02 Series (1967 to 1977)

Introduced in 1966, the BMW 02 Series was BMW’s compact, driver-focused answer to the New Class sedans, distilling the brand’s emerging sporting identity into a lighter, more agile two-door package. Built on New Class underpinnings and powered by a range of inline-four engines, the 02 Series delivered sharp handling, mechanical simplicity, and everyday usability, traits that would come to define BMW’s reputation in the decades that followed. Core variants included the 1602 (1967–1975), 2002 (1968–1976), 1802 (1972–1975), and 1502 (1975–1977), with the 2002—particularly in ti and tii form—cementing BMW’s performance credibility globally. Total 02 Series production exceeded approximately 820,000 cars, making it a major commercial success for BMW. In the Australian market, 02 Series cars were officially sold in limited numbers and are now increasingly collectible, with values driven by engine specification (2002 premium), originality, manual transmission, rust-free condition, and provenance, as enthusiasts recognise the 02 Series as the true foundation of BMW’s modern sporting lineage.