• Desirable “M”-powered 1970s BMW E9 coupe with bodywork by Karmann
• Modified for performance and featuring a retrimmed interior
• Uprated motor installed alongside conversion to five-speed manual transmission
• Participated in the 2020 running of the Copperstate 1000

With its straight-six, 3.0-liter M30 engine and angular yet attractive coupe looks, it could be argued that the E9 series by BMW was ahead of its time. The first iteration of the E9 lineage, the 2800 CS, was revealed in 1969 with a notably largened wheelbase and length compared to previous BMWs, making space for the impressive powertrain. The 3.0 CS and CSi followed in 1971, adding more power than the earlier E9.

This example, chassis no. 2250475, is a 3.0 CS model that shows the famous “M” logo upon its engine, coupled with a manual shifter. Bodywork of every E9 was built by Karmann, evident on this example with a karosserie identification tag on display. The BMW is finished in metallic blue over an interior that was retrimmed in tan leather by Cook’s Upholstery, Redwood City, California, in 2004, at which point a CSL steering wheel was added. In 2005, a custom stainless-steel exhaust was fitted. The car is presented with a tool kit and service history that documents large parts of the car’s history.

Notably, the mechanics of the car were overhauled with the installation of a BMW S38B38 motor and a rebuilt five-speed transmission from a European-spec M5. The engine gained performance upgrades by Koala Motorsports of Ohio, featuring a 3.8-liter stroker kit, custom connecting rods and piston heads from Memphis Motorworks for a claimed potential of more than 400 bhp. It also received a limited slip differential from an E30 M3. The transmission conversion was carried out by La Jolla Independent in California to the cost of over $9,000. Since 2003, service and upgrades have been performed by noted BMW shop, Bavarian Professionals in Oakland, California, with invoices exceeding $20,000. The car was sold to its incumbent owner in December 2013, remaining in California.

Under current ownership the car continued to receive small upgrades and improvements including the Alpina-look alloy wheels supplied by Coupe King of Long Beach, California, in addition to brake upgrades, new custom-wound coil springs, a lightweight battery, stereo upgrade with Bluetooth connectivity, and replacement window motors from a 328i, addressing a common issue with the E9. The vehicle participated in the 2020 running of the Copperstate 1000.To view this car and others currently consigned to this auction, please visit the RM website at rmsothebys.com/en/auctions/mo21.