Cheap Square: 1974 BMW 2002

You don’t find many sub $10k BMW 2002s floating around for sale these days, at least not ones that aren’t complete rust buckets or in some sad state of disassembly. If today’s example isn’t hiding some serious rust somewhere, then it is a spanking good deal. Find this 1974 BMW 2002 offered for $8000 in Berkeley, CA via craigslist.

From the seller:
1974 bmw 2002
condition: fair
cylinders: 4 cylinders
drive: fwd
fuel: gas
odometer: 86000
paint color: white
size: compact
title status: clean
transmission: manual
type: coupe
Looking for a good home for my 1974 BMW 2002, 186k miles. Needs some love, but runs well. I have the full maintenance history.

Known modifications:
-Engine: 1988 3-series
-Battery installed in rear
-European bumper package
-Racing steering wheel
-Replaced stereoKnown issues:
-damaged door panels and trim. I have the trim pieces
-broken parking break
-battery or electrical issue. I am able to start with a jump

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This car oozes youthful optimism and reminds me of a time in my life when the future stretched out ahead of me for many decades and anything seemed possible. Maybe I’m projecting juuuuuust a little. Still, this car will hopefully serve someone well as they wander the East Bay in search of whatever future they seek.
Dang, that’s a deal. Lots of clues here pointing to being modified in the late ’80s / early ’90s… mainly the skinny bumper conversion. It’s a square taillight model so it would’ve had the massive diving board bumpers. Recaros and tweed, sunroof deflector, blacked out window trim, Momo steering wheel… more clues! And in the ad text: “Engine: 1988 3-series” – if that’s really an M10 4-cyl from 1988, it’s a 1.8L with 10:1 compression and L-jet fuel injection. Last of its line and a good upgrade from the stock 2.0L M10 this car had originally.