Gordon, It's been close to 15 years since I used Ye Olde Wheel Shop, but they did a great job on polishing the small lips on a set of E30 bottle caps. It wasn't a rush job & took longer than expected, but was priced reasonably. http://www.yeolewheelshopmd.net/ https://www.facebook.com/Ye-Olde-Wheel-Shop-123226927721635/

I recently scored a set of 15X7 ET26 MSW wheels for cheap but they are in need of restoration (salt damage). Looking for recommendations on a wheel shop in the DC-Baltimore area (prefer MD side of DC area) that can restore these wheels to like new. Here is a pic of current condition and restored wheels. G-Man

Congratulations! That looks like a much better car. Let's see...according to Google Maps that's only a 35 hour road trip to bring it home...

And it looks like the bat m42 car IS for you! Congrats on the buy!

that bat m42 car would be a great choice for you.

@02MANYBIMMERS & @MatthewCervi & @jgerock Many thanks for your input. Perhaps this is not the one for me given your counsel. I do really appreciate the benefit of your experience. In terms of some of the questions 02MANYBIMMERS posed... My budget is flexible within reason and I am not one to be penny wise and pound foolish. I would definitely prefer to start with a better car that needs less. I am handy and willing to put in work. But, I am more interested in doing so to upgrade and tinker over time as I learn more the ins and outs, than in starting with a project that isn't reasonably reliable or has major needs. I don't do bodywork but am willing to lean in a limited capacity. I've got a nice detached garage to store and work in, and am in process of repainting and upgrading lighting to make it a better "home" for the car and a better workspace for me. In terms of originality, I love the character of these cars, but originality isn't my true north. I'd like a 5-speed. LSD would be a bonus but not in any way a "must have." A/C would be nice given the mid-atlantic summers, but know that is scarce (that's a great example of a project I might take on over time once I have the right car). I am also open to a non-tii. Am actually pretty intrigued by the modified M42 powered '72 currently on BAT. On to colors, I like the the classic '70s palette. Favorites are orange (Inka then Colorado), Chamonix, brown (esp. Dunkelbraun), the blue family (Baikal, Riviera and Atlantic) and then also red (Verona) and dark gray (Anthrazitgrau). All that said, color is secondary for me to condition and fun factor (hence the interest in the BAT car). Thanks so much (yet again) for your thoughts here.

alwayswantedone, sorry we're not giving you good news on this car. I think there are enough 02s in the MD/VA area that more should crop up. Are you specifically looking for a tii or would a regular 2002 be OK, too? Carbureted cars are easier to find. I recommend trying to meet up with a local 02 owner to go over what to look for and get a feel for how they sound and ride. If you can get comfortable with the car then you could consider flying somewhere to buy a car and drive it back. That's what I did with my Bavaria--I flew to Atlanta with a check prepared to fly back if I didn't like it when I finally saw it in person. (Pro tip: Atlanta is a *long* drive from here on old stock seats!)

I too missed the link. The floors were repaired very poorly. Lots of overspray for what was considered a "full restoration". Maybe a PO got in over their head and made a quickie finish.

Somehow I missed the link to the ad posted earlier. I agree with 02MANYBIMMERS that this car is overpriced for its condition.

If this is your first 2002, you probably need to decide what you want out of the car before deciding WHICH car and in what condition is right for you. Buy the best car in the best condition and with the desired options already installed that your budget will allow. And as others have mentioned it is always best if you look at these cars in person before you agree to purchase. Some things to ponder.... • What’s your budget? • Do you lean towards being a wrencher or a writer (Check writer that is)? • Do you have a place to work and/or store the car out of the elements? • Do you know how to do bodywork/rust repair/welding (structural and cosmetic)? • Do you want a fun driver that has patina/character both mechanically and in the body or do you want a numbers matching investment grade car or perhaps something in between? • Would you choose a run down tii over an already restored/very good non tii car at the same price? • Do you care about originality? • What colors do you favor? • Do you want to tinker around with the car mechanically with engine upgrades/power adders (tii may not be a good option if so)? • Sunroof? • 5Spd? • LSD? …and on and on. Take a look at the condition and prices for cars listed on BaT over the last year or so to get an idea of what to expect in the market regarding price/options/condition. Scroll down towards the bottom to see previous auction results. https://bringatrailer.com/bmw/2002/ My general thoughts on this particular car… • The floors have been patched very poorly • Driver grade paint job at best (in wrong shade?) • Rust showing in the rockers and frame rails • Non-standard interior colors and materials • Non matching engine • Looks like lots of mud in the doors • Over priced vs condition

Rust is the key, especially if you're looking for long-term ownership. tii-specific parts can be expensive, but they rarely go bad. If the timing works out, I'd be happy to go on a test drive with you to help look at the car. I know the usual rust-prone areas and can tell if the engine runs like a tii should.

