New Owner of an original survivor (1974 3.0 CSA with only 35k miles)
- Thread starter Gregs3point0
- Start date
Welcome Greg
Glad to see another coupe in the area. Except for the recent road closures, my drives often take me through Evergreen. Let me know if ever want to join in
Glad to see another coupe in the area. Except for the recent road closures, my drives often take me through Evergreen. Let me know if ever want to join in
Twenty Mike Mike
Member
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If it had 135,000 miles and needed to be restored, I'd say go for both conversions, if that's what you wanted to do.
However, since it's in such fine condition, despite my preference for manual transmissions, I recommend keeping it as is. It's only original once.
I am not offended by the diving board bumpers, as so many people seem to be. Perhaps that is because my 1975 3.0Si escaped major body damage twice thanks to the large bumpers. Sure, they're not integrated into the original design, but they do the job they're intended to do. Retrofitting to an early bumper design is not just a matter of sourcing parts and bolting them on, and the idea of changing back to original is probably a non-starter.
Your call.
However, since it's in such fine condition, despite my preference for manual transmissions, I recommend keeping it as is. It's only original once.
I am not offended by the diving board bumpers, as so many people seem to be. Perhaps that is because my 1975 3.0Si escaped major body damage twice thanks to the large bumpers. Sure, they're not integrated into the original design, but they do the job they're intended to do. Retrofitting to an early bumper design is not just a matter of sourcing parts and bolting them on, and the idea of changing back to original is probably a non-starter.
Your call.
Greg--Welcome to the forum. A conversion to a 5 speed,chrome bumper car will be expensive and will keep the car in a garage/shop for some time. I suggest you contact the BMW coupe specialists to get a time and dollar estimate for the conversion. Korman Autoworks (NC), VSR (NH) LaJolla Independent (CA) and CoupeKing (CA).
You will find their info here in the Forum. You can then determine if this conversion meets your expectations. And you'll get to know what NLA (no longer available) means when searching for all of the parts needed to complete your project.
PS--Your tires look like Michelin XAS. I strongly suggest you check how old they are before any serious driving.
You will find their info here in the Forum. You can then determine if this conversion meets your expectations. And you'll get to know what NLA (no longer available) means when searching for all of the parts needed to complete your project.
PS--Your tires look like Michelin XAS. I strongly suggest you check how old they are before any serious driving.
Used to live in Genesee, but no coupe then, what fun that would have been, now just around SW Colorado,
Gregs3point0
Member
Mine is 4335368.
Gregs3point0
Member
Would really enjoy getting together for a drive. Perhaps the next time the roads are dry and clear of sand. Thanks for reaching out and feel free to call me at 303-949-2319 anytime to discuss our cars or getting together for a drive. Please return the favor on your contact info as well. Greg
Gregs3point0
Member
I agree Eric. I respect the car for what it is and the fact that it is a survivor. It should remain the same and preserved in the original configuration. Owning this car has made me appreciate this era of BMW even more. Perhaps I will buy another and have it as more of a project car than a preservation exercise. Thanks for your feedback. More pictures to come.
Don’t touch it! You’ll start down a slippery slope to “improve” it, and before you know it, you’ll have lost all it’s wonderful individuallty.
You describe both the bumpers and the automatic as irritating, which pretty much answers the question. Here in the US, neither the 5 speed swap nor the change to smaller bumpers detracts from the value of the car.
Having swapped my automatic for a 5 speed, I very much prefer this particular change. The five speed is lighter, which makes the car feel a little faster, and driving with a stick is a more engaging driving experience.
I happen to dislike the US bumpers on our cars. I also agree with the comment posted earlier that BMW designed the car for the smaller bumpers, and that the US mandated changes denigrated a very nice design. On the other hand, the bumper change for your car is a more difficult question, given how nice your car looks.
I would plan to do the five speed conversion, and spend some more time thinking about your bumpers. After you attend some events and compare your car to others, it will come to you.
