See also BMW 2002tii

The BMW New Class was a line of compact sedans launched with the 1962 1500. The engine grew over the years to 1.6, 1.8, and 2.0 L with the names changing to reflect this. It was the direct ancestor to the 3- and 5-Series.

The New Class models featured a fully independent suspension with MacPherson struts in front.

The sedan models (with numbers ending in "0") were replaced by the larger BMW 5_Series in 1972. Their coupe brothers (with a final "2") became the direct ancestor of the BMW 3-Series, introduced in 1975.

1500

The 1500 was produced from 1962 through 1964.

1800

The 1800 was the second member of the new class family, introduced in 1963 with a 90 hp 1.8 L engine. An 1800Ti "touring" model featured two Solex carburetors and 110 hp. A racing 1800Ti/SA used Weber carbs instead for 130 hp. The original model was sold through 1968, with a new-generation 1800 (1802) introduced that year and sold through 1972. The updates for 1968 included dual-circuit brakes, rectangular headlights, a new dashboard, and less chrome on the outside. A hatchback 1802 Touring was produced from 1971 through 1974.

1600

The 1600 used the pistons from the 1800 to enlarge the 1500's engine to 1.6 L and 83 hp. It replaced that smaller model in 1964 and was produced through 1966. A second-series 1600-2 or 1602 appeared that year and was sold through 1975. A limited-production cabriolet was produced by Baur from 1967 through 1971, and a 2-door coupe version, the 1600ti, featured dual carbs and 105 hp for 1967 and 1968. A hatchback 1600 Touring model was produced in 1971 and 1972.

2000C

Featuring a modern coupe body by Karmann, the 100 hp 2000C and 120 hp 2000CS were sold from 1965 through 1969.

2000

The "regular" 100 hp 2000 sedan appeared a year after the 2000C. It was sold from 1966 through 1972. Like the 1800, a 2000Ti model had twin Solex carbs for 120 hp, while the 2000Ti Lux had leather seats and a wood dashboard.

2002

The 2002 is one of BMW's most famous automobile models. It was a two_door sports sedan based on the four-door 1600, and cemented the company's reputation for compact sporting sedans. The 2002 was the forerunner of the BMW 3-series. It was produced from 1968 to 1976.

A three-door model, the 2002 Touring, was also available. The Touring was not a full station wagon, and may in modern terms be considered a hatchback. BMW would not offer a Touring model again till the late 1980s, with the 3-series.

The 1500 had already begun BMW's reputation for sports sedans, but the 2002 may be considered its ultimate incarnation. With its 1,990 cm³ engine, it produced some 120 bhp in the 2002 ti, and 130 bhp in the 2002 tii. The 2002tii had a top speed of 120 mph.

It was the company's first turbocharged production car. The 2002 Turbo (production 1,672) was launched at 1973's Frankfurt Show.

Built in small numbers was a Cabriolet. These were produced by Baur of Germany, which to this day, as IVM Automotive, continues to convert BMWs.

1502

An economy model of the 2002, the 1502 returned the 1.5 L engine to the line. It was sold only in Europe from 1975 through 1977.

See also

• BMW World (http://www.bmwworld.com/models/newclass/index.htm)
• BMW 1802 user page (in German / English) (http://www.staerk.onlinehome.de/)