BMW 2002 Gets a High-Revving F20C Heart

Reasonable Swap

Over the past couple of years, we've seen more and more vintage BMW vehicles receive F20C swaps, and for good reason. The German automaker has made some good cars in its time, but as a general rule, they aren't the most reliable thing one can buy. Tossing a Honda powerplant in a vehicle like this very nice 1976 BMW 2002 that's up for sale at Car & Classic rectifies that little problem, and also gives it a major upgrade in terms of performance to boot.

Photos: Car & Classic

Like the Real Thing

This particular Honda-swapped BMW is a bit different than most, however, as it's essentially been transformed into a Turbo replica, paying homage to a rather quick version of the 2002 that routinely sells for six figures these days. 

Photos: Car & Classic

Looks the Part

The right-hand-drive model has been treated to the appropriate body parts from that model, as well as the requite graphics to make it look like the real thing. If you didn't know any better, you'd probably think that it's just a very nice old coupe packing some performance under the hood, in fact.

Photos: Car & Classic

Big Upgrade

However, that all changes when you pop the hood and find yourself staring at an F20C, which has received quite a few upgrades including Jenvey throttle bodies and a DTA S Pro 60 ECU, while it's currently running on a 240 horsepower map - quite the upgrade over its original 1.6-liter inline-four that made a mere 74 horsepower.

Photos: Car & Classic

Perfect Mix

That powerplant is mated to the S2000's six-speed manual transmission and a limited slip differential with beefed-up half shafts, while an adjustable suspension allows the owner to dial it in for the street or the track. A set of classic BBS wheels caps off the vintage look, making this BMW the perfect mix of new and old.

Photos: Car & Classic

Modern Amenities

Inside the cabin, you'll find goodies including Recaro N seats, power steering from an Opel Corsa C, an OMP quick-release steering wheel, and a Bluetooth stereo - just enough amenities to make it a bit more comfy to drive in today's world.

Photos: Car & Classic

Solid Deal

With an asking price of around £33,000 (USD 38,500), this vintage BMW unsurprisingly didn't last long before it found a new buyer. For that kind of money, somebody's getting an ultra-cool car that's sure to turn heads everywhere it goes, not to mention the fact that it's likely incredibly fun to drive, too.

Photos: Car & Classic

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