1974 BMW 3.0 CS (Bonsall, So Cal)

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flobloc

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San Juan Capistrano, CA
This vehicle was mentioned in a separate thread yesterday. Starting a new thread here. I inspected the vehicle today. The guy who showed me the car (Ben) is a mechanic and close personal friend of the owner. Current owner has owned the car for 19-years. As seen in the photos, there is very little 'visible' rust, but an under-spray coat was applied many years ago and it's starting to peel off. The car was repainted once - 19 years ago. It's the original color (Atlantik), but a 7/10 paint job at best. Headliner in good shape. Seats in decent shape. Wood has been refinished. Original engine. The vehicle is currently in bits and pieces, but all the pieces are there and more. Originally an automatic - converted to a 5-speed years ago. I offered him $12K cash on the spot and he respectfully declined my offer. In hindsight, it's a blessing. I don't have the mechanical aptitude for this one, nor the space in my garage to house her and her numerous parts and pieces. Maybe the right car for Peter C. of Texas, Sfdon, HB Chris, or any other E9 lover hankering for a new project? Not sure, but if you are interested in talking to Ben about the vehicle, then send me a PM and I'll give you his cell phone number. Regards, Chris (flobloc)

Some photos of the vehicle are found here:

https://www.flickr.com/gp/124738053@N06/18467F
 
now you own it/ now you don't

I made an offer on this car to Ben on Friday, we confirmed it was accepted this AM. The actual owner Doug Gamble called me this PM to say he had accepted a higher offer (this PM) and the deal was off. I'll find another E9, but I don't know how Doug will get his honor back :(
 
Hmmm - I just bought this car today...

Hello,

First of all, thanks to the admin(s) that finally enabled my account - I've been perusing this site for over a year now, since that evening I saw a 3.0CS (maroon of all colors), valet parked at a restaurant in Del Mar. Drop dead gorgeous - looked like brand new.
And - of course, thank you to all the posters that shared their wealth of knowledge!

This car will be my long time project, and I'll be in no hurry to finish it.
I plan to have it drivable sometime soon (months I guess).

The cosmetics and interior stuff will be much longer term than that.

Since the car does not come with a transmission, the former owner's mechanic friend recommended I get a used or refurb E36 M3 transmission (265 type - the car had a 262 Close ratio in it before). Any suggestions for a tranny source are appreciated (Ben, the mechanic, recommended a shop online I forgot the name already and La Jolla Independent). Also - a source for a stock camshaft would be great. The car comes with a racing cam that runs hot (whatever that means...). Btw, I'm in San Diego, CA.

What made me get this car for a price that was arguably quite high was the fact that it had no rust I could find (a bit superficial rust in the spare wheel well was everything I could find). Working on a father-son project (make that starting to work) - VW Bug (also '74) made me appreciate a less than rusty car... Plus - the E9 is such a gorgeous car... I'll call it Gwyneth. Since I really like the actress w the same name, hahaha...

George
 
REL - sorry about the deal that you were trying to get with the owner

REL said:
$17.5k (expected $1.2K transport cost to east coast)
Click to expand...

I just saw your post. Ben told me he discussed with someone from somewhere on the East Coast, but there was no mention of a pre-existing deal. You are more brave than me - as I really passed over an awesome deal a few months ago since it was in TX (too far for a quick visit and a hassle to transport).

George
 
Good luck George! I saw the car last Saturday morning and decide to pass as I was not looking for a long term project. I do agree that this is a very dry car. I'm near by in Escondido, so if you ever need anything, let me know. Carl at La Jolla Ind. is a wealth of knowledge. Might be worth going over there with your list as he can source all the stuff you need.

Gary
 
bmwmadman said:
Good luck George! I saw the car last Saturday morning and decide to pass as I was not looking for a long term project. I do agree that this is a very dry car. I'm near by in Escondido, so if you ever need anything, let me know. Carl at La Jolla Ind. is a wealth of knowledge. Might be worth going over there with your list as he can source all the stuff you need.

Gary
Click to expand...

Excellent - nice to virtually meet you, Gary. I'm in Rancho Bernardo actually - so we're neighbors:).

Cheers,
George
 
The Driver said:
I just saw your post. Ben told me he discussed with someone from somewhere on the East Coast, but there was no mention of a pre-existing deal. You are more brave than me - as I really passed over an awesome deal a few months ago since it was in TX (too far for a quick visit and a hassle to transport).

George
Click to expand...

Congratulations George ! Just to be clear ..... I certainly have no issue with you (it is the seller's integrity that disappointed me).
I was drawn to the car for the same reason as you .... VERY little rust.
About the 5-speed transmission that Ben is to remove before you take possession, here is a lead for you on a suitable replacement:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/23152160876...em=&sspagename=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123&vxp=mtr

The sellers name is Serg and he has this 265 (5 speed ) that comes with a warranty long enough to get the transmission in and tested. He also has a 265 5-speed close ratio (exactly like the one Ben is removing) for $2500.

Good luck with your resuscitation of this beauty that has been sleeping for 16 years.

--Ed
 
Last edited:
REL said:
Congratulations George ! Just to be clear ..... I certainly have no issue with you (it is the seller's integrity that disappointed me).
I was drawn to the car for the same reason as you .... VERY little rust.
About the 5-speed transmission that Ben is to remove before you take possession, here is a lead for you on a suitable replacement:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/23152160876...em=&sspagename=ADME:X:RTQ:MOTORS:1123&vxp=mtr

The sellers name is Serg and he has this 265 (5 speed ) that comes with a warranty long enough to get the transmission in and tested. He also has a 265 5-speed close ratio (exactly like the one Ben is removing) for $2500.

Good luck with your resuscitation of this beauty that has been sleeping for 16 years.

--Ed
Click to expand...

Thanks Ed - appreciate the tips on finding a transmission.

George
 
Check this link

http://www.e9coupe.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18922

I may be leapfrogging posts as I write this so maybe someone else will have already put this up. The transmission that is best suited to the E9 is the Getrag 265/6, but not just any year. To make it simplest, you want one with the mechanical speedo drive. The above link has several other links included and with those you should be able to narrow down your search. One question that occurred to me was whether the driveshaft for a close ratio 5 speed would be the same length as one for the overdrive unit. It would simplify you installation.

Also, let me give you a bit of advice regarding the five speed installation. If you're going to do it yourself, take your time and do a lot of research and test fitting. Especially before you send the driveshaft out to be modified, if needed. There are many small but very important details that all need to be addressed to get it right.
 
Thanks Bill - link is much appreciated.

I'm going to actually get professional help - as this is a bit before my skill level. But I'm willing to learn:).

George
 
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