The 1 Series Coupe Throwback: 1972 2002tii
With the introduction of the 1 Series coupe and convertible BMW has
gone retro, at least in marketing. At releases they have mentioned
comparisons to the 2002, had them present for the viewing public and
have even named a concept with the suffix tii. So what is the
reason for all this? Is it to feed the publics’ love of nostalgia in
order to sell more cars? Is it simply BMW going back to their origins
and what made people fall in love with the brand: a practical and
sporty car?
That is for you to decide but here at Bimmerfile we thought we should give the 1972 2002tii an
introduction to all those too young to have experienced the car in its
hay-day or for those of you that wish you had never sold yours a trip
down memory lane!
http://bimmerfile.com/pictures/tii+interior.jpg" rel="lightbox1" title="BMW 135i">
The 2002 model was introduced in 1968 to the US market after two
years of sales within Europe. American car buyers viewed the car as
roomy for a two-door, with a large trunk and that German engineered
quality that we have come to love. Over 850,000 of the model were sold
around the world until in 1977 the beloved 3er replaced it.
The original 2002 was carbureted and suffered from all the standard
issues associated with them, a performance decrease being one of them.
This all changed with the introduction of the tii in 1972. The tii featured
a Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, a cast iron block and an
aluminum head with a single overhead cam. Until 1974 enthusiasts could
have purchased this version with its increased horsepower, drivability
and efficiency for $4100.
With only 140 hp and 145 lbs. of torque (I say only because by today’s standards that is miniscule) the tii
benefited from its superb handling and a lighter weight (2225 lbs). BMW
accomplished this by designing a rigid monocoque chassis that was the
base for all other aspects. Steering utilized a rack-and-pinion setup,
the car featured an almost unheard of (for the time period) independent
rear suspension and the front featured MacPherson struts along with
coil springs. Power front discs along with rear drums provided the
braking grip. There was one transmission option, so take it or leave
it; a four-speed manual that even included a third floor mounted pedal
for the clutch.
http://bimmerfile.com/pictures/tii+engine.jpg" rel="lightbox1" title="BMW 135i">
The January 1972 issue of Motor Trend describes the tii as
the most fun anyone has ever built into a car. They recorded the 0-60
time for it at 9.9 seconds and also stated it was the best small sedan
in its class.
In late 2005 BMW Mobile Tradition had completed a project that took
over 11 months… the team was busy at work building the very car that
created the buzz behind the brand. The car that was practical for
everyday, sophisticated and more importantly showed the public that
there was more to sporty than 0 to 60 in a straight line; handling.
They had built a new (old) 2002 tii in Inka Orange! Over 90%
of the car was build from new old stock parts, with the remainder of it
being built by parts the team created from original plans. All this
work was completed in a glass workshop outside the Four-Cylinder Munich
headquarters so that passersby could see what was going on.
The restoration car shows what an overwhelming difference the BMW of
today has in terms of interior amenities from it. The interior from
1972 featured a no frills approach with none of today’s comforts. Power
steering, power door locks or windows were not available (not to
mention any of the other technologies we take for granted). Just a
black instrument cluster (tach, speedo fuel and TEMP), a deep
three-spoke wheel and some manually adjustable weaved black vinyl
seats. Oh, and by-the-way they only adjust four ways!
http://bimmerfile.com/pictures/tii+badge.jpg" rel="lightbox1" title="BMW 135i">
The tii that Mobile Traditions recreated is something to be
marveled. The car was built to factory specifications by a passionate
team. They did it because they could and because of the memories it
invokes, the car is a throwback to what BMW was and what they are
trying to become again. It was a cue to what BMW had up its sleeve in
the 135i: a practical car with sporting intentions.
For further reading I recommend an article in the January 2007 http://www.bmwcca.org/files/roundel/2007/JanMeets2002Article.pdf" title="Roundel - Roundel
by Mike Self. He wrote about his experiences with this car. He and a
few privileged others have had the opportunity to drive this new/old
car and one thing they all have stated in common is that it made each
of the smile from ear to ear! http://www.motortrend.com/classic/roadtests/c12_0612_1972_bmw_2002_tii/specs.html" title="Motor Trend - Motor Trend was also able to spend time with the car and they took it through the paces as well.
Research for this article was conducted using information from
magazines, BMW press releases and archives. Further information was
obtained from the web including the BMWCCA and Motor Trend websites.
Pictures were also obtained from these sources. [ http://www.bimmerfile.com/2008/02/25/the-1-series-coupe-throwback-1972-2002tii/ - bimmerfile.com ]
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