01.09.2021BMW and the history of the first mass-produced car with an exhaust gas turbocharger in Europe

Minichamps is extending its product range with a classic from the golden 70s. The BMW 2002 Turbo of the model year 1973 was the attempt by the Bavarian car manufacturer to bring the exhaust gas turbocharger into series production, which was already very popular in motorsport at the time. The replica of this classic is now available in white and black. The model in the color black is limited to a number of only 360 pieces. Both models are made of diecast in the usual high quality from Minichamps and have steerable front wheels.

The 2002 Turbo, presented by BMW in 1973, was the first mass-produced car in Europe with an exhaust gas turbocharger even before the Porsche 911 Turbo and as a top model comparable to today's M3. At a price of just under DM 19,000 (former German currency), the hottest BMW in its class at the time was accessible to the general public. Unfortunately, the BMW 2002 Turbo was presented right at the time of the oil crisis and the Sunday driving bans, which, due to its consumption of just over 15 liters per 100 kilometers, gave it some critics. Its front spoiler, which could be ordered with the writing "Turbo" written in mirror script, was shown in press releases at the time, for example as "war paint". The 2002 Turbo was built from September 1973 to November 1974 and a total of 1672 were delivered.

With the engine of the 2002 Turbo, it is about an inline four-cylinder with 2 liters of displacement, which delivered 170 hp with its turbocharger. The BMW 2002 Turbo set proper standards in its vehicle class with an acceleration of 7.2 seconds from 0 to 100 and a top speed of 211 kph with an empty weight of just 1080 kg. However, not all driving reports were positive. The turbocharger technology back then, with its long airways between the exhaust and intake side, was known for not building up any pressure in the lower speed ranges and then intervening suddenly at higher speeds. This demands a high degree of anticipatory driving from the driver who wants to drive the BMW 2002 Turbo in a sporty way.

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