Friday, April 3, 2009

The Electric BMW 2002

Hello everyone... I have embarked on a project to convert our 1974 BMW 2002 to an electric car. I figured this blog would be an easy way for those who might be interested in the project to follow along and maybe encourage others to do something similar.

I've been interested in electric cars for a long time. With electricity being something that can be produced locally, it makes sense to me that something that is as important to our way of life (the car) be powered by something that I could theoretically produce, instead of gas, which I HAVE to buy from someone else. As we learned last summer, when oil raced to nearly $150/barrel, we still had to buy it, forcing us to cut back in other areas. I believe this was the final tipping point that pushed us into our current recession. But enough of politics... for now.

Why the BMW 2002. Quick answer: we already had it. Longer answer: the BMW 2002 is an enthusiasts car. There are clubs, races, web sites dedicated to the '02 but so far I have yet to find one that has been converted to electric. Obviously, it isn't the ideal car to convert because it is relatively heavy and not very aerodynamic, but hey, see the short answer.

So, without further ado, away we go.

9 comments:

  1. Great job!!!

    I now want to convert one of my 02's to electic
    since I hate the look and feel of anything else made today. Not to mention the costs of buying a new one these old cars are solid.

    I will be following the build and my be asking some advise too.

    thanks,

    Julio

    julio.briceno72@gmail.com

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  2. I am working on designing a similar project. Please contact me, I would love to network about this conversion.

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  3. What would you like to know? Send me a way to contact you and I'd be more than happy to share my experiences.

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  4. I am in Denmark and consider doing a similar conversion. It is nice to know it is possible.

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  5. I have started my conversion, and am adding electric power steering. My question relates to brakes. I have removed the two vacuum reservoirs, to replace them with a small compressor motor.Beemas have a double system,- a fail-safe setup, so that if one circuit fails, you still have brakes.How did you assemble yours? Thanks, Bill

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  6. I have started my conversion, and am adding electric power steering. My question relates to brakes. I have removed the two vacuum reservoirs, to replace them with a small compressor motor.Beemas have a double system,- a fail-safe setup, so that if one circuit fails, you still have brakes.How did you assemble yours? Thanks, Bill

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  7. Bill,
    I bought a small vacuum system from somebody (can't remember who) but it was sold specifically to people doing electric car conversions. So I just connected the electric vacuum system to the vacuum line going to the brake system and that was it. Hope that was helpful.

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  8. Superb share about The Electric BMW 2002. Back then I was not aware of electric vehicles but now I have to purchase a car and many people have recommended that to me. So I am trying to know more about them. Your post was amazing. Also I need Electric car buyers guide and hopefully will find one soon.

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  9. Amazing.I have a 1973 BMW 2002 that goes by the street name of Benny the blue 2002. Im dying to convert this baby to and EV. Im fresh in regards to my research on this topic and stumbled across your blog. Good luck and ill be checking in from time to time to see the progress. Thank you.

    Anthony.vmd@Gmail.com

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