The BMW 2K2 took its name from one of the most legendary BMWs ever built: the BMW 2002. In this sense, the creation of this two-door, four-seater sports sedan represents a throwback to the BMW that preceded the 3 Series.

Originally planned to launch in 2002, the BMW 2K2 was a true exercise in engineers and designers working at a lightning pace in small teams and in close alignment to make the BMW 2K2 feasible for actual production. New technologies were used, and the BMW 2K2 became the first-ever BMW to have its initial design and engineering phase carried out entirely with digital tools, including 3D forms and virtual design tools. With the latest technology at their disposal, the creators began their work in 1997 and presented a feasible prototype in 1999, just 18 months later.