1973 BMW 3.0

After emerging from a difficult financial period, BMW turned its attention to moving upmarket and returning to six-cylinder power for its top-of-the-range models. These aspirations culminated in 1968 with the introduction of the 2500 and 2800 saloons together with a coupe, the 2800CS. They were known by their factory code 'E9' New Class Coupe and were essentially a development of BMW's existing, four-cylinder 2000CS. These Karmann-built cars were produced from 1968 until 1975. The first model produced was the 2800 CS which replaced the earlier 2000 C and 2000 CS coupe models. The engine bay was enlarged, which meant a longer wheelbase and length, to accommodate the new straight-eight engine code-named M30. The front of the car was restyled to resemble the E3 sedan. Powering the 2800 CS was a 2,788cc version of the engine found in the E3 sedan and offered 170 horsepower. The 2800 CS was lighter than the preceding 2000 CS, and it had a smaller frontal aspect, which helped improve the vehicle's overall performance advantage.

In 1971, the 2800CS was replaced by the 3.0 CS and 3.0 CSi. Engineers had bored the engine to a displacement size of 2,986cc. With twin carburetors fitted, the 3.0 CS offered 180 horsepower; with the Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection system and a 9.5:1 compression ratio, the 3.0 CSi produced 200 horsepower. Both cars could be equipped with either a four-speed manual or automatic gearbox. The CSi was introduced to the U.K. in June of 1972, right around the same time as the arrival of the CSL. This, along with the following year's fuel crisis, meant the sales of the injected model in RHD form were limited, with around 450 examples making it to the U.K. market.

The E9 was comprised of the 2800CS, 3.0CS, 3.0CSi, and racing homologation version 3.0CSL. The E9 was modernly styled with its basic shape and numerous styling elements being retained through 1989 when the last 635CSi left the assembly line.

1973 BMW 3.0CS
In the United States, the BMW 3.0CS two-door coupe had a base price of just over $10,600. The 3153cc inline six-cylinder, single-overhead-cam engine had a cast-iron block, aluminum head, a Bosch D-Jetronic fuel injection system, seven main bearings, solid valve lifters, and produced 206 horsepower at 5,500 RPM. The steering was by a worm and roller, disc brakes at all corners, and the front suspension used MacPherson struts with coil springs. In the back were semi-trailing arms and coil springs. The wheelbase measured 103.3 inches, had a width of 65.7 inches, stood 53.9 inches tall, and had an overall length of 183.5 inches.

The BMW 3.0 CS was well equipped with leather upholstery, magnesium wheels, and tinted glass.

by Daniel Vaughan | Oct 2019