1973 BMW 2002 Riviera blue Fuel Injected

1973 BMW 2002

Clean. solid 1973 BMW 2002 in Riviera blue. with black interior. This is a great looking and driving example of the desirable 1973 model. which was the last year for round tail lights and graceful chromed steel bumpers.   The following year. the square tail lights and awkward. large 5MPH crash bumpers were introduced.

This has been my personal driver for the last 18 years. I am the third owner of this Washington / Oregon car.   My approach with this car was to keep it as close to stock looking as possible. while making useful performance upgrades where appropriate as repairs were needed.

I have made the following upgrades / mods:

Mechanical:

Electronic Fuel Injection  (Megasquirt)

Innovate LC-1 wideband controller

Distributorless ignition (EDIS. mapped via Megasquirt)

10mm silicone wires

Engine rebuilt with Tii pistons for 9. 5:1 compression ratio

E12 head

Reground cam profile  (mild)

Lightweight flywheel

New Tii cast iron exhaust manifold (great flow)

Getrag 245 5-speed overdrive transmission

3. 91 limited slip differential

Re-cored radiator

Electric fan conversion

VDO oil pressure gauge

VDO auxiliary water temp gauge

VDO oil temp gauge

Air-fuel ratio display (lambda) 

Gel battery located to trunk

Bilstein sport struts front

Bilstein HD rear shocks

13 inch BMW 2002 alloy wheels

Bright. discreet 3rd brake light

E21 320is steering wheel

I'm sure I'm forgetting some good stuff.

You can read more about the fuel injection conversion that I did here:

http://www. finkbuilt. com/blog/fuel-injection-conversion-complete/ (5 part article. some photos missing)

More car photos are available here:

http://www. flickr. com/photos/lodefink/sets/72157636511260094/

This car is an absolute hoot to drive. The combination of fuel injection. higher compression. cam. and Tii exhaust probably add up to about 130 HP or so.   The transmission / rear end combo makes for ideal gearing.   The great visibility from the “glass bubble” cockpit really adds to the fun. and you can see everything really well.

The body is in good solid condition. and is wearing a 2007 respray.   The paint is a very good 2-stage catalyzed urethane paint. Thick in places. it presents really well. New front windshield. new front and rear window rubber. and new full beltline trim was installed at the time of painting.

 Having spent it's life on salt-free Washington and Oregon roads. its not a rusty car.   There are a few rust bubbles under the paint in spots (please see photos) but these are stable. and have to do with poor paint prep.   There is one 2 inch bondo repair spot on the door  (see close-up photo) that is damaged.   There is some rust in the spare tire well.   This is a very solid shell.

The interior is in very nice shape. with the original German wool carpet looking good!  There is also a set of 4 coco mats installed.   Front seats were recovered with World Upholstery kits. while the rear seat cover is original. and has one small tear (see photos).   The dash is great. with no cracks. or hardening. Headlinder is clean. with no tears.   The leather on the steering wheel is in good shape. but starting to lose it's finish.

Now for the Bad:

There is an oil leak.   I'm not exactly sure where it is coming from. Maybe the exhaust studs. maybe the front cover.   It drips a bit. but it is more of nuisance than anything. and I have not fixed it.

The oil pressure light flickers at idle. Oil pressure is actually fine. I used a brand new oil pump when the engine was rebuilt.   The reason that the light comes on. is because the pressure switch that came with the oil pressure gauge is rated for 15psi. rather than the 7psi switch that should be installed.

Front bumper center section has a dent.   Can be replaced for about $150. plus your time.

This is a fun car.   I don't really want to sell it. but I have too many cars in my stable now. so rather than leave this one out on the street over the winter. its time to find a new home for it.  

Also published at eBay.com

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