If you're handy under the hood, a 2002 / 2002tii can be a straightforward car to work on.
Regardless, these cars can and probably will drain your wallet.
And if you're considering buying a 2002 to restore and make money on, forget it.
Parts for these cars are just too expensive.
(I probably could have shopped around more and a paid bit less for some of these parts)
Sept. 1, 1999: Purchased the car from a private party and drove it home. A 470-mile leap of faith (no incidents).
Sept. 10, 1999: Sent car to mechanic after failing emissions test. $60.
Sept. 28, 1999: Replaced cracked steering wheel. $100 (used).
Sept. 30, 1999: Replaced gouged steering column shrouds, cracked washer fluid bottle. $45 (used).
Oct. 1, 1999: Replaced worn shift knob. $20 (new).
Oct. 9, 1999: Purchased original owner's manual for 1972 model year: $40 (used).
Oct. 10, 1999: Replaced torn shift boot. $29 (new).
Oct. 12, 1999: Replaced decaying taillight gaskets. $27 (new).
Oct. 14, 1999: Replaced cracked taillight lenses. $70 (used).
Oct. 23, 1999: Replaced headlights (sealed beams). $28.
Oct. 23, 1999: Charged battery. $6.
Oct. 24, 1999: Replaced dead battery. $55 (new).
Nov. 5, 1999: Upgraded to 530i starter. $195 ($115 + $80 labor).
Nov. 6, 1999: Car will not start. Checked for battery charge. Tried direct jump to starter. Nothing works.
Dec. 21, 1999: Returned to 2002 starter. Mechanic installed, car still will not start. Mechanic replaced coil, spark plugs and points. $235 ($32 parts + $203 labor).
Dec. 23, 1999: Replaced broken tii clock. $70 (used).
Dec. 27, 1999: Replaced cracked plastic steering column cover. $20 (used).
Dec. 30, 1999: Replaced wiper blades with a brushed aluminum set I found at a local import parts store. $11 (new).
Jan. 11, 2000: Replaced worn center console. $75 (used).
