A BMW 2002 for the year 2002?

Steve Saxty has been given unprecedented access to BMW to tell their story through a series of books, and he’s let me pluck this one from “BMW’s Hidden Gems” - the story of how BMW created a reimagining of the 2002. So, with Steve’s help, here’s the story of BMW’s 2002 for the year 2002!
Link to Steve's BMW books: www.stevesaxty...
Link to Steve's full interview: • Steve Saxty BMW 2002 F...
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Sources:
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[@BigCar2]

Here's a link to Steve's excellent BMW book series: www.stevesaxty.com

[@Markyboyplaysgames]

Hi Big, nice videos. Keep making them :DDDD We subscribers love you

[@suicideghostftp]

Upload: 5 Days ago Comment: 1 month ago aaaah ok thank you youtube

[@gwheregwhizz]

Looking at the latest BMWs all I can say is... come back Chris Bangle... all is forgiven.

[@christophecamus8410]

❤❤❤❤ very interesting video thanks

[@VinDieselS70]

Definitely. The cars he designed were way too modern back then but today, they're spot on

[@Synthtv1]

That’s what I was thinking a couple of days ago

[@thomasseymour4190]

There’s an old farmer near me that has billboard on his barn with a pic of George W. I feel the same way about that😂. Chris and George were alright after all.

[@Investment_Hedgehog]

​@@VinDieselS70agreed. I was speaking to someone when I delivered my E66 to my local mechanic, we agreed that even though it's 15 years old (the design of course being a fair bit older) it definitely maintains a modern, yet highly understated presence on the roads.

[@cs83]

I remember being a kid thinking it was sheer insanity that BMW didn't make a 2002 in the year 2002.

[@eyeviewfocus]

Very interesting episode, I will now always see the 1 series as a 2002

[@calorus]

My thoughts exactly.

[@Peter_2jz]

i knew the 1 series always looked like a modern version of 2002.... now it all makes sense! Thank you for the video as always amazing quality !

[@kensturrock9203]

Great video! What a wonderful car the 2002 was. This would have been super. I know it's a cliche at this point, but it's a nice reminder of the past - when BMW wasn't such a domineering maker of rolling computers with big grills. Really interesting project. Thanks for keeping history alive.

[@dalerollinson]

Perhaps the original 1-series Coupe is the spiritual successor to these plans? As I am an M140i owner, I would be fully in support of a baby BMW saloon making a return with a high-performance version (that isn't the contrived 2-series oddity)

[@zuzuzaza98]

You mean the BMW 1M?

[@NERGYStudios]

My thoughts exactly.

[@andycalifornia426]

I think the video made exactly that point.

[@Zath88]

Im going to assume you didnt watch the entire video. I’ll do a recap for you since you seem a bit confused. The coupe wasn’t a “spiritual successor” to the 2k2 plans, it quite literally was the prototype for the proposed 1 series, it just wasn’t called that at the time. It was delayed due to BMW putting focus towards Rover rather than the potential 2k2. The coupe was designed first, then the 3 door hatch came after as a compromise to make the 1 more appealing to put into production.

[@ieatmentoss1714]

@BloomingHeathers there were other models of the 1-series coupe besides the 1 series M coupe, just as how there are for the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8 series

[@nickyoung4799]

The design concept picture at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="788">13:08</a> is an E86 Z4 coupe, built between 2006 and 2009, so that work didn't go to waste.

[@shanenichols1052]

It was a privilege to work with Steve and edit this book last year.

[@thomasp.4649]

My first car was a BMW E30 . Thanks for telling about the 2002 BMW story! Im from Germany and this story is new for me.😎

[@TimSlee1]

Same here, bought one last year.

[@kevinh2955]

Fun video to see. I had a 2002 for near 30 years (1984 through to 2014 or so). LOVED that car. Sold it only because I also had an E9 Coupe and... can't keep them all. I still my my old 02. Thanks for the video. FYI - The 02 series was indeed a series... There was a 1602, 1802 and 2002. The first two digits were the engine size (1.6L, 1,8L or 2.0L) with the last two digits being the body style. There was even a 1502 at the end of the run when the 320i had been introduced. That car (1502) had a small economical engine and was touted as a commuter car. Cheers...

[@Mars_Was_Taken]

Wow, the first 2002 prototype looked like an Alfa Romeo 😍

[@RobG1981]

My thoughts exactly!

[@gnoccialpesto]

Aah. I still remember burning my little legs in the summer of 1978 on those wonderful black vinyl seats. The only opinion of my father that I remember: "it's bloody thirsty".

[@CUTEANDQUIRKY.]

