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Tribute: 2002tii + 3.0 CSL

Posted by Rory

Both spawned from the “New Class”, the 2002 and E9/CSL models were critical to establishing BMW as not only an international brand, but as a serious contender in automotive racing. The styling of these two cars are as good as it gets for me, on both ends of the spectrum: The 2002 is minimal, sleek, and small- while the 3.0 CSL employed much more radical styling, especially the race-bred models, making extensive use of garish aerodynamic bodywork. Both were hugely influential and paved the way for the best selling BMW in history: the ubiquitous 3-Series.

I’ve never had the priveledge of driving a CSL, but my grandmother had an imported 2002tii in lime green when I was a kid, I have awesome memories of drives through Dutchess County in that baseball glove leather interior.

-Rory

11 Comments Leave A Comment

1

Brian says:

June 14, 2012 at 2:16 pm

Thank you for showing some respect for the 2002! by far my favorite bimmer, SO CLEAN looking!

2

Dave says:

June 14, 2012 at 3:01 pm

I used to have a ’68 2002. At the time, I remember hating the lack of power steering and no air conditioner in the California heat, but damn was it fun to drive.

4

alex king says:

June 16, 2012 at 9:58 am

Love this post — the CSL is an icon for sure. I am sure they are gnarly sounding and brilliantly balanced cars… i’ll have to tell you sometime about eating at Vittorio Brambilla’s house in Italy.

5

Collective says:

June 18, 2012 at 1:35 pm

Ugh…another story that makes me want to go Face/Off on your ass? Fine. Next time we’re at the 101, you can tell me alllllll about it. >:-|

9

Star says:

July 31, 2012 at 4:23 am

Thanks for this tribute…
I owned a 2002 Ti which was the twin side draft carbureted version of the 2002 Tii which was never imported to the USA. It was the same color “inka” orange. It was a very nimble car, and sported a lot of “Alpina” parts on it…