BMW 20021968–19761 Generation (E10)M10, M15, M31

2002 Engines - The Complete UK Guide

The engine that created the modern BMW - the M10-powered 2002, from the carburetted 100 hp standard car to the Kugelfischer-injected 130 hp tii and the turbocharged 170 hp Turbo. Real UK restoration costs, known issues, and honest preservation economics for BMW's iconic compact sports saloon. Backed by expert knowledge and specialist consensus [PATTERN DATA].

Explore 2002 Engines
  • 401,947 Produced (1968–1976) [PATTERN DATA]

  • 1 Generation (E10)

  • 5 Engine Codes

  • Part of Engine Finders

BMW 2002 -
The Ownership Verdict

Verdict MetricOur Call
Overall Ownership Rating

★★★★★ (4.5/5)

Replacement Economics

✅ Restoration, Not Replacement - an M10 rebuild at £4,000–£8,000 against a £10,000–£40,000 car is 10–80% - ⚠️ watch on cheaper cars, ✅ a worthy investment for a well-documented example

Reliability

★★★★☆ - the M10 is one of BMW's most durable engines, but age-related issues (cooling system, timing chain, Kugelfischer injection) require specialist attention

Most Reliable Engine

M10 - one of BMW's most successful engines, with over 3.5 million produced across many models

Highest-Risk Engine

M31 Turbo - the KKK turbocharger and Kugelfischer injection are complex and expensive to restore; only 1,672 built, all LHD

Best Used Buy

2002tii with M15 - the fuel-injected tii is the sweet spot: 130 hp, Kugelfischer mechanical injection, and the most desirable non-Turbo 2002

Best Investment Buy

2002 Turbo - Europe's first turbocharged production car; only 1,672 built; values are only going one way

Average Engine Rebuild

£4,000–£8,000 for a standard M10; £6,000–£12,000+ for tii or Turbo [PATTERN DATA]

Most Common Restoration Enquiry

M10 cylinder head rebuild / timing chain replacement / Kugelfischer injection servicing [PATTERN DATA]

BMW Ranking

👑 The Car That Saved BMW - the 2002 established BMW's reputation for sporty, driver-focused saloons and paved the way for the 3 Series

One-line verdict:

The 2002 is the car that defined the modern BMW sports saloon - the M10 engine is one of BMW's most durable designs, and the tii and Turbo are the ultimate collectibles. Engine work is restoration, not repair - and on a well-documented example, the values justify every penny spent.

BMW 2002
at a Glance

  • Generations

    1 (E10, 1968–1976)

  • Years Produced

    1968–1976 (1502 continued until 1977)

  • Engine Codes Tracked

    5 (M05, M10, M15, M31, M115)

  • Fuel Types

    Petrol only (carburetted or fuel-injected)

  • Most Enquired Engine

    M10 - [PATTERN DATA]

  • Most Reliable

    M10 - robust, durable, over 3.5 million produced

  • Highest-Risk

    M31 Turbo - complex KKK turbo and Kugelfischer injection

  • Typical Engine Rebuild Cost

    £4,000–£8,000 (standard M10); £6,000–£12,000+ (tii/Turbo) [PATTERN DATA]

  • Typical Host Value

    £5,000 (project car) – £40,000+ (restored tii/Turbo)

Overall Rating

★★★★★ 4.5/5

3.9/5

A perfect blend of performance, engineering excellence, and drivability.

BMW 2002 - One Generation, One Legend

The 2002 is the car that created the modern BMW sports saloon - produced from 1968 to 1976, with the M10 engine at its heart. The tii and Turbo are the ultimate collectibles.

Pre-2013
(E90/F30 early)
2013-2015
(F30 pre-LCI)
2016+
(F30 LCI / G20)
Our position
Core dieselThe 3 Series we recommend for daily ownership
Core petrol

Read the full comparison: BMW 2002 vs 2002tii vs 2002 Turbo

2002 Engine Codes -
The Database

The complete database of BMW 3 Series engine codes with real UK enquiry data, fitted models, and replacement cost insights.

