Decided to take the 2002tii out for a spin today

[mario]

Here in New Orleans, the driving season is quite the opposite of many other parts of the world.  The stifling heat of the summer sun is tough on our old classics even with A/C.  So, Fall through early Spring is usually the best and most comfortable time to drive.  Hadn't had this car out in several months, so with the weather cooling off (a little) decided to take her for a spin.  It's 1972 2002tii.  Have owned it for about 6 years.

Still haven't been able to drive the Pagoda since I bought it on Sunday.  Went by to visit it today in storage and deliver the registration, insurance and license plate.  I'm itching to get behind the wheel of the 280 for a long drive this weekend.  Weather will be great. 

Here is a photo of the tii from today.  So, what do Pagoda owners generally think of vintage BMW's?  Or should I not even go there? 

[GGR]

I owned a nice '72 2002 inka orange with Cromodora wheels that came with the car as an option from factory. I'm still kicking myself for having sold that car many years ago. I still own a '72 3.0 CSI, E9 chassis. it's also a very nice car. And I'm quite addicted to the BMW 6 cylinder motor of that era, the Mercedes M130 is no match!

These BMW have a much more modern feeling than the Pagodas and other MBs of the same era: W108, 111 etc. This is mainly due to the very modern rear end of the Neue Klass generation which MB copied starting from the W114 chassis.

The Pagoda will offer you a more dated driving experience, but the build quality of the car is in another league. Handling and performance of Pagodas can be improved in many ways, if you feel it is too far from your 2002 and 911. But the nature of the Pagoda is more of a relaxed touring car, though high rev at 70/80 mph on the highway can be frustrating. Here again, there are solutions.

[mario]

Thanks. That's actually why I was so interested in getting the Pagoda. I find as I get older, the 911 and 2002 are not what I would consider comfortable cruising cars.  While fun to drive on twisties or zipping around town, I really want that heavier touring feel of going on a day's long drive. My wife will definitely appreciate the Pagoda more.

[Bonnyboy]

I owned a few 2002s in my early 20's when they were cheap like borscht.  Just couldn't keep them as my family started and grew and the need for minivans and baby seats took precedence.  I took the 2002s on several 800+ mile trips and found them quite comfortable but lacking the solid feel of my pagoda.   Definitely a drivers car.  Still have a soft spot for a round tailight model but alas - just no room at the inn.

[mario]

GGR, by the way, I firmly believe the E9 coupe is one of the most stylistic coupes of the era.  Beautiful cars and seemingly a good investment the way their prices have been going these days.  Would love to see a picture of it. 

Off topic, but I have a newly restored 40cm Petri Sport Steering Wheel that I'm willing to sell if interested.  As you know, they were a rare option in those days. You may already have one.  The bigger 40cm wheels are truly made more for the E9 versus the '02.  I switched to a 38cm steering wheel for the tii.  I was going to post it today on an E9 board or the 2002faq page.  If you are interested, I'd be happy to offer it to you first at a very fair price.  Just throwing that out there. 

[GGR]

Here are two pictures of the car:





I share ownership of that car with a friend of mine, I need to see if he would be interested in the steering wheel. I'll keep you posted.

[dseretakis]

I own a 1973 2002 and it's fun to drive on 40 mph backroads but extended highway drives are indeed tiring.

[GGR]

I own a 1973 2002 and it's fun to drive on 40 mph backroads but extended highway drives are indeed tiring.

Time to fit the 5 speed transmission we got you at the junkyard!

[dseretakis]

I was waiting for you to say that!

[mario]

Great looking 02 dseretakis.  I bought a 5 spd conversion kit for my tii from these guys: http://www.2002parts.com/bmw/5-speed-trans/5-speed-kit.html.  Have yet to get the Getrag installed though.

BTW, I see your W113 is Tobacco Brown.  That is the original color of my car.  Scheduled to go to paint shop in December to get painted back to the original.  Do you happen to have any pictures you can share of your car?  I've scoured the net to try and find decent pictures of a tobacco brown car, but still haven't found a really good pic. 

[GGR]

BTW, I see your W113 is Tobacco Brown.  That is the original color of my car.  Scheduled to go to paint shop in December to get painted back to the original.  Do you happen to have any pictures you can share of your car?  I've scoured the net to try and find decent pictures of a tobacco brown car, but still haven't found a really good pic. 

Here are some pictures of mine: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15521.msg129746#msg129746

If you go further down the thread you will see more pictures, like here, with the euro lights: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15521.msg142253#msg142253

Here is the interior, which I believe is the same color as yours: http://www.sl113.org/forums/index.php?topic=15521.msg134724#msg134724

[dseretakis]

And some of mine. So all three of us are tobacco brown pagoda and 2002 enthusiasts! Let's start our own club:)

[mario]

Terrific pictures guys thanks.  I'm incredibly envious of the road trip to Amelia.