The 2002 began as the brainchild of Max Hoffmann, BMW's US importer, who wanted a car to follow up the 1600-2, which had been very well received in the USA. The logical car for him to import would have been the hot 1600ti, but its engine could not be made to meet the new exhaust emissions regulations. So he suggested that BMW should substitute the 2-litre engine from its larger saloons, which would give excellent performance even in emissions-controlled form. The BMW engineers did as Hoffmann suggested, and the result took the motoring world by storm on its announcement in 1968. Not only did it provide the performance-oriented model which Hoffmann wanted for the USA, but in European guise without the power sapping emissions control gear, it offered affordable high performance in a compact and agile package. So popular did the 2002 become that it went on to sell more than 300,000 examples over the seven seasons of its production. It was only to be expected that BMW would capitalise on this success. The original 2002 was complemented by an automatic version in 1969 and in due course by a whole range of other derivatives: 2002ti, 2002tii, 2002 convertible, three hatchback touring models and finally, the legendary 2002 Turbo. When the last 2002 variant rolled off the Munich assembly lines in 1975, the grant total for all models came to just under 418,000. Today, the qualities which made the 2002 range so appealing I the late 1960s and early 1970s continue to endear them to motoring enthusiasts. The 2002 models are widely and rightly recognised as classics of their period, and enjoy a large and committed following. This book will be welcomed by enthusiasts everywhere and will also form an invaluable reference work for those who earn their living by writing about interesting motor cars. The story of the 2002 is told through 64 contemporary articles covering road & comparison tests, specs, technical data & drivers impressions. Models covered: 2002, Ti, Tii, Turbo & Alpina.
