1973 BMW 2002 roundie - Verona red
Discussion
I've wanted a 'roundie' for as long as I remember, but got serious a few years ago when I thought I could part with the Z4M in favour of a 2002. This meant selling my beloved, 50k in my ownership – gone all over Europe, car. I have been working on tidying the Z up a bit, cup holders were broken etc, but it still remains on the drive. The clio 182 has gone… to have a gearbox refurb, after this bill I don’t think I can sell it.
So, I’ve got 3 cars, and the timing is perfect as I’ve just sold my house with garage and drive and as of this moment have no where to live in 8 days. They say you can live in your car(s), but I think I’d struggle to sleep in any of them!
Anyway, I’d viewed maybe 10-12 2002’s. Some with no engine fitted, some snotters, some in good nick but overpriced. Then I got a text from my brother with a link to this one. It looks perfect, just what I wanted at a reasonable price. 90 minutes away too. It was listed by a dealer, but I saw a mobile number and it being 6:30pm was not going to stop me. I was willing to leave there and then. It was awaiting on refurbished callipers, but that was the least of my worries, I just needed to see it. We arranged a morning viewing the following day, I promptly hit the road at 7 and arrived in time for coffee. Looked over the car and didn’t haggle, just left a deposit. The seller told me between our call and me arriving he’s been contacted 12 times!
The magical day arrived, ½ booked off work, train sorted and off I headed. I’d never driving a 2002, I’m not that fussed on how they drive, you adjust to the car and I wanted a 2002, so it was irrelevant! The brake and clutch sit much higher than the accelerator, which makes for some interesting quick braking scenarios. That are the brakes are woeful.
I started the scene drive home, and noticed the temp gauge getting higher and higher. A slight concern, but this car is 49 years old. I just nursed it back, stopped a few times and sat at a slow speed, it was fine. I’ve since only driven it twice, to show my brother and a mate, but times it got warm but not to a concerning level. Once thing I noticed was that someone seems to have fitted a porous coolant hose (see photo)! So I’ve ordered a new hose, stat and coolant in the hope the stat has gone.. It’s got red coolant, I want OEM BMW blue, so will have to give it a good flush in the process.
Apart from that I’ve ordered a steering wheel, but the boss isn’t in stock anywhere so on back order: https://www.motamec.com/motamec-classic-steering-w...
And that’s it so far. With life being a bit crazy moving house etc I’ll probably just enjoy it as is for this summer before tucking it away over winter. I’d like to go down a retromod on it, keep it OEM, but OEM+. Some anthracite minilites on it, lowered a little, but not much. Sort out the intake side with webers. I’m a big fan of Scottos’s ’02, so will probably pinch some ideas from him!
A few shots and a silly insta type one for you. I'll be out and about in it more once it's cooling issue is resolved. C&M is close by, got a few events in the diary, so it'll get used and photo'd more.
So, I’ve got 3 cars, and the timing is perfect as I’ve just sold my house with garage and drive and as of this moment have no where to live in 8 days. They say you can live in your car(s), but I think I’d struggle to sleep in any of them!
Anyway, I’d viewed maybe 10-12 2002’s. Some with no engine fitted, some snotters, some in good nick but overpriced. Then I got a text from my brother with a link to this one. It looks perfect, just what I wanted at a reasonable price. 90 minutes away too. It was listed by a dealer, but I saw a mobile number and it being 6:30pm was not going to stop me. I was willing to leave there and then. It was awaiting on refurbished callipers, but that was the least of my worries, I just needed to see it. We arranged a morning viewing the following day, I promptly hit the road at 7 and arrived in time for coffee. Looked over the car and didn’t haggle, just left a deposit. The seller told me between our call and me arriving he’s been contacted 12 times!
The magical day arrived, ½ booked off work, train sorted and off I headed. I’d never driving a 2002, I’m not that fussed on how they drive, you adjust to the car and I wanted a 2002, so it was irrelevant! The brake and clutch sit much higher than the accelerator, which makes for some interesting quick braking scenarios. That are the brakes are woeful.
