1973 BMW 3.0CS

2dr Coupe

6-cyl. 2986cc/180hp 2x2bbl

#1 Concours condition#1 Concours
#2 Excellent condition#2 Excellent
#3 Good condition#3 Good

$69,600*

-11%
#4 Fair condition#4 Fair

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1968-1971 BMW 2800CS, 1972-1975 3.0CS stats
Highest sale
$309,636
Lowest sale
$2,965
Most recent sale
$70,417
Sales
428

Photos

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1971 BMW 2800CS Coupe
1972 BMW 3.0 CS Coupe
1971 BMW 2800CS Coupe
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Model overview

Model description

During the 1950s BMW utilized a split sales strategy of selling top-of-the-market products (such as the ultra-expensive BMW 507) alongside economy class transport (see the Isetta microcar and BMW 700) while mostly ignoring the wide middle of the market. This approach was less than successful, and ultimately was abandoned in the early 1960s. The Munich company instead began to focus on the mainstream appeal, only with a bias towards luxury and sportiness that they had earlier developed. This shift was embodied by the “New Class” 2000CS coupe, which debuted in 1965 with a two-liter four-cylinder mill and a rather funny face.

In response to critics, a new “New Six CS” was appeared in 1968 with a longer nose and a truly beautiful front-end treatment that became the BMW standard for many years. At the same time a 2.8-liter, 170-hp six replaced the old four. The car had a top speed of 128 mph while still featuring luxury accoutrements like power windows, leather seats, air conditioning, and rear level control, and it carried a price around $10,000 new. This list price put it squarely in line with other European luxo models, as Mercedes-Benz’s 1968 280SE six-cylinder coupe cost more than $9,100.

In 1972, BMW bored out the six to a nominal displacement of three liters and added rear disc brakes, at which point the car became known as the 3.0CS. The Bosch D-Jetronic injected version became the 3.0CSi and a lightweight version was known as the 3.0CSL. The latter was a highly successful European Touring Car racer in the mid-1970s. Neither of the latter two cars were officially imported into the U.S. Gray market examples abound. The last two model years in the U.S. were afflicted with large and unsightly bumpers.

The E9 coupe, as it is known today by its internal designation, has become a highly sought after car that is essentially the post-war standard for an understatedly elegant coupe. Unfortunately, the car’s lovely body is also its undoing. Karmann built the body shells for BMW and the car is essentially one of the prettiest ways to creatively trap moisture ever devised. Rust-free and well-restored examples are rare. The other Achilles heel of the E9 coupe is overheating and resultant cylinder head cracking. Many E9s have had 3.2- or 3.5-liter engine transplants from later E24 coupes. Interestingly, this seems to have little effect on values.

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Common Questions

The value of a 1973 BMW 3.0CS can vary greatly depending on its condition, mileage, options, and history. Typically, you can expect to pay around $69,600 for a 1973 BMW 3.0CS in good condition with average spec.

The highest selling price of a 1973 BMW 3.0CS at auction over the last three years was $309,636. The highest prices are usually reserved for rare or exceptionally well-maintained examples with desirable features or modifications and excellent history.

The lowest selling price of a 1973 BMW 3.0CS at auction over the last three years was $22,050. The lowest prices are usually paid for examples that have extensive maintenance needs, differ greatly from their original configuration, or have accident histories or title problems.

In the last three years there have been 32 1973 BMW 3.0CSs sold at public auction.

The most recent auction sale of a 1973 BMW 3.0CS was $33,777 on January 16, 2025 by Collecting Cars.

Many factors can increase a car's value including excellent condition, exceptional originality, a recent restoration, low mileage, unique provenance, desirable options, popular or unique color choices, and excellent maintenance records. Upgrades and modifications that enhance performance or aesthetics can also add value.

Factors that can decrease a car's value include unusually high mileage, poor maintenance history, visible wear and tear, accidents or damage, title issues, and gaps in ownership history. Additionally, less popular color choices and extensive modifications that don't appeal to a broad audience can reduce value.

Mileage plays a significant role in a classic car’s value. Lower mileage usually increases value because it indicates a higher degree of originality, is rarer, and suggests less wear and tear. However, cars with exceptionally low mileage may also have maintenance needs due to lack of use. Whether someone should pay more for a vehicle with lower miles will depend on how they plan on using it, and the vehicle's specific condition.

The value of modified cars differs widely based on the type and quality of modifications. While some modifications can significantly increase value, especially performance enhancements and high-quality custom work, others may not add much or could even detract from the car’s value if they appeal to only a limited audience.

All prices shown here are based on various data sources, as detailed in About Our Prices. The Hagerty Price Guide is for informational purposes only and is not intended as financial advice. More information on how forecast models are calculated can be found on Forecasted Values page. For additional information and a complete description of benefits, visit hagerty.com/legal. Purchase of insurance not required for membership in HDC. Hagerty, Hagerty Valuation Tools & Hagerty Drivers Club are registered trademarks of The Hagerty Group LLC, ©2025 The Hagerty Group, LLC. All Rights Reserved. The Hagerty Group, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hagerty, Inc.

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