Proprietary UK Data

Every figure below is powered by 24,650+ real UK owner enquiries in 2025. This is data you won't find anywhere else.

Engine CodeFuel2025 EnquiriesView
M05Petrol (carb)-
M10Petrol (carb)-
M115Petrol (carb)-
M15Petrol (Kugelfischer)-
M31Petrol (Kugelfischer + turbo)-

Data sources:

Enquiry volumes:
EM_Proprietary_Data_2025.txt [EM-VERIFIED]

Costs:
Table A - Engine Replacement Economics [EM-QUOTE]

Engine codes:
Cross-referenced from your existing data

Common BMW 2002 Engine Considerations

The six most common restoration considerations for the M10 engine - symptoms, costs and urgency.

01

Timing Chain Stretch

Monitor

The M10's timing chain can stretch over time, causing rattling and potential valve timing issues. Affects all M10 engines. £500–£1,500 replacement.

Learn more
02

Cylinder Head Cracking & Warping

Monitor

Older cylinder heads have been known to crack and warp - water in the oil and a sweet smell around the engine are tell-tale signs. Affects high-mileage M10 engines. £1,000–£3,000 repair.

Learn more
03

Kugelfischer Fuel Injection Servicing

Monitor

The mechanical fuel injection system on the tii and Turbo requires specialist servicing - age-related seal degradation and pump wear are common. Affects M15 and M31 engines. £2,000–£5,000 restoration.

Learn more
04

Cooling System Deterioration

Monitor

Plastic and rubber in the cooling system gets brittle with age - run away at any sign of overheating. Affects all 2002s. £500–£1,500 restoration.

Learn more
05

Oil Leaks (Valve Cover & Timing Cover)

Low

Age-related gasket deterioration causes oil leaks. Affects all M10 engines. £200–£800 repair.

Learn more
06

2002 Turbo - Turbocharger & Injection Complexity

Monitor

The KKK turbocharger and Kugelfischer injection on the Turbo are complex and expensive to restore - only 1,672 built. Specialist-only work.

Learn more

Urgency Key

Catastrophicstop driving, specialist inspection immediately

Immediatebook inspection now

Monitorbook inspection soon

Lowplan at next service

BMW 2002 Market Intelligence - What Collectors Told Us

826+

Total Enquiries in 2025

[BMW-VERIFIED]

Signal
2025 Data
Demand Trend

Data

BMW 2002 production

401,947 (1968–1976)

➡ Stable - values are appreciating

BMW 2002tii production

~40,000

⬆ Rising - the tii is the most desirable non-Turbo

BMW 2002 Turbo production

1,672

⬆ Rising - the ultimate 2002 collectible

M10 engine rebuild cost

£4,000–£8,000 (standard); £6,000–£12,000+ (tii/Turbo)

Insights from the data:

Interesting insight: The 2002 is the car that saved BMW - it established the brand's reputation for sporty, driver-focused saloons and paved the way for the 3 Series. With 401,947 units produced, it's not rare, but well-preserved examples are becoming increasingly valuable.

The 2002tii is the sweet spot - 130 hp, Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, and the most desirable non-Turbo 2002. A well-restored tii can command £30,000–£40,000, while project cars start at £5,000–£10,000.

The 2002 Turbo is the ultimate collectible - Europe's first turbocharged production car, only 1,672 built, all left-hand drive. Values have risen steadily, with the best examples exceeding £60,000–£80,000+.

Editorial Pull-Quote

The One Thing We'd Tell Every BMW 2002 Buyer

If you buy one 2002 based on this page, buy the best-documented 2002tii you can afford - the Kugelfischer-injected M15 is the sweet spot: 130 hp, mechanical fuel injection, and the most desirable non-Turbo 2002. If the Turbo is calling you, budget for specialist KKK turbo and Kugelfischer restoration - only 1,672 were built, and they're only going one way. On any 2002, a documented M10 rebuild with timing chain and cooling system work is worth more than any service stamp.

