BMW manufactures some mighty fine automobiles today, but are they big, heavy, and festooned with electronic gizmos. Devices such as ABS, ASB, ASR, ICE, GPS, BFD, iDrive, and numerous black boxes have taken away the purity of the original Bavarian design, namely the wonderful agility that turned BMW sedans of the Sixties and Seventies into "Porsches for the family man."

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For those of us who appreciate a no-nonsense approach when it comes to automobiles, the BMW 2002 sedan (E 10 model) is just what the doctor ordered. Built between 1968 and late 1975, the 2002 features a three-box body with a large greenhouse, usually a four-on-the-floor transmission and a bullet-proof four cylinder engine. The cars up to and including the 1973 model year feature the unique round taillights, and are now nicknamed Roundies for that very reason.

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The 1973 BMW 2002 prominently featured here, is one of the coveted Roundies. Sold new on June 27, 1973 by JAYRO Enterprises, back then the local San Luis Obispo, Calif. BMW agency, it has remained a local car with its original owners ever since, still featuring the coveted blue-and-gold California license plates, front and back.

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Excellent documentation accompanies the Bimmer, starting with the fully stamped service book, owner's handbook and supplement, overseas service stations book, and radio manual, all tucked inside the original blue vinyl pouch.
There are several service records, detailing -- among other items -- a valve job, water pump replacement, and various smog checks. (The car is now smog exempt in California and most other States.) Then, there are old registrations, all the way back to the 1970s. All this aids in establishing this BMW's California provenance.

Bimmer's underbelly looks healthy and unmolested. Being a California car, it has never been undercoated and survived in quasi reference condition to this day. We have not been able to find any rust-through on the undercarriage, nor any signs of previous rust repair. Nice! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open)

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Even the vulnerable wheel wells still display their undamaged factory paint, indicating that this 41-year-old has not been exposed to inclement weather all that often. Make sure you enlarge all those photos to their XXL size and prepare to be amazed.

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Bimmer's coachwork is lithe and square, its slim-pillared look belying its structural solidity. Doors shut with a thunk supporting the notion that "Made in Western Germany" indeed was the hallmark of a quality product, back in the day.
The car's body appears corrosion-free. Coachwork features good shut lines ("gaps") all around. Aside from a crease on the right rear wheel well, the body is very straight. Most importantly, about 85% of the car's Sahara Beige paint is the original coat, applied in 1973 at the factory.

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The engine compartment is well organized and clean. The M10 engine is a descendant of BMW's Formula 2 unit of the 1960s. Powered by turbochargers, it's good for over 1,000 horsepower. Powered by a single Weber DCAV carburetor as it's the case here, it's good for 250,000 miles!
There are no unsightly leaks or untoward noises; this engine does not display any signs of problems at all. It runs like the proverbial sewing machine and will presumably continue to do so for many years to come, with just regular oil changes. Paint in engine bay is orginal as well, all factory labels and stickers are still intact.

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Let's move on to the interior.
With ample space for five adults, interior accommodations are generous indeed. BMW is regarded as the first fully functional "sports sedan," certainly the most iconic of this popular breed.

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Original, embossed white vinyl headliner and matching sunvisors are beautifully preserved.

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The traditional, un-cluttered BMW dashboard is amazingly well-preserved and combines simplicity with elegance. There's ample storage for odds and ends. Note factory steering wheel, featuring a leather wrap.

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Three circular gauges provide all the information needed. As a quite rare factory option, the standard clock on this 2002 was replaced by a large tachometer. All gauges and switches are in perfect working order.

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Front and rear seats are comfy like those of a Mercedes or Volvo and still wear their orignial Rehbraun leatherette upholstery. Apart from a few splits in the driver's seat bottom, they are well-preserved, however, the stuffing is almost gone and should be replaced. All interior knobs, handles, and assorted trim remain in deent to excellent condition. Factory original carpeting is still useable, if a little dirty. It was protected by a set of ancient coco mats.

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Plenty of space for the young 'uns on the rear seats. The '02 truly is a sports car for the whole family! Note rear pop-out windows for superior flow-through ventilation; why did automobile designers ever dismiss these?

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Ready for a test drive?
Sure, but before we take off let's have a look at the luggage compartment.

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Trunk is very large, considering the compact overall dimensions of the BMW. Gray vinyl-covered wooden partitions look intact and clean.

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Matching spare and jacking equipment. Factory tool roll. Rust free spare wheel well.

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Monday, April 21, was another sunny day here in San Buenaventura. We were ready for a quick drive, first cruising through our hillside Hobson Heights neighborhood, later zooming along Highway 33 toward Ojai.

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Once inside, you notice the elevated seating position, the wonderful visibility all around. Turn the ignition key and the potent inline four comes alive immediately. Throttle response is affirmative, and the lightweight Bimmer sprints away from traffic lights with ease and determination. You can't help but smile and wonder why 2014 model cars lack this agility . . .

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The power-assisted disc brakes slow the Bimmer down authoritatively, without fading or pulling. The compact size of the 2002 makes it ideally suited for big-city traffic, the sway-bar assisted suspension is taut and the smooth-shifting manual transmission is a delight.

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In a nutshell, this car's performance leaves us utterly satisfied. During our drive, the favorable comments and "thumbs up" we received wherever we stopped added quite a bit of excitement, too. This is one classic you can drive on a daily basis, if so desired.

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Time and again, history has proven that restoring a rusty hulk or a mechanically challenged car may leave you upside down in no time. Save yourself the hassle and extra expense, buy a solid car you can afford -- especially one that comes with a verifiable history from new -- and let others worry about the rusty projects.
They are original only once!