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BMW 02 E10 1802 (90 Hp)
Overall Rating
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 146 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 970 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 11.8 s). The top speed reaches 165 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.
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.
1802 (90 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A good middle-ground option, providing more power than the 1602 without the higher cost or complexity of the 2002 variants.
Fuel Economy
Reasonable fuel economy, offering a good compromise between performance and running costs for its displacement.
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: 1968 - 1975).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | BMW |
| Model: | 02 |
| Generation: | E10 |
| Modification (Engine): | 1802 (90 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1971 |
| End of production: | 1975 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 4 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 90 Hp @ 5250 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 146 Nm @ 3000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M10B18 More details about the engine M10B18 |
| Engine displacement: | 1766 |
| 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: | 71 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 11.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 165 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.8 kg/Hp, 92.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 150.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 970 |
| Max. weight: | 1370 |
| 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 [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1590 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1410 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2500 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1342 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1342 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 9.6 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc, 240 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 230 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 5J x 13 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring, Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring, Trailing arm |
Behind the wheel of the BMW 02. How does it handle on the road?