- See also BMW 2002tii
The BMW New Class was a line of compact sedans launched with the 1962 1500. The engine grew over the years to 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 L with the names changing to reflect this. It was the direct ancestor to the 3 Series and 5 Series.
The New Class models featured a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front.
The sedan models (with numbers ending in "0") were replaced by the larger BMW 5 Series in 1972. Their coupe brothers (with a final "2") became the direct ancestor of the BMW 3 Series, introduced in 1975.
1500
The 1500 was produced from 1962 through 1966. It was replaced in 1964 by the 1600, but it was still made available in a few markets where higher capacity engines meant increased taxation. It was able to achieve 80 hp (59 kW).
1800
The 1800 was the second member of the new class family, introduced in 1963 with a 90 hp (66 kW) 1.8 L engine. An 1800Ti "touring" model featured two Solex carburetors and 110 hp (81 kW). A racing 1800Ti/SA used Weber carbs instead for 130 hp (96 kW).
The original model was sold through 1968, with a new-generation 1800 (1802) introduced that year and sold through 1972. The updates for 1968 included dual-circuit brakes, rectangular headlights, a new dashboard, and less chrome on the outside. A hatchback 1802 Touring was produced from 1971 through 1974.
1600
The 1600 used the pistons from the 1800 to enlarge the 1500's engine to 1.6 L (1573 cc) and 85 hp (63 kW). It replaced that smaller model in 1964 and was produced through 1968.
A second series 1600-2 or 1602 appeared in 1966 and was sold through 1975. Power output was up to 96 hp (71 kW) gross with 91 ft·lbf (123 N·m) of torque. Road & Track was impressed by the 1968 1602 coupe, calling it "a great automobile at the price", which was $2676.
A limited-production cabriolet was produced by Baur from 1967 through 1971, and a 2-door coupe version, the 1600ti, featured dual carbs and 105 hp (77 kW) for 1967 and 1968. A hatchback 1600 Touring model was produced in 1971 and 1972.
2000C
Featuring a modern coupe body by Karmann, the 100 hp (74 kW) 2000C and 120 hp (88 kW) 2000CS were sold from 1965 through 1969.
2000
The "regular" 100 hp (74 kW) 2000 sedan appeared a year after the 2000C. It was sold from 1966 through 1972. Like the 1800, a 2000Ti model had twin Solex carburetors for 120 hp (88 kW), while the 2000Ti Lux had leather seats and a wood dashboard. In a 1967 test, Road & Track felt that the 2000 sedan was "the best performing 2-liter sedan in today's market and the best handling and best riding as well." Their Tilux produced 135 hp (99 kW) and 123 ft·lbf (167 N·m) gross.
2002
The 2002 is one of BMW's most famous automobile models. It was a two-door sports sedan based on the four-door 1600, and cemented the company's reputation for compact sporting sedans. The 2002 was the forerunner of the BMW 3 Series. It was produced from 1968 to 1976.
A three-door model, the 2002 Touring, was also available. The Touring was not a full station wagon, and may in modern terms be considered a hatchback. BMW would not offer a Touring model again till the late 1980s, with the 3 Series.
The 1500 had already begun BMW's reputation for sports sedans, but the 2002 may be considered its ultimate incarnation. With its 1,990 cm³ engine, it produced some 120 bhp (88 kW) in the 2002 ti, and 130 bhp (96 kW) in the 2002 tii. The 2002tii had a top speed of 185 km/h (115 mph).
The 2002 Turbo (production 1,672) was launched at the 1973 Frankfurt Motor Show. It was the company's first turbocharged production car. Power was raised to 170 hp (125 kW) at 5,800 rpm, with 240 Nm (177 ft·lbf) of torque. Unlike Saab and Porsche, companies which also made some of the first turbocharged production cars around this time, BMW has made little use of turbocharging in its gasoline engines since.
Built in small numbers was a Cabriolet. These were produced by Baur of Germany, which to this day, as IVM Automotive, continues to convert BMWs.
1502
An economy model of the 2002, the 1502 returned the 1.5 L engine to the line. It was sold only in Europe from 1975 through 1977.
References
See also
