# BMW E9

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BMW luxury coupe car

"BMW CSL" redirects here. For BMW M3 CSL, see [BMW M3 § M3 CSL](/source/BMW_M3#M3_CSL).

Motor vehicle

BMW E9 Overview Manufacturer BMW Production 1968–1975 Assembly Germany: Rheine (Karmann)[1] Designer Wilhelm Hofmeister Body and chassis Class Grand tourer Body style Coupé Layout Front-engine, rear-wheel-drive Platform BMW New Class Related BMW E3 (sedans) Powertrain Engine 2.5-3.2 L M30 I6 Dimensions Wheelbase 2,624 mm (103.3 in) Length 4,660 mm (183.5 in) Width 1,670 mm (65.7 in) Height 1,370 mm (53.9 in) Chronology Predecessor BMW 2000C / 2000CS Successor BMW 6 Series (E24)

E9 interior (3.0 CS model, with Alpina steering wheel, shift knob and upholstery)

The **BMW E9** is a range of coupés produced by [German](/source/Germany) automaker [BMW](/source/BMW) from 1968 to 1975. Initially released as the 2800 CS model, the E9 was based on the [BMW 2000 C / 2000 CS](/source/BMW_New_Class#New_Class_Coupés) four-cylinder coupés, which were enlarged to fit the [BMW M30](/source/BMW_M30) six-cylinder engine. The E9’s bodywork was built by [Karmann](/source/Karmann).

As a racing car, the E9 was very successful in the [European Touring Car Championship](/source/European_Touring_Car_Championship) and the [Deutsche Rennsport Meisterschaft](/source/Deutsche_Rennsport_Meisterschaft), especially the 3.0 CSL [homologation](/source/Homologation_(motorsport)) model.

The E9 range was replaced by the [E24 6 Series](/source/BMW_6_Series_(E24)).

## Predecessor

Main article: [BMW New Class](/source/BMW_New_Class)

The E9's predecessors are the 2000 C and 2000 CS models, which were produced from 1965 to 1969 as part of the BMW New Class range.

## Models

### 2800 CS

BMW 2800CS

The first of the E9 coupés, the 2800 CS, replaced the 2000 C and 2000 CS in 1968. The lead designer was [Wilhelm Hofmeister](/source/Wilhelm_Hofmeister_(automobile_designer)).[2][3] The wheelbase and length were increased to allow the engine bay to be long enough to accommodate the new [straight-six engine](/source/Straight-six_engine) code-named [M30](/source/BMW_M30), and the front of the car was restyled to resemble the [E3 sedan](/source/BMW_New_Six).[2] The rear axle, however, remained the same as that used in the lesser "Neue Klasse" models and the rear brakes were initially drums - meaning that the 2800 saloon was a better performing car, as it was also lighter. The CS' advantages were thus strictly visual to begin with.[4] The 2800 CS used the 2,788 cc (170.1 cu in) version of the engine used in the E3 sedans.[2] The engine produced 125 kW (168 hp) at 6000 rpm.[5]

Not only was the 2800 CS lighter than the preceding 2000 CS, it also had a smaller frontal area, further increasing the performance advantage.[6] The curb weight of the 2800 CS is 1,420 kg (3,131 lb).[*[citation needed](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Citation_needed)*]

At the [1969 Geneva Motor Show](/source/Geneva_Motor_Show#1969), BMW unveiled the "2800 Bertone Spicup" concept car.[7] This model, which has a similar appearance to the 1967 [Alfa Romeo Montreal](/source/Alfa_Romeo_Montreal), did not reach production.

### 3.0 CS/CSi

1974 BMW 3.0 CS (U.S. model)

The 2800CS was replaced by the 3.0 CS and 3.0 CSi in 1971, which was bored out to give a displacement of 2,986 cc (182.2 cu in). The 3.0 CS has a 9.0:1 compression ratio, twin carburetors and produces 134 kW (180 hp) at 6000 rpm. The 3.0 CSi has a 9.5:1 compression ratio, [Bosch D-Jetronic](/source/Jetronic#D-Jetronic_(1967–1979)) electronic fuel injection, and produces 149 kW (200 hp) at 5500 rpm.[2] Transmission options were a 4-speed manual or a 3-speed automatic.

