BMW 3.0CS: classic daily?

www.coupeking.com would be the guy to go to to find a nice, rust free CS or CSi (i is generally preferrable) in the states.

Personally I think these cars are amazing, though you must remember they are an old car, and so they act as such.

Driving dynamics are pretty good, especially if you get a well sorted one. Some mods are a good idea, like changing the bus wheel that came in a few of them, and adding a 5-speed instead of the more common 4.

There are a few forums where you can get more information. The E9 coupé is a wonderful car, and incredibly pretty. They are getting a little more expensive these days, nice models especially, but I think once sorted re: rust issues they will make a fine daily classic driver.

If you're looking for something more modern, there's always the E24 6 series. I drive one of those. But they are a whole other can of worms..

BTW, try and get a Euro bumpered CSi, if you can. Those are the best. The impact bumpers on US cars really ruin the beautiful styling. Though the weber equipped CS's sound wonderful, the injected cars tend to be less of a handful, maintenance wise. You could always swap in a 3.5 engine for some extra oomph...

 

No idea why, but I prefer the mega bumpers. This era of Bimmer is my favourite without question, the designs were timeless across the board, a great shame rust protection was negligible in these cars. I'm currently on the hunt for a Bavaria with the updates you mention.

 

http://bringatrailer.com/2012/07/15/event-ready-e3-clean-1973-bmw-bavaria/

This is the best one you'll probably find. I'd change the wheels, but be sure to read the comments, as the owner explains his excellent reason for retaining the steelies.

Still for sale, I believe.

 

Here's a story of someone who's used an E9 as a daily for quite a while:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTvFWQM3kwY[/ame]

And just some history on the car:

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5_ol9_0T7RY[/ame]

 

Check out e9coupe.com...

You can get answers to all your questions.

 

Anybody who doesn't like one is a Commie.

Good luck!

 

If you appreciate fine cars like Ferrari's, I cannot understand why you wouldn't appreciate this BMW as well... They are gorgeous and something I can see myself replacing my BMW E28 some day.

Good luck from me too!

 

Truly beautiful car. It must have excellent outward visibility, something missing from new cars.


PS I want one!

 

I have owned 3 CSL's over the past 20 years and restored 2 of them. They are beautiful cars and a lot of fun to drive but be very careful and do your homework before buying one.
The CS is not as desirable as a CSL so if you need to restore it, the costs are astronomical and will you will be buried in the car.
Most important areas to look at:
-Shock towers, front and back.
-The area under the windshield in the engine compartment. Water and humidity accumulates there and it is a notorious rusting spot.
-Trunk area. Take the spare out and look under. Usually full of rust.
-Make sure the body panels are straight and not full of bondo.
-Chassis rust and suspension, mounting and attaching points should also be looked at.
-If there is a sunroof, the track usually rusts and you might need a new roof. CSL's have no sunroofs but some the CS's do.
-Suspension pieces are not hard to find, the speed sucks and a good conversion is a close ratio 5 speed which is a little hard to find. Regular 5 speed trannys are easy to outsource.
-Engine is very sweet and if maintained will last a long time and very easy to rebuild.

Good luck.

 

Glad to hear you have found yourself a Coupé. Hope you end up getting it. Let us know of your CS adventures!

 

Here is a great one for sale by a fellow Fchatter who is thinning out his collection:

http://www.tdeltd.net/index.php/our-inventory/bmw/1974-bmw-3-0cs

I've driven it a couple of times and it's great.

 

Russ, look at the one in my link. It's a great car and largely rust free and for sale by an fchatter.

 

I think the black car is a good deal if you're fine with repairing it later, but the silver car looks stunning. I'd change the steering wheel, and yes I would add aftermarket A/C to it, but other than that, it looks pretty darn perfect. Not a bad price, considering what I've seen nice cars going for.

 

Oh, good luck - really hope things pan out for you.

 

There is one in the latest Hemmings that looks like it could be really good. It's orange, which looks sweet.

 

Keep us posted!