I started the scene drive home, and noticed the temp gauge getting higher and higher. A slight concern, but this car is 49 years old. I just nursed it back, stopped a few times and sat at a slow speed, it was fine. I’ve since only driven it twice, to show my brother and a mate, but times it got warm but not to a concerning level. Once thing I noticed was that someone seems to have fitted a porous coolant hose (see photo)! So I’ve ordered a new hose, stat and coolant in the hope the stat has gone.. It’s got red coolant, I want OEM BMW blue, so will have to give it a good flush in the process.
Apart from that I’ve ordered a steering wheel, but the boss isn’t in stock anywhere so on back order: https://www.motamec.com/motamec-classic-steering-w...
And that’s it so far. With life being a bit crazy moving house etc I’ll probably just enjoy it as is for this summer before tucking it away over winter. I’d like to go down a retromod on it, keep it OEM, but OEM+. Some anthracite minilites on it, lowered a little, but not much. Sort out the intake side with webers. I’m a big fan of Scottos’s ’02, so will probably pinch some ideas from him!
A few shots and a silly insta type one for you. I'll be out and about in it more once it's cooling issue is resolved. C&M is close by, got a few events in the diary, so it'll get used and photo'd more.
Looks like a lovely buy Monkey, congrats and look forward to future updates 
We had a rare RHD 1966 1800 Neue Klasse a few years ago in Chamonix White and a 1970 model in a similar red to your 2002 - gutted the old man flogged them both to a race prep business instead of swapping in an S14 and a dogleg Getrag 5 speed...
We had a rare RHD 1966 1800 Neue Klasse a few years ago in Chamonix White and a 1970 model in a similar red to your 2002 - gutted the old man flogged them both to a race prep business instead of swapping in an S14 and a dogleg Getrag 5 speed...
Thanks chaps!
Unfortunately I've not driven it since collection day as far too busy prepping to move house. But managed to get the bits fitted over the weekend. Turns out screwdrivers don't tighten julibee clips enough, so when I ran it, it leaked. But, this morning up early and get a socket on them, ran up to temp and no leaks, all pipes warm, so stat is doing it's job.
Sadly the rad is weeping the tiniest bit, whilst I'll probably replace it long term I may put up with it for now. Or find some putty I can put on it?
Old and new!
Unfortunately I've not driven it since collection day as far too busy prepping to move house. But managed to get the bits fitted over the weekend. Turns out screwdrivers don't tighten julibee clips enough, so when I ran it, it leaked. But, this morning up early and get a socket on them, ran up to temp and no leaks, all pipes warm, so stat is doing it's job.
Sadly the rad is weeping the tiniest bit, whilst I'll probably replace it long term I may put up with it for now. Or find some putty I can put on it?
Old and new!
Edited by illmonkey on Monday 25th July 08:43
Very lovely, +1 on keeping it stock, they don't all need to be Tii replicas 
And a basic tip for everyone new to old car motoring-
If it's warm or the temperature seems to be higher than you'd like, turn the heating on full blast. That pulls all the heat it can away from the engine. Sure it may be uncomfortable for you, but it will help to get you where you want to go, and you can always open a window/ remove some clothing.
And a basic tip for everyone new to old car motoring-
If it's warm or the temperature seems to be higher than you'd like, turn the heating on full blast. That pulls all the heat it can away from the engine. Sure it may be uncomfortable for you, but it will help to get you where you want to go, and you can always open a window/ remove some clothing.
Lovely looking thing but I am biased - my first BMW was a roundie verona red 2002tii with all those same waist, bumper line and sill chrome trims. They look spectacular in todays misery of grey, silver and black cars.
Congratulations on your purchase - the M10 engine is pretty sweet and easy to look after.
Congratulations on your purchase - the M10 engine is pretty sweet and easy to look after.
Knocking about in the 02 for a week or so now, and have created a little list of work to be done ASAP. I also went off to the MotoGP with a friend in it and had a lovely time in BRDC and a grid walk, he obviously knows the right people!