I can’t wait for this amazing video to get 2002 views

[@frstwhsprs]

How about 2002002

[@tobias_k01]

I read about it in Steves book, I got the full box set and it was just amazing to read. As a BMW enthusiast, this is a must-have! Great to see a video about this car now as well

[@stevesaxty4645]

Ah that's good to hear, thank you. And it's nice to See Big Car do these vids so well.

[@fastandcurious]

There is so much of the 2002 concept in the 1 series. Therefore the concept was a success and super influential. Bangles trick lead to huge cost savings, as so many parts are shared between the coupe and the hatchback and the 3series: - Up to and including the A pillar, the first 1 series are all identical aside from the bumper. Huge cost savings - Doors of the coupe, cabrio and 3 door hatchback are basically the same - The car had just 4 basic engines, 1) all 4 cylinders were basically the same with different power outputs. 2) 3 Liter N52 for the hatchback and slightly detuned for the cabrio and coupe 3) 3L turbo charged was it the M54? 4) the 4 cyl diesels were basically the same - Then of course all components were shared, seats dash... - The chassis and so many parts were simply borrowed from the 3 series. The hatchback N52 was AutoBild's best long termer for years, despite being a completely new model - which, well it wasn't all new was it? Producing a 135i only had cost marginally more than the base 116i or 118i. Think about those nice margins. And yet no customer really felt short changed. People loved the 1st generation and still love it. I do.

[@DuaneDiddley]

100% this

[@hawkertyphoon4537]

I always liked the 1 series 2 door version, but i never connected the dots. The prototype looked more radical 🙂 What a story!

[@jomo2483]

Before the marketing department completely took over BMW.. I did enjoy the video

[@pistonburner6448]

Today BMW could make a very small, spartan car and badge it "2002"...but not based on the year, they could base that number on its weight in kilograms.

[@CB-sh9zz]

@@pistonburner6448ok Lord yappington

[@TimSlee1]

@@pistonburner6448 2002kg

[@brantisonfire]

I had the US 318ti from 1996 with M43 engine. Loved that car. I drove it, with nearly 170k miles from Phoenix, AZ, to Raleigh, NC, over the course of four days. Never gave me any problems.

[@piotrmalewski8178]

Once at Monte Carlo rally a Polish car was taken as a new BMW. Droping Polski Fiat name and lack of marketing was so bad that when FSO Polonez with it's 4 round lights and shark-like front turned up at rally Monte Carlo 1979, announcer confused FSO's new-old logo with BMW's, went suggested by '2000' badge on the back, and thinking that FSO sticker on the bonnet was just a sponsor's logo, announced 'the new BMW 2002!' source: 'Czerwony Książę' (Red Duke) by Andrzej Jaroszewicz (twice Europe's rally vice-champion and the guy who drove that car back there and then.)

[@Braun30]

My dad got his 2002 in 1971. Had twin Webers installed and an Alpina lowered cylinder cover. It was great!

[@VinDieselS70]

Great story but one car was missing... The 2000/ 2002 Touring. This particular model was my very first car in 1984. Thank you for the upload :)

[@0kadafi0]

My father had a super rare 2002 Tii Touring when he was 5 years old, it was the car that made me fall in love with the automotive world, more than 30 years later I remember being in that car as if it were yesterday

[@josephkelly4893]

The 1 series coupe is a decent successor, the twin turbo six cylinder version is a great little car, a bit floaty suspension wise, but that can be fixed. Great video once again

[@boerbull1443]

The design at <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="603">10:03</a> is absolutely stunning. Would have loved to see that on the roads.

[@philippelupien7109]

At last, not an overdesigned bmw. Will they ever go back? Honda and bmw trying to upstage one another while leaving their customer base wanting.

[@RussellSmithOmegaW]

That is fascinating. You see so much evolution from the time of that concept for the 1 Series and even late on you can see how we landed on the first 4 Series coupe. Sad that the situation with Rover denied us two lots of cool looking cars but can see how they landed on the decision they did. Really interesting video!

[@nadeemchaudhry6585]

Another fantastic video! Thank you

[@PJAvenger]

I was never married to a car brand. I've had Mazda, Honda, Chrysler, Ford, Toyota, - well a bunch of Fords. But now I have a BMW. With a Check Engine light that is on 24/7. I'm ignoring it.

