The 1972 BMW 3.0 CS E9 represents one of the most elegant and important grand touring coupés of the 1970s.
With its pillarless profile, refined straight-six engine and unmistakable proportions, the BMW E9 established the visual and mechanical foundations for some of the most celebrated performance coupés in the marque’s history.
This particular 1972 BMW 3.0 CS was previously handled and sold by Giro Classico and is now preserved within our archive of significant classic and collector cars.
1972 BMW 3.0 CS E9
The BMW E9 series evolved from the earlier 2000 CS and entered a new phase with the introduction of the 2800 CS in 1968.
By 1971, BMW had expanded the range with the 3.0 CS and fuel-injected 3.0 CSi.
The 3.0 CS combined:
- 3.0-litre BMW inline-six engine
- approximately 180 PS
- front-engine, rear-wheel-drive layout
- elegant pillarless coupé body
- four-seat grand touring configuration
- manual or automatic transmission
- four-wheel disc brakes
- refined long-distance performance
- classic analogue driving character
The result was a grand tourer capable of combining comfort, performance and understated German elegance.
The BMW M30 Straight-Six
At the heart of the BMW 3.0 CS is the celebrated M30 inline-six, one of the most important engine families in BMW history.
In the 3.0 CS, the engine developed approximately 180 PS and offered:
- smooth power delivery
- strong mid-range torque
- excellent long-distance refinement
- characteristic six-cylinder sound
- robust mechanical construction
- responsive performance
The combination of the M30 engine and rear-wheel drive helped define the sporting character that would become closely associated with BMW grand touring cars.
BMW E9 Design
The BMW E9 remains one of the most recognisable coupé designs ever produced by the marque.
Its proportions are characterised by:
- low roofline
- long bonnet
- large glass area
- pillarless side profile
- slim roof pillars
- compact rear deck
- restrained chrome detailing
The result is a design that feels both elegant and sporting without relying on aggressive styling.
BMW 3.0 CS vs 3.0 CSi
The BMW 3.0 CS and 3.0 CSi belong to the same E9 family but offer slightly different mechanical characters.
The 3.0 CS uses carburettors and develops approximately 180 PS.
The 3.0 CSi introduced electronic fuel injection and increased output to approximately 200 PS.
For collectors, this means:
- the CS offers a more traditional carburetted character
- the CSi provides stronger performance and improved response
- both retain the elegant E9 body and rear-wheel-drive architecture
- the CSi is generally considered one of the most desirable road-going E9 versions below the rare CSL
Why the BMW E9 Is So Collectible
The BMW E9 occupies a central position in the history of BMW classic cars.
Its collector appeal comes from:
- timeless coupé design
- BMW straight-six engineering
- rear-wheel drive
- motorsport heritage
- four-seat grand touring practicality
- elegant analogue driving experience
- increasing rarity of correct examples
- strong international demand
The later 3.0 CSi and legendary 3.0 CSL further strengthened the E9’s reputation and helped establish BMW’s modern sporting identity.
What to Look for When Buying a BMW E9
Condition is especially important when evaluating an E9.
Collectors should carefully inspect:
- structural corrosion
- sills and floor sections
- wheel arches
- suspension mounting points
- previous body repairs
- engine condition
- cooling system
- carburettor or injection setup
- gearbox operation
- braking system
- interior originality
- wood trim
- chrome
- documentation and provenance
Because restoration work can be extensive on these cars, a well-documented example with correct structural repairs is particularly desirable.
This 1972 BMW 3.0 CS Has Been Sold
This specific 1972 BMW 3.0 CS E9 is no longer available and remains on the Giro Classico website as part of our archive of previously handled collector cars.
Maintaining selected sold vehicles online allows collectors to understand our direct experience with important BMW classics while also providing useful historical and technical information for enthusiasts researching the E9 series.
If you are specifically searching for another BMW 3.0 CS, Giro Classico can assist through the private collector-car market.
However, collectors interested in the BMW E9 currently have an even more relevant opportunity available.
Looking for a BMW E9 Currently Available?
Giro Classico currently offers a 1975 BMW 3.0 CSi E9, representing one of the most desirable road-going evolutions of the E9 platform.
The currently available example is particularly significant because it was completed on December 2nd, 1975 as one of the final 55 E9 examples produced.
Its specification includes:
- 3.0-litre fuel-injected inline-six
- approximately 200 PS
- rare five-speed manual gearbox
- factory air conditioning
- original Polaris Silver 060 exterior
- original Marineblau interior
- extensive mechanical restoration
- documented body restoration
- BMW Classic Certificate
- ASI historic certification
- more than 400 restoration photographs
- documented history from new
Discover the 1975 BMW 3.0 CSi E9 currently for sale at Giro Classico
From BMW 3.0 CS to 3.0 CSi
For a collector arriving on this page because of an interest in the 3.0 CS, the available 3.0 CSi represents the most natural alternative.
The 3.0 CS offers:
- carburetted 3.0-litre straight-six
- approximately 180 PS
- traditional early-1970s mechanical character
The 3.0 CSi adds:
- electronic fuel injection
- approximately 200 PS
- stronger performance
- greater responsiveness
- one of the most desirable specifications in the E9 road-car range
The two cars share the same fundamental E9 identity, but the CSi represents a more developed and performance-oriented interpretation.
For further information regarding sourcing a BMW 3.0 CS E9 in Italy, discovering the BMW 3.0 CSi currently available, reviewing provenance and documentation, international shipping arrangements, or to schedule a private viewing of the available E9, please contact us directly.
Because in the end, we never truly own these cars, we simply preserve them for the next generation.
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