In the United States, 1974 models have [protruding 5 mile per hour bumpers](/source/Bumper_(automobile)#First_standards_1971).

### 3.0 CSL

Introduced in May 1972,[8] the 3.0 CSL was a [homologation special](/source/Homologation_(motorsport)) built to make the car eligible for racing in the [European Touring Car Championship](/source/European_Touring_Car_Championship). 1,265 were built.

The "L" in the designation meant *leicht* (light), unlike in other BMW designations, where it meant *lang* (long). The lightness was achieved by using thinner steel to build the unit body, deleting the trim and soundproofing,[9] using aluminium alloy doors, bonnet, and boot lid, and using [Perspex](/source/Poly(methyl_methacrylate)) side windows.[8] The five hundred 3.0 CSLs exported to the United Kingdom were not quite as light as the others, as the importer had insisted on retaining the soundproofing, electric windows, and stock E9 [bumpers](/source/Bumper_(car)) on these cars.[8][10] The CSL was not sold in the United States.

Initially using the same engine as the 3.0 CS,[11] the 3.0 CSL was given a very small increase in displacement to 3,003 cc (183.3 cu in) by increasing the engine [bore](/source/Bore_(engine)) by one quarter of a millimetre to 89.25 mm (3.51 in).[8][11] This was done in August 1972 to allow the CSL to be raced in the "over three litre" racing category, allowing for some increase in displacement in the racing cars.[8] In 1973,[9][12] the engine in the 3.0 CSL was given another, more substantial increase in displacement to 3,153 cc (3.2 L; 192.4 cu in) by increasing the [stroke](/source/Stroke_(engine)) to 84 mm (3.31 in), rated at 206 PS (203 hp; 152 kW) at 5600 rpm and 286 N⋅m (211 lb⋅ft) at 4200 rpm of [torque](/source/Torque#Machine_torque) .[11][12][13] This final version of the 3.0 CSL was homologated in July 1973 along with an aerodynamic package including a large air dam, short [fins](/source/Fin) running along the front [fenders](/source/Fender_(automobile)), a spoiler above and behind the trailing edge of the roof, and a tall [rear wing](/source/Rear_wing).[14] The rear wings were not installed at the factory, but were left in the boot for installation after purchase. This was done because the wings were illegal for use on German roads. The full aero package earned the racing CSLs the nickname "[Batmobile](/source/Batmobile)".[9][15][16]

The CSL competed in [Group 2](/source/Group_2_(racing)) form in the [European Touring Car Championship](/source/European_Touring_Car_Championship), with CSL drivers winning the Drivers title six times in the years 1973 and 1975 to 1979.[17] The CSL also competed in [Group 5 Special Production](/source/Group_5_(racing)) guise, winning three rounds of the [1976 World Championship for Makes](/source/1976_World_Championship_for_Makes). In [FIA](/source/FIA) Group 4 spec, notably when driven by [Hans-Joachim Stuck](/source/Hans-Joachim_Stuck) (car featured in [Enthusia Professional Racing](/source/Enthusia_Professional_Racing)), they competed against racing versions of the [Porsche 911](/source/Porsche_911) and [Ford Capri](/source/Ford_Capri) with some success.

### 2.5 CS

The last version of the E9 to be introduced was the 2.5 CS in 1974. This was a response to the [1973 oil crisis](/source/1973_oil_crisis), such that the buyer could choose the smaller, more economical engine.[18] The engine, from the 2500 sedan, displaced 2,494 cc (152.2 cu in) and produced 150 hp (112 kW) at 6000 rpm.[19] Only 874 were made until the end of E9 production in 1975, and none were exported to the United States.[18]

## Motorsport

1973 BMW 3.0 CSL

In 1973, [Toine Hezemans](/source/Toine_Hezemans) won the [European Touring Car Championship](/source/European_Touring_Car_Championship) in a 3.0 CSL and co-drove a 3.0 CSL with [Dieter Quester](/source/Dieter_Quester) to a class victory at [Le Mans](/source/1973_24_Hours_of_Le_Mans). Hezemans and Quester had driven to second place at the 1973 German Touring Car Grand Prix at Nürburgring, being beaten only by [Chris Amon](/source/Chris_Amon) and [Hans-Joachim Stuck](/source/Hans-Joachim_Stuck) in another 3.0 CSL.[20] 3.0 CSLs would win the European Touring Car Championship again in every year from 1975 to 1979.[21][22]

The 3.0 CSL was raced in the [1975 IMSA GT Championship](/source/1975_IMSA_GT_Championship), with [Sam Posey](/source/Sam_Posey), [Brian Redman](/source/Brian_Redman), and [Ronnie Peterson](/source/Ronnie_Peterson) winning races during the season.[20][23][24]

The 3.5 CSL was built for [Group 5](/source/Group_5_(racing)) racing and BMW won three races in the [1976 World Championship for Makes](/source/1976_World_Championship_for_Makes) with this model.

