navigation
 

  • Rust and body damage
  • Under the hood
  • Exhaust and Smoke
  • Transmission - Differential
  • Brakes and wheel bearings
  • Suspension
  • Interior
  • Resource list
  • Buying a 2002 Part 1
  • Resource list

    That covers a fairly basic but detailed look at the major areas of concern on a 2002. Here is a check list of points to remember when looking at a 2002 for sale. Also check our resource list below.

  • Bring a flash light along.
  • Look for rust on the floorpans, front sub frame rails, rocker panels and shock towers.
  • Look closely for signs of panels that don't align well or have been repainted.
  • Check the inner section of the panel if you can see it.
  • Listen for strange noises.
  • Check for smoke when starting up and while test driving.
  • There are two types of smoke, bluish oil smoke or whitish steam.
  • Look inside the oil filler cap to see if the engine parts inside are fairly shiny and clean looking.
  • Look at the coolant inside the radiator, it should be a bright color and not look watered down or brownish.
  • Check fan belt and water pump belt for cracking.
  • Does the exhaust pipe rattle on start up?
  • Check the shifter for sloppiness.
  • Check the brake fluid in the plastic reservoir.
  • A good brake pedal should feel firm, and not sink to the floor easily.
  • The car needs new struts if the front of the car yields to your weight easily.

    Vince Strazzabosco is a regular contributor to Bay Area 02 and can be reached at: vstrazzabosco@yahoo.com

    Books you can buy

    The BMW 2002
    A Comprehensive Guide to the Classic Sporting Saloon --James Taylor, Mike MacArtney (Contributor); Hardcover, 1996.

    This book has a great section on buying a 2002.
    Buy it now from Amazon.com
    BMW '02 Restoration Guide
    Mike Macartney. Brooklands Books, 1998

    Buy it now from Amazon.com
    Illustrated BMW Buyer's Guide
    (Motorbooks International Illustrated Buyer's Guide) Ken Gross / Paperback / Published 1994

    Buy it now from Amazon.com

    Web sites

  • BMW Central
  • www.traderonline.com
  • www.classifieds2000.com
  • www.recycler.com
  • www.ebay.com
  • Auto Trader

    2002 classified pages:
  • Bimmers.com
  • BMW Central

    Periodicals
  • The Roundel (BMW CCA club magazine)
  • Die Flusterndebombe (Golden Gate Chapter magazine, BMW CCA)
  • Bimmer Magazine
  • Auto Trader (CA)
  • Diablo Trader (Bay Area)
  • The Recycler (So. CA)

    Back to top | >> NextGo to a printer friendly version

    Tell us what you think: ba02_mail@yahoo.com
     
  • Home | Features | Events | Past Gatherings | Techtips | News

    Talk to us | Toolbox | Bookstore | Archive | Advertising | Credits

       Copyright © 2000 Bay Area 02 All rights reserved.