[@worldtraveler930]

I used to own a 1975 model 2002 BMW I Dearly Loved that car and wish I'd never parted from it!!! 🇩🇪🤠👍

[@P.Galore]

In the mid 1990's to the early 2000's you buy a 2002 for a song - I had three in a row- restored each then bought another. You could buy one for $1500 and resell it locally - this was pre-internet - for around $4000. My final car was a 1974 2002tii with a/c AND sunroof, a very rare combo. I paid $10,000 for it in 2004 and drove it for 5 years as a daily driver. I sold the car in 2010 for $17,000; It was resold on BaT recently for $35,000. I loved the car but it was prone to rust and very fragile mechanically. I eventually got the spiritual successor: the 318ti 5speed M Sport - which drove almost identically with a bit more power, better handling and built much tougher. I still drive the 318ti today...It's a fabulous car! Prices have been rising and a good MANUAL version is current around $12,000.

[@Finne72]

Another very exciting story, much appreciated.

[@AllanteGrissom]

This was a fantastic and very informative video, thank you. I love BMW!

[@e46m54nissansr20937]

Yes I need that book, great video

[@SuchtFaktorHoch10]

When I first saw the Coupe version of the 1 series I was drooling. the outer design is still stunning. But seeing the other versions activates my gag reflex.

[@Dark_Flame_Master]

A former neighbour of mine, an old man, used to have some kind of a 02 series BMW, it was really cool. He bought it brand new and still had it in the 2010s as his only car. Unfortunately some weird guy convinced him that his car was worth nothing/basically a pile of garbage and he believed it. In the end he gave it to the weird man for free… bruh.

[@Techjunkiero]

This is news to me. Wonderful video and I love to see a fair inspiration of that prototype in the 1 series coupe from 2008. That car still looks great. It makes sense, the E46 3 series was an event and worldwide acclaimed when debuted.

[@jimjohnson4072]

I own a 2011 128i! Awesome car!

[@pappaslivery]

My parents still have their 2002 from when they married. Love driving that car.

[@kevinbyrd6482]

Think of how hard it would be to order parts for this car. "I i need an air filter for a 2003 2002 "

[@themuffincat]

imagine getting parts for a 2002 2002

[@jasonfryer2895]

Enjoyable ride and stop. Thanks for sharing 😊

[@cornishrider]

Cracking video! I had a 99 E46 323Ci in the day so would have happily bought the Y2K 2002!

[@donyiiovanni]

I had an E46 Compact, and I loved it. You can see the design language from the 2002 in it's styling. Everyone called it ugly, but the more I looked at it daily, the more I loved it. It seems to me that the 2002 prototype was a blend of the E46 Compact and the 1/2 series.

[@RandallSlick]

What the 2K2 design needed was a vast grille as big as a windscreen, for a true reminder of the original. Or something.

[@giuliopedrali4794]

Beautiful this 2002 is another world respect to today's BMWs more vulgar and not so young and elegant

[@gerarduspoppel2831]

The New 3 series look's pretty good

[@giuliopedrali4794]

@@gerarduspoppel2831 It's horrible the new Serie 3, is elegant and precious but not fresh, the best 2025 BMW is the 7 serie.

[@DrLoverLover]

Well its made for vulgær and not so young people

[@giuliopedrali4794]

@@DrLoverLover The target people of BMW is changed...

[@Sacto1654]

So that's where the 2-series coupé came from. And it's still a very nice driver's car if you get the 230i model coupé.

[@SunnynPhilly]

I can definitely see some design influences / inspiration of the 2002 concept in the 1 series E82 and 2 series F22 2 door coupe’s designs. My little brother bought a F22 in 2019, it’s a lot of fun and he felt as close as you could get to the iconic 2002 in a new BMW at the time, I’m not as big of a fan of the current G42 2 series.

[@aedanjmcghie]

I had a '71 VW 1600E Fastback like you can see at the beginning of this video. It was great when it worked. It had electronic injection and a trunk at both ends.

[@claudiobizama5603]

Love the videos featuring the designers themselves.

[@BigCar2]

I wanted to get Ralf Langmeier, but BMW said no. 😔

[@pistonburner6448]

The only problem is the real truth comes from other sources than the high-climbing often narcissist designers themselves. Of course not all are such, and in any case they have interesting things to say ans lots of knowledge. But what would really be great is getting other insiders' insights!

[@pistonburner6448]

@@BigCar2 You need to do whatever Georg Kacher does to get inside info from VW and other companies... Or do what spies do: befriend them outside factory gates, honeypot them, compromise them, etc... 😅

[@Otto-AutoPilot]

Great story, very well told. Thank you.

[@NotMyAccount]

This looks like the inspiration for the 1 series coupe

[@Farney-gy1qo]

I love your Documentaries, Thank you!

[@Diecastclassicist]

I loved the original 2002, used to own one back in the 1980s.

