Restore it right the first time! This
information-packed guide provides all the information you need to restore
your prized BMW. Contents cover 1600 to 2002 turbo models from the
mid-60's to the mid-70's, and include detailed information on restoring
bodywork, chassis, engine and trim. Includes production changes, color
schemes and history.
The seventh of March, 1966 was a great day in the
history of BMW for two reasons. First, it marked the 50th birthday
of the Company; second, this was the day on which Gerhard Wilcke,
then BMW's Chief Executive Officer, unveiled a brand new model to
guests attending a special ceremony at the Bavarian State Opera
House - the BMW 1600-2. From now on this was to be the entry level
model of the BMW range, being smaller, more nimble and more
aerodynamic than the current "Neue Klasse" (New Class) four-door
saloons, introduced so successfully not too long before.
The features that provided this more sporting
appearance included a reduction in overall length on the 1600-2 by
27cm (10.6in) and the wheelbase being shortened by 5cm (2in). The
roof, in turn, was 4cm (1.6in) lower which, together with the more
inclined windshield, round headlights and tail lights underlined the
car's sportiness. However, probably only a few of the guests
attending the launch ceremony were able to take in all these details
at first sight. Because the most striking feature of the new saloon
was that it had only two doors, which was indeed the reason for the
-2 model designation.
Under its hood, the new car differed only slightly
from its older four-door 1600 counterpart, production of which
ceased at the same time. Power was provided by a 1573cc
four-cylinder single overhead cam engine, developing a maximum
output of 85bhp and fitted, as in all BMWs at the time, at a slant
of 30° in the engine bay. Fuel was supplied by a single downdraft
carburetor. Consisting of struts at the front and semitrailing arms
at the rear, the suspension was also carried over from the "Neue
Klasse" range. This arrangement significantly out-performed more
expensive cars in the Sixties due to the complex independent front
and rear suspension.
Brakes were equally advanced and efficient, with a
combination of drum brakes at the rear and discs at the front; disc
brakes were still quite unusual at the time, being fitted in most
cases only on expensive luxury or sports cars. The 1600-2 was by no
means cheap, selling in Germany at a price of DM 8,650 (or
approximately the same as the annual income of an average BMW
employee at that time). However, what you received in return was a
very modern and advanced car, offering an excellent power to weight
ratio, owing to its low weight of only 940kg (20731b). The 1600-2
would accelerate to 100km/h (62mph) in approx. 13 seconds, and reach
a top speed of 166km/h (103mph), which made it one of the fastest
cars in the 1600cc market!
BEST BMW '02 RESTORATION GUIDE 1966-75 2002 MANUAL
BOOK
