BMW 2002 Convertible (1968-76)
Production Total: The total production of the BMW 2002 Convertible from 1968 to 1976 was approximately **5,378** units | StillMotoring](https://www.stillmotoring.co.uk/items-2).
*****
Price New: The new price of a BMW 2002 Convertible in the UK in 1968 was approximately £1,597 - Auto Express](https://www.autoexpress.co.uk/bmw/104875/bmw-2002-buying-guide-and-review-1966-1976).
The new price of a BMW 2002 Convertible in 1968 was approximately **£1,597**. Adjusted for inflation to 2025, this would roughly equate to **£28,800**.
*****
Rivals: In 1968, the new prices of some of the main rivals of the BMW 2002 Convertible in the UK were approximately:
1. **Ford Escort Mexico**: £1,100
2. **Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT**: £1,600
View This Rival: https://www.stillmotoring.co.uk/items-1/alfa-romeo-giulia-sprint-gt-(1963-66)
3. **Triumph TR5**: £1,260
4. **Porsche 911**: £3,500
5. **Lotus Elan**: £1,500
View This Rival: https://www.stillmotoring.co.uk/items-18/lotus-elan-(1962-75)
These prices reflect the competitive landscape of the sports car market during that era.
*****
Recorded in UK 2025
As of 2025, there are approximately **235** BMW 2002 models recorded by the DVLA as being on the road in the UK.
*****
PLEASE NOTE: The information provided below is given in averages across Northern Ireland at the date specified. Petrol reflect average prices for four star fuel in litres.
Road Tax: In 1968, the cost of UK road tax for a BMW 2002 Alpina would have been approximately **£25** per year.
*****
Petrol: In 1968, the price of four-star petrol in the UK was approximately **29 pence per gallon**. This translates to roughly **6.4 pence per litre**.
*****
Insurance: The average cost for insurance of a 1968 BMW 2002 Convertible in the UK in 1968 would have been approximately **£50** per year.
*****
1968/COST OF LIVING UK
In 1968, the average annual salary in the UK was approximately **£1,144** for male manual workers and **£572** for female manual workers.
Adjusting for inflation, the average annual salary in the UK in 1968 would be approximately **£30,000 to £35,000** in 2025 terms.
*****
In 1968, the average price of a house in the UK was around **£3,996**. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£54,000 to £60,000** in today's terms.
*****
In 1968, the average price of a new car in the UK was around **£809**. Adjusting for inflation, this would be approximately **£11,000 to £12,000** in today's terms.
*****
In 1968, the average price of a loaf of bread in the UK was around **11½d** (approximately **£1.50 to £2** in today's terms).
*****
In 1968, the average price per mile for a bus journey in the UK was approximately 1.25 old pence (pre-decimal currency). This figure is based on historical transport cost data from that period, which reflects the relatively low cost of public transportation at the time due to government subsidies and lower operational costs compared to modern standards.
To adjust for inflation, we can use the average inflation rate between 1968 and 2025. The average annual inflation rate over this period is approximately **5.21%**. Using this rate, **£1.25 in 1968 would be equivalent to around £22.50 in 2025**.
*****
The average price per mile for a taxi journey in the UK in 1968 was approximately £1 (one pound).
Using the average annual inflation rate of **5.21%** between 1968 and 2025, **£1 in 1968 would be equivalent to approximately £17.72 in 2025**.
*****
In 1968, the average price per mile for a railway journey in the UK was around **1 penny per mile** (approximately **£0.03 to £0.04** in today's terms).
*****
In 1968, there were approximately **6.5 million vehicles** on UK roads. This included a mix of private cars, commercial vehicles, and motorcycles.
*****
COMMON FAULTS
Please Note: Common Faults in Regularly Used Vehicles vs. Low-Mileage Stored Vehicles that have been used consistently over many years, accumulating approximately 10,000–12,000 miles annually, are more prone to common faults due to regular wear and tear. These issues typically arise from the natural aging of components subjected to frequent use, such as engine parts, suspension systems, brakes, and tires. In contrast, vehicles with low mileage that have been stored or preserved are likely to experience different types of issues. These vehicles are often better maintained to ensure their longevity and may avoid some of the typical wear-and-tear problems seen in regularly driven cars. However, they can still face unique challenges such as degradation of rubber seals, corrosion from prolonged inactivity, or fuel system issues caused by old or stagnant fuel.
