BMW 2002 Turbo review

They don't come up often. But they're now so valuable a full resto is worthwhile. Once that's done, they sell for around £100k.

Dan Norris of M specialist Munich Legends explains the issue. Back then BMW wasn't highly regarded in Britain and the cars were sold by an independent concessionaire not the factory-owned distributor. So paperwork is sparse. And the value of these cars fell for years – as late as 2009 Norris sold a nut and bolt restored 2002 Turbo for just £18k.

That combination of expensive maintenance – Kugelfischer injection plus turbo equals voodoo mechanic's skills – and low value meant you'll almost never find one with good ownership and maintenance paperwork. Another reason they get restored: you have no knowledge of the provenance or history of an ‘original’ car.

Norris calls the injection system “a double-edged sword” because it enabled the power but is so hard to look after. He also says that the following E21 and E30 3-series were actually better-built and more reliable than the 02s anyway.

Jaymic in Norfolk is the go-to for parts. It specialises in all the 02 line, and of course most body, trim and chassis is standard 2002. Availability is very good but it needs to be because they rust all over the place. Fay Moore of Jaymic says the wings have a different part number from normal 02 ones, but a panel specialist can cut and strengthen the standard ones and rivet on a set of repro wheel-arch extensions. The front seats are Turbo-specific too but retrim material is available.

The cylinder head is unique: that's how compression was lowered. But a good engine technician could adapt a tii head, she says, and the sodium-filled exhaust valves can be had.

The four- and five-speed gearboxes have Turbo-specific ratios but parts are available.

But now the bit that won't surprise you. The turbocharger is unavailable, and a "tricky" job to repair or overhaul, she says.

Mind you, says Moore: "I wouldn't have one to be honest." Where Norris of Munich Legends prefers later small BMWs, she drives a 2002 Touring with tuned engine and a pair of fat Webers. Similar power, more drivability, less cost.