For 14 years, a set of Italian-made Weber DCOE 40 side draft carbs sat patiently in my garage, waiting for their moment. I originally snagged them along with BMW TI intake manifolds for just $450—a steal, even back then. But life has a way of putting projects on hold, and my beloved BMW 2002 soldiered on with a Weber 38/38 downdraft carb…until it couldn’t anymore.
The old Weber 38/38 was in horrible shape. It was literally falling apart: air leaks, fuel leaks, loose parts, and layers of grime everywhere. The car barely ran, sputtering along as though begging me to take action. So, I decided it was finally time to upgrade to the DCOEs—something I had dreamed about since the day I bought them.
The Rebuild
After 14 years of garage storage, the DCOEs weren’t exactly “plug and play.” They needed a full rebuild, and that’s where Ken Blasko at Vintage BMW Racing stepped in. Ken disassembled the carbs, had them media blasted, and meticulously rebuilt them. When he was done, they looked—and performed—like brand new. The attention to detail was incredible, and the quality of his work speaks for itself every time I turn the key.
To complete the setup, I sourced a linkage from 2002s Only, which fits perfectly and operates smoothly. For fuel delivery, we opted for a mechanical fuel pump from a Bavaria—a reliable and straightforward solution.
The Results
The transformation was immediate. The car now starts up easily, idles smoothly, and the throttle response is instant. It’s a night-and-day difference from the old downdraft carb. While the Weber 38/38 offered a bit more grunt down low, the DCOE 40s shine at higher RPMs, breathing beautifully as the revs climb.
Ken mentioned there’s likely even more power to be unlocked with proper tuning on a dyno, so that’s a future goal. For now, though, I’m thoroughly enjoying the newfound life in my 2002.
The Look and Feel
One of the best parts about this upgrade is how the dual side drafts look in the engine bay. There’s something special about popping the hood and seeing those beautifully restored Webers sitting on TI manifolds. They’re not just functional—they’re art.
Driving the car now feels more engaging than ever. The improved throttle response makes every drive more enjoyable, and the car’s overall performance is worlds ahead of where it was. It’s no exaggeration to say the DCOE 40s have given my 2002 a second wind.
Looking Ahead
The next step will be hitting the dyno to fine-tune the setup and extract every bit of power these carbs can deliver. But until then, I’m loving every minute behind the wheel. Whether it’s the way the car sounds, feels, or looks, the Weber DCOE 40s have truly elevated the driving experience.
If you’re considering an upgrade like this for your classic BMW, I can’t recommend it enough. Sometimes, the parts sitting in your garage for over a decade just need the right moment—and the right hands—to shine.
