The 02 Register Newsletter

The 02 Register
PO Box 726
Crows Nest 2065

The 02 Register is a recognised Register of
BMW Clubs Australia

BMW are believed to be about to remanufacture parts for the 02.

The following article has been extracted from the March 1995 edition of ``Australian Classic Car Monthly'', page 42, under the title BMW to build bodyshells again. My thanks to Nigel Lloyd-Thomas for finding it.

``The Germans have often been criticised for lagging behind the British when it comes to manufacturers taking an active interest in the classics.

All that could change if BMW confirm the decision to start the remanufacturing of 02-series bodyshells by its new heritage-style organisation, ``Mobile Tradition''.

The company already has plans to begin remanufacturing original parts such as wings, bootlids and bonnets, all for the 02-series in 1995; that's the first car the company considers has reached classic status.

There is a very real possibility that BMW will build complete shells if demand is sufficient...''

BMW Mobile Tradition, as I understand it, is a small group or department within BMW AG tasked with addressing the needs of owners of older cars. There hasn't been much mention of Mobile Tradition here in Australia, although I believe they were responsible for a survey conducted among 3.0CSL owners interested in the remanufacture of doors, bonnets and bootlids. In that instance, BMW wanted a guaranteed minimum number to be committed by owners before they would begin production. With the 02-series, I had heard rumours that a lot of the original tooling had either been scrapped or sold off, and that BMW didn't have these resources immediately available to them to commence remanufacturing parts.

Given that having vital parts remanufactured is one of the ``goals'' of this 02 Register, it may be worth preparing a questionnaire of own to submit to BMW.

The BMW Car Club of America has published two accumulated "tech tips" articles for the '02, in Sep93 by Scott Chamberlain and Oct 94 by Michael Self. The 160-odd tech tips will be presented over the next few issues. The articles came with a guarantee that at least one tip will be useful to an '02 owner in the next 12 months. So, here's part one.

1. Replacing all fuses is cheap insurance against electrical failure.
2. Bosch rebuilds are the only ones to consider.
3. BMW dealers often have the best prices under their factory rebuilt program. (Check this out - Ed.)
4. Reversing wires on front turn signals can result in working turn indicators but no dash indicators.
5. Erratic gauges can often be traced to a bad ground, either on the instrument cluster itself or on the engine to chassis strap.
6. Belts tightened too much destroy the water pump. Tighten only enough to run the alternator.
7. If you run a 32/36 Weber conversion, using the stock air cleaner with and adapter can result in increased drivability.
8. Replacing the front lower door moulding plastic clip with the metal retainer used on the other end of the moulding helps prevent the door trim from falling off when opening the door.
9. Never install driving lights without using a relay. Wiring damage and fires can often result.
10. Increased offset wheels are hard on bearings. Service them more often.
11. For better handling, cheap 320i rims can be used. 325 alloys are a good bet for a cheap "+1" conversion.
12. A 320i radiator is as good or better than the 2002 part, is lighter and the conversion may cost less than the 2002 radiator alone.
13. If your 2002 runs hot, and the radiator is more than 2 years old, replace it.
14. Never ignore a bad driveshaft coupling (Guibo). To do so can destroy the transmission case.
15. 320i rear drum brakes will bolt onto a 2002 for much improved braking.
16. Braided metal brake lines are more durable and perform better .
17. Do not resurface a bad brake disc. Replace it.
18. Use of non-original rear brake linings may result in a parking brake which cannot be adjusted.
19. Check exhaust manifold studs regularly. The front stud seals an oil passage and its loss can cause fires and sudden engine failure.
20. When buying a 2002, check for excess engine movement. More than mild vibration may indicate a broken frame mount. It can be fixed, but is quite a job.
21. Check the rear subframe regularly. They have been known to rust through even on otherwise rust-free cars. This can lead to a big, dirty job and parts are getting hard to find.
22. To get drag-race style acceleration from a 2002, use the gears from a 1976, but be prepared for lots of noise at cruising speed (!!?? - Ed)
23. BMW OEM exhaust systems are the longest lasting and the most quiet you will find.
24. Do not discard the plastic cover when making door repairs. Its job is to keep water out of the car.
25. To restore smooth acceleration action, clean grit from under the pedals, lube the ball mounts and replace the nylon bushing on the accelerator rod.
26. Check shifter mount bolts regularly. Loose bolts can cause noise and difficult shifting.
27. Rebuilding a shifter with new springs and bushings results in much better shifting.
28. Re-using gaskets is false economy.
29. Using headers without a rear mount usually results in premature flange failure.
30. Rebuilding a brake caliper without sleeving is a waste of time. Buying new units is a better bet.
31. Try changing brands of oil if your 2002 is using oil (!!?? - Ed)
32. Tailpipe smoke on deceleration usually means valve seal problems.
33. The 320i can be a cheap source of Recaro seats for your 2002.
34. Drain your speedo cable. It collects water.
35. The factory made the best shop manual. It has lots of pictures. (If you can get one - Ed)
36. To prevent rust, clear grit from under the front guards, especially on top of the turn indicators and from the trailing edge.
37. 2002s run fine on unleaded fuel (Not!!! -Ed).
38. 2002 aluminium trim is expensive, bet may be refinished more cheaply.
39. Use BMW filters.
40. Change brake fluid at least annually.
41. Use BMW anti-freeze; use distilled water for batteries and cooling systems.
42. BMW no longer makes a 2002 battery that fits.
43. Use tool handle dip on metal moulding clips to prevent rust.
44. Use compressed air to blow moisture from behind trim.
45. Change rubber fuel lines at the first sign of aging.
46. Use the Bosch blue coil.
47. Consider changing to an electronic ignition.
48. The adapter kit for a late Chrysler New Yorker will allow the mounting of a DIN-style radio in a 2002 console. (I thought this one particularly useful - Ed. J)
49. Use the metal or nylon shift boot retainer. The styrene plastic style breaks.
50. There is a lot of room for stereo gear under tha back seat.
51. If a lock must be replaced, a locksmith can re-key it to match the others.
52. Shift levers are available in black or chrome and will interchange.
53. If radio reception is poor, try replacing the antenna. They deteriorate with age.
54. When an electric switch fails, try cleaning the contacts before replacing.
55. Remove the bumbers and clean behind them annually.
56. Repco Metal Master brake pads work well.
57. Aluminium trim can sometimes be revived with polishing paper and a buffer with a wool pad.
58. Grilles are easier to clean when they are off the car.
59. A smaller diameter steering wheel gives a quicker steering feel.
60. On long trips, carry a ``road kit'' including the following: oil sender; fuel hose; assorted clamps; fuel filter(s); fuses and bulbs; thermostat; oil and water; water pump; alternator; starter; belts and hoses; gaffer tape; wire; gasket in a tube; coat hanger; distributor tune-up parts. (It may be overkill, but then Ive never been stuck, either.) (Got any room left for passengers or luggage - Ed.)
61. An in-line fuel filter can be spliced into a broken fuel line to limp home.
62. Even without a ``road kit'', at least carry fuel filters.
63. Don't slam doors. It's hard on door checks and windows.
64. Broken rivets cause most window mechanism failures. Mercedes sells a repair rivet.
65. Not replacing broken door checks can cause jammed or broken windows.
66. A 530i (or equivalent) starter will give you a lot more starting torque.
67. 530i master cylinders give better stopping.
68. Check floor pans carefully. BMW undercoating can hide a lot of rust.
69. Tail light gaskets are a frequent cause of boot leaks.
70. Check the air pressure in your spare. Top it well up.

