Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
0–62 mph (0–100 km/h)
Top speed (220 km/h)
Fuel, maker's test (10.9 L/100 km)
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep enthusiast admiration for the vehicle's design, driving dynamics, and historical significance.
3 problems reported (2 recurrent, 1 isolated) · medium confidence
Problems owners report
- RecurrentRust
Described as a huge issue, with early E24 models also prone to the same problems.
- RecurrentHigh maintenance and parts costs
Parts were not plentiful when new and remain expensive; restoration parts may be available from BMW but will result in a "huge bill.".
- IsolatedMechanical complexity requiring owner involvement
The car is presented as an ideal platform for an owner to learn mechanical work.
The version owners recommend
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus "best" street version. The high-performance CSL (particularly the racing "Batmobile" variants) is discussed in a historical and motorsport context, noted for its significant weight reduction compared to the standard CS, though the street-legal CSL is still described as over 400 lbs heavier than a Porsche 911 RS.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Porsche 911, Jaguar XJ-C and BMW E24 6 Series.
Is the E9 right for you?
Get an answer for your year, mileage and budget.
Full owner reportHide full owner report
Overall sentiment
Sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, characterized by deep enthusiast admiration for the vehicle's design, driving dynamics, and historical significance. The E9 is consistently described as a beautiful, iconic luxury coupe that drives fantastically. It is praised for its naturally aspirated engines, which are noted for sounding good and providing a satisfying driving experience. However, owner discussions heavily emphasize that these are classic vehicles requiring significant maintenance, specialized knowledge, and a willingness to perform work oneself due to high parts costs and known issues like rust. The consensus positions the E9 not as a simple daily driver but as a passion project or collectible for dedicated enthusiasts.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a luxury coupe rather than a pure sports car. It is directly contrasted with the Porsche 911, which is described as a sports car built from the ground up with superior build quality, stiffness, and materials, making it a more capable machine. The E9 is acknowledged as being portlier in size and hundreds of pounds heavier than contemporary Porsche models like the 911 RS. Compared to its successor, the BMW E24 6 Series, the E9 is considered better-looking, but the E24 is noted as being objectively better in every metric, particularly after BMW moved away from Karmann coachwork. The Jaguar XJ-C is mentioned as a competitor it should have faced in the late 1960s.
Recommended configurations
Insufficient owner data available on recommended street configurations. For racing/historical context, the turbocharged Group 5 CSL (e.g., the 1976 Frank Stella Art Car) is noted for its extreme performance, with a 3.2L turbocharged inline-six producing around 750 hp and capable of approximately 341 km/h (212 mph) top speed.
General recommendations
Suitable only for dedicated enthusiasts or collectors with mechanical aptitude, patience, and significant financial resources. Strongly recommended as a project car for learning to wrench, with extensive online resources and communities available for guidance. A pre-purchase inspection by a professional is considered essential to identify critical needs. Owners recommend sourcing parts from specialist suppliers rather than dealerships to manage costs. Investing in a basic mechanic's tool set is advised, as it will pay for itself. Not recommended for those seeking a reliable, low-maintenance daily driver.
Remarks
The available data primarily consists of historical commentary, comparisons, and enthusiast discussions rather than detailed long-term ownership experiences of daily-driven vehicles. Much of the performance data relates to historic racing variants (Group 2, Group 5 CSL) rather than consumer models. The famous BMW Art Car program began with a 1975 3.0 CSL designed by Alexander Calder, followed by the 1976 Frank Stella Group 5 CSL. The E9 is widely regarded as one of BMW's best-looking models, often ranked alongside the E30, E24, and E28 for design. Analysis based on approximately 15 substantive owner and enthusiast discussions.
Specifications
Not sold in North America: these versions are from other markets.
3.0CSi
3.0L 6-cylinder · 200 hp · RWD · manual
Built 1971–1975