The 1968-76 BMW 2002 Convertible, like many classic cars, had its share of common faults. Here are a few issues that owners often encountered:
1. **Rust**: The BMW 2002 was prone to rust, especially in areas like the wheel arches, sills, and floor pans.
2. **Electrical Problems**: Issues with the electrical system, including faulty wiring and malfunctioning gauges, were not uncommon.
3. **Cooling System**: The cooling system could be problematic, with issues such as radiator leaks and overheating.
4. **Suspension**: Worn suspension components, including bushings and shock absorbers, could affect the car's handling and ride quality.
5. **Carburetor Issues**: The carburetors could become clogged or require frequent adjustments to maintain optimal performance.
6. **Oil Leaks**: Oil leaks from the engine and transmission were common, often due to worn seals and gaskets.
Despite these faults, the BMW 2002 Convertible remains a beloved classic for its performance and driving experience.
*****
Generations/Trim Levels
Please Note: Generations and Trim Levels Across Countries
Generations and trim levels of vehicles often vary between countries as manufacturers tailor models to meet the preferences and requirements of specific markets. For example, a trim level designated as “GL” in the UK might be labelled as “XS” in another country. Due to these regional differences, the information provided on this site pertains exclusively to UK-specific products.
The BMW 2002 Convertible was part of the BMW 02 Series, which was produced from 1966 to 1977. The 2002 model itself had several variations and trim levels over its production run. Here are the main trim levels:
1. **2002**: The base model with a 2.0-liter engine producing around 100 horsepower.
2. **2002 ti**: A sportier version with twin carburetors, producing around 120 horsepower.
3. **2002 tii**: An even more performance-oriented model with fuel injection, producing around 130 horsepower.
4. **2002 Turbo**: The high-performance version with a turbocharged engine, producing around 170 horsepower.
These trim levels offered a range of performance and features to cater to different preferences and needs.
*****
Engines
The BMW 2002 Convertible from 1968 to 1976 was offered with several engine options, each providing different levels of power output. Here are the main engines and their specifications:
1. **BMW 2002**:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four
- Power Output: 100 bhp
2. **BMW 2002 ti**:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four with twin carburetors
- Power Output: 120 bhp
3. **BMW 2002 tii**:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four with fuel injection
- Power Output: 130 bhp
4. **BMW 2002 Turbo**:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four with turbocharging
- Power Output: 170 bhp
These engines were known for their performance and reliability, making the BMW 2002 Convertible a popular choice among car enthusiasts.
*****
Performance
The BMW 2002 Convertible from 1968 to 1976 offered a range of performance levels depending on the engine configuration. Here are the key performance figures for each engine:
1. **BMW 2002**:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four
- Power Output: 100 bhp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 10.7 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 108 mph
2. **BMW 2002 ti**:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four with twin carburetors
- Power Output: 120 bhp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 9.4 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 115 mph
3. **BMW 2002 tii**:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four with fuel injection
- Power Output: 130 bhp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 8.5 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 118 mph
4. **BMW 2002 Turbo**:
- Engine: 2.0-liter inline-four with turbocharging
- Power Output: 170 bhp
- 0-60 mph: Approximately 7.0 seconds
- Top Speed: Around 130 mph
These performance figures made the BMW 2002 Convertible a popular choice among car enthusiasts for its balance of power and handling.
*****
Rivals
Here are the performance figures for some of the main rivals of the BMW 2002 Convertible in 1968 in the UK:
1. **Ford Escort Mexico**:
- Engine: 1598cc inline-four
- Power: 86 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 10.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 99 mph
2. **Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GT**:
- Engine: 1570cc inline-four
- Power: 106 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 10.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 112 mph
3. **Triumph TR5**:
- Engine: 2498cc inline-six
- Power: 150 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 8.5 seconds
- Top Speed: 120 mph
4. **Porsche 911**:
- Engine: 1991cc flat-six
- Power: 130 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 8.0 seconds
- Top Speed: 130 mph
5. **Lotus Elan**:
- Engine: 1558cc inline-four
- Power: 115 bhp
- 0-60 mph: 7.8 seconds
- Top Speed: 120 mph
These cars were known for their performance and handling, making them popular choices among sports car enthusiasts during that era.