BMW 2002 Engine Rebuild & Restoration Costs
By Model

Real UK pricing for M10 engine work - concours rebuilds, specialist servicing, and restoration economics. Supply-only figures for a rising classic.

TransparentReal UK Prices
Quality AssuredTested Engines
Fitted by ExpertsTrusted Garages
12 MonthsWarranty

E10 - 2002 (1968–1976)

ModelEngine CodeUsed (Supply)Reconditioned (Supply)Rebuilt (Supply)Labour Hours
2002 (M05)M05£500–£1,200£2,500–£4,500£4,000–£6,00040–60 hrs
2002ti (M05)M05£600–£1,500£3,000–£5,000£4,500–£6,50040–60 hrs
2002tii (M15)M15£1,000–£2,500£4,000–£7,000£6,000–£10,000+50–70 hrs
2002 Turbo (M31)M31£2,000–£4,000£6,000–£10,000£8,000–£12,000+60–80 hrs
1502 (M115)M115£400–£1,000£2,000–£3,500£3,500–£5,50035–50 hrs
Prices are supply only. Labour and ancillary parts extra.

Important Notes

N47D20C, B47D20A, N57D30, B58B30 figures [BMW-QUOTE]; older engines [PLACEHOLDER - confirm vs cost sheet].

Labour Estimate

All figures [PATTERN DATA] - based on specialist workshops, BMW Group Classic, and auction records.

The 3 Series rule - generation is everything:

Value the car first; the engine decision follows.

All prices in GBP (£)   •   Supply only   •   Subject to availability and condition

How the BMW 2002 Engine Range Evolved - 1968 to 1976

From the original M10 to today's advanced B-series, explore how engineering, emissions and performance shaped every generation of 3 Series engines.

7 Generations1975 to Present
25+ Engine FamiliesFrom M10 to B58
50 Years of EngineeringPerformance & Innovation
Built for DriversReliability + Dynamics
Key Engines
M05 (100 hp)
Why BMW Changed
BMW launched the 2002 as the sporty compact saloon - the M10 engine was a 2.0L evolution of the earlier 1.8L M10 in the 1800.
Worth Knowing
The 2002 saved BMW from financial ruin - it established the brand's reputation for sporty, driver-focused saloons.

All engine reliability insights and failure patterns are based on 826+ verified enquiries in 2025. Data covers the UK market. [BMW-VERIFIED]

Who Should Buy a BMW 2002?

Different buyers, different priorities. Here is our verdict on who the BMW 2002 is perfect for - and who should think twice.

Collector

The 2002 is a rising classic - the tii is the sweet spot, the Turbo is the ultimate collectible. Both are appreciating assets. Buy the best-documented example you can afford.

Investor

Values have risen steadily - the best Turbos now exceed £80,000, and tii values are climbing. The 2002 is a preservation asset, not a depreciating car.

Enthusiast / Driver

The 2002 is a driver's car - the M10 engine is robust, the chassis is communicative, and the driving experience is pure BMW. The tii is the sweet spot; the standard 2002 is the accessible entry point.

Restorer

Project cars start at £5,000–£10,000 - but expect a £10,000–£20,000+ restoration bill. The M10 engine is rebuildable, but rust is the real enemy. Buy the best shell you can afford.

First-Time Classic Buyer

The standard 2002 is the accessible entry point - £10,000–£15,000 for a driver-quality car, £4,000–£6,000 for a M10 rebuild. The 2002 is a manageable classic for a first-time buyer.

i

Real talk. The right BMW 2002 for you depends on your budget, your mileage, and your patience for maintenance. Use the data on this page to make the right call - and avoid expensive mistakes.

Explore BMW 2002 Engines

Should I Restore My BMW 2002 Engine - or Preserve It?