## Art Cars

The first two [BMW Art Cars](/source/BMW_Art_Car) were 3.0 CSLs; the first was painted by [Alexander Calder](/source/Alexander_Calder) and the second by [Frank Stella](/source/Frank_Stella).[25]

		- 3.0 CSL painted by Alexander Calder

		- 3.0 CSL painted by Frank Stella

## Production numbers

Production numbers for BMW E9 by model and year[26] Model/year 1968 1969 1970 1971 1972 1973 1974 1975 Total 2800 CS 138 2534 3335 276 6283 2800 CSA 787 1089 73 1949 3.0 CS 1974 1172 779 267 263 4455 3.0 CSA 520 1215 1169 355 408 3667 3.0 CSi 1061 2999 2741 579 555 7935 3.0 CSiA 2 2 3.0 CSi RHD 66 128 13 207 3.0 CSiA RHD 69 139 7 215 3.0 CSL 169 252 287 40 17 765 3.0 CSL RHD 349 151 500 2.5 CS 272 328 600 2.5 CSA 101 143 244 2800 CS USA 43 415 183 641 2800 CSA USA 36 403 87 526 3.0 CS USA 132 411 450 375 1368 3.0 CSA USA 60 377 314 438 1189 Total E9 Production 138 3400 5242 4535 6777 6026 2694 1734 30,546

## 2015 3.0 CSL Hommage

In 2015, BMW introduced the 3.0 CSL Hommage concept car at the [Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este](/source/Concorso_d'Eleganza_Villa_d'Este) as a tribute to the 3.0 CSL. It has an inline-six engine with an eBoost hybrid system in the rear of the car. As a homage to the original, the 3.0 CSL Hommage has a minimal interior to keep the weight as low as possible; carbon fibre and aluminium are used in the interior for the same reason. The Hommage has Laser-LED lights similar to those in the [i8](/source/BMW_i8).[27]

And in August 2015, BMW introduced the BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R concept car at the [Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance](/source/Pebble_Beach_Concours_d'Elegance). The car celebrates both the 40th anniversary of BMW in North America and the racing success of the 3.0 CSL in 1975.[28]

## 2023 3.0 CSL

Main article: [BMW_M4 § 3.0_CSL](/source/BMW_M4#3.0_CSL)

On 24 November 2022, BMW revealed an all-new 3.0 CSL based on the BMW M4, paying homage to the original E9 3.0 CSL. It features a more powerful 3.0-liter Inline-six cylinder engine producing 412 kW (560 PS; 553 hp) and 550 N⋅m (406 lb⋅ft) of torque and was built to celebrate BMW M's 50th Anniversary. 50 units were produced.[29]

