BMW 02 E10 2002 (100 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.5 / 5
Value 4.5 / 5
Performance 4.5 / 5
Comfort 2.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

BMW 02:

The BMW 02 Series is a range of sporty compact executive cars produced by German automaker BMW between 1966 and 1977, based on a shortened version of the New Class Sedans.
The first 02 Series produced was the 1600-2 in 1966. In 1975, the 02 Series was replaced by the E21 3 Series.
In the mid-1960s BMW perceived a market for a smaller, more affordable, two-door version of its four-door New Class executive sedan. Corporate design director Wilhelm Hofmeister assigned the project to staffers Georg Bertram and Manfred Rennen, who produced an attractive and sporty car 5 cm shorter in wheelbase and some 25 cm shorter in length, mainly by shortening the rear deck. The resulting 1966 production 1600-2 was less well-appointed than the New Class, but lighter, faster, and better handling....(Read more on Wikipedia)

E10 Overview:

BMW 02 (E10). With 160 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 990 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.9 s). The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 4 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The BMW 02 (E10) was produced before modern safety standards and Euro NCAP testing began (1997). It lacks airbags, ABS, and advanced driver-assistance systems, offering only basic passive safety for its era.

2002 (100 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The standard 2002 offered a great balance of performance and usability, making it a popular choice for enthusiasts and families alike.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel economy for a 2.0L engine of its era, though spirited driving would quickly increase consumption.

Best Use Case: Balanced daily driving, weekend cruises, entry into classic BMW ownership.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional driving dynamics and handling for its era
  • • Robust and tunable M10 engine
  • • Iconic design and strong classic car appeal
  • • Good parts availability for a classic
  • • Pioneering performance variants (Tii, Turbo)

Cons:

  • • Lack of modern safety features (airbags, ABS)
  • • Prone to rust if not well maintained
  • • Basic comfort and refinement by modern standards
  • • Maintenance costs can be high for specific parts (e.g., Kugelfischer pump)
  • • Fuel economy can be poor on performance models

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(E10: 1967 - 1969).

General:
Brand:BMW
Model:02
Generation:E10
Modification (Engine):2002 (100 Hp)
Start of production:1968
End of production:1975
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:4
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:100 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:50.3 Hp/l [worst than previous generation]
Torque:160 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M10B20 More details about the engine M10B20
Engine displacement:1990
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:4.3 l
Coolant:7 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:89 mm mm
Piston Stroke:80 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:6.9 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:10 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:10.9 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:10.9 sec
Maximum speed:170 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.9 kg/Hp, 101 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.2 kg/Nm, 161.6 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:990
Max. weight:1390
Max. roof load:75 kg
Max load:400
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:450 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1200 kg
Fuel tank capacity:50 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:500 kg
Size:
Length:4230 mm mm
Width:1590 mm mm
Height:1410 mm mm
Wheelbase:2500 mm mm
Front track:1342 mm
Rear (Back) track:1342 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):9.6 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDrum, 240 mm [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc, 230 mm [above average]
Steering typeWorm-reduction unit
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Wheel rims sizeFront wheel rims: 5J x 13
Front suspensionIndependent coil spring, Wishbone, Torsion
Rear suspensionIndependent coil spring, Trailing arm, Torsion

What’s the best feature of the BMW 02? Tell us in the comments!