*****
Designer/Dimensions
The BMW 2002 Convertible was designed by **Georg Bertram** and **Manfred Rennen**. They were part of the team led by Wilhelm Hofmeister, BMW's corporate design director at the time.
Here are the dimensions of the BMW 2002 Convertible:
- **Length**: 4,230 mm (166.5 inches)
- **Width**: 1,620 mm (63.8 inches)
- **Height**: 1,410 mm (55.5 inches)
- **Wheelbase**: 2,500 mm (98.4 inches)
- **Curb Weight**: Approximately 1,000 kg (2,205 lbs).
*****
Spares/Specialists NI
Finding spares for your BMW 2002 Convertible in the UK or Ireland is quite feasible. Here are some options:
1. **Blazing Customs**: Based in Dublin, Ireland, they specialize in high-quality reproduction parts for BMW 2002s. They offer a wide range of parts, including body panels, chrome trims, bumpers, grilles, and lights. You can find more information on their [website](https://www.blazingcustoms.ie/).
2. **Ireland Engineering**: They provide a comprehensive selection of performance and racing parts for the BMW 2002, including brake kits, suspension parts, engine components, and more. Check out their offerings [here](https://www.iemotorsport.com/products/2002-parts/).
3. **Only02**: This company specializes in parts and accessories for BMW 2002 models. They offer a variety of components, from engine parts to interior and exterior accessories. Visit their [website](http://www.only02.com/).
These suppliers should help you keep your classic BMW 2002 Convertible in top shape.
*****
Specialists NI
Here are some garages in Northern Ireland that can service a BMW 2002 convertible (1968-1976):
1. The Country Garage, Ballymena:
o Address: 59 Ballycowan Road, Ballymena BT42 3DW
o Phone: 028 2589 1324
o Services: Authorized BMW dealer offering a range of services including maintenance and repairs.
2. JKC BMW, Coleraine:
o Address: 1-9 Milburn Road, Coleraine BT52 1QS
o Phone: 028 7035 5222
o Services: Offers comprehensive BMW servicing and repairs.
3. Bavarian BMW, Belfast:
o Address: 2 Boucher Crescent, Belfast BT12 6HU
o Phone: 028 9038 1311
o Services: Specializes in BMW servicing and repairs with expert knowledge.
4. PJS Auto Engineering, Bellaghy:
o Address: Bellaghy, Northern Ireland
o Services: Independent BMW specialist offering diagnostics, servicing, and repairs.
These garages should be able to help you maintain and repair your classic BMW 2002 convertible.
*****
Racing
The BMW 2002 Convertible had a notable presence in racing. It competed in various motorsport events, including the **European Touring Car Championship** and the **Trans-Am Series**. The car was known for its performance and handling, making it a popular choice among racers. Alpina's modifications to the BMW 2002 enhanced its power and agility, allowing it to compete effectively against other high-performance cars of the era.
*****
Valuation/2025
The value of a BMW 2002 Convertible today can vary significantly based on its condition, mileage, and originality. On average, a well-maintained BMW 2002 Convertible can be worth between **£20,332 and £36,980**.
*****
Clubs
BMW owners in Northern Ireland can find clubs to join and connect with fellow enthusiasts. Here are a couple of options:
1. **BMW Club Ulster Section**: This club is part of the official BMW Club, which encompasses the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland. They organize a variety of events throughout the year, including meet-ups, ride-outs, and tours. You can find more information on their [website](https://www.bmwclubulstersection.com/).
2. **BMW Car Club GB - Irish Region**: This club covers both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. They host fun drives, local meetings, shows, and exhibitions. More details can be found on their [website](https://bmwcarclubgb.uk/regions/ireland/).
These clubs offer great opportunities to meet other BMW enthusiasts, participate in events, and share your passion for BMWs.
*****