMW 2002 tii, showing potential rust issues
Cropped and zoomed view of the subframe mount highlighting potential cracking and rust
Even more troubling were photos of the front left inner wheel well. These images exposed significant rust-through, a more serious structural concern than initially anticipated.
Annotated view of the left frame rail and inner wheel well of the BMW 2002 tii, highlighting rust damage
Cropped view of the rusted wheel well area of the BMW 2002 tii, showing significant corrosion
View from the front hub showing rust-through in the wheel well and rocker panel junction of the BMW 2002 tii
This newly discovered rust, combined with existing factors like the seized non-matching engine, replaced nose, and patina paint, ultimately shifted the balance. While still a potentially viable project, the extent of the rust repair moved it beyond the comfortable threshold for this particular buyer.
The seller’s reaction, however, was exemplary. Bobbie’s honesty and willingness to disclose these further details, even at the risk of losing a sale, spoke volumes. His commitment to transparency and ensuring buyer satisfaction highlighted the best values within the car enthusiast community. While this particular BMW 2002 tii didn’t find its way to this garage, the interaction served as a reminder of the importance of thorough inspection, realistic expectations, and the value of dealing with honest individuals in the classic car world. Ultimately, the car was sold to another enthusiast who was still keen on tackling the project, further demonstrating the enduring appeal of the BMW 2002 tii, even with its inherent challenges.
The search for the perfect BMW 2002 tii continues, but this experience underscores the crucial balance between dream and reality when seeking out these iconic vintage vehicles. And perhaps more importantly, it reaffirms the significance of integrity and open communication within the passionate community that keeps these classic cars alive.