		- 2023 BMW 3.0 CSL

		- 2023 3.0 CSL, rear

## Notes

1. **[^](#cite_ref-1)** ["1961 to 1970"](https://web.archive.org/web/20090506065133/http://www.karmann.com/__C1256DF700512B86.nsf/html/en_69dbbd33fb9bc722c1256dc60034ab21.html). *Karmann Company History*. Karmann.com. Archived from [the original](http://www.karmann.com/__C1256DF700512B86.nsf/html/en_69dbbd33fb9bc722c1256dc60034ab21.html) on 6 May 2009. Retrieved 2 December 2022.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984168_2-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984168_2-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984168_2-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984168_2-3) [Norbye 1984](#CITEREFNorbye1984), p. 168.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984220_3-0)** [Norbye 1984](#CITEREFNorbye1984), p. 220.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBecker197176_4-0)** [Becker 1971](#CITEREFBecker1971), p. 76.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-5)** ["Detailed specs review of 1971 BMW 2800 CS"](https://www.automobile-catalog.com/car/1971/78125/bmw_2800_cs.html). *www.automobile-catalog.com*. Retrieved 9 December 2018.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEBecker197174_6-0)** [Becker 1971](#CITEREFBecker1971), p. 74.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-7)** ["Rare BMW concepts from the sixties"](http://bimmerin.net/articles/rare-BMW-concepts-from-the-sixties.php). *www.bimmerin.net*. Retrieved 26 August 2017.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoakes200585_8-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoakes200585_8-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoakes200585_8-2) [***d***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoakes200585_8-3) [***e***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoakes200585_8-4) [Noakes 2005](#CITEREFNoakes2005), p. 85.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVaughan2011_9-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVaughan2011_9-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEVaughan2011_9-2) [Vaughan 2011](#CITEREFVaughan2011).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEDonaldson_10-0)** [Donaldson](#CITEREFDonaldson).

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984171_11-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984171_11-1) [***c***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984171_11-2) [Norbye 1984](#CITEREFNorbye1984), p. 171.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoakes200586_12-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoakes200586_12-1) [Noakes 2005](#CITEREFNoakes2005), p. 86.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-13)** ["1973 BMW 3.0 CSL E9 specifications"](https://www.carfolio.com/specifications/models/car/?car=56672). *carfolio.com*. Retrieved 2018-06-12.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoakes200589_14-0)** [Noakes 2005](#CITEREFNoakes2005), p. 89.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTESeverson2008_15-0)** [Severson 2008](#CITEREFSeverson2008).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENoakes200593_16-0)** [Noakes 2005](#CITEREFNoakes2005), p. 93.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-17)** [The European Touring Car Championship](http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/ETCC.html) Retrieved on 30 July 2010

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984170_18-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984170_18-1) [Norbye 1984](#CITEREFNorbye1984), p. 170.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984167_19-0)** [Norbye 1984](#CITEREFNorbye1984), p. 167.

1. ^ [***a***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984180_20-0) [***b***](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTENorbye1984180_20-1) [Norbye 1984](#CITEREFNorbye1984), p. 180.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEde_Jong2009_21-0)** [de Jong 2009](#CITEREFde_Jong2009).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEde_Jong2009b_22-0)** [de Jong 2009b](#CITEREFde_Jong2009b).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-23)** ["BMW Motorsport and the Mighty CSL Win The 1975 12 Hours of Sebring"](https://www.bmwusanews.com/newsrelease.do?id=4516&searchresult). *BMW News USA*. February 3, 2025.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-24)** Cobb, Bill (March 16, 2017). [*GO LIKE SCHNELL: The Story of BMW Motorsport in the USA. Green Flag 1975*](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q180dRN5QhA) (Video). BMW USA Classic – via YouTube.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-FOOTNOTEPreece2009_25-0)** [Preece 2009](#CITEREFPreece2009).

1. **[^](#cite_ref-E9_Production_26-0)** ["E9 Production by Year"](http://www.e9-driven.com/E9_Vins.asp). e9-Driven.com. Retrieved 2012-02-24.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-27)** ["BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage evokes classic 1970s Bimmer design"](https://www.autoblog.com/2015/05/22/bmw-3-0-csl-hommage-official/). *Autoblog*. Retrieved 18 August 2019.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-28)** ["BMW 3.0 CSL Hommage R. The perfect fusion of driver and machine"](https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/global/article/detail/T0229802EN/bmw-3-0-csl-hommage-r-the-perfect-fusion-of-driver-and-machine?language=en). *www.press.bmwgroup.com*. Retrieved 2021-01-25.

1. **[^](#cite_ref-29)** ["2023 BMW 3.0 CSL Revealed: See its Price, Specs, and Features"](https://suvbazar.com/news/2023-bmw-3-0-csl/). *SuvBazar*. 28 November 2022.

## References

- Becker, Clauspeter (1971), Logoz, Arthur (ed.), "BMW 2500/2800", *Auto-Universum 1971* (in German), **XIV**, Zürich, Switzerland: Verlag Internationale Automobil-Parade AG: 76

- Donaldson, Jessica. ["1973 BMW 3.0 CS news, pictures, and information"](https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z11876/BMW-30-CS.aspx). *Conceptcarz - From Concept to Production*. Daniel Vaughan. Retrieved 2010-07-25.