Thanks @jgerock appreciate the thoughts. Per the seller... he purchased off eBay in 2000 when living in Pasadena vehicle had a number of unspecified issues at that time much of the resto work was done by 2002AD VIN on the engine is not numbers matching and he doesn't know the VIN for the block or head color isn't an exact match to BMW OEM color - close to mintgrun (he says the painter didn't get it quite right and he chose to accept the work) odometer does not work (but he will provide a working spare) speedometer does work center console has many screw holes and should be redone but panels are in good shape shift knob spins dash and steering wheel have some typical heat cracking. radio works only as a cd player. AM/FM does not work - could be radio or antenna/cable. one bondo bubble on right rear wheel well edge (states that is has not changed in 15 years) right trunk wood floor panel is in poor condition comes with other additional spare parts (unspecified) He is willing to provide additional pics as requested so I can ask him for one of the steering column VIN tag and make sure it matches the chassis plate. Any other pics you'd recommend specifically that I ask for? In terms of your more philosophical question... I am looking for anything but a concours / show vehicle or a trailer queen. Also no desire to flip. I want to be able to drive and enjoy the vehicle, and to keep for my son someday. I'd love something I can make sufficiently reliable for more than a spin around town but not envisioning anything like a daily driver in terms of mileage. I also have a nice sized detached garage for the car to call home with adequate space for storage and to tinker I learn more. Thanks again!

This car looks very nice in the picture. I've never seen it before. Can you share more pics and the VIN 276xxxx)? what do you want out of it? Putting around or drive to long distance events or entering shows or to flip? I must ask since there are so many types of 2002 owners. jumping out at me: 74-76 trunk lid Driver's side flag mirror (should be trapezoid) Mintgrun color with custom brown cloth interior - what is the story behind this combination? Need to inspect the VIN on the body, engine block and steering column cover (all should match) e21 wheels (may rub due to incorrect offset) Rear bumper may be dented in the right section

John_in_VA - the recommendations are greatly appreciated. Mlytle - I've already ordered the book from Amazon. MatthewCervi and jgerock - I'd welcome whatever assistance you're willing to provide. After years of the grind I've finally gotten to a financial place where I can afford a weekend toy. I've been a fan of 2002s since I was a kid and they were semi-common daily drivers (even in upstate NY). I'm also taking the plunge (or hoping to) as I've heard again and again that there is no enthusiast community more welcoming and supportive than the vintage BMW community. My exchanges here and elsewhere have borne that out thus far. I've been looking for month now. I'm quite hesitant to purchase my first 2002 at a distance and am looking at this vehicle in Potomac, MD. Would love your thoughts. Thank you all.

I second Matthew. You really need to check these cars out before buying- especially if you've never owned one before. Let us help you.

I can't really add more than what John and Marshall said, but I'm not far from you (Ellicott City). I have a Bavaria now, but I used to own a tii.

what he said.. but...you should be knowledgeable enough to do most of it yourself. if you don't have one, buy a copy of McCarthy's "02 Restoration Guide" book. and read it.. twice. not kidding. you will be way ahead of he game in knowing what you are getting into. you can get it from amazon, next day.

Blue Ridge Sports Cars Ltd 1796 Union Ave, Baltimore, MD 21211 (410) 662-4746 Martin's Auto Service 8100 H Beechcraft Avenue Gaithersburg, MD 20897 301-926-8977 BMW Excluservice 12224 Parklawn Dr, Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 231-5400

Apologies if this isn't the correct place to ask but I figure no one knows better than the enthusiast community... I am considering purchase of a '72 tii and looking for recommendations for a PPI in the DMV. I am located up in Suburban Baltimore (Catonsville) so the ideal shop would be DC or MD (rather than NoVA). Thanks for your recommendations!

Interesting. Was the car a regular at Hal's "Takeover Union Street" events?

Hey Marshal, probably (formerly) my ‘76 pastelblau car that I just sold today in southern old town. I hope they enjoy it. Cheers, Don

any DMVer's out in their light blue 2002 on the GW Parkway south of Old Town Alexandria, Va at about 3:30pm today? i was northbound on the Parkway testing my red 02 after an 8 month slumber when we passed each other.

Saw a group of land rovers with a blue 02 in there driving down Hillsborough Rd. I was in the X5M so not too noticeable. Anyone on here? Looked clean.

I had a 76 02 that was from Otto's BMW. Its still around and its located in West Chester, PA. I believe the dealership is now owned by Mike Vadasz.

Hi Jim i have 1600 miles so far after the vintage engine hums nicley K