FOR SALE: 1971 BMW 3.0 CSI (E9)

The E9-generation of BMW's coupes often ranks in "Top 10 most beautiful" lists and looking at this fine red example, it's easy to see why. This car started out life as a CS, but has been restored and tastefully upgraded.

FAST FACTS:

Year and make/Model: 1971 BMW 3.0 CSI (E9)

Engine: 3.2L petrol

Transmission: Manual

Mileage: 175 155 km

Colour: Red

Location: Johannesburg

PRICE: R849 000

BMW’s E9 generation of coupés represents probably one of the finest examples of automotive design ever to leave the Munich-based brand's doors. In fact, some would argue that they represent a clear high-water mark in the history of not just German automobiles, but cars in general. What was as remarkable is the fact that the E9 Coupés managed to become even more desirable with each revision and facelift, unlike so many other design greats, such as the Jaguar E-Type for example, which arguably became less desirable with each "update".

The BMW E9 was launched in October 1968 with the 2800 CS. In 1971 BMW replaced the 2800 CS with the 3.0 CS and increased the engine capacity to 3,0 litres. A few months later the 3.0 CSI with electronic fuel injection was launched and was followed by the CSL "light-weight" which reduced the weight of the car by 200 kg, thanks to doors and a roof made out of aluminium. The interior was also reduced to a minimum.

The BMW E9 was styled by Wilhelm Hofmeister - creator of the now-famous ‘Hofmeister kink’ - and the bodywork was manufactured by the Karmann Karosserie company.

This example

This extremely well-cared for example was originally registered in South Africa in Bloemfontein as a CS in 1971. It was then purchased by an E9 collector in the '90s and brought to Johannesburg.

When the current owner purchased the vehicle in 2005 the car had been resprayed Avis Blue, however the engine bay and boot were untouched and left in its original colour - Polaris Silver. The carbs had also been removed and a E23 L-Jetronic fuel injection had been fitted. The L-Jetronic system is a more tune-able system than the D-Jetronic system that the original CSI came out with.   

In 2008 the vehicle went through a bare-metal restoration. The interior was stripped out and the engine removed. There were minor rust issues in the doors, floorboards and sills which were cut out and replaced with new panels. The front and rear sub-frames were sand blasted and re-powder coated.

The interior was redone in black leather and all the wood professionally veneered in Cherry wood. The dash was recovered in original style fine grain black vinyl. The door panels were still in excellent condition, so they were dyed black. The carpets and roof lining were redone in CSL black-spec styling. The car had two speakers in the footwells so the centre speaker in the wood dash was removed and closed.  

 

The motor was replaced with a 333i/733i unit. A 282-degree Schrick cam was fitted, new ceramic coated exhaust branches inside and out were fitted along with a full stainless steel exhaust system, all done by Hennie Van Der Linde developments. A Getrag 5 speed gearbox was fitted with a 635 LS diff and oil cooler from Evolution 2 Motorsport.

CSL Springs front and rear have been fitted with Bilstein shocks. A thicker front anti-roll bar from a 535i was fitted. All the rubbers, bushes, tie-rod ends etc. were replaced.

NOTE: The above information was supplied by the dealer currently advertising this vehicle and has not been verified by SentiMETAL/Cars.co.za.

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