1976 BMW 1502

The BMW 1502 offers charm, agile handling, and accessible vintage driving purity.

Paint

Repainted in 2025, the sparkling Reseda Green Metallic paintwork displays a good lustre and consistent coverage, beautifully highlighting the crisp lines of the ’02.

The finish holds a strong shine throughout, though a few minor under-paint blemishes were noted, most visibly at the top of the nearside C-pillar and a couple of light blisters on the base of the passenger door.

The images are taken from a few different angles to show off the car as you would see it if you were standing there for yourselves. So please take the time to fully assess these high-resolution images and videos of the car, for you to make up your own minds about the condition of the paint.

Bodywork

The bodywork is in good condition, free from any significant panel damage, and displays even shut lines with flush panel fitment. All doors open and close smoothly.

The underside is solid throughout and has been protected with underseal. There are minor signs of age around the nearside jacking points and slight residue around the boot-mounted fuel tank. Overall, the suspension mounts, wheel arches, and engine bay all present very well.

We've highlighted in more detail our observations through our high-resolution images and videos, so please take time to look through all the media files for a detailed view of what’s on offer, and for you to assess the condition of the car for yourselves.

Dashboard

The black padded dashboard and centre console are good for the car's age, showing only a small crack near the instrument binnacle and a mild circular stain on the passenger side. All switches and controls remain in good condition and are reported to function properly.

The door cards and headlining are in solid shape; while there are a few light marks on the rear trim panels and passenger sun visor, the overall interior reflects careful past ownership.

The drive

Introduced during the fuel crisis as BMW’s economy model, it shares the dynamic driving characteristics of the 2002 while utilising an efficient 1.6-litre M10 engine.

Power delivery is linear and smooth, pulling cleanly without flat spots, hesitations, or misfires from the Solex carburettor. The car cruises comfortably at 40 mph and performs confidently on the open road. Steering is precise with excellent road feel, especially at speed, and the chassis feels well-planted with impressive grip.

While there is typical vintage body roll, the new tyres help minimise age-related traits, and it corners quietly without any knocks. Mo reports the car has been completely reliable, with steady oil pressure and normal engine temperatures throughout ownership.

Glass and trim

The glass and weather seals are in good condition throughout, as are the lights and lenses. The brightwork and trim appear correct for the model; however, the emblems and iconic kidney grille show some age-related wear, and there are mild paint chips on the driver’s door trim.

The bumpers present well overall, showing only light surface wear, though the front bumper is slightly misaligned.

Wheels and tyres

The car is fitted with BMW 2002 Cromodora 13” alloy wheels. They retain a smart appearance, with mild signs of age in places but free of road wear.

The front and rear of the car are fitted with Farroad tyres with a spec of 175/70 - these are date-coded from 2024 and have plenty of life in them.

Please take time to review the photos and videos for a detailed view of the exterior, wheels, and tyres so you can make your own assessment of their condition. Tyres are a key safety item, and you should consider replacing any that are cracked, perished, unevenly worn, or over 10 years old.

Seats and carpets

The tan vinyl and cloth seats are in good condition, with only a small rip noted on the passenger seat.

The carpets present well, above expectations for a car of this era.

Additionally, the boot area is neatly trimmed and tidy.

Engine and gearbox

The engine turns over smoothly and fires up without issue, exhibiting only a brief belt squeal for the first second before settling into a steady idle. The motor runs quietly without any excessive mechanical noise, and all ignition warning lights extinguish as they should. There were no unwanted exhaust fumes beyond typical cold-engine condensation, and the car remained completely leak-free throughout our visit.

The engine compartment presents very well, featuring good hoses and ancillaries throughout. While a few components show light signs of age, the overall impression is of a well-maintained vehicle.

The 4-speed manual transmission performs without any reported issues, delivering smooth shifts free from any unwanted noise while underway.

Electrics and other

The car has been upgraded with a modern head unit featuring USB, MP3, CD, and FM radio playback.

As mentioned in the video, the air ventilation system is not currently working. This has not been investigated, so the cause is unknown and may relate to the switch, fuse, motor or another component.

The seller has also advised that they are unsure whether the cigarette lighter is working, as they have never used it.

The dashboard and displays are otherwise reported to be functioning correctly, with no engine warning light showing. The oil temperature and oil pressure have also never presented any known issues.

History and paperwork

Registered in August 1976, this vehicle was acquired by the current owner in May from a former engineer who meticulously maintained it, backed by receipts from Jaymic and BMW main dealers. Having recently undergone cosmetic and mechanical renovation, it also comes complete with invoices for a full respray in 2025. The car is both historic road tax and MOT exempt and comes complete with two sets of keys.

We’ve done all our usual seller checks including photo ID, V5 and also actioned a history check on the vehicle - this is a professional check operated by HPI that will highlight if the car has been previously stolen, recorded as being in an accident, or have any outstanding finance - note, this does not include a mileage history check.

We've summarised our own view on the car based on information gained from the seller in the listing above, however, as you can see, we go to great lengths to photograph and video the car in hi-resolution detail - this has been done for you to make your own assessment from the comfort of your sofa. So please sit back, have a cuppa and take your time to review everything on this listing in order to make your own assessment of the vehicle's condition. Viewings are also welcomed with all our listings, so please get in touch with us to arrange a suitable time - we just need to speak to you first and receive a valid photo ID before confirming.

If there's anything you're unsure about, no matter how small, then please first ask the owner in the comments area below before placing your bids, as bids can't be retracted and form a binding contract if you win the car - just like a traditional auction house.

Suspension and brakes

The ride feels appropriately firm yet compliant, absorbing minor road imperfections smoothly and remaining free of any unwanted wheel noise at speed.

Braking is even and confidence-inspiring, with a solid pedal feel and no screeching or grinding, delivering performance just as you would expect from a BMW of this era.

Steering wheel gear stick

The gear lever presents well, while the steering wheel shows a few age-related hairline cracks.