1973→1975 BMW 3.0 CSL
Starting in 1961, with the excellent engine with overhead camshaft, installed on the ‘new generation’ of 1500 saloons, BMW’s success continued to grow. A key step was taken in 1968 with the first six-cylinder engines, the 2500 and 2800, leading to elegant Coupés with very light interiors and 2.5-3.2-litre engines following the saloons’.
The injection versions culminated in 206bhp, and the engines’ excellence and brio incited BMW to propose a special, lighter version, the 3.0 CSL Coupé, with panelled aluminium bodywork. The use of injection, and a small increase in capacity, took basic engine-power to 206bhp. The highly prepared Group 2 racing versions, with elaborate aerodynamic fittings, earned countless victories, including two wins at the Le Mans 24 Hours – in the Special Tourism class in 1973 and 1974.
When sold from new, the CSL wasn’t fitted with the the rear wing, nor the chrome flares. Instead these were included in the trunk of the car to be optionally fitted by the dealer or the car’s first owner.
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Gallery
In Detail
| type | Series Production Car |
| production years | 1973 – 1975 |
| production | 1096 |
| engine | Inline-6 |
| position | Front, Longitudinal |
| aspiration | Natural |
| valvetrain | SOHC, 2 Valves per Cyl |
| fuel feed | Bosch Fuel Injection |
| displacement | 3153 cc / 192.41 in³ |
| bore | 89.3 mm / 3.5 in |
| stroke | 84 mm / 3.3 in |
| compression | 9.5:1 |
| power | 152.9 kw / 205 bhp @ 5600 rpm |
| specific output | 65.02 bhp per litre |
| bhp/weight | 161.42 bhp per tonne |
| torque | 286.1 nm / 211 ft lbs @ 4200 rpm |
| body / frame | Unitary Steel Monocoque |
| driven wheels | RWD |
| front brakes | Discs |
| rear brakes | Discs |
| steering | Rack & Pinion |
| f suspension | McPherson Struts |
| r suspension | Trailing Arms |
| curb weight | 1270 kg / 2800 lbs |
| wheelbase | 2625 mm / 103.3 in |
| front track | 1470 mm / 57.9 in |
| rear track | 1426 mm / 56.1 in |
| length | 4630 mm / 182.3 in |
| width | 1730 mm / 68.1 in |
| height | 1370 mm / 53.9 in |
| transmission | 4-Speed Manual |
| top speed | ~220 kph / 136.62 mph |
Auction Sales History
1972 BMW 3.0 CSL 2275024 – sold for $187,000 Finished in Polaris Silver over a black interior. 66,500 kilometers is believed to be genuine. Original Becker Grand Prix radio. A highly original, low mileage example of the iconic 3.0 CSL. Auction Source: 2015 Quail Lodge Auction by Bonhams
1973 BMW 3.0 L CSL 2275227 – sold for €127,600 The ” Zertifikat ” provided by BMW indicates that the 3.0 CSL on offer left the production line on 18 December 1972 and was delivered new to the garage BMW AG Niederlassung in Stuttgart. It was registered on 15 February 1973 to a German who kept the car until May 1976. It then passed into the hands of a certain Mr Frey for a year, before selling to M. Aicherd in December 1977. Auction Source: Rétromobile 2015 by Artcurial Motorcars
1971 BMW 3.0 CSL Lightweight 2211376 – did not sell for $180,000 Ultra Rare 1st series Factory Lightweight racing 3.0 CSL. The 29th made of only 169 Carbureted pre-injected CSL’s. Known as a Prototype amongst the experts with many early features. Extremely thin steel body with aluminum front hood, trunk lid and doors. History from new as delivered on 09/07/72 to BMW Italia in Italy. Delivered with ultimate competition form with lightweight Vertex windows. Auction Source: Monterey 2014 by Mecum Auctions
1972 BMW 3.0 CSL 2212279 – sold for $148,500 Legendary and Victorious Racing-Homologation Special. One of Only 169 Early Carbureted “Lightweights”. Restored with Marque-Expert Supervision. Previously Part of a Significant BMW Collection. Single-Family Ownership for Over 20 Years. One of the Most Sought-After Classic BMW Models. Accompanied by Matching- Numbers Engine Block. Ideal for Long-Distance Classic Tours and Events. Auction Source: The Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 2275047 – sold for $63,250 Legendary Racing-Homologation Special. Finished in Original Polaris Metallic Livery. Original Lightweight Bucket Seats Offered with BMW Group Classic Certificate. Eligible for Leading Tours and Marque Gatherings. Recent $5,000 Service in Preparation for Road Use. Excellent Example of BMW’s Most Desirable Coupe. Auction Source: The 2013 Amelia Island Auction by Gooding & Company
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL 2275396 – did not sell for $90,000 1 of 429 LHD D-jet injected cars, a homologation car and a legend in European Touring Car Championship series in the 1970’s. Original headliner. Proper Scheel seats. 5-speed Getrag gearbox installed and 4-speed gearbox included with sale. Rare and very desirable non-power steering option which was an NOS part installed when restored in 2004. Auction Source: 2012 Daytime Auction by Mecum
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL Coupé – sold for €53,200 This four-speed example retains the original lightweight “bucket” seats and remains in excellent original condition and running order, clearly benefiting from proper care and maintenance. Purchased by the current owner in 2010, he has only done 200 km since. With their brilliant racing heritage and sublime driving dynamics, these 3.0 CSLs are some of the finest and best performing racing homologation specials in the hobby. Auction Source: Monaco 2012 by RM Auctions
1973 BMW 3.0 CSL “Batmobile” 2275441 – sold for $159,500 Early Series 3 CSL “Batmobile”; one of just 110 built. Restored by BMW coupe experts Dan Koturov and Carl Nelson in 1997-98. Desirable colors and upgrades. 1970s motorsport icon. This “Batmobile” from 1973, chassis 2275441, is the 12th Series 3 car produced. It was professionally restored by noted BMW coupe specialists Dan Koturov and Carl Nelson between 1997 and 1998 and carefully maintained in show-quality condition ever since. Auction Source: 2011 Monterey Auction by RM
1972 BMW 3.0 CSL 2275133 – sold for €56,331 Matching numbers 3.0 CSL with complete original “Batmobile” body kit. Rare colour of Ceylon metallic, only 17 built in this colour. Known history, including prominent Swedish entertainer. The car comes with its original documents including “Fahrzeugbrief” and BMW service booklet as well as its original interior, Scheel sport seats and back seat, spare aluminium trunk and four original aluminium Alpina wheels. Auction Source: 2010 Automobiles of London by RM Auctions
1974 BMW 3.0 CSL – sold for €128,800 The car offered here, chassis 4355031, is the 31st example of just 57 second-series cars produced between 1974 and 1975. It is confirmed by BMW records as “Testwagen M GmbH” (M Division test car), first allocated by BMW GmbH for use by Hans-Joachim Stuck, as confirmed by a copy of the original German registration papers. Stuck, son of the legendary Hans Stuck, is well known to motorsports enthusiasts as the “Regenmeister” (Rain Master). Auction Source: 2010 RM Auctions Sporting Classics of Monaco