- de Jong, Frank (2009). ["Part 3: 1970-1975 The Ford and BMW years"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100703002605/http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/part3.html). *History of the European Touring Car Championship & Other International Touring Car Races*. Amsterdam: Frank de Jong. Archived from [the original](http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/part3.html) on 3 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-25.

- de Jong, Frank (2009b). ["Part 4: 1976-1981 The dull years"](https://web.archive.org/web/20100702190034/http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/part4.html). *History of the European Touring Car Championship & Other International Touring Car Races*. Amsterdam: Frank de Jong. Archived from [the original](http://homepage.mac.com/frank_de_jong/Pages/part4.html) on 2 July 2010. Retrieved 2010-07-25.

- Noakes, Andrew (2005). *The Ultimate History of BMW*. Bath, UK: Parragon Publishing. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [1-4054-5316-8](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/1-4054-5316-8).

- Norbye, Jan P. (1984). [*BMW - Bavaria's Driving Machines*](https://archive.org/details/bmwbavariasdrivi00norb). Skokie, IL: Publications International. [ISBN](/source/ISBN_(identifier)) [0-517-42464-9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Special:BookSources/0-517-42464-9).

- Severson, Aaron (17 November 2008). ["From Bavaria with Love: The BMW E9 Coupes"](http://ateupwithmotor.com/sports-cars-and-muscle-cars/130-from-bavaria-with-love-bmw-cs-coupes.html). *Ate Up With Motor - Snapshots of Automotive History*. Aaron Severson. Retrieved 2010-07-09.

- Vaughan, Daniel (October 2011). ["1973 BMW 3.0 CSL news, pictures, and information"](https://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z13793/BMW-30-CSL.aspx). *Conceptcarz - From Concept to Production*. Daniel Vaughan. Retrieved 2015-05-25.

- Preece, R. J. (10 June 2009). ["Communicating BMW Art Cars: Interview with Thomas Girst"](https://www.artdesigncafe.com/Art-Design-Publicity-mag-Thomas-Girst-communicating-BMW-Art-Cars-1-1-2009). *ADP/Sculpture*. Retrieved 2015-05-25.

## External links

- Media related to [BMW E9](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:BMW_E9) at Wikimedia Commons

v t e « previous — BMW cars: 1960s to 1980s — next » Type 1960s 1970s 1980s 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Microcar Isetta 250, 300 Supermini LS, 700 Compact executive car (pre-3/4-series) Sedan 02 Series E21 E30 Coupé 1600GT Executive car (pre-5/6-series) Sedan New Class sedans E12 E28 E34 Coupé 2000 C, 2000 CS E9 E24 Luxury car (pre-7/8-series) Sedan 501, 502 E3 E23 E32 Coupé 3200 CS 3000 V8 Roadster Z1 Sports car E26 Legend developed by Iso SpA developed by Hans Glas GmbH developed by BMW Motorsport

v t e BMW vehicles Current Cars 1 Series 2 Series Active Tourer Gran Coupé 3 Series 4 Series 5 Series 7 Series Crossovers/SUV X1 X2 X3 X5 X6 X7 M M2 M3 M4 M5 X3 M X5 M X6 M XM i i3 i5 i7 iX1 iX2 iX3 iX5 iX Upcoming iX4 Concepts 3.0 CSL Hommage Concept 4 Series Coupé Concept 5 Series Gran Turismo Concept 7 Series ActiveHybrid Concept Coupé Mille Miglia CS Concept Concept X6 E1 (Z11 • Z15) Garmisch GINA Concept i4 i8 Concept i8 Concept Spyder i Vision Circular i Vision Dee Vision iNext iX Flow Concept i Vision Dynamics M1 Homage concept Nazca C2 Pininfarina Gran Lusso Coupé Track Trainer Turbo Vision ConnectedDrive Vision EfficientDynamics X-Coupe ActiveHybrid X6 X7 Pick-up Concept Z07 Concept Z9 Z13 Z18 Z21 Z22 Zagato Coupé Zagato Roadster Discontinued 6 Series 8 Series X4 M1 M6 M8 i4 i8 Z Z1 Z3 Z4 Z8

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [BMW E9](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E9) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_E9?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.