Background
BMW 2002 tii L (E10) combined one of the most sporting versions of the 02 Series with a significantly more luxurious level of equipment. The BMW 2002 tii had been one of the most powerful regular 02 Series models since 1971, using a 2.0-litre engine with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection and producing 130 hp. In 1974, BMW introduced a new L luxury version for several 02 Series models, including the 1602, 1802, 2002 and 2002 tii.
The sporting 2002 tii
The BMW 2002 tii joined the range in the spring of 1971 and used the fuel-injected engine already proven in the BMW 2000 tii. Combined with the compact and relatively light 02 Series body, it offered impressive performance for its era and became one of the most desirable versions of the model family. BMW later described the 2002 tii as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing”, reflecting the strong performance hidden beneath its understated two-door body.
Luxury equipment
The differences of the L version were most evident inside the car. Equipment included higher-quality velour materials, wood trim, additional door storage and a centre armrest for the rear seat. A newer four-spoke steering wheel and additional comfort equipment were also fitted. Externally, the luxury version was almost indistinguishable from the regular 2002 tii, with the most obvious identifying feature being a long stylised L badge positioned below the model designation at the rear.
Kugelfischer fuel injection
The BMW 2002 tii L used a 1,990 cm³ M10-family four-cylinder in-line engine with Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection. It produced 130 hp at 5,800 rpm. Power was sent to the rear wheels and top speed was 190 km/h. The additional luxury equipment therefore did not alter the fundamental sporting character of the tii.
Sporting character with greater comfort
The 2002 tii L was distinctive because it combined two different aspects of BMW’s character. Mechanically, it retained the tii’s sporting engine, rear-wheel drive and compact 02 Series body, while its interior offered a noticeably higher level of comfort and refinement. The luxury version demonstrated that BMW’s compact sporting saloon could offer greater exclusivity without sacrificing its performance-oriented character.
Rarer than the regular tii
A total of 38,703 BMW 2002 tii cars were produced between 1971 and 1975, but this figure covers all versions of the tii rather than the L model alone. BMW has not published a separate official production total for the 2002 tii L. As the luxury version was offered only during the final years of 02 Series production, an original 2002 tii L is considerably rarer than the regular tii.
Model in the collection
The BMW 2002 tii L (E10) in my collection was produced by AutoArt.
Technical data in brief
Production period: 1974–1975 as the L version
Body style: two-door saloon
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder in-line
Displacement: 1,990 cm³
Fuel system: Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection
Power: 130 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Drivetrain: rear-wheel drive
Top speed: 190 km/h
Total BMW 2002 tii production: 38,703 cars
BMW 2002 tii L production: no separate official total published
Special feature: luxury-equipped L version of the BMW 2002 tii