I am looking to buy my first BMW, and I absolutely love the 2002. I found one that I am interested in close to my area. It's a '73 tii. I just wanted to ask if there is a more desired year that I should look for. I don't really know the differences between the years other than the obvious things like the tail lights. Is there any specific problems I might come across with a '73? Are parts hard to find for that year?

Also, how come I see some 2002's that have different bumpers, which have foglamps mounted above them? Does this depend on the year, or is it a euro bumper conversion? The reason I ask, is because I kind of like the way the fog lamps look, but the specific car I am looking at doesn't have that.

I appreciate any input from you guys. I hope I can get myself a bimmer so I can become more involved around here.

Thanks in advance.

The later models had bigger bumpers. Most fog lights are installed by the owners. The later cars would make better daily drivers, they're heavier, and have a few extra safety features. The early cars had smaller bumpers, and they have a much more "vintage" look.

www.bmw2002faq.com

As always the biggest thing to worry about with these cars is rust. Anything else can be fixed rather easily and cheap if youre mechanically inclined. Parts are very easy to get ahold of. And there are not very parts that are unique only to the 73 models. Tii specific parts aren't as easy to get ahold though and tend to be a little pricey.

A month a go I have seen a bimmer at a local junk yard (Mitchell island, Richmond,BC, A-part). The car was solid with the original paint. (some very minor surface rust at a few places) All complete. Sop they left it open for a while and the interior received a portion of mold. The engine looks fine (even had 2 spare carbs in the car), which means it was driven. There are no Bimmer cars in the junk-yard. Iam the guy would let it go for like $500. Its funy cause noone takes the parts since its not the bimmer junk. Rare find. Cheap and absolutely solid. Some minor body work and paint. And you have a nice car+ the engine from a 320i and some interior.
IF you look you could always find a nice parts car.

Ok, thanks for the info everyone. The one I was looking at was sold. I am still trying to come up with some money, so I wasn't able to jump on it. I am going to look around though, I am sure I can find another one.