A 1972 BMW 2002 stands on a quiet Houston street, its Golf Yellow paint giving off a warm glow with the afternoon sun in the same manner it did half a century ago. This two-door coupe, which had only 19,000 miles before heading into a Munich workshop for a tune-up a few years ago, appears like a battle-hardened survivor from a time when cars had true character. Edgar and Nicolas Navarro run Bavarian Econs Tech out of a generic small garage in Munich; they removed the ancient 4-cylinder engine, which used to purr along in traffic, and filled the empty area with batteries and wires. What eventually emerged on the other side is known as the 2002te.
Edgar and Nicolas Navarro founded their company in 2020, just when the globe was essentially shut down. They specialize in cars like this one, the 2002, which helped BMW establish a reputation for crisp handling. This one arrived in good condition, with original paint and low mileage. They sourced the battery pack from a crashed BMW i3, an eccentric electric car that never really took off, and it’s a 33-kwh pack for those who are interested. That little lot now lies snugly beneath the hood in a sleek little cage with a BMW roundel on the side, as if they received BMW’s clearance for the switch. The wires then snake through the firewall to a 400-volt system, which keeps everything functioning smoothly.
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The power comes from a Tesla Model S motor that was removed from the front of another donor car and neatly placed into the rear where the original engine used to be. That unit produces a solid 178 horsepower and 125 foot-pounds of torque, but it doesn’t sound like much until you punch down on the pedal. It’s direct drive, so you just put your foot down and the back wheels grab the pavement like you’d expect. The entire setup weighs 2,400 pounds, which is lighter than you’d think for a car packed with lithium-ion cells. It only takes 6.2 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph, which is fast enough to catch people off surprise on the autobahn. As for range, expect up to 124 miles without breaking a sweat.
It charges quickly because a special panel in the right rear quarter hides a built-in charger. Cables are included to connect the car to a wall outlet or a public charging station. The brothers stored extra equipment in the trunk, including controllers, inverters, and a TTControl ECU that acts as a conductor.
Suspension came next, because electric torque requires control. The original setup was adequate for its time, but it was replaced with KW Racing V3 Classic coilovers, which are adjustable units designed exclusively for these modifications. They lower the car somewhat and sharpen the bends while maintaining the 2002’s fun balance. Powerflex polyurethane bushings stiffen the chassis, while rubbers can be replaced for increased precision. Brakes are E10 grade, with discs up front and drums in rear, proven stoppers that can now manage quick power without fading. The wheels are 13-inch Alpinas with 185/70 Michelin XDX-B radials that grip like they mean business. Quad Hella headlights in the front, circular taillights in the back, and pop-out windows for a cool breeze on hot days. Chrome bumpers look as good as they did when they were first installed.
The interior is familiar, with the dash curving just so, and the instruments glowing with analog warmth. But take a closer look: the VDO cluster has been rebuilt. The speedometer, which includes the BMW emblem, can reach 124 mph. The tachometer has become a power gauge, with the needle bouncing to reflect how hard you’re pushing. A combination gauge monitors the battery’s level and health, providing straightforward readouts that take up little space. Fixed-back bucket seats in black leather and corduroy hug your body, paying homage to the era’s textures.
Carpets on the floors, door panels that match the design, and a back bench for passengers who don’t mind the quiet. The air conditioner blows cold, and a Bluetooth stereo plays music through eight Helix speakers and a subwoofer under the driver’s seat. You are holding a leather MOMO Prototipo wheel that is attached to the road. Interested? Check it out on Bring a Trailer.
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