Engine Rebuild

Swap and Show 2008

Over the weekend I went to the Bay Area Swap and Show with my dad and brother. It was a great turnout with so many cool cars to look at.

Garaged 02

My 2002 is just sitting in the garage, while parts and other things cover it. I do not like to drive it because of the condition it is in. So I am slowly raising money for an engine rebuild so I can start driving the car again.

Engine Rebuild

A few weeks after I purchased the car, I started to notice white smoke trailing the car whenever I accelerated. I got a leakdown test at Autobahn Los Gatos and the results were: 1)18% 2)56% 3)78% 4)45%. So, it has been sitting in the garage covered because it is embarrassing to drive from all the smoke it shoots out. Considering the car is pretty original and has matching numbers, I decided that I want to rebuild the original engine instead of replacing it. I do not know much about fixing engines, so I would like a mechanic to do it for me. I have heard that rebuilding an engine is fairly simple, it's just that I do not want to screw anything up if I do it myself. I am getting estimates from $2500 and up. I am trying to save my money so I can get the engine rebuilt this summer. So, if you would like to help raise the money, then you can donate money through paypal.com addressed to ANose919@msn.com. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. I know the money is not going to charity, but it will help get another 2002 back on the road!

Brief History

In 1950's and early 1960's BMW was struggling to recover from the post war economy. They produced some beautiful luxury cars such as the classic 507 and were also very well known for the aircraft parts. To really capitalize on the mid-range car, BMW came out with the "Neue Klass" or New Class in English. BMW's first attempt at the New Class was the1500. A great concept and wonderful design didn't take place of the much need reliability to reach the masses. The 1500 was the start of BMW's come back into the automobile market. The 1500 ultimately led to the development of the 1600, 1800, 2000, and 2002. The 2002 was produced from 1968 to 1976. Approximately 80,000 cars were built for US specs. In total, BMW produced over 825,000 cars, with only 200 of those being fully convertible. Cars built from the years 1968 to 1973 had the round tail lights, while cars built from 1974 to 1976 had bigger bumpers, a wider trac and performance killing smog equipment. (the02drive.com)

Brisbane Swap & Show

Coming up is the 8th Bay Area 02 Swap and Show. It is on Saturday May 17 at the Brisbane Marina. Hope to see you there.

My BMW 2002

I purchased my 1972 BMW 2002 on May 26, 2007. I am the third owner of the beautiful rust free car. Through this blog, I plan on updating recent work on the car and share other sightings of BMW 2002's here in the Bay Area.