<02> Building a Mutt; 2002 List

[ingraham@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx (Curtis A. Ingraham)]

In BMW Digest v09.n1137 Brent Williams <baw2@domain.elided> wrote:

> I have done a little reading on the net and I am beginning to 
> understand that the 320i and the 2002 have a lot in common.  
> Engines and transmissions are interchangeable, or just the tranny?  
> If I were to take a running 320 (that was cosmetically in horrible 
> shape) how hard would it be to transplant the innards to a 2002.  
> The one in question is a 71.  What parts could I use?  Is it worth 
> it?  I guess I would like to keep the 2002 body, the rest can go.  
> I am a pretty cheap guy and I expect to have to get a pait job and
> new interrior work done.  Other than that, can I just steal parts 
> from another heathy car.  Kinda like frankenstien, only bimmerstien.
> ...
> I have not invested any cash yet, but I am trying to get a cheap, 
> well running 2002.  My budget is less than 5k now and 5k later.  So 
> I figure a total of 10k for everything.  So what should I do?  I 
> love the advice.  I am learning more every day.
>
> Brent
> 
> '94 740i
> '95 325is (made offer, no answer yet)
> '71 2002 (if I can afford it)

5-speed transmissions and limited slip differentials from certain 
years of 320i are excellent upgrades for a 2002.  A 320i engine is
not.  For details see:

  http://www.bimmers.com/02/index.html

It's good that you are thinking about a budget.  Since you are 
planning to spend 10 kilodollars, you will end up spending at 
least 15.  Painting and interior work are quite expensive.  
For example a complete, fine quality repaint can cost 3.5 to 8 
kilodollars depending on the condition of the old paint and how
much disassembly/reassembly work you do; and that's with very 
minor body work.  It can easily cost 1500 dollars to re-do the
seats.  Add hundreds more for carpets, headliner, and dash.
Mechanical work is easier and cheaper for the DIYer; if you 
want a fun project, look for a car with good body/paint/interior 
but a lousy drive train and suspension.

Before you get started, you should decide whether you want
an expensive project or a nice 2002.  For 5k-6k you can buy a
very nice 2002.  For 10k you can buy a concourse 2002 or a 
very nice 2002tii.  On the other hand, if you spend 15k on
a restoration, you end up with a car worth 5k-8k.  If you 
want a nice 2002, spend 8k on someone else's 15k project car.


For lots of great 2002 info, I recommend subscribing to Chris 
Kent's 2002 List.  Send a message to: 

  sub2002@domain.elided

In the body of the message write (substitute your names):

  SUBSCRIBE 2002list Your_FirstName Your_LastName


Curt Ingraham
72 2002tii
Oakland, California

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