2002 owners, what do you think?

[gbent]

I don't know if any members on here are past or present 2002 owners, but I would be interested in hearing their take on the validity of BMW's marketing of the 1 series.

[MOTO69JOE]

I thihk it's cool, the old always comes back eventually. I think most current younger (im 26) BMW owners didnt have a clue what a 2002 was before BMW's marketing campaign.

[1ster]

I think it's fine. The question is whether the 1er has the same position relative to today's cars as the 2002 had to its competition back in the day. I think the answer to that question is basically yes, so I think the comparison is valid.

...oh wait. I don't own a 2002!

[ChrisK]

what comes around goes around...

[str8line]

I didn't own a 2002 but I've driven in them(not behind the wheel). I think it's a marketing ploy plain and simple. It looks nothing like a 2002, weighs almost as much as a 3-series, and is very luxurious. Yes, it's sporty and the smallest car in BMW's lineup, but that's where the similarity to the 2002 ends.

[mikeo]

I own a 1971 2002 "roundie" that I acutally just bought after selling my E36 M3. Had to have a toy to kill the time until the 135i arrives so I thought... " why not get a 2002 and see what the comparison is about?"... Well, let me tell you the old 2002 is fun to drive (2071 lbs!), but my god, it is very crude compared to a modern car. I got out the timing light and feeler guage (suprised I still had them) to adjust the points and timing yesterday--what a flashback, and I wasn't even on acid (although I probably was when this car was sold).:smile:

[BMWeber]

I personally never had a 2002 but my father had a couple. one big thing people miss is the 2002 had the biggest 4 Cly BMW offered. for the US they didn't offer any small motors. they just gave us a small car with a big engine witch was a big part of its success. I think that is a lot of what BMW is talking about With the 2002 DNA, the smallest car with the biggest baddest 6cyl they offer. BMW is not trying to do a retro like the mustang there just going on the concept of the 2002.

[emm3tt]

I think the main comparison is not between the 2002 and 135i. They are basically not that similar at all. However, in fairness, the 2002 was to its time what the 135i is to its time. I think most of us could agree with that.

[krassanova]

I've written about this very thing on this board in the past. I think the comparison to the 2002 is nothing but marketing BS.

[blitzed310]

Im an oldskool advocate, and IMO, the 1 series no matter what form, has nothing to do with an 02. It's strictly for marketing.

[drew2002]

Has there been any mention of the "2002 lineage" during the entire time the hatch 1er was available in Europe? I don't think so. The original 2002 was never about "blistering speed" like the 135i will have. I would think that the 128i would be a more appropriate comparison from the power-to-weight standpoint.

[gbent]

Originally Posted by drew2002

Has there been any mention of the "2002 lineage" during the entire time the hatch 1er was available in Europe? I don't think so. The original 2002 was never about "blistering speed" like the 135i will have. I would think that the 128i would be a more appropriate comparison from the power-to-weight standpoint.

Excellent point!

[mlevere1988]

I always thought that this car is more of a throwback to the 80s and the E30 325is. This is where the 3-series should have developed into. BMW should have kept it small, and affordable and kept the power to weight ratio down. Oh well, I guess I had to wait 18 years for the rebirth of one of the best cars that BMW ever built, the E30 M3!

[ibeam81]

The 2002 was definitely a fun ride, but it was pretty raw and obviously the 1er coupes will be much more refined and powerful vehicles. Although I see a spiritual link they are different cars for different times.

Still I like the fact that BMW is providing a tie to the past and it's heritage. Otherwise too many would think that a BMW 2002 refers to a model year instead of a specific car and that would be a shame since the 2002 is such an iconic vehicle.

BTW, Mikeo congrats on your 2002. Hopefully, it will tide you over until your 135i arrives.

[mikeo]

Originally Posted by ibeam81

... BTW, Mikeo congrats on your 2002. Hopefully, it will tide you over until your 135i arrives.

Thanks, a horde of replacement parts are converging on Santa Fe as I write this.

The car is an amazingly TOTALLY stock California car and will be kept mostly stock (original parts retained for future owner). It should be interesting to tinker with it over the next 6-8 months.

[krassanova]

Originally Posted by ibeam81

...too many would think that a BMW 2002 refers to a model year instead of a specific car and that would be a shame since the 2002 is such an iconic vehicle.

