I could use some help

[sindraina]

Hello, im bout to go into the army and im looking at buying a car when i get out, sort of a pat on the back for myself when i get out. I've been looking at 1965-1978ish bmw 2002 to get, they are nice looking, not many people have them and i heard the are fun cars to drive since they turn great and got power for being a 4 cylinder. But I was wondering a few things, what are the main problems with the car, are parts easy to come by, and is there any modifications that need to be made.

Thank you for your help,
Sindraina

[meyere30]

Don't go about 74 because of the emissions they put on them. Parts are still easy to get for the most part. Rust is the main issue since they are old. Around the shock towers. Under the pedals and in the tire well. Make sure the maintenence was done and they have reciepts.

[meyere30]

BMM2002FAQ.com

[alternativez2003]

(like myself) might argue was possibly the best year. Ok, we've had this discussion: they are all pretty cool. The nice thigs about the '76, discounting the smog stuff, which depending on where you live, could be discarded, are simply that they are younger and perhaps still intact. As Scotty mentioned, as with all elderly, look for rust first. Hidden rust. Don't go shopping without a trusted '02 adviser who knows what to look for, or study hard. They are wonderful cars, but like any "full-sized" hobby, they may suck your cash. When shopping for a car, buy what you see in front of you, not what you envision it to be with the work you will undoubtedly have to put into it. Most parts are out there somewhere, power is not tremendous, but you can build a little and enjoy a lot. I hope you stay safe and as the father and uncle of serviceman, I thank you for your intention to serve our country. You do deserve that "pat on the back." I served in the Peace Corps, myself, as I had just missed VN, with no desire to have served in it, but a desire to serve in some way. Good luck and blessings in all you do. Jim

[sindraina]

Thanks, but I still feel it is my patriotic duty. Also, thank you for your advice, it is much appreciated. I don't mind sinking too much money into it. I know its not going to be a Porsche, but i heard they can get gitty-up and turn well, and I'm kind of looking to mess around with the engine and all, but keep the car body itself the way it is. Thanks once again for all your advice

[sindraina]

I forgot to ask, what are some cool modifications you can do? I mean classy ones, I don't want to make it into a rice burner, far from it. I just want to make it have a little more umph and so on. I am not by any stretch of the imagination gonna put flo-masters on it. I want the car to sound nice, not like a misquito that needs to be squashed.

[Squeeky]

If you love the look it is a great car and you'll never
mind the care and feeding that you put into it. Get a
rust free car for starting out or become familiar with
restoration shop. For a car you really love, if you
can't find a really clean one, take everything out and
send the body to a restorer. They'll strip it and de rust
it. If the metal needs repair they can weld panels. They
can do amazing things. Then they paint it. Just about
everything can be purchased. Or course it ain't cheap.
But you can do a lot of the work yourself and then you'll
have a really clean one for driving.

If you want to own it in CA, make sure it has the smog
equipment on it. They just changed the laws. 1975 and
older are smog exempt. 1976 needs to be smogged. A '76
with the smog equipment intact and functional can pass if
the engine isn't too tired. Keep that in mind.

Lastly, make sure you have a garage or somewhere safe to
park it at night. This car is a magnet for parts seekers
and vandals. I have learned the hard way that if they
decide to they will peck you car to death. So, after all
that investment of time, money and love, you can't leave
it open to the buzzards! Best of luck. It is a great car.
Have fun!

[sindraina]

thank you for you advice

[RIP]

And I got a ton of [Oops!] for telling you the reasons not to.....

[meyere30]

and the shady person I was dealing with. I also was told by 90% of the people I talked to to not get that car. I am very happy that I did not get it. The 1600 I have is in much better shape. They made be good to own but not if you are in California and have to smog it. The regulations are harsh here.