body and interior 1974 2002Tii Rust, Buy Or Stay Away?

[bmwfan]

Hello everyone,

 

New to BMW2002FAQ and already looking for advice. I have owned a 1968 1600 and a 71 2002 in my remote past. Now I am trying to relive that joy. I am looking at a original owner 1974 2002 Tii, 4 speed,sunroof. Only seen in pics so far. But it is evident that it has some rust issues. Drivers floor pan will need replacing. The spare tire well will need patching. And there is some paint bubbling along the bottom of the windshield. 

 

The paint looks excellent, interior good. And per the owner very well maintained, with receipts to so it. And states it is very mechanically sound.

 

I am looking for advice on whether this would be a good buy or a headache. And what kind of cost these repairs could lead to. As I doubt that these are the only rust areas. Also would these issues, even tho repaired, would affect the value of the car. 

 

I will try to post some of the pics that the owner sent. I would not be able to inspect the car myself. I would have to buy and have it shipped to me.

 

Thanks for any advice.

Edited June 22, 2013 by bmwfan

[GoFaSSter]

You need to make sure that someone you trust puts eyes on it. I know you said you can't see it, but I would be uncomfortable unless I could see it. Get pictures underneath, shock towers, all the regular spots.

[bmwfan]

Thanks for you post. I agree best to see in person.  

 

Finally got some pics posted. I asked for shock tower pics. none yet. Over all, less the rust, what do you think of this one.

[NickVyse]

Major frame rail repair isn't cheap or easy. And if it's that rusty there it'll be hiding a lot of other worries. Without being able to give that a careful first hand inspection I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

[bmwfan]

Ok, thank you for your information. I agree that it is most likely not the only rust problem area.  And do not want to start chasing rust with cash. Maybe I need to change direction and look for a solid body, as I can do most of the mechanical work myself  if needed. 

[02Les]

That 1 Owner moved around a bit!

It was on Ebay Oct '07 in Berkeley, CA

Then Ebay Jan '08 in San Mateo, CA (BimmerBros)

The Ebay Nov '09 in Palm City, FL.

and now in Port Saint Lucie, FL.

Wonder where it was (& how many Owners) the previous 20 odd years.

 

Sure some of these Sellers are/maybe Dealers and that would concern me (going from one to another).

I would look very closely at this one, especially the rear driver shock.

Pics from '07-08 sale.

 

 

[Koblenz]

I was just looking at that 02 on Craigslist.  The asking price is 8000. Living in Florida I am leary of a coastal anything. Too much salt.  The rust pictures scare me but I don't do body work.  And my anxiety level thinks there might be more.

 

A non Ti just sold north of me http://orlando.craigslist.org/cto/3885357111.html

 

I would do a ppi on any 02 from Florida. Jim at German Motorwerks in Longwood or Curtis (02curtis I think is his name on this forum) in Orlando. Both would be good choices.

[bmwfan]

Awesome information thanks to all for your input and time. I think I will pass on this one. I was excited tho about tii for that price.

[M3M3]

. Maybe I need to change direction and look for a solid body, as I can do most of the mechanical work myself  if needed. 

this is ALWAYS the way to go in looking for an 02.  it is all about finding the best/least rust chassis you can afford.  interior/engine/suspension condition is all "extra". 

[Conserv]

That 1 Owner moved around a bit!

It was on Ebay Oct '07 in Berkeley, CA

Then Ebay Jan '08 in San Mateo, CA (BimmerBros)

The Ebay Nov '09 in Palm City, FL.

and now in Port Saint Lucie, FL.

Wonder where it was (& how many Owners) the previous 20 odd years.

 

Sure some of these Sellers are/maybe Dealers and that would concern me (going from one to another).

I would look very closely at this one, especially the rear driver shock.

Pics from '07-08 sale.

 

2780668 1e.jpg

 

2780668 2h.jpg

 

 

Les's info, and his photos of the rear shock towers, say it all: run away from this one!

 

Wow!

 

Steve

 

 

 

 

 

[emmodg]

Towers look frightful. Run.

 

I'm all about buying a good body FIRST. Engines and transmissions are waaaaaaaaaaaaaaay easier and sometimes cheaper to replace than bodywork!

[bmwfan]

Thanks to all, I have moved on to putting solid body/frame first. Also keeping the search within driving distance or a short flight to be able to inspect myself.

I did look at a 76 2002 in Escondido ,Ca. Yesterday. ( Craigslist ) $5975.00. Frame and floor boards solid, spare tire well rusted through, paint bubbling all along side windows front and back both sides and driver side rocker panel severely rusted. Ran well, but so far both '02 I,ve drove had steering very,very stiff to turn. I did offer $4500 which was countered with $5500. I stuck with my offer and left.

[M3M3]

if you have been driving modern cars and your 1600 and 2002 are in the distant past, the normal lack of power steering MAY have you thinking the steering is stiff.  if the cars you are driving have larger wheels/tires and the common smaller aftermarket steering wheels, this will definitely make the steering feel stiff.

[bob02]

Thanks to all, I have moved on to putting solid body/frame first. Also keeping the search within driving distance or a short flight to be able to inspect myself.

I did look at a 76 2002 in Escondido ,Ca. Yesterday. ( Craigslist ) $5975.00. Frame and floor boards solid, spare tire well rusted through, paint bubbling all along side windows front and back both sides and driver side rocker panel severely rusted. Ran well, but so far both '02 I,ve drove had steering very,very stiff to turn. I did offer $4500 which was countered with $5500. I stuck with my offer and left.

 

If you're in CA., you'll have to get that 76 smogged...rust + smog= run away!! Clean shells are getting harder to come by, but CA/AZ still has a few. Be patient, and good luck!

[bmwfan]

Agree that dealing with passing smog would be a constant pain. However I just looked on Craig's at one which is my favorite year, 1973, it is in Beaverton , CO. Lots of pics, good write up ( yea I know what that can be worth ). Emailed for more pics of underside. Trunk shot " looks like " maybe some work on the shock towers.

How it works out.