1972 BMW 2002 tii

Based on my research, here are the most common fuel-injection headaches owners report on the ‘72 2002 tii’s Kugelfischer mechanical system:

1. Cold-start enrichment gremlins
   The separate cold-start injector can stick or the thermo-time switch fails, so the engine either floods on start-up or needs endless cranking when cold. A quick voltmeter check of the switch and cleaning the injector usually sorts it.

2. Pump-shaft seal weeps
   After 50-plus years the main pump seal hardens and fuel seeps down the block—looks messy and smells worse. Re-seal kits are still around, but the pump has to come off the engine.

3. Idle-mixture instability
   The warm-up regulator’s piston can hang up as the engine heats, so idle speed hunts 200-300 rpm. A 2-3 mm shim on the enrichment lever is a well-known DIY fix.

4. Delivery-valve dribble
   Microscopic wear on the pump’s delivery valves lets fuel drip into the ports after shut-down, causing hot-restart flooding. A pump rebuild (≈$900-$1,200) cures it.

5. Timing-chain stretch
   Because the pump is driven off the cam, a loose chain retards injection timing and the car feels flat. A fresh chain and re-indexing the pump restores the zip.

6. Filter neglect
   The tiny in-pump screen clogs first, then the metering piston scores. Replace the filter every 12 k miles and run a quality injector cleaner to keep the pump alive.

Most of these issues show up as hard starting, lumpy idle, or a sudden thirst for fuel, but they’re all fixable with patience and the right rebuild parts.

Can I help you find more 2002 tiis or answer anything else about this green ‘72 car?