BMW 02 Series
| BMW "02 Series" | |
|---|---|
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|
| Overview | |
| Production | 1966–1977 |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact executive car (D) |
| Body style | 2-door compact sedan 2-door convertible 3-door hatchback |
| Layout | FR layout |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine |
M10 4-cyl 1602, 1502: 1573 cc 1802: 1,766 cc 2002: 1,990 cc |
| Transmission | 4 speed manual 3 speed automatic |
| Chronology | |
| Successor | BMW 3 Series |
The BMW 02 Series is a range of compact executive cars produced by German automaker BMW between 1966 and 1977, based on a shortened version of the New Class Sedans. The 02 Series caught enthusiasts' attention and established BMW as an international brand.
The first 02 Series produced was the 1600-2 (later renamed 1602) in 1966. In 1975, the 02 Series was replaced by the E21 3 Series (except for the 1502 model which continued until 1977).
The 1600-2, as the first "02 Series" BMW was designated, was an entry-level BMW, and was smaller, less expensive, and less well-appointed than the New Class Sedan on which it was based. BMW's design director Wilhelm Hofmeister assigned the two-door project to staff designers Georg Bertram and Manfred Rennen. The 23 cm (9.1 in) shorter length and wheelbase and lighter weight of the two-door sedan made it more suitable than the original New Class sedan for sporting applications. As a result, the two door sedan became the basis of the sporting 02 Series.
Beginning in 1968, a convertible based on the 02 body was built by Karosserie Baur. A hatchback, called the Touring model, was developed from the 02 body, being available from 1971. Only 25,827 Touring models were sold, therefore the models were discontinued in 1974.
The 1600-2 (the "-2" meaning "2-door") made its debut at the Geneva auto show in March 1966 and was sold through 1975, with the designation being simplified to "1602" in 1971. The 1.6 L M10 engine produced 63 kW (84 hp) at 5,700 rpm and 130 N·m (96 lb·ft) at 3,500 rpm. In 1968, Road & Track declared the US$2676 1600 "a great automobile for the price".
A high performance version, the 1600 TI, was introduced in September 1967. With a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and the dual Solex PHH side-draft carburettor system from the 1800 TI, the 1600 TI produced 82 kW (110 hp) at 6,000 rpm. Kerb weight for the 1600 TI is 960 kg (2,120 lb).
The 1600 TI was not sold in the United States, as it did not meet their emission standards.
Also introduced in September 1967 was a limited-production cabriolet, which would be produced by Baur from 1967 through 1971. A hatchback 1600 Touring model was introduced in 1971 but was discontinued in 1972.
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