Anyway, him being another set of eyes we found a few more issues including the fuel hoses being well past it and he condemned the car until I’d sorted that little issue. Here is the list:
Front seat belt buckles troublesome
Fuel hose perished and not clipped
Idle running high, screw lose causing bypass not to close fully
Drivers window not winding
Not all dash lights work
Exhaust blows
Brake fluid leaking somewhere…
Air intake cracked/split
Coolant temp running too high
Brakes vibrate under heavy braking
Seatbelts not retracing correctly
Breather pipe weeping
Brakes were sorted on Saturday, not as simple as you’d hope, with removing the bearings and wheel carrier to get to the disk. I’d got pads too, using the correct part number, but they were too big, so didn’t fit them. I’d also ordered a coolant sensor which luckily arrived on Saturday too, but there is still a slight temperature issue. The dial at least works now rather than randomly jumping about. We also noticed it moves when indicating
Next I looked at the window, seems the regulator is missing the part that the spring attached to, so it’s probably going to be a whole new regulator, but for now a handy bit of 2x4 for when parked up does the trick!
I’ve just ordered fuel hoses, air duct, door trim clips (loads broke when taking it off) & a breather pipe. These will all be fitted next weekend, as well as some diag on the brakes. Not sure what to do about the coolant now, we’re down to rad or pump being the issue. Pump seems to work as all the pipes get hot with the stat opening. Might have to bite the bullet and get a new rad. Only potential issue is the top hose does seem pinched, even though it’s OEM from BMW it doesn’t sit right.
Still not got a boss to put my new steering wheel on, getting impatient now!
Fuel line to pump
Removed the bumper and put a plate on
When I got the car I asked the dealer if the brakes were ok, they’d done the calipers, but left these old discs on it… I’d not say OK
Need to get the SLR out and find a good spot for some photos, as well as a good image site that doesn't compress the life out of photos! Excuse the random post order, I'm working on a hotspot and the signal is so poor I've just given up.
ETA: post 16,002
Anyway, him being another set of eyes we found a few more issues including the fuel hoses being well past it and he condemned the car until I’d sorted that little issue. Here is the list:
Front seat belt buckles troublesome
Fuel hose perished and not clipped
Idle running high, screw lose causing bypass not to close fully
Drivers window not winding
Not all dash lights work
Exhaust blows
Brake fluid leaking somewhere…
Air intake cracked/split
Coolant temp running too high
Brakes vibrate under heavy braking
Seatbelts not retracing correctly
Breather pipe weeping
Brakes were sorted on Saturday, not as simple as you’d hope, with removing the bearings and wheel carrier to get to the disk. I’d got pads too, using the correct part number, but they were too big, so didn’t fit them. I’d also ordered a coolant sensor which luckily arrived on Saturday too, but there is still a slight temperature issue. The dial at least works now rather than randomly jumping about. We also noticed it moves when indicating
Next I looked at the window, seems the regulator is missing the part that the spring attached to, so it’s probably going to be a whole new regulator, but for now a handy bit of 2x4 for when parked up does the trick!
I’ve just ordered fuel hoses, air duct, door trim clips (loads broke when taking it off) & a breather pipe. These will all be fitted next weekend, as well as some diag on the brakes. Not sure what to do about the coolant now, we’re down to rad or pump being the issue. Pump seems to work as all the pipes get hot with the stat opening. Might have to bite the bullet and get a new rad. Only potential issue is the top hose does seem pinched, even though it’s OEM from BMW it doesn’t sit right.
Still not got a boss to put my new steering wheel on, getting impatient now!
Fuel line to pump
Removed the bumper and put a plate on
When I got the car I asked the dealer if the brakes were ok, they’d done the calipers, but left these old discs on it… I’d not say OK
Need to get the SLR out and find a good spot for some photos, as well as a good image site that doesn't compress the life out of photos! Excuse the random post order, I'm working on a hotspot and the signal is so poor I've just given up.
