BMW Commercial Break: The Ultimate Investment Machine?

By John Coyle - April 3, 2013

Last month, trading on the S&P500 neared an all-time high, and the DowJones actually surpassed its all-time peak. So what’s the smart investor to do? In a commercial from the late ’90s—or early ’00s—BMW had the answer.

Descending the staircase paying no heed to the market news on his (extremely early) flat screen television, the smart investor doesn’t grab the keys to the Porsche. No, the smart investor grabs the keys to his ultimate driving machine. Past the 911 Turbo and underneath the car cover sits a BMW 2002 tii. The 2002 tii is a fascinating car because it represented what BMW was all about to a new American market—and it’s also credited with helping the company save itself from financial doom in the 1960s.

The 2002tii featured a unique fuel injection system, fully independent suspension, larger brakes, and a low curb weight. The car’s good mid-range torque and top end power coupled with the independent suspension made for a great sportscar that consumers—even to this day—wanted. The car sold well in the US, and helped the company survive a potential takeover from Mercedes-Benz back in Germany.

The 2002’s rich history and technological advancements make owning one a smart decision for an investor, gearhead, or BMW fanatic.