The car quickly caught a reputation for being a troublemaker. From outraging the German press with irresponsible cosmetics to tempting fate with turbo-lag, the 2002 Turbo ultimately rose to cult status when production ceased with the rise of the ’70s oil crisis.
Part of BMW’s highly successful 02 Series, the 2002 Turbo utilized the 2002 Tii engine. Equipped with a KKK turbocharger and Kugelfischer mechanical fuel injection, the Turbo produced a power output of 170 hp, a full 40 hp more than the Tii. BMW claimed a 0–60 mph in just 6.9 seconds. As seen here, the real success of the 2002 Turbo was the brutal “boy-racer” appeal. Riveted-on wheel arches were fitted to house the wider wheels, and Motorsport stripes ran down each flank. Across the fender-less front bumper, the reversed script “2002 Turbo” warned the driver ahead of what had just raced into their rearview mirror.