Wakefield Park turns it on again in May. Is your 02 ready?

The next Wakefield Park track day is scheduled for Saturday 13th May 1995. Wakefield Park is a 2.4km club circuit located on the Braidwood Road east of Goulburn.

Our plan is to travel to Goulburn on Friday evening to get an early start at the track on Saturday. Accommodation is available from a few locations, but most of us will be staying at the Heritage, just on the northern entry to Goulburn.

For entry details, call David Atkin from BMW Club NSW on (02)949-7787.

Your classified ads are welcome. Contact the editor to have yours included. Its best to send a fax with the details.

Bill Kinnane has the following items for sale. Call him on (06)231-2001 at home or (06)285-3134 at work. 1. Dual throat carburettor (Solex 32/32) factory setup suits 2002. Includes carb, manifold, air cleaner, electrical connection, new water hose and outlet fitting from block. $280 2. Lowered springs (heavy-duty K-Mac to suit 2002. $160 3. K-Mac front anti-roll bar. $60 4. Monroe gas shock absorbers suit front (new). A great replacement for standard specification units. $150 5. Towbar $100 6. Electric sunroof assembly, complete including emergency winding handle. Some rust in the frame and drain tray. $100

Gary Speechley wants the following items. Call him on (015)014-879 or (02)692-1432 at work. Wanted: the metal or nylon ring which holds the shift boot to the console, normally secured by four small screws. Wanted: the o-ring seal for the fuel pressure maintenance valve on the aft end of the Kugelfischer injection pump. This seal has a slight taper to it. I have a temporary o-ring in place, but would like the correct size and shape.

	Directory
ACT	Bill Kinnane	(06) 231-2001
NSW	Gary Speechley	(02) 570-3870
QLD	David Burnett	(075) 35-2473
WA	Graeme Finlayson	(09) 381-7182

Contacts and contributions for the Newsletter:
Phone:	(02) 570-3870 or (015) 01-4879
Facsimile:	(02) 570-3870
Internet:	Gary.Speechley@dsto.defence.gov.au