1976 BMW 2002 - with a slightly newer motor

[stevelyon]

Six months ago, I was given a 1976 BMW 2002 - sans interior, a bad motor, and tired paint. But the body is mostly straight, and has very little rust, so I figured it might make a fun motor swap car. Three months ago, I bought a wrecked 1991 BMW 318is and salvaged the nice-running M42 motor and 5 speed transmission. Coincidentally, the guy I got the wreck from abandoned his plans to make the same swap (his '02 was deemed "too nice") and he'd already bought motor and transmission mount adapters. With any luck, I'll end up with a clean little classic daily driver with a more modern drivetrain.Â* More photos HERE.

[JGlanton]

Oh. I thought this was going to be about an LS3 swap.



I'm jealous. Love that 2002 and it should be a great car with the 318i engine. Great deal, and great job so far.

[tedward]

I've got an E30 318is (with M42). I love the drivetrain, but I would suggest gettingÂ*a lighterÂ*flywheel and making sure there's an LSD in good shape installedÂ*before it goes in the car.

Any thoughts on wheel/tire size for the 2002?

[m_grimm]

surely it will become a real beauty. some pictures after you have finished would be decent

[dbeshans]

Yes, love to see more of it! It was 1972 when I spotted one in a BMW's dealer lot, a 1969.
I had been reading every car mag I could get my hands on, especially R&T two years before I was discharged from the Air Force in 1968. . Article after article on BMWs.

I loved that car, although it would lean in turns it never lost grip. The finely tuned suspension, good tires, and light weight kept it planted. I can't recall now, but it seemed they did not come with a sway bar on one end or the other. Something I planned to remedy at some point, but never did. It did need clutch work about a year after I bought it. And I am not hard on clutches, so I was a little disappointed.

It could have used more power, thinking back now, and at the time I would have liked more but the car has so many positive attributes, in ride, handling, braking, and overall fit and finish, it was easy to overlook. The greenhouse windows certainly made for great visibility as well. I am quite sure nothing shifted so slick as that gearbox. The MX5 comes close, some 40 years later.
Anyway, wish I had it today. I will have to live vicariously through you as you work your magic on that bimmer!