by Ken Johnstone

Created on: May 22, 2009   Last Updated: May 26, 2009

The BMW 2002 Turbo was introduced in 1972 almost as an afterthought from the German car manufacturer. It was brought out to bolster the somewhat ebbing reputation of the 2002, BMW's entry-level saloon, which by 1972 was entering its twilight years.

Production only lasted until October, 1973 when petrol (gas) prices almost doubled overnight as a result of the 1970s Arab oil crisis. Potential buyers suddenly became acutely aware of the 2002's meager 17mpg fuel economy and the fragility of a continuing oil supply from a virtual Arab oil monopoly. The 2002 Turbo was doomed!

The first indication that BMW had lost their nerve was the dropping of the aggressive reversed Turbo lettering on the front spoiler, but by that time the Turbo's days were already numbered. In all, only a total of 1,672 cars were ever produced.

The Turbo came in left-hand-drive only as the blower occupied the space normally reserved for the steering column in the right-hand-drive car. It used a fuel injected two-litre slant-four engine fitted with a KKK turbocharger which kicked out a highly impressive 170 bhp. It accomplished this without a wastegate, intercooler, or indeed any complicated electronics. At low to medium revs it felt and handled in much the same manner as the standard 2002 production car. The turbo boost kicked in rather suddenly at around 4,500 rpm, which at times could make the car difficult to handle.

The Turbo was geared at 20 mph (32 kph) per 1,000 rpm in fifth gear of the special ZF five-speed gearbox. Speed wise it topped out at around 130 mph. (209 kph)

Stronger drive shafts and bearings were fitted all around, but the Turbo still used the standard BMW configuration of McPherson struts at the front and semi-trailing arms at the rear. The springs were stiffened and anti-roll bars were fitted at both ends with Bilstein dampers on the back.

The car had special 6x13 inch Mahle alloy wheels fitted with 185/70/13 Michelin XWX tyres. The brakes were vented discs with four-pot callipers on the front and large drums at the rear, but had only one servo compared to the standard 2002's two.

In the interior the Turbo had rake-adjustable bucket seats, the only other changes being the addition of a boost gauge set in a pod tacked onto the center dash and a three-spoke sports steering wheel. The face of the instrument panel glowed red.

The 1970s BMW 2002 Turbo has now become one of the most sought after and collectible 1970s BMWs.

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Engine: 4-cylinder

Capacity: 1990cc

Power: 170 bhp at 5800 rpm

Transmission: 5-speed manual box

Top Speed: 130 mph (209 kph)

No. Built: 1,672

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