This 1973 BMW 3.0 CSL is one of 1,265 homologation specials built between 1971 and 1975, and it was delivered new to BMW Import S.A. of Bagneux, France. Repainted in its factory shade of Inka in 2006, the car was acquired by the current owner the following year and imported to the US in 2014. Over $45k of work carried out in 2021 involved resealing the rear differential, overhauling the suspension and brakes, and rebuilding the rear axles, starter, alternator, and manual steering box. It is powered by a 3.0-liter M30 inline-six linked with a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential, and equipment includes 14″ light alloy Alpina wheels, a front air dam, a fiberglass rear bumper, a CoupeKing exhaust system with headers, Pertronix electronic ignition, fixed-back Scheel seats, and a 380mm Petri steering wheel. Previously offered on BaT in July 2026, this E9 CSL is now offered again in Portland, Oregon, by Avant-Garde Collection, a BaT Local Partner, on consignment with the owner’s manual, ownership documentation dating from 1979, service records dating from 2005, the removed CSL front spoiler, a BMW Certificate, and a clean California title.
The CSL was introduced at the 1971 Geneva Motor Show after being developed as a homologation model for European touring car competition. The “L” variant was distinguished from standard CS models by approximately 440 pounds of weight-saving measures, including an aluminum hood, door panels, and trunk lid as well as fixed lightweight glass and thinner steel body panels compared with the standard E9.
Previously painted white and driven in historic rallies in Europe, this example received a repaint in its factory shade of Inka in 2006. Lokari fender liners were added following the current owner’s purchase in 2007, while an Alpina-style front air dam, fiberglass rear bumper, and front fender-mounted vertical air guides were installed under prior ownership. A section of the right rear lower rocker panel was replaced in 2021, and both rockers were refinished at that time. The right door skin was replaced in preparation for the sale, and notes provided in the gallery from the owner indicate lifting paint on the hood, a crack on the top of the left quarter panel, and various touched-up rock chips.
The 14″ light alloy Alpina wheels were refinished in 2021 and mounted with 205/70 Michelin XWX tires in 2025. The car was factory equipped with an independent front and rear suspension with MacPherson front struts as well as torsion anti-roll bars, Bilstein gas-pressurized dampers, and progressive-rate springs. Stopping power is provided by discs at all four corners, and the calipers, pads, and rotors were replaced by CoupeKing of Long Beach, California, in April 2021. A replacement rear subframe was also installed, and additional work at that time involved powder coating the front subframe, rebuilding the trailing arms, and replacing the suspension bushings, shocks, lower control arms, tie rods, and more as outlined on an invoice in the gallery. The manual steering box was also rebuilt that year, and a front shock tower brace has been added.
The cabin houses fixed-back Scheel front bucket seats that were re-covered in black vinyl and cloth in 2019. Cracks in the dash were also repaired that year, and interior appointments include front seat head restraints, multi-point harnesses, a wood Alpina shift knob, a map light, manual crank windows, and Coco floor mats.
The three-spoke 380mm Petri leather-wrapped steering wheel is mounted on an extended hub and fronts a 240-km/h speedometer, a tachometer, an analog clock, and gauges for fuel level and coolant temperature, while additional gauges are fitted in the center console. The five-digit odometer shows 44k kilometers (~28k miles), which is not considered accurate. Total mileage is unknown.
The 3.0-liter M30 inline-six features Bosch fuel injection and was rebuilt in 2006. An electric fan and Pertronix electronic ignition have been added. Work in 2021 by CoupeKing included rebuilds of the starter and alternator along with replacement of the water pump, thermostat, spark plugs, ignition wires, fuel pump, fuel level sending unit, and fan clutch. The MAP sensor was rebuilt in 2024 and the battery was replaced. Compression test results are viewable in the gallery.
Engine block stamping shown above, 2275313, corresponds with the number listed on the chassis tag and BMW Classic certificate.
Power is routed to the rear wheels through a four-speed manual transmission and a limited-slip differential. The differential was resealed and the rear axles rebuilt in 2021. A CoupeKing stainless-steel exhaust system and headers were installed under current ownership.
The BMW Certificate lists the original colors and serial numbers as well as a date of manufacture of June 29, 1973.