Selling a BMW E9 (2800, 3.0 CS, CSi, CSL)? Looking to Buy One?

One of the best-looking cars of its era, the BMW E9 was a perfect car. It drove perfectly. It was pleasing to look at the exterior, and the interior was also a sight to behold. Not to mention, the BMW E9 was comfortable and an engaging drive for anyone. An aristocrat, race car enthusiast, or a fellow with a one-car garage, all could enjoy it equally. Sought after, trendy, and technologically advanced for the time, the BMW E9 coupes rightfully earned their prestigious reputation. A comfortable car to own and drive, you can still find many buyers looking for it today.

Whether you are looking to buy or have a BMW 3.0 CSi, 2800, or BMW 3.0 CSL for sale, find all the pertinent information on the BMW E9 coupes here!

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BMW 3.0 / E9 History

In September 1961, BMW launched the 3200CS, a coupe car with its fifties V8 engine. This attractive coupe was the inspired genius of Giorgetto Giugiaro, the famous Italian supercar designer. BMW built 603 units between 1961 – 1965. 

In 1965, the German carmaker replaced the 3200CS with the Model 120. Designed by BMW’s design head Wilhelm Hofmeister, the Model 120 coupe was a smaller version of the 3200CS and looked rather odd. It had a great roofline and eccentric interior and exterior detailing — especially the grille and headlights. Overall, the vehicle looked great but was not as graceful as its predecessor. 

Unlike the 3200CS with V8 engines, the Model 120 came with a four-cylinder, 1,990 cc engine. However, this was the only difference between the two vehicles. The brakes, suspension, and transmission were the same across both cars. 

But the four-cylinder engine didn’t do the Model 120 any favors, especially considering that BMW had prided itself on spirited performance over the years. While it had excellent fuel economy, fine road handling, durable build quality, and perfect leg space, it’s lack of performance was telling. 

BMW had launched the six-cylinder 2500 and 2800 sedans (internally called E3s) in 1968. In that same year, the carmaker took the E3’s engine and put it in the Model 120 coupe in 1968. 

And, the BMW E9 coupes sprang into life. 

The coupe’s wheelbase and front end stretched to accommodate the bigger engine, increasing the car’s size in the process. The front also underwent a minor upgrade to give the E9 its famous shark-like nose. 

BMW E9 Coupes: Model & Years — 2800 and 3.0

The E9 has had two significant models, the 2800 and the 3.0. The third model, the 3.0 CSL, was a modified version for racing. 

The BMW 2800 CS Coupe

The 2800 CS was the first BMW E9 coupe. In-house design head Wilhelm Hofmeister designed it, adjusting the car’s length and wheelbase were adjusted to fit the sizeable E3 engine. Despite the large engine, it was considerably lighter than its predecessors. The engine ran at 6000 rpm at 168 horsepower (hp). It also had a smaller front hood, which increased its performance. 

The BMW 3.0 CS/CSi Coupe 

In 1971, BMW replaced the 2800CS with the 3.0 CS and 3.0 CSi. These 3.0 CS speedster came with twin carburetors and ran at 6000rpm at 180 hp. The 3.0 CSi came with an increased horsepower — 200 hp — but ran at 5500 rpm. It also had a Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injector. You had the option of choosing a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic transmission for both models. 

The BMW 3.0 CSL Coupe 

Closely following the launch of the BMW 3.0 for sale, the German automaker launched the 3.0 CSL in May 1972. The CSL allowed the E9s to race in the European Touring Car Championships. The carmaker made 1,265 units. 

In this model, the “L” meant light (Leicht). Usually, “L” means long (lang) in BMW naming conventions. 

The CSL had thinner steel sheets than the CS/CSi. It also came with Perspex side windows, and aluminum alloy doors, hood, and boot lid. The engine ran at 5600 rpm and 203 hp. 

In 1973, the CSL upgraded to include aerodynamic fins on the front fenders, a spoiler along the roof, and a rear wing. These additions earned the CSLs the moniker “Batmobile.” 

Between 1973 and 1979, the “Batmobile” won the driver’s title six times in the European Touring Car Championships. It also won three rounds at the 1976 World Championship. 

Should I Sell My BMW 3.0 Coupe?

What’s the Difference between Fully Restored and Project/Salvage E9 Cars? 

