BMW E9: Models, Specs and Buyer's Guide

The E9 arrived in 1968 with the launch of the 2800 CS model, marking BMW’s return to the luxury coupé segment. Built by Karmann, it featured a 2.8-litre straight-six engine with 170 hp and elegant proportions that paved the way for future BMW coupés.

In 1971, the 2800 CS was replaced by the 3.0 CS and 3.0 CSi. The CS offered 180 hp, while the CSi added Bosch fuel injection for an extra 20hp of output. However, this range is surely best remembered for the 1972 3.0 CSL, launched as a lightweight homologation special to meet motorsport criteria. With aluminium panels, Perspex windows and up to 206 hp on tap, it dominated European touring car racing and earned the nickname “Batmobile” thanks to its aerodynamic kit. 

Production ended in 1975, with around 30,500 units having been made. The E9 paved the way for the BMW 6 Series (E24), which maintained BMW’s legacy as a grand touring specialist.

From its launch in late 1968 until production ended in December 1975, the BMW E9 was exclusively powered by the inline‑six BMW M30 family of engines. Displacement ranged from 2.5 to 3.15 litres with outputs between 150 PS (110 kW) and 206 PS (151 kW). While early models were carburettor-fed, Bosch D‑Jetronic fuel injection was subsequently introduced to enhance performance and drivability.

Created under the stewardship of Wilhelm Hofmeister and handbuilt in Germany by coachbuilder Karmann, the E9 is regarded in some quarters as one of the best-looking cars of all time. Its svelte lines brought BMW’s trademark shark nose and Hofmeister kink styling cues to the fore, and they have endured for decades. 

The E9’s exterior was distinguished by its refined coupé silhouette. A pronounced “sharknose” front end with twin round headlights framed the iconic kidney grille, visually aligned with BMW’s larger E3 sedans of the era. The sweeping Hofmeister kink is a forward-facing rear pillar crease that imparts character to the side profile. In contrast, the racing-oriented 3.0 CSL turned everything up to 11 with lightweight aluminium panels and an aerodynamic package fitted.

Inside, the E9 was one of the first BMWs to be distinguished by driver-focused ergonomics. The cockpit layout remains simple yet purposeful to this day, with a broad woodgrain dashboard curving across the cabin and housing clear, round analogue gauges in concentric pods.

Seats were well-padded and upholstered in high-quality vinyl or leather, often in contrasting tones such as walnut brown or black, to offset the natural wood trim. The centre console extends low between the seats, with simple mechanical controls and a tactile gear selector. The E9 had good sound insulation for the time and a more generous specification than later BMWs, while spacious rear seating in non-CSL models underscored the car’s grand‑touring credentials.

No car of this vintage can be considered especially safe by modern standards, but the BMW E9 was advanced for its era. It incorporated a robust steel unibody structure and solid crash protection. The combination of four-wheel independent suspension delivered stable handling and predictable braking responses, helping to mitigate the risk of rear-drive oversteer despite the rear suspension limitations.

Passive Safety Features

• The front and rear of the E9's body incorporated crumple zones, which were designed to absorb and deflect crash energy away from the passenger compartment.

• The E9 was fitted with three-point seat belts for the front and rear occupants, which restrain passengers and minimise the risk of ejection.

• To reduce occupant injuries during a collision, the E9's dashboard and other interior surfaces were padded.

• The windscreen and other windows were made of safety glass to prevent shattering into sharp fragments upon impact.

Active Safety Features

• All E9s had front disk brakes. Later variants also had disk brakes in the rear.

• The E9's rigid chassis, independent suspension, and powerful engine gave it predictable and stable handling.

The “E9” designation refers to the chassis code BMW used for a series of two-door coupés which succeeded the New Class coupes. The designations were not affected by engine choice.

E9 variants included the 2800 CS, carburettor and fuel-injected 3.0 models (the CS and CSi), plus the lightweight homologation 3.0 CSL and the forgotten economy-oriented 2.5 CS.

Built for homologation, the CSL will forever be remembered for its optional aerodynamic kit, including a massive rear spoiler. To reduce weight, it featured aluminium panels and lightweight trim.

Rust is the biggest killer of E9s. Pay close attention to the front fenders, shock towers and firewall, as well as areas like sunroof drains and ageing sound-deadening materials. It’s also important to look out for cooling issues, which could cause head gasket failure on the M30 engine.

Options at different times included leather seats, air conditioning, a manual (and later power) sunroof and power windows, plus a limited-slip differential.