Euro 3.0 CSi with upgrades on BaT

[e9Leveque]

1975 BMW 3.0CSi 5-Speed

Bid for the chance to own a 1975 BMW 3.0CSi 5-Speed at auction with Bring a Trailer, the home of the best vintage and classic cars online. Lot #236,287.

bringatrailer.com

Looks like a nice one, imported from Germany after the prior auction 3 years ago. I suspect the 5-speed dogleg upgrade and the AC will make this attractive, although odd that the AC was working in 2023 and is “inoperative” despite the owner being in Florida. A few oddities - there’s something added to the left side of the glovebox but can’t tell what it is, and someone mounted speakers in the doors rather than footwell. In my 72 that would’ve hard since there aren’t any wires heading into the doors but I guess with the power motors there is a harness already supplying the door.

 

[ElGrecko]

Nice car, honest. The only thing I saw that I thought was sketchy was the copper clutch line from the body to the slave cylinder. Engines aren't bolted solid to the frame and the flex in the rubber mounts are bending that clutch line. Should be a hose and it looks like someone used pipe tape on the threads to seal it. Not a dealbreaker but not what you want to have on a car that you drive a good bit.

It went for $95k in the previous sale. I wonder what it will bring in today's market?

 

[e9Leveque]

May be worth noting that in the comments to the auction, as a recent buyer the comments actually helped me identify what items I'd need to take care of first.
What's the extra hose/cable running to the left of the windshield wiper motor into the under-dash area? Also interesting how the bitumen discolored over time into a more greenish color. Beautiful car color though
And someone is clearly not messing around with having those bids climb slowly to its eventual endpoint. WRT to your question, I'm going to guess just north of $100k. I think that the color is attractive, the 5-speed is a definite add, the seats will appeal to some given that they are likely a bit more comfortable and sporty than the original and it looks to be in reasonable shape. There aren't the oft-desired pictures of rust problem areas presented but perhaps the seller can address that, and from looking over the comments from the original auction sounds as if it was owned by someone who knew the cars so hopefully would have been aware of major issues.

 

[Dick Steinkamp]

I'm far from a purist, but that front air dam and rear spoiler are ruining it for me.

 

[CSteve]

With you on the air dam and spoiler, Dick. I would add the gauges on the dash. Am I the only one seeing a much bluer blue than Fjord? The paint almost matches the leather.

 

[JMinPDX]

What's the extra hose/cable running to the left of the windshield wiper motor into the under-dash area?

Since it’s a CSI equipped with Bosch D-Jet injection that appears to be the wiring harness to the ECU?

It’s a very attractive car and the more curb appeal the more money they bring on BaT, or so it seems.
Already at $45K. I will not be surprised if it exceeds the last BaT sale.

 

[sfdon]

Wiring harnesses for D jet cars go through the frame rail up into the footwell of the passenger and into the backseat.
What you are seeing is 1974 and 75 Wiring

 

[sfdon]

Did anybody else see that $490 to change six spark plugs?

$320.00 for a tranny mount with a msrp of $90.00?
$454.00 for motor mounts?
And then the labor to install…
$1700.00


Ouch

Maybe time for JC to open up a shop in Seattle and start a new career!

 

[sfdon]

Anyone guess what is going on with the top of the Radiator?
Was that the reason for new motor mounts and tranny mount?

 

[eriknetherlands]

Diff with additional oil cooler.

So, would be an LSD?

 

[e9Leveque]

Did anybody else see that $490 to change six spark plugs?

$320.00 for a tranny mount with a msrp of $90.00?
$454.00 for motor mounts?
And then the labor to install…
$1700.00


Ouch

Maybe time for JC to open up a shop in Seattle and start a new career!

I don’t think you want that, Don - I’d need you on permanent FaceTime to walk me through every question I had about these cars!

 

[sfdon]

Diff with additional oil cooler.

So, would be an LSD?

Maybe and maybe not.


Got to see the side markings or turn the flanges

 

[CamayroZ]

Diff with additional oil cooler.

So, would be an LSD?

How does this rear differential oil cooler work please? In the image I only see one port and a canister.

There must be two ports? And is there an oil pump, and a finned oil cooler someplace?

TIA

 

[sfdon]

It's not a cooler. It's a catch can.