[@ColinHarvey78]

Fascinating story - and so easy to see how it eventually became the 1 Series coupe. A friend had a 1 series coupe and I thought it a much better car than the hatchback version. Interesting the current 2 series coupe remains rear wheel drive while the 1 series is now front wheel drive, based on the mini platform.

[@kimallen4132]

A very interesting video, thank-you. I have never been a big fan of the high swage line as seen on the original 2002, it reminds me of the original Chevrolet Corvair and NSU Prinz 1000. Thank-you for explaining the link to the new one series which has similar "Bathtub" styling.

[@michi-eke]

that first sketch of the 2002 2002 would have fitted perfect alongside the 166 in Alfa romeo's lineup

[@marcbaur677]

Funny, have a Kyosho <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="66">1:6</a>4 scale BMW 2002 Turbo next to me on my Desktop. 😍

[@paulwilkins2614]

Nice to see the advert showing that BMW’s tailgated people as far back as the 60’s 🤣

[@Zeem4]

I hear that the latest models feature adaptive cruise control, where the driver can choose between 10, 20 or 30mm following distance.

[@paulwilkins2614]

@@Zeem4you could get another BMW in that gap 😂

[@Zeem4]

@@paulwilkins2614 😂

[@valentijn9]

At <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="540">09:00</a> it is just an early version of the E82 / 1-series coupe.

[@monk3yboy69]

It certainly looks that way ….

[@bigsarge2085]

Fascinating!

[@Que-Lindo]

It’s an over designed one series. A great start. Love the sparse interior.

[@j3xk72r9]

I've just been lucky enough to acquire a 2020 2 series coupe, which must be very close to what the 2k2 was intended to be. It is probably one of the last cars to have classic understated BMW good looks and an interior with proper dials and switches. It has only done 7000 miles and I hope to treasure it for years to come.

[@baronvonjo1929]

Older smaller cars look so spacious. Small cars now look awkward and dorky. With terribly cramped interiors and just make no sense financially. With how expensive they are while feeling like a penalty box. Maybe Im wrong and small cars have always been cramped. But in the pictures and videos they look mature and comfortable. After my Honda Fit I dont really see a point in ever driving a small car again. Moved to a SUV as sedans are too cramped and as mentioned gave hatchbacks a try. Pretty happy with my 4runner.

[@x_aquatix_x]

bmw back then with their concept car nailed their car design of today.

[@anthonyhunt701]

Still loved the hatch here in the U.S., saw a few M3 engine swaps 😮

[@cudak888]

Memo for management: When so many people on your staff have the same exact idea under a brilliant marketing scheme, don't ignore it.

[@exoroxx]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="230">3:50</a> That sketch reminds me of the Alfa Romeo GT. Pretty much the same shape...

[@FastCarsNoRules220]

I first heard about the BMW 2002 when I was searching up 2002 year model BMWs on Google and was confused why the results showed BMW cars from the '60s and '70s 😅

[@ChimeraActual]

When I look at the 2002, or the 1600, I can't help thinking of the Corvair... A friend had one, what I recall is that its steering rivaled a Saab for heaviness.

[@PaulTC777]

I see the 1 series coupe from 2007 onwards

[@pistonburner6448]

Today BMW could make a very small, spartan car and badge it "2002"...but not based on the year, they could base that number on its weight in kilograms.

[@danvandal4127]

Love them OG BMW compacts

[@Wargasm54]

The BMW North America concept was by far the best looking iteration. That car should’ve been made. I stand corrected…the 2016 reimagining was a banger. It’s insane they didn’t build it.

[@Manchild..wisedumb101]

I have a 2003 325xi 5 speed sedan.. I've dumped alot of money into it.. replaced lots of unfortunately expensive parts but I do love it.. not a racecar but fun an comfy.. ❤it.. hate I may sell it.. and won't get much

[@Manchild..wisedumb101]

.. e46er .. ❤

[@kevinjekyll1521]

I have a 135i coupe, and I can now see where its looks came from, I have always been a bit if a Bangle fan, also now owning 2 Fiat 20vt's, and a Z4M, all of them are love or hate cars, but still they are not boring or main stream... now isn't that a nice change looking at today's offerings.

[@nowind37]

BMW Always ahead of its time at the day the 2002 is a icon even BMW made a 1 series Tii Concept Long Live BMW

[@danpreston564]

I was on the verge of buying a late 60s 2002 in the early 90s and the seller pulled out at the last minute. So gutted.

[@johntease6782]

A neighbour owned a 2002tii bought new, yellow with a tint in the glass. Beautiful car he recently told me it was the worst car he ever owned, junk. Still a beauty looking at from afar.

