BMW 02 1973–1977 car dimensions: 4230 mm long, 1590 mm wide and 1410 mm high. Unladen weight is 980 kg. Braked towing is 1,200 kg.
The cabin is straightforward and driver-focused with a black two-piece dashboard, clear analog gauges for speed, fuel and temperature, plus a clock. Fresh-air heating with three-speed blower and adjustable temperature control is standard, along with demister vents. Front seats are adjustable bucket or standard styles with headrests from the 1973 facelift. three-point inertia-reel belts became standard. Optional extras include radios, sunroof and wood trim on higher L packs. No electronic driver aids of any kind.
Boot volume is 397 litres with the rear seats in place. The space is a conventional three-box layout without a folding rear bench for expansion.
Braked towing capacity reaches 1200 kg and unbraked 500 kg. Payload sits at 400 kg. A trailer hitch was available as an accessory.
The turbo model adds an oil cooler and uprated chassis components. stabiliser bars and firmer suspension appear on sportier grades such as tii and turbo.
The cabin offers firm, body-contoured seats with strong lateral support for spirited driving. Front seats recline fully and include adjustable headrests. Controls sit close and well-aligned for the driver, with a clear three-dial instrument cluster. Heating and fresh-air ventilation use a three-speed blower with fine temperature adjustment and demister vents. Door armrests, grab handles and a practical layout complete a functional four-seater space.
Petrol engines from 1.6 to 2.0 litres, carburettor or mechanical injection.
Dual-circuit brakes with front discs and rear drums, servo-assisted on most.
Three-point inertia-reel front belts and front headrests standard from 1973.
Crumple zones front and rear plus reinforced passenger cell.
Oil service often every 5,000 miles. turbo models tighter intervals.
Engines run on petrol and deliver lively response for the era. Carburetted versions use Solex units while tii and turbo models rely on Kugelfischer injection. Fuel use varies with driving style and engine tune. period figures place average consumption in the mid-to-high single digits per 100 km on milder engines.
Routine care centres on regular oil and filter changes. Standard intervals sit around 5,000 miles for oil service with major checks at longer gaps. Turbo cars need more frequent oil attention, often every 2,000 miles, plus gearbox and axle oil changes at set points. Brake fluid renewal every six months is advised.
Safety equipment includes a sturdy passenger compartment, energy-absorbing crumple zones, dual-circuit braking and a collapsible steering arrangement. Front inertia-reel belts and height-adjustable headrests became standard with the 1973 update. Halogen lights and large rear lamps improve visibility. No formal star crash ratings exist from the period.
Keeping an 02 means watching for body rust, especially around arches and sills, and maintaining the simple mechanicals. Parts remain available through specialists. Regular servicing keeps the durable M10 engine and chassis reliable for daily or weekend use.
Length 4230 mm, Width 1590 mm, Height 1410 mm, Wheelbase 2500 mm (02 1973–1977)
Sources: manufacturer data, 1974 BMW brochure via bmw2002faq, auto-data.net and de.wikipedia.