BMW 2002 (1968)

BMW 2002

The BMW New Class was a line of compact sedans launched with the 1962 1500. The four-cylinder BMW M10 engine used in these cars grew over the years from 1.5 to 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 L with the names changing to reflect this.

The New Class models featured a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front and front disc brakes.

The sedan models (with numbers ending in "0") were replaced by the larger BMW 5 Series in 1972. The '02 series is not part of the New Class. The upscale 2000C and 2000CS coupes were replaced by the six-cylinder BMW E9 coupes, introduced in 1969 with the 2800CS.

Although they shared mechanicals such as engines, gearboxes, and differentials, the four-door New Class models shared little else in terms of parts and design with the two-door models.

BMW 2002 (2 door)

The 2002 is one of BMW's most famous automobile models. It was a two-door sports sedan based on the four-door 1600, and cemented the company's reputation for compact sporting sedans. The 2002 was the forerunner of the BMW 3 Series. It was produced from 1968 to 1976.

A three-door model, the 2002 Touring, was also available. The Touring was not a full station wagon, and may in modern terms be considered a hatchback. BMW would not offer a Touring model again until the late 1980s, with the 3 Series.

The 1500 had already begun BMW's reputation for sports sedans, but the 2002 may be considered its ultimate incarnation. With its 1,990 cm³ engine, it produced some 120 bhp (88 kW) in the 2002ti, and 130 bhp (96 kW) in the high-performance 2002tii. The 2002tii had a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph).

The 2002 Turbo (production 1,672) was launched at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was the company's first turbocharged production car. Power was raised to 170 hp (125 kW) at 5,800 rpm, with 240 Nm (177 ft·lbf) of torque. Unlike Saab and Porsche, companies which also made some of the first turbocharged production cars around this time, BMW has made little use of turbocharging in its gasoline engines since.

Built in small numbers was a Cabriolet. These were produced by Baur of Germany, which to this day, as IVM Automotive, continues to convert BMWs.

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