BMW became the the european manufacturer to offer a turbocharged product with the introduction of this car. It was for the most part inexpensive and offered much more than the tii it was based on.

At the center of attention was the KKK BLD turbocharger which offered a light boost of .5 bar. Other changes near the engine included a larger radiator and an oil cooler. These modifications, combined with the fuel injected tii engine offered 170 bhp. Such power is quite impressive considering the standard spec tii had 130 bhp.

It is important to note that the 2002 Turbo suffered from severe turbo lag. Although, when the turbo does kick in, the power is noticeable. It is especially noticeable during gear change when the power drops down quite suddenly.

engine	Turbocharged Inline-4
position	Front Longitudinal
aspiration	Natural
valvetrain	SOHC 2 Valves / Cyl
displacement	1990 cc / 121.4 in³
bore	89.0 mm / 3.5 in
stroke	80.0 mm / 3.15 in
compression	6.9:1
power	126.8 kw / 170.0 bhp @ 5800 rpm
specific output	85.43 bhp per litre
bhp/weight	157.41 bhp per tonne
torque	239.9 nm / 176.9 ft lbs @ 4000 rpm
body / frame	Unit Steel
driven wheels	Front Engine / RWD
front tires	185/70VR-13
rear tires	185/70VR-15
front brakes	Discs
f brake size	x 254 mm / x 10.0 in
rear brakes	Drums
r brake size	x 249 mm / x 9.8 in
front wheels	F 33.0 x 15.2 cm / 13.0 x 6.0 in
rear wheels	R 33.0 x 15.2 cm / 13.0 x 6.0 in
steering	Worn & Roller
f suspension	MacPherson Struts
r suspension	Semi-Trailing Arms
curb weight	1080 kg / 2381 lbs
wheelbase	2500 mm / 98.4 in
length	4220 mm / 166.1 in
width	1620 mm / 63.8 in
height	1410 mm / 55.5 in
transmission	4-Speed Manual
gear ratios	3.35:1, 1.86:1, 1.28:1, 1.00:1, :1
top speed	~209.2 kph / 130.0 mph
0 – 60 mph	~7.5 seconds
0 – 100 mph	~23 second