1974 BMW 3 SERIES

The stylish BMW E9 coupes were launched in 1968 as the 2800CS/CSA based on the earlier 4 cylinder coupes but with the body enlarged to accommodate the M30 6 cylinder engine. These fine handling elegant coupes were further improved with the introduction of the 3.0CS/CSi in 1971 featuring an uprated chassis and braking set up with the M30 engines bored out to give a displacement of 2,985 cc. The 3.0 CSi has a 9.5:1 compression ratio, Bosch D-Jetronic electronic fuel injection, and produces 149 kW (200 hp) at 5500 rpm and 200ftlb torque. These cars delivered serious performance with a maximum speed of 139 mph and the 0-60mph time in under 8 seconds.

A total of 7,935 BMW 3.0CSi cars were produced by Karmann between 1971 and 1975, among these, only a highly exclusive 207 examples were manufactured in Right-Hand Drive (RHD).

The fuel-injected 3.0CSi is widely considered the mechanical sweet spot of the Karmann-built BMW E9 coupe line up.

The Car

The BMW was imported by Emblem Sports Cars Blandford for Keystone Garage Ltd Bournemouth and first registered on 11 October 1974. It is still in the original Verona Red colour with Charcoal Grey cloth seats in a very 1970’s velour material. In addition to the powerful fuel injected engine this E9 coupe came with the desirable 4 speed manual gearbox and alloy wheels. The engine was replaced in 1985 with a re-conditioned unit and the Registration Document has been updated to reflect this and the mileage set to Zero.

Inside the steering wheel has been replaced with a period wood rimed wheel, but the original steering wheel is included in the sale as is a second set of correct alloy wheels and the chrome front bumper which was removed to make way for the very period front spoiler.

A discreet modern radio and amplifier system have been installed providing modern functionality and great sound.

It’s History

The E9 coupe comes with an impressive provenance and history file, detailing all the ownership changes from original DVLA records which show that two of the owner’s were husband and wife. Lots of the service data post engine change is presented, hand written, in a lovely small brown note book.

The current owner bought the BMW in March 2002 and has continued to service, improve and update the car while keeping it in a de-humidified garage to fend off the rust issues that have badly affected many of these cars, necessary repairs have been done and well executed and this car is completely solid underneath and in the inner wing areas, which is great to see.

In 2017 the BMW was cosmetically refreshed with a respray in the original colour of Verona Red, which still presents impressively today, a new headliner was fitted along with new carpets, sound proofing and many of the rubber seals and badges were replaced at the same time. In the interested of safety the front seat belts were also renewed.

During summer 2025 a full Inspection II service was carried out including checking the gearbox and differential oil levels and replacing the coolant and brake fluid. Two of the notoriously slow window motors were re-built and now all four windows drop down to give that lovely pillar-less effect.

On the Road

A Classic 60/70’s grand touring sports car with the traditional sound and driving feel of BMW’s iconic straight six fuel injected engine, slick changing manual gearbox and fully sorted suspension, helped by the front suspension stiffening brace. Low weight and excellently set up chassis dynamics further enhance the driving experience.

Best of all the 3.0CSi drives almost identically to the legendary 3.0CSL as they are identical in many ways save a few minor embellishments. The CSi is fitted with light weight steel doors, bonnet and boot lid, whereas the CSL uses aluminium. Most of the hyped weight saving of the CSL is lost by the UK specified City pack that is fitted to most UK registered CSLs. The interior on a CSi is better equipped than a CSL, having more comfortable seating. Mechanically the E9 CSL and CSi share the same M30 engine, producing 200bhp albite with a marginal difference in capacity 2985cc vs 3003cc.

Conclusion

In many was the E9 CSi has slipped under the radar, being virtually the same car as the legendary and expensive CSL, barely any heavier and now rarer with only 207 RHD cars produced yet significantly cheaper to buy. It really is the mechanical sweet spot of the Karmann-built BMW E9 coupe line up.

This exceptionally useable BMW can be driven and enjoyed and improved as the owner wishes to create the BMW they always wanted. To quote the BMW’s owner for the last 24 years, “If I had to take one of my cars on a cross-Europe trip tomorrow in confidence of enjoyment and arriving without hassle, it would be the E9 3.0CSi”. I think that sums it up perfectly.

Don’t miss this opportunity, the BMW 3.0CSi is a very well presented and sorted usable BMW with nearly all the advantages of the legendary 3.0CSL but at a fraction of the cost. It is now available for viewing and demonstration at our Hampshire premises.