RE: 1971 BMW 1600 imported to U.S.?

[Thi VanAusdal <tvanausdal@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Bill,
I've heard someone (Michel?) say before that in some states
cars were designated by initial registration year instead of 
mfg year.

In this case, this would have been one of the last 1600s made -
if it languished on a dealer lot until Jan'71, maybe it
was registered as a '71.

I believe the brakes are identical to '71 2002, i.e. all after
'69 non-tii brakes.  The rears may be the smaller 200 mm drums
(vs. 230 for 2002, vs. 250 mm for 320i).  Diff will be 4.11:1
ratio.

If it's a Euro model, I'd expect German writing on the dash
controls and KM speedometer, etc.  I bet it's just a late
sale.  If the motor is shot, a 2002 motor just drops in.
I bet you can't swing a cat without hitting a BMW 2.0 in
the junkyard.  I bet you can't swing a cat without getting
in trouble with PETA, either, but I digress.

You have lots of parts sources available via the web and
in-state, so I'll save my speech about buying such a car
for the joy of the car, to bond with it, to be part of it
and vice versa, and not to count on it for 50K service
intervals and stuff.  Oops, there I went.

I think you'll enjoy it.

 - thi v.

> Dear Folks:
> 
> I have been offered a nice beater 1600, daily driver which is 
> registered and
> everything.  Seller says its a '71.  However, Ken Gross 
> suggests that '70 was the last year for 1600 in U.S.  Any clues?
> 
> After cursory inspection, car seems to have minimal critical 
> rust.  F/R shock
> towers ok, spare wheel tub ok, small amount on rockers, and 
> on trailing edge
> of R front fender.  Original Granata red paint with beautiful 
> patina (i.e.
> faded and rough).  body overall good, with NO apparent 
> dents/repairs to nose
> OR rear license/light panel.  Beautiful chrome grill, but 
> missing center
> kidneys.  Much original equip. throughout (incl. nice hubcaps).
> 
> Second gear synchro gone, tranny whines - think its soon to 
> be a goner.
> Believed to be original engine - could not see head casting 
> info due to
> unwillingness to get mucked up at the time.  Overall seems 
> engine / tranny
> will be "Job One," as they say here in America.
> 
> Not much info in FAQ's on this model.  Anyone able to point me to good
> resource of information? Anyone know whether 1600 got 
> upgraded front calipers?
> 
> All discouragement and encouragement welcome.
> 
> Bill McMahon
> Oakland, CA
> 
> '87 535is
> '88 325ix  (Red/black)
> '79 323i (Red/Black)
> '71 1600? (Red/black)
> '62 Ford F-100 longbed Styleside P/U (must sell to buy 1600/2002)

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