BMW 3.0 CS E9
The BMW 3.0 CS is one of the most visually striking cars of the early 1970s, a grand touring coupe that combined the elegance of Italian design with the engineering precision of Munich. The E9 coupe body was penned by Wilhelm Hofmeister and featured the distinctive 'sharknose' front end that has since become one of BMW's most celebrated design elements — a low, pointed prow with narrow horizontal kidneys and twin headlamps that gave the car an unmistakably aggressive yet refined appearance.
The 3.0 CS was introduced in 1971 as part of a range refresh that increased displacement from the earlier 2800 CS's 2.8 liters to a full 3.0 liters. The M30 inline-six engine produced 180 horsepower through twin Zenith carburetors, delivering smooth and linear power that was ideal for the car's grand touring mission. The engine was silky smooth, as befitted BMW's straight-six tradition, and could propel the 3.0 CS to over 200 km/h — genuinely fast for a luxury coupe in the early 1970s.
The body was manufactured by Karmann in Osnabruck, a renowned coachbuilder that also produced the Volkswagen Karmann Ghia. The pillarless coupe design, with no B-pillar between the front and rear side windows, gave the 3.0 CS an exceptionally airy, elegant greenhouse. When all four windows were lowered, the effect was breathtaking — a wide-open cabin that blurred the line between open and closed motoring.
Beneath the elegant bodywork, the 3.0 CS featured independent front suspension with MacPherson struts and a semi-trailing arm rear end with coil springs, a layout that gave the car agile, predictable handling that was advanced for the period. Disc brakes at all four corners provided confident stopping power. The interior was trimmed in leather and wood, with comfortable seats and a well-organized dashboard that placed all controls within easy reach.
The 3.0 CS existed alongside the fuel-injected 3.0 CSi (200 hp with Bosch D-Jetronic) and the legendary 3.0 CSL lightweight homologation special. While the CSL gets most of the attention from collectors and historians, the carbureted CS has its own appeal: it is arguably the purest and most understated of the E9 family, a refined grand tourer rather than a racer in disguise.
The E9 coupe's competition heritage is extraordinary. The 3.0 CSL, developed from the CS platform, dominated European Touring Car Championship racing throughout the early and mid-1970s, earning the nickname 'Batmobile' in its most extreme aerodynamic configurations. This racing success cemented BMW's reputation as a performance-oriented manufacturer and laid the groundwork for the M division's creation.
Today, the 3.0 CS is increasingly appreciated as one of the most beautiful BMWs ever made. Its combination of the sharknose design, pillarless coupe body, and smooth inline-six drivetrain creates an ownership experience that is both visually rewarding and genuinely enjoyable to drive. Values have risen as collectors recognize the E9's significance in BMW's history.
Rust is the primary concern — check inner fenders, rocker panels, trunk floor, windshield surround, and rear wheel arches thoroughly. The pillarless design means structural integrity of the remaining pillars is critical. Karmann build quality was excellent but corrosion protection was minimal by modern standards. Engine is robust but carburetors need proper setup. Getrag gearbox is durable. Chrome and stainless trim is expensive to restore. European-spec bumper cars are preferred. Many cars have been poorly restored — look for evidence of quality metalwork. Complete, numbers-matching cars command significant premiums.
Total 3.0 CS production was approximately 11,063 units from 1971 to 1975. Bodies were built by Karmann in Osnabruck and shipped to BMW Munich for final assembly and paint. The carbureted CS was the base model; the CSi featured fuel injection and the CSL was the lightweight racing homologation version. US-spec cars had impact bumpers from 1974 and emissions equipment that reduced power.