OK But Should I Do It? (UPDATE)

"Jack Does Cars" (jackdoescars) 08/10/2015 at 12:06 • Filed to: I am still in love with the bmw 2002 and i cannot be stopped

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Earlier this year, I was looking at a 1974 BMW 2002 that ran perfectly, but it did have a rust issue. This scared me off, and I haven’t really thought about the 2002 since. And then I saw this one...

The car pictured is a 1975 2002, and the body appears to be in very good condition, other than the minor body damage around the driver side front fender, and driver side door. It’s all very minor.

Also, the car is advertised with, “alternator issues,” and it has, “trouble starting.” The car is only $1,800, and I have already priced an alternator and a starter at $122 and $47, respectively (hopefully those are the parts needed).

UPDATE: I emailed the seller. Oh my. This might happen.

So now I turn to Oppo: Should I do it?

AM3R shamefully returns > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:09

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Yes. These are pretty easy to work on and parts aren't outrageous. Do it!!

DrScientist > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:11

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mechanical, even eletrical issues are typically a lot easier to sort than a rusting frame, without expensive equipment. this seems to be true no matter what the car.

505 - morphine not found > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:11

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Absolutely. Even if it’s not the starter, but the carb, it should be easy enough to figure out.

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:11

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YES. That’s a screaming deal.

Jack Does Cars > AM3R shamefully returns 08/10/2015 at 12:11

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I just might, I only need to convince my mother that this is a good idea.

Jack Does Cars > 505 - morphine not found 08/10/2015 at 12:13

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Upgraded Weber carbs on Pelican Parts for $400. I am OK with this.

Mattbob > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:13

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trust me, more parts are needed. I hope you have a decent income from something. Fixing old cars, while rewarding and fun, is a huge drain on money and time. Take all your estimates of cost and triple them.

Jack Does Cars > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 08/10/2015 at 12:14

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And to think the rusted out one was $4,500.

505 - morphine not found > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:15

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Then what are you waiting for? Go check it out.

Jack Does Cars > DrScientist 08/10/2015 at 12:16

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That’s reassuring. I was talking to a guy at European Performance (Porsche and BMW specialists in Raleigh, NC), and he was also telling me that nearly every 2002 mechanical issue can be solved quite cheaply. Body issues? Not so much.

Jack Does Cars > Mattbob 08/10/2015 at 12:19

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I know, I know. B-b-but 2002!

Jack Does Cars > 505 - morphine not found 08/10/2015 at 12:20

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I don’t think my mother would approve.

Jake Huitt - Two Alfas And A Nissan, Not A Single Running Car > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:31

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Yes. These are pretty easy to work on and parts aren’t outrageous. Do it!!

This x 1,000,000. My dad loved his 2002. Wish I could find one that cheap.

georgechristensen > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:33

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Do it, but get rid of those hideous bumpers.

AM3R shamefully returns > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:34

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Price is good too, definitely do it!!

Jack Does Cars > georgechristensen 08/10/2015 at 12:40

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#USDMLyfe

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 12:50

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It’s the most mechanical BMW produced, E30 bros will resent your stock appearance and be jealous of your single head lights.

Tripper > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 13:09

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Get it, I’ve always wanted one. Then I can live vicariously through your updates on the car!

TheJMan92 > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 13:11

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Heck yea, go for it! Parts may be a bit more expensive than a similar vintage American car, but once you drive it you won’t care. Plus, for this price and no rust it’s a great deal.

Jack Does Cars > TheJMan92 08/10/2015 at 13:17

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I’m surprised of how inexpensive the parts are, actually. They are super doable.

TheJMan92 > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 13:31

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I bought a 1970 Mercedes-Benz 250 for $500 a few years ago because of that!? I probably should have checked prices and all that, but the car was dirt cheap and ran fine. It’s been a lot of fun reviving it, and parts have been surprisingly reasonable. I actually did the entire 2015 Power Tour Long Haul in it and other than using up about 4 gallons of oil (yep, gallons) it did great.

You’ll learn a whole lot about working on cars if you pick this thing up, and the 2002 might even appreciate (no one cares about 250’s) in a few years!

cletus44 aka Clayton Seams > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 13:32

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It’s your own money, dude. Park it a block over if you can’t tell your folks. That’s what I used to do.

Jack Does Cars > TheJMan92 08/10/2015 at 13:37

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Hey, I care about 250’s! And, yes, I do like how 2002’s are appreciateing.

DrScientist > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 13:38

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beyond that... a mechanically running car, with a rusted body/frame, is dangerous. at least a mechanically impaired car won’t let you on the road till you have it somewhat sorted (start with the brakes).

good luck with whatever you decide. :)

Jack Does Cars > cletus44 aka Clayton Seams 08/10/2015 at 13:39

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Good point. I’m really considering this car.

TheJMan92 > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 13:51

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Good luck either way, I’m sure if you don’t grab this that you can find something else just as funky/cool!

Jack Does Cars > TheJMan92 08/10/2015 at 14:14

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There’s a dealer here in Raleigh that currently has a 1971 250S for $5000. Runs and looks great.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 14:56

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If you can afford to spend $4000-$5000/year on keeping this properly maintained and doing the odd repair, I say do it.

You might not actually spend that much every year, but it’s just a good idea to have it budgeted.

TheJMan92 > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 15:30

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Holy wow, that’s way more than mine is worth! It’s got a great body on it but it was repainted at some point. It’s starting to show some rust bubbles and the trunk has already been replaced with randoms sheets of steel. But it starts up every day and has been lots of fun to drive.

The main issue is the engine is showing a lot of blow by. I’m already rebuilding an engine for another car so I can’t afford to redo this one. My current plan is to buy a winter beater (actually scoping out some Sierra/Silverado trucks) and then pull the driveline from that and swap it into the 250 next Spring. One of those trucks would get me an LM7, more reliable plant, more power, and cheaper parts. All of the wins! I like the sound of the inline 6 though.
Bonus pic from the Power Tour!

Jack Does Cars > TheJMan92 08/10/2015 at 16:38

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The one at the lot is a W108.

I actually wrote about it here: http://oppositelock.kinja.com/i-went-to-jalo…

TheJMan92 > Jack Does Cars 08/10/2015 at 17:31

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I want that Brat! Finding interior bits for the 250s is insanely hard, mine’s a 250/8 which were more common. Luckily the interior was complete when I bought it, I would hate to be crawling the forums hoping to find those bits and pieces.

Nice write-up, I love patina pictures and totally agree that those cars should be out there being driven!