[@daughterman]

The iconic 2002 but in 2002! Nice idea! 🤣🤣🤣

[@wickiezulu]

So the 2K2 project was to be a relatively low-volume E46-based 1000kg 2-door three-box 2+2, likely powered by a 141 hp 2.0 4-cylinder that offered similar performance as the 168 hp E36 BMW 323ti Compact 6-cylinder?

[@markdc1145]

The whole Rover ordeal was nothing but a distraction for BMW. With the exception of Mini, it really set BMW back a number of years.

[@ChristosNikiforos]

Well, this is an opportunity to make a video on Max Reisböck and the BMW E30 TOURING

[@davidviner4932]

1 series coupe comes to mind in the side profile

[@jondobbs]

When the BMW Compact came out, it was the least depreciating car on sale at the time

[@heiner71]

I had one of those in 96. It was only the 1.6i but a lot of fun to drive. Especially since it was a company car, so foot to the floor whenever possible. And I lived in Germany at the time, so you could really let the thing sing.

[@pear7869]

steve saxty as research method, have my sub sirrr

[@BigCar2]

He's talked to the top people at BMW for the last few decades, so he's an excellent resource.

[@pear7869]

@@BigCar2 marvelous work on older Fords as well

[@chucky2316]

Proper bmw unlike the modern trash

[@seanhershey3390]

Timely..I just stopped bat my friends garage where he’s restoring his….( I’ve had 4)

[@MrPatatu100]

Great video!

[@dan3092]

looks like a 1 series coupe the 1M is a legend so is the 135 in fairness

[@goose4150]

At least we had a 2002 in the end called 1-2 series

[@SmallBlogV8]

What a shame that they failed to sign it off just so that they could... fail to save Rover. You can see how much of it went into the 1er Coupé though, to be fair. If only BMW was able and willing to build a 1000kg two-door driver's car these days. It seems impossible now.

[@nigelcharlton-wright1747]

I still stand by what I have said to folk concerning the "Money" that BMW was losing on Rover. How comes VAG managed to turn round SEAT (FIAT cast-offs), Skoda and Bentley, and the development of the "New Beetle" which was being done for quite a few years, whist BMW was making song and dance about the length of time that Rover took to develop the 75. How could a company that was going down the toilet ended up building the Rolls Royce plant in Sussex (after having a tantrum about not having Rolls Royce). To my mind, it just doesn't add up. We saw what happened to Chrysler Europe, that was because Chrysler was in trouble at the time. It's not first time that BMW shafted a rival company. Maybe you should do a video about how BMW asset strips rival companies.

[@ys_a1659]

What about the E46 Compact Ti, if you’re talking about the E36 Compact Ti too?

[@vomdeich1011]

The RWD 1 series were amazing dailies- especially the coupes. But in first generation the agility and steering response was not very good - Opel Astra J felt more agile. Second generation was much better but the seating position was also a bit high and odd in between FWD cars and 3 series. So if you want a compact BMW sedan E46 is for me the better choose over E8x even these were way built.

[@veedubgeezer]

After Rover was the reason BMW didnt build the 2002, it later became the reason the spritual successor existed. The original 1 series can trace its conception to the still born Rover R30 concept. Very little evidence of it exists, but the little there is looks uncannily similar to the 1 series.

[@danpanther]

2002 a beautiful shape 😦

[@user-ug8wx5er1w]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="607">10:07</a> would buy immediately

[@adrianmonk4440]

It's mind boggling that the BMW 2002 was considered both an Executive & a Family car. IT HIT A SWEET SPOT. It was a better looking and peppier Fiat 124.

[@Bonzoguy66]

think the front, reminds me of the cs 2000

[@dj_efk]

So this would have been BMW’s contribution to the somewhat commercially hit-and-miss small premium car concept occupied by the Mercedes A Class and Audi A2.

[@Hotpack7279]

In 2015 there were almost 1 Million Peaple asking for a "Back to the Future Part II Pepsi Perfect" . Straight said Pepsi was simple to dumb to react.

[@davep5698]

Off point: I have the same BMW F1 car as in your background, but the stickers on mine have all curled, cracked and broken off. Are yours original or did you get new ones, if so where?

[@BigCar2]

My stickers are also falling off. I got it from a friend who got it when it came out. I haven't rebuilt it, so it's only been built once. If I rebuilt it I'd remove all the stickers.

[@davep5698]

@@BigCar2 ah okay, I'm that same I got it new years ago, built it, but had to take it apart and when I did I cleaned them off. Kind of would like a new set when it goes back together. Thanks for the reply.

[@BigCar2]

You could print your own onto a sticker sheet: brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?i=4104920

[@davep5698]

@@BigCar2 oh cool thank you very much, I didn't know they were available.