When you are looking to sell a classic car, you’ll probably hear people talk about fully restored or rebuilt cars and salvage cars. 

Salvage cars are usually a ‘loss’ in the eyes of the insurance company. Theft, parts stripping, or damage from natural disaster could make a car a ‘salvage’ item. Usually, the cars’ repairs are too costly for the market value, so the insurance companies will hand the owner a check. The owner will auction it off with a salvage title. 

A fully restored car is a rebuilt salvaged car, with the salvage title changed to a rebuilt title. To get the rebuilt title, it needs to pass an inspection and an emissions test.

Some Selling Tips from Alex

BMW E9 coupes are great to have and fun to drive. But sometimes, you want the cold, hard cash. So if you’re looking to sell, here are some top tips for getting the best value for your car. 

• Clean Your Car: Get your car cleaned up, especially if it’s been in the garage for a while. No one is going to pay you for a vehicle coated in dust and grime.
• Visit the Mechanic: Head over to your mechanic to get it checked out in case there are any repairs. The assessment also gives you a sense of pricing.
• Take Great Images: Images are everything. Use a good camera in an area with good lighting to take your images. Take pictures of the exterior, all the sides, and under the hood. Also, get photographs of the interior and all the trappings of your E9. One trick for getting great images is taking pictures with the golden hour of sunset and sunrise in the background.
• Do Your Homework: This is an essential element of the sales process. Research the going price for other cars like yours. Pay attention to the condition, spec, and year. Be honest about what range your vehicle fits in the market for classic cars.
• Be Honest: Don’t hide any faults your car might have. Create a list of all the issues identified by the mechanic and share them with any potential buyer. They’ll appreciate your transparency.
• Get an Appraisal: An authorized appraisal expert can verify your car’s condition and suggest a going price.
• Set Your Price: After the appraisal, decide your target price. You should expect a little haggling, so set your listing a little higher than your desired price. That way, after haggling, you’ll get to your target price.
• Sell the Car: Now, it’s time for the actual selling. Sell fast to a credible buyer such as the Beverly Hills Car Club. That way, you ensure your sale to the right caliber of buyers.

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Classic BMW FAQs

Should You Sell Your Old BMW?

It depends on your preference. But if you need the cash, a “Batmobile” in great condition can fetch you over $100,000. 

How is a Classic BMW Appraised? 

Various factors influence the worth of a classic car besides its make, age, and model. For example, suppose you have a BMW 3.0 CS for sale. An accurate appraisal also considers any restoration work, its condition, the historical trend in demand and sales, the vehicle’s records, and any other traits it might have that makes the car unique. 

It’s best to hire a credible classic car appraiser who has experience with your car model to get your car appraised. Working with an appraiser who isn’t an expert at your particular car brand or production era is the fastest way to get a wrong appraisal of your car. 

Once you identify the right appraiser, put together all relevant paperwork, and meet in person. Some appraisal companies offer virtual appraisals where all you need to do is send over detailed documentation and photographs. 

Q: What is the Best Place Online to Sell a Classic BMW? 

If you have a  BMW 3.0 CSi for sale, the Beverly Hills Car Club is the best place to sell your prized and fully restored classic car. Alex has helped many car owners put up luxury rides such as the BMW 2800 CS for sale.

E9 Models / Years

• 1968 BMW E9
• 1969 BMW E9
• 1970 BMW E9
• 1971 BMW E9
• 1972 BMW E9
• 1973 BMW E9
• 1974 BMW E9
• 1975 BMW E9

The Best Place Online to Buy or Sell a Classic BMW?

Selling an E9? You’ll want to find a buyer and dealer that knows the vehicle’s worth, and make for a convenient sales process. You don’t want to go for just any run-of-the-mill dealer, they won’t give you an offer that compares to its real value.

At Beverly Hills Car Club, we are always looking to buy. Our classic car expert Alex Manos is an experienced buyer of classic BMW. For the best selling experience, contact us today.

The Bottom Line

You can safely buy and sell a BMW 3.0 — as long as you use a reliable car dealership. Make sure you know any faults in the car you’re trading and that you’re getting a fair price. 

There’s nothing quite like a classic BMW: quality and history all rolled into one. Whether you’re just browsing or seriously looking to buy or sell BMW E9, follow our top tips. This guide can help to make sure you’re getting the best value for money, and you’ll have a great experience.

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Beverly Hills Car Club