'76 BMW 2002 Daily Driver

[BLINGMW]

So this car was restored 10-13 years ago. Suspension, bushings, brakes, paint, interior, factory crate engine. 4-spd swapped for a 5-spd out of a later 318 (I really like this). It's a factory color, apparently you could get any imaginable color then:
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It's not perfect, and the guy did a Tommy Boy on the driver door after the restoration, but it was built to be a daily driver and that's what I intend to do with it too. I picked it up a week ago and so far I love it. It's kind of like driving a tiny truck, and about as refined as a steam locomotive. Got around to giving it a much needed bath and wax today:











It's been a while since I've had a car I'd actually be upset about if I were to crash it. That being said, it won't be seeing the track any time soon. Maybe one session. Maybe some autocrosses. I'm sure it'll have a never ending "to-do" list, but here's what I have in mind, in order of necessity:

It's really dry (that's what she said). I've already lubed the major hinges, taken the driver door apart and lubed and adjusted to get the lock working again, but still need to do the steering, passenger door, and a few other things. Everything's adjustable and can be fixed with grease, oil, or zip ties. I think I can even repack the wheel bearings!

Change all fluids, have only done engine oil thus far.

Replace non-functional stereo. I have a Dual XR4110 on the way, it's $36, maybe good enough. Speakers appear to be pretty up to date.

Considering a Stack ST700 or MyChron multi-gauge-dash-thing to replace the stock gauges. The gauges are all "working"... but they're all pretty wrong, misleading, and laughable in different ways. I'm love to hear of any lower cost recommendations.

Considering replacing all the seatbelts. Something I've never had on a to-do list (safety? wtf?), but the return springs are annoyingly weak and the belts look pretty tired.

If bleeding the brakes doesn't improve the useless first 2 inches of pedal travel, I guess it needs a master cylinder.

Clean, adjust carb. Runs pretty good but auto choke and cold idle need improvement. Some convert it to manual choke, that's worth considering.

Remove stock engine driven fan (no clutch on the thing even!) and install something electric. PO installed a larger radiator (thank you!) so it should be able to keep up. The '75-76 got an OVERdriven pulley for the water pump / fan to deal with the overtaxed cooling system, I'll keep my eye out for an earlier pulley.

Drop the whole exhaust and take it to a shop for reconditioning. It's got a pretty nice looking header on it and up-to-date muffler, but there's a leak somewhere. Would probably install a wideband O2 sensor so I could keep an eye on the mix. I like gauges.

Shocks/struts, maybe cut the stock springs or get something aftermarket. Not looking for super aggressive, and I don't want it much lower, but the suspension and stock spring rates are... horse and buggy. Wow. hock: That being said, the low weight still makes it fun to drive, it just takes a different level of planning ahead.

Tires are really nice fairly new Michelins, so no rush, but they're 13 (THIRTEEN? :lol: ) inch wheels with mostly gone finish that isn't very rewarding to clean. I have a set of E30 wheels that'll probably go on next time.

Take to someone that knows what they're doing (not me) and do some rust control.

Optional, low-on-the-list stuff I can think of includes relocating battery, tucking bumpers, fixing horn, fixing wiper fluid pump, replacing rear view mirror with fancy CIPA auto-dimming compass mirror. List does NOT include re-installing the trunk full of reconditioned Behr AC system parts, maybe that'll be worth selling.

[JohnC]

Beautiful...

[Goodspeed]

Very cool, but wooowwwwww ditching those bumpers should be first on your list

[BLINGMW]

Very cool, but wooowwwwww ditching those bumpers should be first on your list

:lol: I know right! The car is actually significantly longer than the TI only because of the bumpers!

[ScottyB]

that's gorgeous. i can't wait to see where this goes. what kinda mileage does it get? disc/drum?

apparently your color is Fjord, awesome!

[SlimKlim]

Sooooo coool. Lauren and I were in Roanoke Saturday, we should've dropped by to visit.

Side note, I want that shift knob.

[PDenbigh]

Chan, that's great! Congrats! I like the plans! Enjoy!

[Jake]

OMG those bumpers. You earn your "Bawlin" cred for the month, and come on, you know you'll autocross it once.

I dig the shift knob. And paint color. Looks like you'll have a fun little project/DD. What does your female half think of it?

[BLINGMW]

what kinda mileage does it get? disc/drum?

Haven't gone through enough full tanks to tell, but preliminary results put it in the low 30s. Non-vented and small disks up front, drums in rear. The front wheels even have integrated brake dust shields to make sure the front brakes never ever cool off.

What does your female half think of it?

Jess hasn't ridden in it yet. No complaints thus far, though we had to go through some safety related, baby seat concern discussions. Whatever, Nathan loves riding in the front at the moment. Especially when we went blasting up bent mountain after day care the other day. :mrgreen:

Glad you guys like it (well except the comical bumpers, got it) :thumbup:

[D_Eclipse9916]

Your more of a man than me for daily driving that. I really think its cool, and 10+ points for DDing it. Cant wait to see it in person!

[Steve85]

Nice! The interior looks to be in great shape and I love that color combo.

BTW, since you have plans to have your exhaust off and redone...Stahl Headers is going out of business (sort of) they have a slightly used 2002 header that is normally $655 on sale for $100.

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[BLINGMW]

Stahl Headers is going out of business (sort of) they have a slightly used 2002 header that is normally $655 on sale for $100.

wow thanks! I'll lift it up tonight and see what kind of shape my header's in. If the leak's there then this replacement might be the way to go. :thumbup:

The interior looks to be in great shape and I love that color combo.

It's quickly growing on me. It looked like an ugly faded blue in the craigslist ad, but it's much better in person. They did a good job on the interior from what I've seen so far- carpeting, headliner, seats, all looks like they used quality stuff that's holding up well. The dash must have been recovered too because it's great. Seat cushion springs are pretty tired but ok. Seats and door panels could use a good cleaning that doesn't show in the pics, will find some vinyl cleaner and hit them.

[Jake]

So because there are two 2002 badges on the trunk, does that mean it's really a...... 4004?!?

[BLINGMW]

yeah, not sure what the thinking was there, it made me laugh too. :dunno:

[V1GiLaNtE]

Wow... That is mega bawler status... Gorgeous color combo.. I say a good wash and wax and it'll be mint!! Congrats!

[Mike]

dig it. hard.

[Chris]

nice Chan!

[Cody]

2002 in the club. Score. what a machine

[Maengelito]

2002 in the club. Score. what a machine

Hunter's dad actually had that awesome black turbo'ed 2002. Thats my bit of MM nostalgia for today.

[Jeff]

very cool.