ETA: post 16,002
Edited by illmonkey on Monday 8th August 15:20
Nice progress! The fuel hose one is an important one haha
With the indicators changing the temp reading,you can add a little earth wire between the gauges on the back that helps. Also replacing (or at least spinning) the fuses helps get rid of lots of gremlins like that and cleaning up the earth points.
They do have lots of little quirks at this age now, all adds to the character!
With the indicators changing the temp reading,you can add a little earth wire between the gauges on the back that helps. Also replacing (or at least spinning) the fuses helps get rid of lots of gremlins like that and cleaning up the earth points.
They do have lots of little quirks at this age now, all adds to the character!
When I first got my TVR I took it over to a young PH friend and mechanic for help changing the radio-gramophone head unit.
He gave the car a quick check over, modified it from a V7 to a V8 by pushing a plug cap back on, and handed me a fire extinguisher for the trip home.
Next day I popped over to see the TVR specialist I had designated to look after it. He had had a quick look a couple of days earlier, fixed half a dozen faults, and sent me on my way. I showed him the fuel hoses, and if I needed and confirmation of the seriousness of cracked hoses, his face draining of all colour was enough. I reassured him that he hadn't actually looked under the bonnet the previous time and he relaxed, but the hoses were charged immediately.
You cannot be too careful. I have seen a few photos/videos now of 20 foot high flames rising from a car where the cracked hoses had finally given way and squirted fuel at 3 bar pressure all over the engine bay. Not a pretty sight.
He gave the car a quick check over, modified it from a V7 to a V8 by pushing a plug cap back on, and handed me a fire extinguisher for the trip home.
Next day I popped over to see the TVR specialist I had designated to look after it. He had had a quick look a couple of days earlier, fixed half a dozen faults, and sent me on my way. I showed him the fuel hoses, and if I needed and confirmation of the seriousness of cracked hoses, his face draining of all colour was enough. I reassured him that he hadn't actually looked under the bonnet the previous time and he relaxed, but the hoses were charged immediately.
You cannot be too careful. I have seen a few photos/videos now of 20 foot high flames rising from a car where the cracked hoses had finally given way and squirted fuel at 3 bar pressure all over the engine bay. Not a pretty sight.
QBee said:
When I first got my TVR I took it over to a young PH friend and mechanic for help changing the radio-gramophone head unit.
He gave the car a quick check over, modified it from a V7 to a V8 by pushing a plug cap back on, and handed me a fire extinguisher for the trip home.
Next day I popped over to see the TVR specialist I had designated to look after it. He had had a quick look a couple of days earlier, fixed half a dozen faults, and sent me on my way. I showed him the fuel hoses, and if I needed and confirmation of the seriousness of cracked hoses, his face draining of all colour was enough. I reassured him that he hadn't actually looked under the bonnet the previous time and he relaxed, but the hoses were charged immediately.
You cannot be too careful. I have seen a few photos/videos now of 20 foot high flames rising from a car where the cracked hoses had finally given way and squirted fuel at 3 bar pressure all over the engine bay. Not a pretty sight.
Fuel lines and brakes, the rest isn't important! He gave the car a quick check over, modified it from a V7 to a V8 by pushing a plug cap back on, and handed me a fire extinguisher for the trip home.
Next day I popped over to see the TVR specialist I had designated to look after it. He had had a quick look a couple of days earlier, fixed half a dozen faults, and sent me on my way. I showed him the fuel hoses, and if I needed and confirmation of the seriousness of cracked hoses, his face draining of all colour was enough. I reassured him that he hadn't actually looked under the bonnet the previous time and he relaxed, but the hoses were charged immediately.
You cannot be too careful. I have seen a few photos/videos now of 20 foot high flames rising from a car where the cracked hoses had finally given way and squirted fuel at 3 bar pressure all over the engine bay. Not a pretty sight.
To modify the choke, the air cleaner had to be removed, in doing this the fuel line was knocked and all of that lovely cotton became saturated with £2/litre fuel. It was still attached but so delicate it started leaking. How the car's lived like that without it just working lose I'll never know.
Hoses should arrive today to be swapped. As well as a extinguisher I will keep in the rear passenger footwell.
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