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by Dan Orosco
Q) What is a 2000C/CA/CS ?
A) BMW's type 120 "new class" coupe introduced in 1965 as a replacement for the pricey, low volume and largely obsolete 3200CS. C=100hp and one carburetor, CA=same with automatic and CS=120hp and dual Solex side-draught carburetors.
Q) How is the type 120 related to the E9?
A) The E9 was derived from the 120 with a different interior, suspension, four extra inches and new sheet metal forward of the bulkhead to accommodate new M30 six.
Q) Are parts extremely rare?
A) Yes and no, the four cylinder M10 engine is of course used in the 2002, a model for which parts are plentiful. Suspension parts are interchangeable the "new class" 1600/1800/2000 sedans. Most of type 120's interior parts and all exterior parts from the firewall forward are unique to this model. Much of the remaining items are interchangeable with the E9. The best thing to do is to get a copy of BMW's Mobile Tradition HTK parts software to compare part numbers and sort out any interchangeability issues.
Q) What is a 2000 coupe worth?
A) Who knows? Although nicely restored E9s can go for rather princely sums the type 120 has a couple factors working against it. For starters, not everybody appreciates the unique front end styling of this model. Second, it's "only" a four, but most ironically it's because of its rarity that it becomes difficult to establish a value. Irony is something you'll become familiar with regardless of you whether you own a 120 or an E9. As a last note, anyone who sets out to restore one of these coupes only with the hopes of turning a handsome profit is off to a foolhardy start. He'll be lucky to break even in the end; but the profit-minded individual doesn't consider the intrinsic value of such a venture. Figure about $2-$4000 less than an equivalent E9.
Q) What sort of options were available?
A) Not many, keep in mind that this was already an expensive car - an expensive German car. BMW probably felt that too many options would be out of character and probably reduce it's marketability. Claims have been made of leather being available - a herringbone fabric and vinyl certainly were. Dealer installed radios from Blaupunkt and Becker were available. A few metallic colors were likely extra cost options. I know that an electric rear window defroster was available but I don't know about tinted glass (just try and find a non-tinted rear windshield with a defroster). According to at least one source, the 2000 coupe was the first car that Alpina did a full conversion package on. Carlos Perez has such a coupe equipped with magnesium wheels as originally purchased by his father.
Q) There are coupes with one-piece rectangular headlights and others with sealed beams, which are correct?
A) Both, depending on the country that the vehicle was originally sold in. I believe the sealed beams were used in the U.S. and England.
Q) Rust?
A) Same rust issues that apply to the E9 apply to the 120, in fact the 120s have a box section (water trap) hidden by the front fenders running from the bulkhead to the core support visible from the wheel well - check thoroughly before you buy!
Q) Was I crazy for buying one of these coupes?
A) Many perfectly normal people are lured by the beauty of the E9, some even find the nautically-flavored front clip of the type 120 intriguing, however by the first week of ownership you should have become familiar enough with it's eccentricities to have decided to keep it or not if you do decide to keep it, you are crazy but nobody will know. Despite the fact that your two cylinders shy of an E9, the type 120 can still be a fun car and with a few modifications it can be a swift, well balanced piece of machinery. Also, while some people may be familiar with the E9 you can make a safe bet that hardly anyone has ever seen a type 120 - short on cylinders, but ahead on exclusivity.