It's not a shame...it's a good way to spot the noobs! :biggrin:

[Duckw]

In September of 1967, I took delivery in Munich of a 1968 2002. In 1972, I swapped that excellent little sedan for a 2002 tii. I loved those cars, especially the Tii. That model prompted automotive journalist Karl Ludvigsen to remark that BMW must have “sensation engineers,” a crew who studied what feedback made a car satisfying to drive.

But it’s not nostalgia for the 2002 that prompts me to buy a 135i. Rather, it’s the prospect of owning a comfortable successor to my 2005 Mini Cooper S that will also have the performance envelope of the Porsche 996 I drove from ’98 to ’04. No 2002, save maybe the turbo, had anything like as much poke. This car has an engine a 2002 could only dream about. In a straight comparison, apples and oranges.

Less top speed than the Porsche, but who needs it? The accelerations will be about the same, at or just under 5 seconds. No doubt a bit less tossable than either the 996 or the Mini, but certainly as sure-footed as anyone needs in the real world of American driving conditions. And not a car that constantly either reminds you that it cost a mint or, like the Mini, is tiring on long jaunts. One trait the 135i does have in common with the 2002 series is its mix of small sedan/coupe utility and near sports car performance at a fairly reasonable price. A good compromise for an old fart who likes BMWs enough to have tied up more than twenty years in the four he has owned.

[atr_hugo]

Originally Posted by Duckw

A good compromise for an old fart who likes BMWs enough to have tied up more than twenty years in the four he has owned.

Great post.

[str8line]

Originally Posted by Duckw

In September of 1967, I took delivery in Munich of a 1968 2002. In 1972, I swapped that excellent little sedan for a 2002 tii. I loved those cars, especially the Tii. That model prompted automotive journalist Karl Ludvigsen to remark that BMW must have “sensation engineers,” a crew who studied what feedback made a car satisfying to drive.

But it’s not nostalgia for the 2002 that prompts me to buy a 135i. Rather, it’s the prospect of owning a comfortable successor to my 2005 Mini Cooper S that will also have the performance envelope of the Porsche 996 I drove from ’98 to ’04. No 2002, save maybe the turbo, had anything like as much poke. This car has an engine a 2002 could only dream about. In a straight comparison, apples and oranges.

Less top speed than the Porsche, but who needs it? The accelerations will be about the same, at or just under 5 seconds. No doubt a bit less tossable than either the 996 or the Mini, but certainly as sure-footed as anyone needs in the real world of American driving conditions. And not a car that constantly either reminds you that it cost a mint or, like the Mini, is tiring on long jaunts. One trait the 135i does have in common with the 2002 series is its mix of small sedan/coupe utility and near sports car performance at a fairly reasonable price. A good compromise for an old fart who likes BMWs enough to have tied up more than twenty years in the four he has owned.

Nice to hear from someone with your kind of experience.

[AMB]

I think the only reason BMW is not comparing the E82 to an E30 is the fact that they don't want to admit to how bloated and un-E30 like the 3 series has become. Marketing the 1 series against an existing 3 series wouldn't take to well I don't think.

And after having read EVO's "Best ///M Ever" article where the 25 year old M3 beat out every modern car in the bunch, there is no question in my mind that the E82 is here to help fill the E30s shoes.

Let's just hope the E82 chassis is as communicative as it's true predecessor.

[Oregon]

20 years ago I owned a 71' 2002, discovered what a fine car BMW can build and what a fun ride as well. The gutless little 4-banger had pizza-cutters for tires yet handled like it was on rails, body lean and all. Have not had any desire to own any BMW since as the cars following were frequently boring, too large, plus BMW's image has been and still is a bit snooty. While the 135i will not be as nimble as the 02 the brutal acceleration should account for some lively moments.

[135i_]

We've had both a 1600 and later a 2002tii.... but the 2002tii is a dedicated track car and isn't street legal.

I think that in today's market the 1 is pretty close to an 02. It's obviously a lot heavier and wont handle like an 02 but if they made something that was any closer to the 02 i don't think it would sell. Sure it would thrill myself and other enthusiasts but not many people outside of that circle. BMW is a business afterall.