34 Years Owned 1973 BMW 3.0 CS 5-Speed

This 1973 BMW 3.0 CS was acquired 34 years ago by the seller, former Road & Track Editor Ron Wakefield. This example shows 130k miles and has been upgraded with a 5-speed manual transmission, though it is otherwise mechanically unmodified. The 3.0L inline-six received some head work in the early 1990s and sends power to the rear wheels through a factory limited slip differential. The car was repainted about twenty years ago and is reportedly free of rust apart from an area of bubbling on the left front fender. The leather upholstery was redone in the 1980s, and the interior still presents very well. This BMW is sold with complete records dating back to 1982 as well as a clean California title in the sellerâ??s name.This E9 was originally purchased by an Air Force pilot named Luther Eldridge, who took delivery while stationed in Germany. The seller acquired it from Eldridge in 1982. Originally silver, the car was repainted in correct Baikal blue about twenty years ago. The US-spec side reflectors were removed during the repaint, but the rest of the lighting is correct for a US-spec car. The original wheels do not show any curbing, though they are fitted with tires from 1990.There is a small defect in the paint on the left rear quarter above the beltline trim where some touchup was performed, leaving a small mark from masking.Some rust is present on the left front fender just forward of the door. This bubbling has been present for some time and has not worsened in many years. The car was taken to bare metal when it was repainted, and some minimal rust issues were reportedly taken care of at that time.The leather upholstery was replaced around 1985, though the interior plastics, carpets, and wood are original and in good condition. The A/C needs to be charged and the clock is not working. The original radio has been replaced with a 1980s-vintage Blaupunkt stereo, and the factory tool kit is nearly complete.The factory 3.0L inline-six has never been completely overhauled in its 130k miles. The head was off circa 1991, and per the seller the car runs well. The 5-speed gearbox was installed at 125k miles, and a new clutch was fitted at the same time. This 3.0 CS is also fitted with a limited slip differential. The seller notes moderate oil leaks, but no other mechanical issues. Complete records are available for services performed during the sellerâ??s ownership.The seller has owned numerous E9s, including the test car featured in the July, 1973 issue of Road & Track. Since leaving R&T, he has been a longtime writer and editor for BMW AG & BMW of North America, and has extensive experience with the brand and model.Filed under: e9