2.5CS

[Wobdog]

I recently came across a photo that Ron Wakefield sent me a couple of years ago of his red 1975 BMW 2.5 CS parked in front of BMW headquarters in Munich. This was Ron’s second E9—his first was the one I now own. He told me he purchased the 2.5 CS while working for BMW in Germany. It was a stripped-down version built during the oil crisis as a more economical alternative to the 3.0 CS.
Only 874 examples of the BMW 2.5 CS (E9) were produced between 1974 and 1975:

• 600 with manual transmission
• 244 with automatic (2.5 CSA)

None were originally exported to the United States, which makes me wonder—has anyone here ever come across a restored example on U.S. soil?

 

[HB Chris]

I have seen one, it was Granatrot and was here in Orange County. Owner never knew he bought a 2.5.

 

[ccr2002]

I bought one here locally from a 78 yo lady who picked it up w her husband and drive around Europe in the 80s before bringing it back. I had Don put in a 3.5 and new suspension and brakes etc. coupeking did the interior. I still have some body work to do. But it’s a blast to drive. Chamonix. I put in a green interior. Love it.

 

[ccr2002]

Couple of pics now

 

[jmackro]

It was a stripped-down version built during the oil crisis as a more economical alternative to the 3.0 CS.

Other than the smaller displacement engine and steel wheels, how were the 2.5's stripped down? I assume that they came with manual windows and no A/C like earlier, European delivery models. Vinyl instead of leather interior perhaps?

 

[Clubsport_CSi]

E.g., fixed windows in the back like the CSL, no power steering (but different ratio of steering box as compared to CSLs).
No swaybar on rear axle; no bumper horns below rear bumper.

 

[eriknetherlands]

2.5's had a smaller trunklid toolbox also i think

 

[HB Chris]

And according to RealOEM solid rear disc brake rotors.

 

[eriknetherlands]

Didn't they come with unique colors, was it, anthracite grey?

 

[HB Chris]

Just the regular colors, nothing unique

 

[sfdon]

Special diff…

 

[eriknetherlands]

Also the Carbs are different. Carbs originally have this little colored metal tab attached to them with a stamped number. e.g. #1255600 in the image is for a 2800 manual.

 

[Wobdog]

Here is what chat tells us

Tool Box & Trunk Area

• The tool tray in the trunk lid of the 2.5CS was smaller and simpler — often missing some tools that were standard in higher-trim E9s.
• The tool cover could be plain gray plastic instead of the nicer black vinyl with chrome trim seen on the 3.0CS/CSi.
• Some cars even had no lid gas struts, just a prop rod, depending on market

Windows and Glass

• Manual roll-up windows were standard — no power windows (which were common on 3.0CS and CSi).
• The rear quarter windows were often fixed (non-pop-out), unlike the earlier 2800CS and 3.0CS which had opening vent windows.
• Thinner glass was used in some examples to save weight.

Interior Trim

• Simpler vinyl upholstery (often black or tan) instead of leather.
• No wood veneer on dash or doors in some markets — or minimal wood trim.
• No rear center armrest or luxury features.
• No rear defroster standard (optional).
• Simpler instrument cluster (no tachometer in early prototypes, though production cars did have it).

Mechanical / Under-the-Skin Differences

• carburetors (twin Zeniths instead of Solex/Weber on 3.0CS).
• Different final drive ratio (longer gearing for better economy).
• Simplified exhaust system, single tailpipe.
• No power steering standard in many markets.
• Simpler braking system (smaller front rotors on some, but still discs front/rear).
• Steel wheels with hubcaps — no alloys standard.

Exterior Details

• Minimal chrome — some parts unplated or simplified.
• Badging read “2.5CS” on the trunk instead of “3.0CS.”
• Some came with black grille surrounds instead of bright chrome.
• No front fog lamps standard (optional).
• Occasionally no side markers on Euro models.

Weight and Feel

• The 2.5CS weighed roughly 75–100 kg (165–220 lb) less than a 3.0CS.
• Felt lighter on its feet but also less torquey.
• Quieter but less luxurious overall — very much a “base model” E9 built during the oil crisis (1974–1975).

Production & Markets

• Built only for European markets, primarily Germany, Switzerland, and the UK.
• Roughly 874 units total — so they’re quite rare.
• Almost none officially imported to the U.S.

 

[HB Chris]

At least 50% or more is just plain garbage.