The car appeared in showrooms at the end of January 1966. It was a comfortable sedan offered in a 100- or 120-hp version. The more powerful variant was distinguished by the 2000 ti designation. Although the 2000 model was launched with the fashionable rectangular headlights, the 2000 ti retained the look of the 1800 version. Customers, however, found the round headlights less suitable than the rectangular ones, so the BMW 2000 tilux opted for rectangular lights. At the end of 1969, the Bavarian manufacturer completed the range with the BMW 2000 tii.

Unfortunately, due to its high price, this model did not break into the top of the sales charts. However, BMW management had no reason to worry, as the basic BMW 2000 variant remained quite popular and highly regarded until the end. Drivers remarked on its compact dimensions, which made the car manoeuvrable and handy. The main qualities, however, included excellent road behaviour, good brakes, equipment, and a distinctive silhouette. Production of the BMW 2000 and BMW 2000 tii ended in June 1972.

In the BMW M Series collection, the presence of this particular vehicle may come as a surprise. Reading the following paragraphs is enough to understand that – in the Bonaventura Classic Collection – it is this car that enjoys a special position. Who knows if it is not the most important. Let us give the floor to the owner:
– I bought it because I associate it with my grandfather’s BMW 2000. His was 1969, this one is 1971, and I love driving it and photographing it because it reminds me of my childhood. The previous owner (in France) used it for daily driving. After I bought it, I also used it as such for four months.

The car was bought in France and then underwent a comprehensive four-year restoration after dismantling. The bodywork was cleaned down to bare sheet metal, but tin was used instead of putty during the work. When renovating the interior, the upholstery fabric was replaced with a new one, but in keeping with the original. All the leatherette elements were preserved. The original radio was also taken care of.

The discerning eye may have noticed that some parts do not look perfect. This is due to the patina that has accumulated over the years, which bears witness to history and adds authenticity to the restored car.

– This car has a distinctive gearbox action that I remember from my childhood. I remember myself as a four-year-old asking my grandfather, ‘And why does it sing like that?’ To which Grandpa replied: ‘She sings songs when she is happy’. Those words stayed with me. Later, I would tell my children that if the car sounds nice, she sings songs. Another behaviour I have taken over from my grandfather is to honk at round mileage occasions.

As the owner says, the BMW 2000 is wonderfully comfortable. It behaves and rides like a dinghy. It weighs 1150kg, so with a 130hp engine it can drive very dynamically. There is no power steering, but the large steering wheel makes manoeuvring quite easy. The opportunity to evaluate the car happened almost immediately after leaving the workshop.

– As soon as I picked it up, I went to the international convention in Pforzheim. It was the first time I had participated in an international event of this kind and with a regularity racing.

The car in the photos is one of the 1952s with a 130-hp engine with Kugelfischer mechanical injection. Finding a specialist who can manage and set it up properly is quite a problem. Fortunately, there is Helmut, who does it in his workshop in 40 minutes. As a result, the Kugelfischer works flawlessly in this piece.

The 2000 tii was the richest ancestor of the ‘Five’ available at the time. The market also offered a version with two carburettors, called ti, and with the rich equipment additions ‘tilux’. The designation tii reads as tilux + injection.

1952 pieces produced are few enough to consider the car rare. However, since it is a simple inconspicuous sedan and not a representative of the M series, or at least a coupe variant, demand for it remains moderate. Nevertheless, whomever comes into possession of a BMW 2000 tii will become the owner of a sedan that is as much ordinary as it is fun and rewarding. Is it possible to strike a better bargain?