BMW 2002 TURBO

About the BMW 2002 Turbo

Europe's first turbocharged production car, and BMW was not subtle about it. The 2002 Turbo announced itself with reversed "2002 turbo" text on the front air dam — readable in the rearview mirrors of slower cars ahead — flared fenders, and a KKK turbocharger strapped to the M10 engine making 170 hp. Only 1,672 were built before the oil crisis killed it. The turbo lag was substantial — nothing happened below 4,000 RPM, then everything happened at once. The suspension was stiffened, the brakes were upgraded, and the rear fenders were widened to accommodate fatter tires. It was raw, unrefined, and absolutely thrilling. BMW launched it at the worst possible moment — the 1973 oil crisis made a turbocharged sports sedan politically unacceptable in Germany. The press complained about the aggressive styling. BMW quietly discontinued it after two years. Today, a 2002 Turbo is worth more than a new M3.