Having swapped my automatic for a 5 speed, I very much prefer this particular change. The five speed is lighter, which makes the car feel a little faster, and driving with a stick is a more engaging driving experience.
I happen to dislike the US bumpers on our cars. I also agree with the comment posted earlier that BMW designed the car for the smaller bumpers, and that the US mandated changes denigrated a very nice design. On the other hand, the bumper change for your car is a more difficult question, given how nice your car looks.
I would plan to do the five speed conversion, and spend some more time thinking about your bumpers. After you attend some events and compare your car to others, it will come to you.
Remove the front bumper and put on a CSL air dam. CHeaper in the short-term.
Remove the rear bumper and get the holes (including rear side marker) welded up and get the necessary pre-73 brackets and bumper parts.
The $2-3k you spend will do wonders. And drive the automatic around for awhile. 5-speed project can be done next year. Ditto a front bumper.
Remove the rear bumper and get the holes (including rear side marker) welded up and get the necessary pre-73 brackets and bumper parts.
The $2-3k you spend will do wonders. And drive the automatic around for awhile. 5-speed project can be done next year. Ditto a front bumper.
I (and my car) fall into the category of "quite modified" but yours is so original and perfect I would have to leave it as is. Completely unmolested cars have a certain "presence" that even a slightly modified version does not have.
Alternatively, if you decide that you want to modify an e9 to suite your taste you could buy a beat up one and bring her back to life
Gregs3point0
Member
Peter - I totally agree with your perspective. As soon as I put this car in my garage I realized that she's not going to be much fun relative to the "tinker factor". I respect the fact that she is in somewhat perfect condition with an all original state. My goal is to share/show this vehicle and allow all the BMW enthusiasts to enjoy....and hopefully pass it down to my children so they can do the same. I am not sure how many true survivors of the E9 are really out there ....but I feel kinda feel lucky to have this one...despite being an automatic, no sunroof and big bumpers!I (and my car) fall into the category of "quite modified" but yours is so original and perfect I would have to leave it as is. Completely unmolested cars have a certain "presence" that even a slightly modified version does not have.
Alternatively, if you decide that you want to modify an e9 to suite your taste you could buy a beat up one and bring her back to life
As far as a restomod is concerned....I have dreams of taking an less desireable E9 and really having fun restoring it and making it more of a fun driver. The people converting these to a 3.0CSE is quite interesting as the maintenance factor goes away (for the most part). I am a purist at heart and shifting through the gears is something that has always been something I really enjoy. Anyhow - thanks again for sharing your perspective.
I have a feeling that there are not too many undiscovered e9's out there; from what I have experienced- for what it's worth- there are 4 main categories of e9's available now "original"- truly original, "driving modified e9's-(all states of condition)", "non driving but rebuild-able examples", and those with "vegetation growing through the floors and sunroofs"- or yard art.... It's the second and third group that offer us the most personal expression and in my opinion the most fun, but there's nothing wrong with a true time capsule!! ...again this is just my opinion and may not reflect the views of this station-
...again this is just my opinion and may not reflect the views of this station-
Not sure if you want to take on an E9 restoration; serious rabbit hole.
I would just modify your's. 5-speed is easy to change w/o cutting and welding.
I would just modify your's. 5-speed is easy to change w/o cutting and welding.
jman
New Member
Greg, If it aint broke don't fix it, modifying cars is fun but when you can start with a low mile car leave it alone IMO and enjoy.
If you just want a BMW project I can get you a great deal on a 528 in Denver that needs a full rebuild.
I grew up in Evergreen and still have a few contacts in the area.
If you just want a BMW project I can get you a great deal on a 528 in Denver that needs a full rebuild.
I grew up in Evergreen and still have a few contacts in the area.
Mmm...just look at that rear bumper:
If you can keep th survivor as is and get another to "restored" then I would advise keeping the current coupe unmolested.
If you are not getting a second coupe, I would change the bumpers and transmission. People will not notice that change and it will improve the car.