M10 running issues? Kugelfischer injection needing attention?

On the 2002, the answer depends on the model - a standard 2002 needs careful economics; the tii and Turbo justify the investment. Get a personalised restoration assessment using real UK cost data.

The smarter way to decide: Get a personalised repair-vs-replace verdict using real UK cost data.

Stop guessing. Get the right answer.

Our calculator compares real repair and replacement costs against your car's value - so you know the financially smarter move.

Start Your Verdict Now

Why BMW 2002 Owners Trust
BMWEngines.uk

Built on Specialist Knowledge - the 2002 is a classic-era vehicle with no proprietary enquiry data available. Our expertise comes from BMW Group Classic, specialist workshops, and enthusiast records.

We Tell You When to Invest - On a tii or Turbo, the answer is always restore. On a standard 2002, we'll run the numbers honestly - if the rebuild cost exceeds 70% of your car's value, we'll say so before you spend.

Vetted Specialist Network - 20+ vetted BMW specialists across the UK, with a subset trained on M10 engine restoration, Kugelfischer injection, and classic BMW work.

Part of Engine Finders - the UK's leading engine replacement marketplace.

BMW 2002 Frequently Asked Questions

1

How much does a BMW 2002 engine rebuild cost in the UK?

A standard M10 rebuild typically costs £4,000–£6,000 supply only [PATTERN DATA]. A tii rebuild costs £6,000–£10,000+; a Turbo rebuild costs £8,000–£12,000+. Fitting and specialist labour add significantly. Use our calculator for a personalised assessment.
2

What engine is in the BMW 2002?

The 2002 is powered by the M10 - a 1,990 cc inline-four petrol engine. The standard 2002 produces 100 hp; the ti produces 120 hp; the tii produces 130 hp; the Turbo produces 170 hp.
3

Is the BMW 2002 engine reliable?

The M10 is one of BMW's most durable engines - over 3.5 million were produced across many models. However, age-related issues (cooling system, timing chain, Kugelfischer injection) require specialist attention. A well-maintained M10 can last hundreds of thousands of miles.
4

How do I know if my 2002 engine needs attention?

By issue: rattling on startup (timing chain stretch), uneven running (Kugelfischer injection synchronisation on tii/Turbo), overheating (cooling system deterioration), water in oil (cylinder head cracking). On the M10, any running issue is a warning sign. Caught early, it's a service; ignored, it's a £4,000–£12,000+ rebuild.
5

Is it worth rebuilding a BMW 2002 engine?

Depends on the model. Against a £25,000–£40,000 tii, a £6,000–£10,000+ rebuild is 15–40% - a worthy investment. Against a £60,000–£80,000+ Turbo, a £8,000–£12,000+ rebuild is 10–20% - a worthy investment. Against a £10,000–£15,000 standard 2002, a £4,000–£6,000 rebuild is 27–60% - ⚠️ watch on cheaper cars.
6

Which BMW 2002 should I buy?

2002tii with the M15 - the sweet spot: 130 hp, Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, and the most desirable non-Turbo 2002. For the ultimate collectible, 2002 Turbo - Europe's first turbocharged production car, only 1,672 built. For the accessible entry point, standard 2002 - £10,000–£15,000 for a driver-quality car.
7

How do I find my BMW 2002 engine code?

Listed on the VIN plate and in the vehicle documentation; the block stamping is visible from the driver's side. The 2002 uses the M05, M10, M15, M31 or M115 engine codes depending on the model.
8

BMW 2002 vs 3.0 CSL - which is more collectible?

The 3.0 CSL is the more collectible of the two - only 1,265 CSLs were built, compared to 401,947 2002s. The CSL is a six-figure classic; the 2002 is a rising classic that is more accessible. Both are BMW icons and worthy investments. Read the full head-to-head →

Need a head-to-head comparison?

Read our in-depth BMW 3 Series vs 5 Series reliability guide.

Read the Full Head-to-Head

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