1973 BMW 3.0CS

Coupe Coupe

6 - Cyl.

Manual

2240935

Gasoline

Bavarian Cream: 1973 BMW 3.0 CS Coupe! BMW manufactured its 6-cylinder "E9" Coupes in relatively small numbers between 1970 and 1975. However, their legacy looms large: based on the fantastic racing success of the CSL derivative, these cars were instrumental in creating BMW's "Ultimate Driving Machine" image. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Successor to the marque's oddball 2000CS 4-cylinder model of 1965-68 and predecessor of the heavyweight 6-Series Coupe, the 3.0CS E9 cars are the best-looking of the bunch. Equipped with BMW's famously potent, carburetted 3-liter straight six and largely devoid of smog gizmos, they also feature the unbridled performance enthusiasts lust for. (The fuel-injected CSi, featuring 10 additional horses, was not sold in the U.S.) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Unlike their big sedans, which were built "in-house," in the Dingolfing, Bavaria factory that previously churned out Goggomobil microcars, BMW outsourced production of the E9 to Karosseriewerke KARMANN in OsnabrÜck. Critics argue that this move might be the reason why most of these wonderful cars have long since disappeared, due to vigorous tinworm attacks, since Karmann was not known to preventively protect and treat their sheet metal--ask any owner of a VW "Karmann-Ghia." Fact is, it's virtually impossible to find a virginal 3.0CS, one that has never had any kind of rust repair. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The 1973 BMW 3.0 CS Coupe prominently featured here, VIN *2240935*, was ordered new by an American serviceman stationed in Aschaffenburg, Germany, and came to California when it was just a few months old. It is one of just 450 U.S.-spec stick shift 1973 CS Coupes; another 314 automatic-equipped cars were sold during the model year. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The car's design is unfettered by the ugly U.S. impact bumpers mandated for 1974. Coachwork is straight; this car has never been in any major fender bender. Shut lines of doors and hoods are exemplary. Except for the typical small spot on the lower right front fender and the 1'x8' perforations where Karmann welded the front fenders to the wheel arches, there's no body rust. Trim and brightwork are in excellent condition, particularly the fragile chrome bumpers. All the factory-tinted glass is very good, except for the windshield, which is cracked (a new one runs just $250, installed). Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The Coupe features its original, highly coveted--and very beautiful--light alloy wheels with the small chrome center caps, fitted with excellent PIRELLI P400 radials of the size 195/70-14 all around. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Repainted once it its original, superbly attractive factory color of Malaga Red, the paint still has a mellow shine, but shows a myriad imperfections. The paint on the lower driver's door and behind the rear fenders is flaking off. You could drive the car "as is" for now; eventually you'd want to re-finish it properly, though, which--in absence of any major rust or damage--will be a straightforward job. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Under the hood, it looks clean, dry and very original, including the paint. There are no signs of rust in the area of the shock towers. Factory labels and tags are still intact. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view The bullet-proof 2,986cc straight six inhales through twin SOLEX carbs and develops 170hp. Mated to a 4-speed manual GETRAG transmission, it's good for a 120mph top speed. Fuel consumption is right around 18mpg, not too shabby for a big Seventies Coupe! This one starts right up, settling into a burbling idle, and revs smoothly to redline. There are no bad habits, such as smoking, oil consumption, or overheating to report. Let's take a closer look at the shark-nosed Coupe's interior now. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Original white headliner looks immaculate. Driver's side sun visor is not mounted but intact and included. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Dashboard features real wood (just like the door tops), which is complete and should be re-varnished. Four sporty round dials keep the pilot informed; apart from the clock, they all work, as do wipers, lights, turn signals, hazard flasher, and horn. The power windows barely work, their mechanisms needing to be cleaned and re-greased. Best of all, this BMW came equipped with factory air conditioning, which is still complete and in working condition (should be re-charged or converted to R134 refrigerant). Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) The good news: the car was stored for years in California's dry Central Valley, a place the rust devil is banished from. The other good news: the Bimmer's long-term owner elected NOT to modify his car, instead leaving the interior, especially the front seats, original. Having spent decades in a very dry climate, there is some sun-induced discoloration on the head rests and the top of the rear center arm rest has split open. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Original seats feature their factory beige upholstery with basketweave inserts. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Rear compartment accommodates two adults in body-hugging seats that look like they have not seen much use. Door and side panels are nice; German Schlingenware carpeting is old but still mostly intact and useable. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Ready for a test drive? So are we, but before we leave, let's take a look at trunk and undercarriage. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Trunk presents itself very clean. There are no nasty surprises lurking under the trunk mat. Click on any of the above images for a full-size view There's no corrosion to be found in the sensitive spare wheel well (or anywhere else in the luggage compartment), just the original, matching rim and jacking equipment. The factory tool kit is included as well; one of the tabs mounting it to the underside of the deck lid broke off, though. One of the absolute highlights of this CS must be its dry and totally rust free underbelly. Unlike most of its brethren, this California E9 has never been messed with, has never needed rust repair. There are no haphazardly installed repair panels, there's no after-the-fact undercoating to hide any problematic areas. Apart from a little detailing perhaps, the new owner will not have to spend any time rectifying any issues down here: the undercarriage is perfect, just the way it is! Click on the image to the left for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Detail shot of the immaculate floors. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Saturday. October 15, was another sunny autumn day in the quaint mission city of San Buenaventura and we were looking forward to our test drive and photo session. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro at the Bertone studios, the E9 features timeless proportions and, almost 40 years old, it still looks expensive. Maybe not as limber as an Alfa Romeo Giulia or GTV, it is so much more solidly built. Find a specimen like this one that has not been eaten alive by the dreaded rust cancer, and you've got it made. Back in the day, not even a Mercedes-Benz 280SE 3.5 Coupe could hold a candle to a BMW 3.0CS, king of the German Autobahn in the early Seventies. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) More expensive than a Porsche 911 or Jaguar E-Type when new and comparable, performance-wise, the BMW is a true Grand Tourer with space for four adults, not a "2+2" with emergency rear seating only. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) In a nutshell, the E9 runs and drives excellent. BMW started advertising their products as sporting "driver's cars" in the mid-1960s; their American ad agency touted the big Coupés as "Bavarian Cream." Today, driving an E9 is still reason for excitement. The car handles great, especially with modern radial tires, shifts are positive, the 4-wheel disc brakes leave nothing to be desired. There are no creaks, shimmies, or rattles. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Returning home, we are delighted by the BMW's performance. Here's a classic car that can be bought reasonably and driven the way it is while performing improvements "on the go." Parts availability is very good, Club support fantastic, and reasonable classic car insurance rates beckon. Click on the above image for an XXL-sized view (a separate browser window will open) Not many 3.0CS Coupes were ever sold in the U.S., very few have survived. Finding an unmolested original example is of key importance. Here's one, not perfect by a long shot, but certainly possessing the right traits to make quite a fine collector car for one lucky enthusiast. You are most welcome and encouraged to view this fine automobile in Ventura, by appointment, during the auction, or have someone inspect it for you. Please, perform your due diligence before you bid. Please, note that this car is currently advertised on our Web site and on display in our Showroom. We reserve the right to accept a satisfactory offer and close this auction at any time. Feel free to contact us via e-mail at bill@californiaclassix.com or call us at (805) 653-5551. TERMS OF THIS SALE By bidding in this auction, you declare that you have read and accept the Terms of this Sale as outlined below. If you have any questions, please ask them before you bid. After the auction has ended, the sale is final. Please, only bid on this car if you are serious about owning it and have the necessary funds readily available! We require a $1,000 deposit to be paid via PayPal within 24 hours of the end of the auction and the balance to be paid via bank wire transfer (or in cash) within 5 business days, unless other arrangements have been agreed upon during the auction. The car comes with a clear California Certificate of Title. It is smog exempt and sold "as is, where is" with no warranty stated or implied. Mileage stated above is the current odometer reading. License plates shown for photographic purposes only. You fully understand that you are not bidding on an "option to buy" this vehicle. You bid to own! There are no contingencies. We ship worldwide. For more information about Californiaclassix, please click on the link below: About Auction Presentation, Image Hosting, & Copyright © 1999-2011 by Californiaclassix.com™. All Rights Reserved. Californiaclassix.com™ is a Registered Trademark. In compliance with eBay's Rules and Regulations, no part of this presentation may be reproduced without written permission of the author. E-mail inquiries to the webmaster@californiaclassix.com.